60th Anniversary Celebrating Images through the years

Congratulations go to Melissa Marsh for winning the Crossword Puzzle contest held by the agency for our 60th anniversary. Melissa correctly answered all the puzzle questions which featured stories from our  Images newsletters over the years.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer questions and submit their puzzles for a chance to win.  In case you were wondering the answers to the questions, please check out the  completed crossword puzzle.

Spring into Action - Fight Back Cancer

During the month of April, R.E.A.C.H. Out self advocates teamed up staff from the Ontario Early Years Centre to raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society.  We sold potted daffodils and three different colours of potted hyacinths for $10.00 each.  We also accepted donations at the OEYC, Dunn and Head Office for daffodil pins.  We are pleased and proud to say that we raised $275.00 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Thanks to everyone who supported this fundraising effort. We hope to have this fundraiser again next year.

Employee of the Year

I have worked at Moose Winooski’s for 8 years as a dishwasher. Everyone at work says I’m the best dishwasher as I always try to do my best and keep my work area clean and organized. I recently received the Employee of the Year award. I was really shocked and surprised to hear that I’d won. As part of my prize I won a gift that included a set of pots and pans, kitchen aid mixer, a knife, cutting board and a $50.00 gift certificate for The Butcher Shoppe. This was a really nice way for them to show me how much they appreciate how hard I work. Submitted by: Michelle Horsley.

60th Anniversary Pancake Supper

In celebration of the 60^th Anniversary of Community Living Brant, R.E.A.C.H. Out, the agency self advocate committee, hosted a pancake supper at the Moose Lodge on Shrove Tuesday, Tuesday February 12, 2013.  Those who attended the event feasted on pancakes, sausages and bacon with cupcakes for dessert.  We are delighted to share that we served approximately 120 people and, at one point, the line up of hungry patrons waiting for food spilled out onto the street!! Continue

60th Logo Award Winners are;

Left-Right: Dave Jordan, Debbie Pickering, Kim Walsh, Chris Ross and Gary Kusch

Ontario Ombudsman to Investigate Province's Services for Adults with Developmental Disabilities in Crisis

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 29, 2012) - Ontario Ombudsman André Marin today announced an investigation into the province's services for adults with developmental disabilities who are in crisis situations, after several desperate families complained their loved ones risked being sent to homeless shelters or jail because there was nowhere to care for them.

Complaints to the Ombudsman's office about the Ministry of Community and Social Services' response to such situations have steadily increased in the past two years, Mr. Marin noted - from 35 in 2010, to 45 in 2011, to 64 so far in 2012. Continue

Charitable Garage Sale for SPCA

On August 26, 2012 Daniel Stewart held a charitable garage sale with all proceeds being donated to the Brant County SPCA.  Daniel chose to donate the proceeds of his garage sale to the Brant County SPCA as he has a love for many animals. Daniel enjoyed talking with people that came to browse at the garage sale, and was also able to meet many of his neighbors that came out to show support. Continue

60th Anniversary Preparations Under Way

In 2013 Community Living Brant will celebrate its 60^th Anniversary as an agency supporting men and women with intellectual disabilities. Plans for celebrations to commemorate this milestone have already begun. A video montage showing pictures from the last 60 years is in the works with the goal of completion to be for the Annual General Meeting in June of 2013.  As part of the montage, a banner celebrating the 60^th Anniversary was made up and people supported, staff, management and Board members were invited to put their handprints in paint on the banner. Continue

Community Living Brant Summer BBQ

Another fun and successful Community Living Brant Summer BBQ was held on Thursday July 19, 2012.  Despite having hot, dry, drought-like weather conditions in July, our 50’s and 60’s themed BBQ did manage to convince the skies to give us some light rain showers and cooler temperatures.

