Inspiring Possibilities
AGENCY NEWS SUMMER 2019 EDITION
Volunteer Highlight: Justine Lewis Justine joined us at the Franklin Centre in November of 2018. She spends her Thursday mornings with a participant who volunteers at the St. Vincent De Paul thrift store. In the afternoon she is at Franklin Centre helping in various recreational programs. She has proved to be an amazing help to the staff and the participants love her gentle ways and caring smile.
Thanks for all you do, Justine! Sandy Caple, Volunteer Coordinator
this issue Volunteer Spotlight P.01 Executive Director News P.02 Volunteers Appreciation P.03 Race to Erace P.04 Community Partners P.05 Happy Retirement Sandra P.06 Softball Team Special Olympics P.07 Franklin Centre P.08 In Memory of Victoria P.09 Annual General Mtg P.10 Annual General Mtg P.11 Community Networks P.12 Community Networks P.13 Hespeler Physio.com P.14 Passport P.15 About our Newsletter P.16
Labour Day will be observed on Sep. 2nd!
News from the Executive Director There have been a lot of changes at Community Living Cambridge (CLC) over the past few months. This summer Denise Gruber retired and our Director of Finance, Cindy McKay-Musso announced that she will also retire this fall. We are thankful for all that Denise and Cindy have done for the organization. We wish them all the best in this next chapter! We are also pleased to welcome Amy Valetta as Director of Community Participation Supports. Amy brings energy, enthusiasm and experience to her role. She is a great addition to the team. Despite change in leadership, our core mission and values remain constant. We continue to be a person-centered organization that focuses on inclusion, empowerment and advocacy for the people we support. A few weeks ago, I was asked why I wanted to work at Community Living Cambridge. The answer is simple, because I believe in the values of the organization and I am committed to the work we do. You see, I am a parent of two youth with Autism. I see the challenges they face every day. I worry about the world that they will be moving into. I want to help create a more inclusive community. Every day at CLC I see our staff make a difference in the lives of our participants. We provide beautiful, well-cared for homes, great activities and tons of support. To the people we support, our staff are more like family. There will always be challenges and growing pains. Like all families we will have our ups and downs, but we will prevail. CLC has made a difference in our local community for over sixty years. I look forward to being part of the CLC family and investing the time and energy needed to keep CLC a vibrant thriving agency. Geoffrey Reekie, MSW, RSW Executive Director 02
Vo l u n t e e r N e w s Volunteers are precious gifts, that make the world a better place! Thank You! In April we held our annual volunteer appreciation event, “A Night at the Movies”. Our Theme for this event was Bloom and Grow! We had over 50 people in attendance. Our location changed this year to the Galt Curling Club on Dunbar Road where we held our awards presentation. The new venue was very well received and the event over all was a huge success! This was the third time we sent electronic email invites to our active volunteers. The response was very positive once again. We will continue to send out Evites to all our volunteers who have provided an “up to date” email address.
To all our volunteers in 2019 … please check that we have the correct email address for you as well as your regular mailing address. This will allow us to ensure no volunteer is missed when we send out our invites for volunteer appreciation week next April.
Volunteer Opportunities Franklin Centre Day Program - Volunteers needed to help out in any of our day time recreation programs that run for 12 weeks at a time, seasonally. This is a great way to share your skills, have fun, and learn about our demographic in a structured environment with staff support. Enquire about becoming a Franklin volunteer today! OLG E-Bingo Fundraising Volunteers - As always we can use a few more Bingo Volunteers to help support our Fundraising bingo events. If you can spare 2.5 hours 3 times in a six month rotation then let us know. We need YOU to become a bingo volunteer! It’s Easy! It’s Fun! & It’s Fast! To enquire about becoming one of our fantastic volunteers, contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy Caple at scaple@clcambridge.ca or 519-621-0680 ext-1202. Don’t delay, call today!
Charity Events are an excellent way to introduce Community Living Cambridge family and friends to Charitable Gaming at the Cambridge Bingo and Gaming Centre and at the same time fundraise for our organization.
Charity/Fundraising Nights for the Cambridge Gaming Association are held in the months of January, March, May, June, September and November and occur on the last Wednesday of the Month – 7:00 session. For every $20 gaming pack purchased we will get $10.00 to be spent on anything we wish. Make sure to mention your charity of choice is Community Living Cambridge. 03
Who’s ready to race? We have been chosen for the 4th consecutive year as a featured charity in this year’s Race to Erase event! The Race to Erase is an annual fundraiser, where teams compete in fun-filled challenges throughout their community, all in support of local charities. Race Day in Cambridge will take place on Saturday, October 5th 2019. Participants will begin the Race at 9:00 am and end at approximately 1:00 pm. As in year’s past, each team is asked to raise a minimum of $500. This, plus any additional funds raised, will be donated directly back to Community Living Cambridge! We can also be the charity of choice for other corporate teams, so please spread the word to anyone you know participating! To register your team of four, visit: http:// cambridge2019.racetoerase.com/ Be sure to choose our charity from the dropdown! While each team is made up of four members, only the team captain registers the team. Please send Theresa Haight an email (thaight@clcambridge.ca) once you’ve confirmed your team or if you have any further questions. This year, CLC will award the following prizes: •
Most Diverse Team
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Best Dressed/Team Cheer
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Most Funds Raised
Looking forward to another great race - on your mark, get set, GO! 04
Special Thanks to Community Partners Test Drive For Charity fundraising event by Cambridge Centre Honda (CCH) was held from June 1st to 29th. During that time, CCH donated $20 for each test drive to a charity designate. On July 15th, CCH presented Community Living Cambridge with a cheque for $2,060 at Franklin Centre! Thank you Cambridge Centre Honda for caring and supporting a local charity in the Community! Together, we will build a better community!
