Max is thrilled to be back visiting the farm after the Christmas break, especially excited to see all the animals again. After some time away, he’s looking forward to reconnecting with his furry, feathered, and four-legged friends and spending time in the fresh air. The animals are always happy to see him too, making his visits even more special! | |
Last weekend, Mason enjoyed a trip to the grocery store and, of course, picked out his favorite snack—chocolate muffins! It’s a treat he can always count on to make his day a little sweeter, and he was excited to have them on hand for a tasty snack later. | |
An Update From Career Compass | |
Taj's journey into the workforce is a testament to his determination and the power of the right support. For the past two months, Taj has been thriving in his role at the Atlas Tube Recreation Center, where he assists members of the public as they navigate the facility. Taj's warm and approachable demeanor has made him a natural fit for the position. Whether it’s guiding visitors to the right location or answering their questions, he takes pride in being a helpful and welcoming presence in the center. Keep it up, Taj! | |
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Our Love to Give Popcorn Fundraiser is Back!
Order Now Through January 21st!
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Love popcorn and want to give back? Now's your chance! Place your order by January 21st and get your delicious popcorn in time for Family Day, Super Bowl Sunday, and Valentine's Day. Choose from seven tasty flavours and enjoy a treat while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards a bursary for a high school student in Essex County pursuing a career in the Developmental Services Sector. New this year—purchase $25.00 and $50.00 gift cards for Richmond Popcorn! Click the button below to place your order now! | |
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WINTERTIME and THE LIVIN’ AIN’T EASY
As I sit and patiently wait in the very busy Kingsville Clinic, I am once again reminded of the presence of January viruses. No matter how carefully we attempt to avoid the dreaded cold and flu season, staying healthy may be difficult.
We wash our hands, sanitize religiously, protect ourselves from people who appear unwell and still; somehow, we end up sick. What to do?
Remain optimistic! There is light at the end of the contaminated winter tunnel! 😀
Continue to follow the advice of the medical experts: rest, remain hydrated, eat healthy foods, finish any prescribed medications and if possible, step outside for a breath of cold, fresh air.
In the coming months, Ensemble will continue to seek opportunities to involve families. We look forward to hearing from you in our attempts to provide families with meaningful experiences and information that will connect us and assist us in navigating our daily lives. Don’t hesitate to reach out! Any and all questions will be gratefully researched and responded to.
Healthy winter days to you and your family!
Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant
and the Advisory Committee
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#WaitingToBelong - Call For Stories | |
Over 52,000 adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario are currently waiting for services, with some individuals having been on the waitlist for over a decade. Despite the high demand, only about a third of the 3,000 people who apply for services each year actually receive them. It's crucial to take action now by contacting your representative to advocate for change and raising awareness by reposting and using the hashtag #WaitingToBelong, and please click the button below to share your story. | |
Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today! | |
Check out the latest offerings in our Community Living Essex County store! CLEC employees have the option of paying for items via Employee Payroll Deduction. Simply use the code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order. We've recently restocked many items that were previously sold out! | |
Dollars and Sense Events - Registration Now Open! | |
The Windsor-Essex Family Network is bringing back its Dollars & Sense Events for families with a loved one who has a disability. Presented by Stephanie Dickson from Pooran Law, the free sessions will cover topics such as Alternatives to Guardianship, Estate Planning, and Home Ownership Options. These events will be held in person and via Zoom on January 22nd, March 20th, and April 10th. Key topics include ODSP, Wills, Trusts, POAs, and more. Click the button below to register for the first session, taking place on January 22nd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in person at the Serbian Centre or online using Zoom. | |
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The Windsor-Essex Ontario Health Team (WEOHT) is promoting Virtual Urgent Care as an accessible option for individuals who may not have a Primary Care Provider or need timely care. Virtual Urgent Care offers same-day or next-day appointments with Nurse Practitioners, ensuring high-quality care without visiting the Emergency Department. The service is covered by OHIP and does not interfere with existing Primary Care providers.
Virtual Urgent Care services are available for children (0-17) through Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre and for adults (18+) through St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. This service is intended for urgent care, not chronic or complex issues, and will provide documentation to the patient’s primary care provider if applicable. Appointments can be booked online or by phone. Access requires a smart device with a camera, stable internet, and privacy settings.
Click the button below for more information.