Leadership in Action at Community Living Brant, Annual General Meeting

Self advocates supported by Community Living Brant had the unique opportunity to showcase a special presentation for the agency’s Annual General Meeting.  Entitled “Leadership in Action”, the presentation featured 8 self advocates discussing their involvement with special projects within Community Living Brant and why they feel passionate about their work.  The group and staff support met for several months before the AGM to prepare their presentations.  As the date of the AGM approached, practice sessions were held and nervousness began to set in. Continue

A Summer Celebration at Brantford's Mohawk Park

http://www.brantnews.com/news/a-summer-celebration-at-brantfords-mohawk-park/

Seminar featuring Dave Levac, MPP

R.E.A.C.H.  Out, the Self Advocate Committee of Community Living Brant was thrilled to be able to host an educational seminar featuring our Member of Provincial Parliament, Mr. Dave Levac, on Friday May 4, 2012.

Dave talked with the enthusiastic group of people about his job as the MPP for Brant and what his job responsibilities are.  He talked about staying overnight during the week in the Parliament Building in Toronto (he is the only person who sleeps there and has his own apartment inside the Parliament Building).  He even described several ghosts who many believe walk the halls of the Building late at night.  He assured everyone that he is not scared that he will see one of the ghosts, but, at the same time, he has no desire to walk around the Building by himself at night!!!.  Continue

My Trip to Jamaica!

On Feb 24 2012 I headed to Jamaica! I have wanted to go to Jamaica for a long time; where the sun is shining and it’s warm every day.  I loved the plane ride there I was very happy. I stayed at Riu in Ochos Rios.  It was a long bus ride to the resort from the airport which made me even happier!  It was a large resort to adventure on. I enjoyed swimming in the Ocean but the pool outside my room was the best.  It had a bar and I could walk across the pool to get drinks whenever I wanted too. Continue

Anti-Text and Drive Message Hits Home

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2012/04/10/anti-text-and-drive-message-hits-home

Community Living Brant Parners with Laurier Brantford Students

Community Living Brant is pleased to have been offered the unique opportunity to work with a class of students from Laurier Brantford on a project beneficial to both the students and people supported from Community Living Brant.  Students in Joanne Benham Rennick’s Issues in Development course are studying Canadian and international forms of community development: what it is, how it has been done historically and what we can learn from communities concerned with improving the lives of people who live within hem.Continue

Jennifer Sywyk's Director Debut at Theatre Brantford

Jennifer Sywyk will be making her debut as a director during the One Act Festival in March 2012 at the mini theatre at North Park Collegiate. The one act play is called “Babel Rap” written by John Lazuras. She will also be acting in the play “Tee, Par and Tea” and stage managing for the play called “Baggage.”

Jennifer Sywyk got involved with Theatre Brantford two years ago after a transition staff told her about an upcoming meeting. Theatre Brantford lay dormant for 10 years due to an injury of one of the key participants.  Formally called the Dufferin Players, the group wanted to rebuild and the new name would be Theatre Brantford.  Continue

Understanding Community and Social Capital

Al Condeluci has been an advocate and catalyst for building community capacities and understanding culture since 1970.  Since 1973, he has worked as an attendant, caseworker, advocate, planner, program director and now, CEO of his organization, UCP/CLASS. UCP/CLASS has created a family of corporations and is dedicated to its mission - “working towards a community where each belongs.”

Al  will be coming back to CL Brant in May 2012 to present to staff, families, people we support, and our community partners on understanding community and building social capital.   Al tells us  “One of the most important facets of community is that it promotes a sense of social capital for the members who belong. Social capital refers to the connections and relationships that develop around community and the value these relationships hold for the members.”  Please check out the video clips below that Al has created  to provide people with an introduction to the steps in building community and social capital in all our lives.

Part 1 Building Community

Al reviews the 4 steps toward building a healthy and happy community.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY9gEKExsyE&feature=related

Part 2 Building Social Capital

Al talks about how important it is to build relationships and walks you through the different levels of relationships with graphic cues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo49_qLl-mk&feature=relmfu

Part 3 Changing Perceptions

Al talks about looking beyond our personal differences in order to find our similarities as one community.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZm-TUfbnBQ&feature=relmfu

Part 4 Understanding Community

Al talks about the different factors of a community and explains what happens when communities are created.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiOO20O_iGQ&feature=relmf

Cliff Seeley wore his ReStore coat like a badge of honour.

The developmentally challenged man, who died Monday at Brantford General Hospital, was an extraordinary volunteer for the store, which specializes in selling re-usable building and decorating materials, logging more than 5,000 hours of work there.