Cambridge Centre Honda
Thank you for an impactful donation to Community Living Cambridge. The Parenting Program was made possible by the donation made in 2018! 2 Real Care Babies were purchased then. On July 10th, 2019 Energy + Inc. has donated $5, 000 towards the purchase of additional Real Care Babies! CLC is thankful for your continued support! 05
We wish Sandra a Happy Retirement! We appreciate all that you have done and wanted you to know that you have touched many hearts and have made an impact to the Participants, Staff and Community! The wonderful work you have done over 36 years, has shaped the agency into what it is today! We are thankful for the warm smile and compassion. We wish you all the very best Sandra! 06
Special Olympics Cambridge
Special Olympics Softball Team, the Tigers won against the Waterloo Police Association! The game was held at Wayne Taylor Park (behind Saginaw public School) on a Tuesday evening @ 6.30 PM.
The softball season has been extended to September 10th, so come out and play until then! There will be a game on August 27th against FRIENDS AND FAMILY! September 10th will be the last softball game at Saginaw Public School for the Season. The Tigers Softball team will play at the SOO Truck Convoy—Paris Fairgrounds on September 14 and the game will start around 2pm. Please confirm this time with Sandra first. There will be a free bus for the athletes who wish to attend and $5 for other riders. The bus will leave 160 Hespeler Rd at 8:30am and will return to 160 Hespeler Rd by 5pm. Those attending can ride with the truckers and then have lunch, or you can arrive at 1pm for the game only but you need to find your way there. If riding back on the bus, please inform Sandra Goodwin. For more information contact Sandra Goodwin to register for the game and/or bus ride at 519 240 3065. Some Games may have water, pop and chips sold at the game. If so, it will cost $1 each. Proceeds will go to SPECIAL OLYMPICS CAMBRIDGE. 07
FRANKLIN CENTRE UPDATE We are excited to share our collaboration with the IDEA EXCHANGE! IDEA EXCHANGE is expanding and it’s off to a GREAT start! The IDEA EXCHANGE Visiting Library has arrived to Franklin Centre! This program began Friday July 5 and will be continuing Fridays, bi-weekly for the summer. This is a drop-in program where the library’s volunteers will assess to ascertain various reading levels and interests of our participants. Some options can include reading out loud to the participants, perhaps a “Choose Your Own Adventure” style of book or mysteries. There are sensory materials, pictorial books, audio books, music and a variety of interest books / magazines available, in addition to include options for digital support; perhaps upload books onto the participants iPad’s / phones etc. As you can see from the images our first day was a huge success! The maximum number of participants with this new program will be 20 per visit as a start. Each individual has had a one to one intake with a volunteer to share and explore their interests ensuring the participants are exploring options of their specific interests. There will be an opportunity with each visit to sign books / materials out on a 9 week maximum loan time frame. We are extremely excited about this collaboration and are equally excited to see where this program evolves to! For more information please contact Franklin Centre at 519 621-0680. Joanne Leslie Manager of Franklin Centre 08
COMMUNITY LIVING CAMBRIDGE
ACTIVITY GUIDE
In memory of Victoria Ingram
Annie The Musical Tue., Oct. 3rd, 2019 Hamilton Theater
Set in the 1930’s New York during the Great Depression, brave young orphan Annie forced to live in a miserable orphanage run by the wicked Miss Hannigan. Her hard knock life takes an unexpected turn when she is chosen to spend a fairy tale holiday with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meet at the Hamilton Theatre (Cambridge) at 1:30 pm. Must provide own transportation. COST: $ 45.00/Person
HALLOWEEN DANCE Monday October 28, 2019 Cambridge Newfoundland Club 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. COST: $ 8.00/Person (Pay @ the door) (Support staff free)
June 2, 1954 - June 7, 2019 It is with great sadness to inform you that Victoria, a long time resident of North Lodge passed away peacefully on June 7, 2019 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Victoria had resided at North Lodge for almost 25 years. She was a very vibrant woman who touched the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
For more information about these Daytrips & the guide please call Reception at 519 6237490 or go to our website
On behalf of the teams at North Lodge and ADP, thank you all for the overwhelming support, kind words and messages we received during this difficult time. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Community Living Cambridge.ca
Selea Hewton, North Lodge 09
65th Annual General Meeting A look back... On the right are excerpts from CLC 1953 & 1954 that honour the legacy of the Families that fought for rights for their loved ones with developmental disabilities.