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Community Integration Through Cooperative Education Information Session | |
St. Clair College will host a virtual information session for those interested in attending the Community Integration Through Cooperative Education (CICE) program in September 2025. This session will take place on Wednesday, January 22nd, at 6:00 p.m. The CICE program aims to provide individuals with developmental disabilities and significant learning challenges the opportunity to experience college life, pursue postsecondary education, and develop skills for future employment or volunteer work. Click the link below to register for the information session. | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Event | |
Join DSO Housing Navigators for a free virtual presentation with representatives from the Canada Revenue Agency on Thursday, February 6th, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This informative session will cover important topics such as the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), benefits, credits, deductions, and programs that require a valid DTC certificate, the Ontario Caregiver Credit, the Ontario Trillium Benefit, and tips for doing your taxes. The webinar is open to people with developmental disabilities, their families, support networks, and professionals in Ontario. Tor register for this free, informative webinar, click the link below. | |
P4P Webcast: Tips for RDSP Plan Holders | |
P4P is hosting a free informational webcast on Wednesday, January 29th, at 7:00 p.m. for those interested in the Registered Disability Savings Plan. This webcast will offer tips and strategies for effectively managing an RDSP and maximizing its value over time. It will provide guidance on the necessary steps before and after opening your RDSP and include information on various investment strategies. Click below to register! | |
Family Concert: The Book with No Pictures | |
On Saturday, January 18th, at 11:30 a.m., the Windsor Symphony Orchestra presents a fun-filled Family Concert featuring BJ Novak's hilarious The Book with No Pictures. Maestro Geoffrey Larson will lead the musical adventure, combining playful readings with lively music from Mozart, Haydn, and more. Families will get to know the instruments of the orchestra while enjoying musical comedy and laughing along with the story. Before and after the concert, children can participate in a free themed craft, provided by Music for Young Children. Tickets are just $5. Don’t miss this delightful and interactive experience at the Capitol Theatre Windsor. Click the link below to purchase tickets. | |
Art Windsor Essex Free Guided Tours | |
Have you ever wondered what secrets lie within the works of art in the galleries? Find out for yourself during the Public Guided Tours of Art Windsor Essex (AWE)! Join the knowledgeable Gallery Guides on Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for an interpretive tour of the gallery. Learn about the artistic approach and vision of the fascinating artists featured in the current exhibitions. Attendees will meet their Gallery Guide on the 2nd floor. Tours are free with admission to the gallery. Admission is always free for AWE members. | |
Flowering Plants of Ojibway Art Series | |
The Flowering Plants of Ojibway Art Series takes place on Thursday, January 16th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Arts Council Windsor & Region - Artspeak. This free event celebrates the beauty of our local flora, with 20 new artworks on display from January 12th to 18th. During the reception, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the community, learn about the area's flowering plants, and explore the artwork up close. RSVP for a chance to win one of five prizes, including original cyanotype prints and coloring books! The full series will also be added to an identification guide and donated to local libraries for public access. Don't miss this chance to celebrate nature and the arts! | |
Come out on Saturday, January 18th, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village for a Paint n’ Sip Fundraiser! This beginner-friendly mixed-media acrylic painting workshop offers a chance to unleash your creativity while enjoying a drink and a relaxing atmosphere. For just $45, participants will receive one drink and all the painting supplies needed to create a beautiful piece of art to take home. Additional drinks will be available for purchase. With only 20 spots available, this intimate event promises a memorable experience, and all proceeds will support future educational programs and events at the museum. | |
Mini Pop Kids Live 20th Anniversary Tour | |
Join the fun on Saturday, January 18th, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre for the Mini Pop Kids 20th Anniversary Tour! This high-energy, family-friendly concert will feature today’s biggest hits from artists like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Billie Eilish, as well as nostalgic throwbacks that are sure to get everyone singing and dancing. It’s a perfect event for all ages—by kids, for kids, and adults too! Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience celebrating 20 years of music and memories. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased by clicking the link below. | |
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious recipe that will impress your friends and family, these Chicken Tinga Tacos are a must-try! Packed with juicy chicken, smoky chipotle, creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a charred tortilla, they come together in just 20 minutes and deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. This easy-to-make, healthy taco recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos are as tasty as they are beautiful, and they’ll have you asking, "How soon is too soon to make these again?" Click the button below to get the full recipe and start cooking up these delicious tacos today! | |
Tired of tangled wires and messy chargers? This DIY Shoebox Charging Station is the perfect solution for keeping your electronics organized and your cables hidden away in a stylish, functional way! In just 30 minutes, you can create a simple charging station using a shoe box, a power coupler, scissors, glue, and a little creativity. Decorate your box to match your style, cut holes for the chargers, and assemble it all together to create a sleek, clutter-free station. Whether you want a basic setup or a more elaborate design, this easy project is a game changer for keeping your gadgets neat and tidy. Get the full step-by-step instructions by clicking the button below. | |
| What is your preferred activity on a snowy day? | | | |
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How did you ring in the new year?
Watching the ball drop at home with family and/or friends - 52.2%
Slept through it - 30.4%
Attended a party - 13%
Traveled somewhere new - 2.2%
Worked through the evening - 2.2%
Went to a concert or live event - 0%
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