"He just loved serving others," said Linda Moyer, manager of the store.

"He was just so proud to be a part of the ReStore, part of the team and giving to others.

"But we saw Cliffy as the gift."

Many of the hundreds of ReStore customers and volunteers knew Mr. Seeley by his nickname: "Restore Cliff ."

He began volunteering at the facility about seven years ago, said Chris Hill, a Dunn Building support worker for Mr. Seeley.

"He came to Brantford from Orillia in the late '70s and got married 21 years ago," Hill said. (Article appeared in the Expositor) Continue

2011 Photography Contest

It’s our honour to announce the 4th Annual Community Living Brant photo contest has concluded with great success. The community support has made the 2011 photo contest much more exciting and competitive.

This year’s contest was judged by Heather Melski from Busy Bee Photography – many thanks to Heather.  We would also like to thank Kim Clarke along with Glen Tanguay and children; Aimee and Luc who judged the Denise Tanguay Memorial Award category – anyone who knew Denise will remember her passion and talent for photography! Continue

Social Capital in our Community

The “k” in Aktion club represents its’ connection to the Kiwanis Club and involves twelve members from the Brantford area. Aktion club began in Florida ten years ago and now has 200 clubs running internationally.

Some of the club’s objectives are: to give to the daily human and spiritual rather than to the material values of life, to encourage daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships, to provide through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships to render altruistic service, and to build better communities.  “We are volunteering and giving back to society—our community as well as other parts of the world,” said Diane Richardson, club president, during an interview. Continue

Myra's 10th Anniversary!

Tim Hortons on West and Dundas Street in Brantford is proud to recognize Myra Moncrieff on her 10th anniversary . Myra started working with us thanks to the Supported Employment program at Community Living, and has become a valued Team Member during her 10 years. She not only helps keep the store sparkling clean, she also is there each day to great our guests with a smile.

This is a picture of Myra with Tim Hortons store owner Keri Korfmann.

A big thanks to Myra and the Supported Employment program from all her fellow Team Members and her many loyal guests!

Community Living Brant is pleased to announce that Ashley Imgrund and Amanda Laberge were the winners of “Naming our Social Capital Project” contest.   Ashley submitted her written description of the meaning of social capital and Amanda created a picture that represents what social capital is all about.  Congratulations to both Ashley and Amanda for their creative entries!!!!   Their entries demonstrated the power and benefits for having social capital. Continue

Giving Back!

Brandon Dixon now is giving back to the City of Brantford by selling 50/50 tickets when the Tournament Capital of Ontario has their monthly meetings. Here is Brandon making sure that Walter Gretzky does not get away from purchasing a ticket. Brandon very much enjoys the monthly meetings.

Thursday July 21, 2011 – perhaps the hottest day in.........forever.  Despite the heat, an enthusiastic group of revellers gathered at Mohawk Park for the annual Community Living Brant Summer BBQ.

Now, historically, the BBQ is no stranger to extreme weather conditions.  Several BBQ’s in the past were held in rain and even torrential rain.  Fun always prevailed. Fun prevailed this year also. Continue

Port Dover Fun

Port Dover is a popular tourist destination and a lively place to spend some vacation time.  In June, an enthusiastic group of friend’s rented two cottages just off the beaten path and moved in for 6 days of rest, relaxation and fun.

As most vacations go, the week flew by quickly.  Still the happy vacationers took part in the true Port Dover experience – The Arbor, Knechtels, walking along the pier and the beach,  lots of swimming in the pool at the cottage and a few braved the lake, watching the boats come and go (Dave even took a boat tour of the area) and, of course, shopping at Giant Tiger.

Continue

The Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant was happy to co-host the annual Kids Summer Celebration Day event on Thursday June 16, 2011.  Over 3500 people attended this event that provides free activities for children information on local children’s services.  The event also provided a practice run for the Silly Billies attempt at the world record for the Limbo!

Click on link to see video: http://www.brantnews.com/entertainment.cfm?

page=entertainment&section=read&articleId=10794

Celebrating an amazing year at Medieval Times

The chapter at Wilfrid Laurier – Brantford had an amazing year! Don't believe us?