Geoffrey Reekie, RSW E.D. CLC accepted on behalf of CLC a certificate presented by MPP Belinda Karahalios at the AGM
Today, CLC advocates for, supports and serves hundreds of people in their work, volunteer, recreation, social, and residential needs.
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65th Annual General Meeting
The AGM was well attended this year with 260 guests! The event was held at Sunbridge Hotel and Conference Centre Cambridge on June 11, 2019. MPP Belinda Karahalios presented Community Living Cambridge with a certificate honoring the agency for milestone achievement of 65th anniversary. Geoffrey Reekie, the new Executive Director of CLC was introduced. He welcomed and thanked everyone for attending! Heather Schmitz, Vice President of the Board and Terry Lake, Past President did an excellent job hosting the evening!
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How Music Helps Mental Health “Music inspires me to be more creative and artistic and to think positively.”
Listening to music empowers me. When I’m feeling down listening to music makes me feel happy and gives me the energy to get through whatever is making me upset. Listening to music makes me want to dance, sing and enjoy life. Music inspires me to be more creative and artistic and to think positively. I’ve enjoyed music since a very young age and always wanted to be my own star.
I had a dream to be a musician in a band when I grew up but it hasn’t happened yet. I decided to make that dream a possibility and start taking singing lessons at a lovely place in downtown Galt called E-Bolt Music Studio. Since taking music lessons I feel it has improved my mental health. I go there once per week and practice my skills so I can create a cover of one of my favourite artists. I feel that music not only can help me but can help others that suffer from mental health that enjoy music. Written by Adrian Neville from Bakersfield (part of the Youth Navigation program)
Never stop learning... Lucille has always wanted to continue her education and learning. This past September Lucille began a computer skills course run through The Literacy Group. She attended these classes independently and continued to work on basic computer skills such as sending e-mails as well as practicing her writing skills. Prior to starting at The Literacy Group Lucille started volunteering at the YMCA.
Lucille balanced both her volunteer placement along with The Literacy Group and successfully completed part 1 of the computer course this past January. In April, Lucille received her certificate of completion and has been telling everyone about her success. Her supervisor at the YMCA wanted to celebrate Lucille for her success as she has become a part of their family and felt that everyone deserves a congratulations. In May, I was invited to celebrate Lucille and her completion of The Literacy Group class. Her fellow volunteers and co-workers from the YMCA were all present and Lucille was beaming from ear to ear. Way to reach for your goal Lucille! By Kim Seed, Community Options Job Coach
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Welcome To Summer 27 degrees and a gentle breeze; the perfect evening to enjoy time with good friends and great food at the seventh annual “Welcome to Summer� BBQ on June 26th. Over 77 participants from Community Networks, along with their guests and staff, enjoyed hamburgers, foot long hotdogs, chips, veggies and pop at Soper Park. We all look forward to time off from busy schedules at work and volunteer placements. The barbeque is the ideal way for participants to get together and catch up with friends before everyone goes their separate ways to beaches, cottages, and camps. We hope everyone enjoyed the BBQ! By Joe Sousa, SES Job Coach
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Book your appointment today!
Nevada / Break Open Tickets For Sale Did you know that you are supporting Community Living Cambridge when you buy Break Open Tickets, also known as Nevada Tickets? They are only available at Mr. Convenience Too at 55 Beverly St, Cambridge, ON N1R 3Z4. While you are there, fill up with gas! You will find cheap gas at Mr. Convenience!
Avgen Gift Card Program—Community Living Cambridge Use gift cards to make everyday purchases which generates fundraising dollars for the organization. Help us raise funds and put your regular household shopping dollars to work without spending anything additional. Just spend what your family would typically use at the stores that participate in the program. A list of major Retailer’s Gift Cards and order form are available at Reception just call 519 623-7490. 14
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Ways to give and make a difference today! With your help, we will create opportunities to support people with developmental disabilities to realize their citizenship and aspirations! 1. A donation by mail, in person, or over the phone.
Our reception staff is available at 519-623-7490 to process your donation over the phone. 2. A donation online via
Connect with us! https://twitter.com/ clcambridgeON https://www.facebook.com/ Community Living Cambridge https://ca.linkedin.com/ company/community-livingcambridge
https://www.instagram.com/ clcambridge/
CanadaHelps.org
160 Hespeler Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 6V7
3. Enroll in our monthly giving program
Phone: 519 623-7490 Fax: 519 740-8073 E-mail: info@clcambridge.ca
4. Give a lasting gift by way of a Planned giving or Endowment
About our Newsletter: Published in Issuu Digital Publishing Platform
https://issuu.com/communitylivingcambridge Editor, Layout & Design: Grace Santos Gould Proof: Barb Chapman NEWS ARTICLES ARE PRECIOUS: The next edition will be our Fall edition which will be released in November 2019. Please send your articles in as soon as you have them ready. We are always looking for content related to: • Events • Fundraising • Program offerings • Milestone Birthdays and Candid photos • In Memoriam • Advertise with us - ask for rates • Feedback Any content that Inspire Possibilities are greatly appreciated! Send your articles to gsantosgould@clcambridge.ca Thank you! Subscribe to our Newsletter to keep you current! 16