Think about this: the chapter started in 2009 with 7 matches, now there are 21 matches, with 42 participants in total and there are now students waiting to be paired with buddies! The chapter executive grew from one single executive member to four members/successors for next year. The chapter is now a recognized club through the student union, enabling it to receive support, funds and recognition for our buddy matches and students. Through three fund-raising efforts, the chapter has raised $1,600! Continue

Telling Your Story Conference

On Thursday May 5, 2011, Community Living Brant and R.E.A.C.H. Out, the Self Advocate Committee collaborated to present a one day conference for self advocates called “Telling Your Story”.  Self advocates and support staff from as far away as the Niagara region attended the event.  The focus of the day was to empower self advocates with the knowledge that telling your own personal story is a vital tool in remembering who we were, who we are and who we want to be.  The keynote speaker in the morning was Mr. David Pitonyak who talked about the importance of having people in our lives that know our stories.  He also shared several of his own stories with the captive audience. Continue

Making a difference in the lives of Canadians

Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Staples in Brantford, Ontario.

Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)

CHANGE Conference 2011

The Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant hosted its 13th Annual CHANGE Early Learning and Child Care Conference on Friday, April 1st and Saturday, April 2nd.  The conference was host to over 200 different delegates enjoying a variety of workshops to enhance their programs, understand new initiatives and refresh their knowledge.  About 50% of delegates are from the Brant area with the remaining coming from southern and central Ontario.  The conference weekend at the Best Western Plus has already been planned for next year with Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13th booked for CHANGE 14!

http://www.brantnews.com/news.cfm?page=news&section=read&articleId=10243

Launch of new ConnectABILITY.ca site

As part of our strategy for the development of an Ontario Developmental Services Web Portal, Community Living Toronto committed to redesigning ConnectABILITY.ca as a more accessible and user friendly site. In the web portal framework presented at the Provincial Network Forum last October, ConnectABILITY.ca was identified as the foundation for the library component.

Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of the revised ConnectABILITY.ca that provides supports for individuals with an intellectual disability and their networks across all ages and stages of their lives.  The site is now organized by age group and life’s major transitions – kids, youth, adults and seniors –to help you find the right information. 

This more accessible and user friendly site better enables us to deliver web-based access to information and resources for the Application Entities, as well as directly to families and staff. 

I encourage you all to take a look at the revised site www.connectability.ca

Supported Employment Program Educational Seminar

Recently a seminar held by the REACH Out Self-Advocate Committee featured the Supported Employment Program of Community Living Brant. The Supported Employment Program supports individuals to work towards their goal of competitive employment. This support includes developing an individualized employment plan that identifies steps necessary to work towards an employment goal. The steps may include resume writing, job readiness training, developing interview skills, informational interviews, how to conduct a job search, building confidence and self-esteem, on the job support and job retention strategies. Continue.

Are you a parent of a teenage or adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Would you like better health services in Ontario for your teenage or adult son or daughter? (Continue)

Cooking Buddies

In October 2010, Community Living Brant’s Young Adults in Transition Program established a community partnership with the Church of The Nazarene and their Youth Group.  The partnership entailed an 8 week cooking program which was

co-ordinated and implemented by Denise Holland, Nazarene’s Youth Group Co-ordinator.

The focus of the group was to bring together both youth groups, in hopes of building on and expanding kitchen and cooking skills through peer teaching and mentoring.  More importantly, the youth have made some new social connections and are fostering new friendships. Continue.

R.E.A.C.H. Out Holds Information Session with Mayor Chris Friel

R.E.A.C.H. Out, the Self Advocate Committee of Community Living Brant, works hard throughout the year organizing a wide variety of educational seminars for people supported as well as staff.  On Friday January 14, 2011, R.E.A.C.H. Out was especially pleased to host a seminar featuring Brantford Mayor Chris Friel as our speaker.  Mayor Friel talked about his job as Mayor of Brantford and brought along his Chain of Office to show everyone.  Continue.

Community Care Centre

During the month of Dec.2010 Community Living Brant's Community Activities Program participated in the 2nd Annual Food Sculpture Challenge. We felt this was a great opportunity to help give back to our community.  We

decided on a snowman as our sculpture for this challenge.  This picture  was published in the Your Community Connection paper on December 23/10.  We thank everyone for all your donations as every little bit counts.

Katimavik and Community Living Brant

This year for the first time, Community Living Brant became involved with the Katimavik program.  As part of our work with them a Katimavik volunteer,  Alexandra Daclag, became involved with CL Brant’s  Literacy Program.  Her interest was in developing her teaching skills with people who have intellectual disabilities and learning more about computers.  Her goals included being accepted, enhancing her communication skills, building her confidence and developing her computer skills. Continue.

OEYC: Brant Celebrates National Child Day

The Ontario Early Years Centre Brant held an open house on Saturday morning to celebrate its move to a more user-friendly location at 30 Bell Lane.  More than 200 parents and children enjoyed a hearty breakfast and lots of fun exploring the new workshop rooms and play areas.  "We're thrilled with the nature surrounding us," said manager Melodie Spencer.  The centre moved in October, after more than eight years at its former West Street location.  There are programs for everyone," Spencer said.  The centre also acts as a gateway to other community health, educational and support service agencies for parents and children. As well, it promotes networking between families, she said. The centre is funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and is administered by Community Living Brant.  Its two-fold mandate is to provide a subscription lending resource library (including books and toys) for teachers, caregivers and parents of youngsters up to age 12, and to offer a wide variety of free services and activities for parents and children up to age six  The new, more functional space has helped lessen the burden of waiting lists for workshops and allow for larger numbers of participants in workshops and family programs, she said.  Programming includes parent and child workshops, parent-only courses, and drop-in courses.  The centre also offers a variety of professional development programs for people involved in the education and care of youngsters.

http://www.brantnews.com/news.cfm?page=news&section=read&articleId=9283

Vanessa Couto, Carey Maynard, Brenden VanBelleghem, Tom Robbins, Susan Amos and Matthew Laberge from Community Living Brant’s Community Activities Program volunteered to sell poppies for Branch 90 to recognize Remembrance Day.

Community Living Brant Receives Person Directed Planning Innovation Funds

Community Living Brant submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) for one time funding through their Person-Directed Planning Innovation Fund.  This funding is to support agencies to improve their person directed planning procedures by;  developing connections for people supported within communities to promote a sense of belonging and citizenship, building relationships to support people in implementing and achieving their goals, and increasing the knowledge of staff and other community members  on person directed planning practices.

Continue.

2010 Photography Contest

It’s our honour to announce the 3rd Annual Community Living Brant Photo contest has concluded with great success. Special thanks to our 2010 Sponsors and volunteer judging panel.

The community support from these friends has made the 2010 photo contest much more exciting and competitive. Participants looked forward to winning an Epson All in 1 colour printer, photo shoot, and much more.(Continue)

The Price Is Right

I really love to watch game shows and my favourite game show is The Price Is Right. I really wanted to see The Price Is Right in person. So with the Support of Staff I set up a savings account so I could get to Los Angeles! In time I saved enough money to fly to L.A. and watch The Price Is Right. I really enjoyed flying on the airplane, but the best part of all was seeing Drew Carey! I also went to Disneyland and met Minnie Mouse!

My dream really came true, and I have memories to last a lifetime!

Written by: Bud Barkley (Continue)

Friends Reunited

Old friends were reunited in March 2010. Ron Hutzler and Randy Vinnai were roommates for a long time, years ago. The pair lost touch when Randy moved away from Brantford to be closer to his family in the Simcoe area. At Ron’s request, Lynnwood staff did some searching and emailing, and was able to locate Randy. When Ron and Randy met up in Delhi, where Randy now lives, they were thrilled to see each other. (Continue)

Pursuing Excellence

Seven recipients of the Anne Stafford ‘Light Up the Future’ Bursary pose for a photo. The bursary provides financial assistance for people who have an intellectual disability who want to pursue personal development opportunities. Back row left to right: Paul Railosvuo, Nathaniel Hewett, and Jason Richardson. Front Row left to right: Laura Challice, Christina Judd, Anne Stafford, Kaleena Dyk and Jennifer Grol.

Congrats to Kaleena Dyk and Jason Richardson on winning the scholarship!

Ten Years Ago...

Ten years ago, this July, Seneca Henhawk began his employment at Food Basics, King George Road location in Brantford. Seneca began his job at Food Basics as a co-op student through Tollgate Technological Skills Centre and after graduation from high school he approached the manager of the store for an employment opportunity. Seneca had proven his skills and work ethic as a student and was offered a position working in the dairy department. Seneca takes a lot of pride in the work that he does every Friday and Saturday and says the dairy department just doesn’t look the same when he’s not there. (Continue)

RDSP Presentation

Community Living has been selected as one of the agencies across the province to host a RDSP Ontario Workshop presented by Brendon Pooran – a Toronto-based lawyer that provides advice on wills and estates planning, government benefits and disability law.  Funding for these information sessions is provided by the Government of Canada and being coordinated through Community Living Ontario.  This is a unique opportunity to learn more about this additional way to plan for the financial well-being for someone who has a disability.

A comprehensive information session is being held for interested people, families, and staff on June 24th form 2:00 pm to 3:30m.  This will be followed by a limited number of individual consultations for people supported by community Living Brant and their families.  AS well, Mr. Pooran will be the guest speaker at Community Living Brant’s Annual General Meeting that same evening.  Please find information for registering for the event here

A Barrel of Fun!

When Jim Cutler plans a vacation, he knows how to include a barrel of fun.  Jim, with the support of Donna Blackmore, planned an overnight trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario.  He invited some friends: Terry, David, Heather and Gary, chose a place to stay and decided which attractions that he would like to enjoy.

In order to get the most value for everyone’s money, Jim decided that the trip should take place in May – that way, the cost of hotel would be at an off season price.  We decided on the Hampton Inn North of the Falls, a very nice hotel with an indoor pool, whirlpool and hot breakfast included in the price. (Continue)

The Ontario Early Years Centre: Brant has been hosting an annual Early Learning and Child Care Conference since 1999 when they were the Professional Resource Centre for Child Care.  The 12th annual conference in April 2010 delivered over 1300 hours of professional development to over 300 delegates in the two day professional conference held the at Best Western in Brantford.

The OEYC: Brant is grateful for the ongoing support from local and provincial agencies, businesses and organizations that provide free items for delegate packages as well as door prizes.

The conference attracts professionals working with young children from throughout the province.  Planning is already underway for CHANGE 13!

http://www.brantnews.com/news.cfm?page=news&section=

read&articleId=7411

Ratification of UN treaty will continue to drive change: Powell

At last disability is to be recognized as a matter of fundamental human rights, says CACL

Friday, March 12, 2010 -- Camille Jensen

Community Living Ontario executive director Keith Powell says Canada`s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities yesterday marks a historic moment that will continue to drive change within the province and its communities for decades to come.

Community Living Ontario and the 117 local Community Living associations are praising the Government of Canada for its leadership in signing the convention in New York March 11. (Continue)

The Value of Human Services

Men working in human services careers can make a difference.

That was the theme of the day at a "males in human services" event on Wednesday at Mohawk College. About 160 Grade 7 and Grade 8 boys from across Brantford gathered to learn about the human services industry – an industry typically dominated by woman. Steve Csordas, a support worker for Community Living Brant, and Special Olympian and service recipient of CL Brant Jason Richardson, were the keynote speakers at the event, which was organized by the Workforce Planning Board.   (Continue)

Beating the Winter Blues!

On January 28, 2010, ten fellows from different programs throughout Community Living Brant got together at Stealth Paintballing in Brantford to shoot out the winter blues. They had a blast! They spent the afternoon teamed up against each other playing out different scenarios.

(Continue)

'Integral' Part of Hockey Operations

Brantford’s Golden Eagles are leading the Midwestern Conference of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

On the ice, it is the players and coaches that steer the success of the team. But what people may not realize, is that the people behind the scenes allow the Eagles to play without worrying about what must be achieved off the ice.  For Golden Eagles’ coach Scott Rex, volunteers are vital to the everyday operations of any hockey team. (Continue)

Bridging The Gap

As part of Community Living Brant’s partnership with Abilities First our first event called “Bridging the Gap” was held on November 23, 2009.

This event was held at Wynfield Salvation Army Church.  The purpose of the event was recruitment of people to participate in the Ontario Disability Support Program- Employment Supports (ODSP-ES).  The invitation was extended to students, their families and professionals within the school system.  Booths were set up to provide information on supports available to help individuals with barriers to find employment, after high school or Post Secondary education. (Continue)

Helping Animals at the SPCA

Over the summer months, CL Brant raised funds from our Dress Down Fridays to support our local Brant SPCA.  Early in the summer one of our family members, Glenda Minard, had sponsored a golf team for people supported to attend a golf tournament that was raising funds for the SPCA.  We thought that it was fitting that the funds we raised would be a way to say thank you to Glenda and also support our community.  Many people expressed an interest in supporting the SPCA for all the amazing things they do for abandoned and abused animals.   (Continue)

Norma Celebrating with Family

Norma decided for her birthday this year she would like to invite her family to her house for a BBQ.  Norma invited several family members and planned a special menu which included Chocolate Messy Cake (her favorite).  To keep everyone entertained while the food was being prepared, Norma and her family played the M&M game. Each family member took as many M&M’s as they wanted and for each color a different question was asked.  After everyone had answered the questions staff assisted Norma to read out the answers and they had to guess who the person was.  (Continue)

Project Track Champion Comes to Town!

On June 27/09 Project Track Champion drove into Brantford for a day of fun and new experiences.  Project Track Champion is a fully accessible replica of a race car built from a 1991 Thunderbird.  The Project Track team is dedicated to breaking down barriers that prevent a person with a disability from participating in the racing world. Brantford’s own Russell Lye, Project Track Champion’s Assistant Pit Crew Chief, was a key player in bringing Project Track Champion to Brantford for an exciting day.  (Continue)

Ken Abreys Passion for Bowling

Ken Abreys’ passion is bowling, and he is very good at it!   Ken is an active member of two Brantford Men’s Ten Pin bowling teams –the Monday Night NFLers and the Thurs Night Fun Timers.  He has served as a valued player on these teams for over 12 years and bowls at the Brantford Bowlerama.   He enjoys the camaraderie of his team mates and consistently winning end- of-year awards for high single and high game.   A highlight achievement this past year was not only one, but two near- perfect games. Ken bowled 9 strikes in a row in each game.  What an amazing accomplishment!! (Continue)

Earl Hazlett's 65th Party

On Saturday June 28th Earl had a big celebration at the Dunn for his 65th Birthday.  Many members of Earl’s family came to share in his special day, with a big surprise at the end of his Open House. Earl’s new baby great niece Charlotte came with his niece and nephew!  Earl was very happy and lit up the room with his big smile for the whole afternoon. Earl was excited to see lots of people that have known him over the years; especially his friend Doug, a bus driver from Brantford Transit that Earl would ride around the city with. (Continue)

Self-Advocates Present

at Community LIving Ontario Conference

A group of us headed off to Kingston for the Community Living Ontario Conference from June 3-5, 2009.   We all went to take part in the sessions but some of us were there to work.  Gary Kusch, Diane Jones, and Debbie Cavers were giving a resentation at the conference.  The group’s presentation was called “Inspiring Your Voices to Make Change”.  About 50 people attended our session and lots of people asked for copies of our materials.  (Continue)

Jo-Anne McBurney Wins the “Anne Stafford Light Up the Future” Bursary

Jo-Anne McBurney has received a helping hand in achieving her dream to write a book.  On June 26, 2009, Jo-Anne was honoured at Community Living Brant’s Annual Meeting as a recipient of the “Anne Stafford Light Up the Future” bursary.  Each year Community Living Ontario awards the Anne Stafford bursary to a number of individuals across the province.  (Continue)

Community Living Ontario Elects a New President

Community Living Ontario elected a new President, Karen Gledhill.  Please visit Community Living Ontario's website for her greetings and listen to her discuss her vision for the federation in a video.  Further videocast messages and updates on initiatives from the President will come in the months ahead.

Sports Hall of Recognition

One of the newest members of the Brantford & Area Sports Hall of Recognition is Jason Richardson.  On Thursday, June 18, 2009, Jason attended the induction ceremony at the Best Western Brant Park Inn for his accomplishments as a weightlifter through Special Olympics.    In 2007, Jason, who was injured at the time, competed in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai China where he won gold and two silver medals. His lower back injury was not going to get in the way of his determination to succeed. (Continue)

Agnes Hodge School Golf Tournament

On June 5, 2009 the Agnes Hodge Elementary School in Brantford hosted a fundraising golf tournament in support of the Brant County SPCA.  Through the generous sponsorship of a parent from CL Brant, Glenda Minard, four people had the opportunity to compete our first tournament  

                                                                 (Continue)

Celebrating Community

Living Through Photography

A picture tells a story!  Community Living Ontario found a way for pictures to tell stories that would create visual celebration of the many successes of people who receive support throughout its agencies across Ontario.   An unprecedented opportunity was created when Community Living Ontario joined with PhotoSensitive, a company that harnessed the power of the camera to achieve social goals by capturing the stories of people from across 28 Community Living agencies in Ontario.  (Continue)

Beautiful New Community Living Brant Wall Hanging

Community Living Brant was honoured to receive a special gift from Seneca Henhawk which will be proudly displayed in our main office.  Seneca is an expert at designing and completing rug hooking projects.  Seneca approached the Association and offered his expertise in creating a wall hanging to reflect the new Community Living logo and colours. (Continue)

Workshop aims to engage people who self-advocate in policy change

REACH Out group hoping provide people with information to take back to their communities

Friday, May 15, 2009 -- Deron Hamel

A workshop being held at the upcoming 56th annual Community Living Ontario conference is aimed at engaging people who advocate on behalf of themselves and others in ways to make changes to policies and practices at their local associations.

Representatives from Community Living Brant will lead the charge in the session, entitled Systems on Edge:  Demands of Social Inclusion Act — Complaints Process and Investigations, which will examine the successes of REACH Out, a group of people who self advocate. REACH is an acronym for respect, empower, advocate, courage, honour. (Continue)

Listen Up Brant!

Listen Up Brant! is a quarterly publication celebrating the goals and accomplishments of people who receive support through Community Living Brant. It is a forum for people to share their stories and what they value in their lives. Anyone who receives support through Community Living Brant, in any capacity, is welcome and encouraged to submit an article.  You can find this newsletter by clicking on the Newsletter tab on the left hand side of our home page. For more information or to submit your article, poem, artwork, pictures, etc. please contact Susan Walters.  To view the most current issue, click here.

Why Not Be You Theatre Forum

Why Not City Missions , Laurier University Brantford and Community Living Brant shared a passion to create a diverse and accepting community in Brantford. A partnership began back in May of 2008. As we came together and talked about what was needed by Wilfred Laurier University students enrolled in the Community Research and Participation course , Why Not City Missions. Youth and people involved with Community Living Brant, the more we realized we all had the same inspirations and dreams; to be respected, encouraged and feel that sense of belonging.  (Continue)

“Let’s Celebrate Freedom"

When the Ontario government made a commitment to close all institutions by 2009, Gary Kusch was adamant that we would need a celebration to mark this historic event.  Planning for the event began with Gary, Dave Jordan, and Maryanne Drago.  As planning began, we enlisted the support of some young people (Chris Taverner and Donny Tobicoe) involved in the Transitions Program. (Continue)

How 3 Countries Helped a Young Man Fulfill a Dream!

This is a story about how a group of agencies from 3 different countries joined together to make a dream come true for one young man.  Approximately three years ago Community Living Brant became involved in a collaboration with other community and international partners to provide a unique opportunity for a young man from the Turks and Caicos Islands to attend the W. Ross Mac Donald school.  (Continue)

Some Fun in the Sun

Al and his friend Val recently experienced the trip of a lifetime.  In January, they travelled to Walt Disney World in Floriday for six days.  It was the first time Al had been on a plane and he was certainly more relaxed than his company.  (Continue reading Images, Page 11)

Four Generations-

Four Approaches To Work

On March 30 and 31, 2009 Community Living Brant hosted workshops on understanding and working in a multi-generational workforce. The workshop was conducted by Nancy Regan of n-gen People Performance Inc which is a company that designs and implements performance solutions by tackling the root causes of people performance issues from a generational perspective. (Continue)