AUGUST 2011 SPRING 2013
Inside...
A Message from the ILCWR Board.............2 A Message from the Executive Director.....3 Personal Safety Workshop Series.......4 ILCWR’s New Kids on the Block...................5 Balcony Gardening....5
Spotlight On... Paula!........................6 ILCWR’s Community Spotlight...................7
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THE FORUM Tournament of Hope
or several years, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region has been a proud supporter of the Tournament of Hope. Last year, bed, a scooter, home renovations, the Tournament became part of 2 wheelchairs, a transfer disc and ILCWR’s family of programs and this year we are proud to present 3 shower commodes! In order to meet these requests, we need the 16th Annual Tournament your help to raise over $30,000. of Hope. All funds generated by Whether you’re a seasoned this golf classic support ILCWR’s golfer, or this is your first time, Access Fund, with a mission to meet the needs of individuals with the Tournament of Hope always welcomes the community to join us disabilities in our community. for a fun day of golf. If golfing isn’t This year’s tournament your thing, you can volunteer tees off on Wednesday, June th during the day, make a charitable 12 . As always, the Tournament donation, or sponsor the event. of Hope is hosted by our friends at beautiful Grand Valley Golf & Country Club. 2013 Featured Recipient: For 16 years the Tournament The Lajoie Family has been supported by golfers, friends, and local businesses, and has raised over $345,000 to assist For many years, 130 individuals in our community. Dan Lajoie has played an Again this year the important role in Tournament Committee met with our community prospective recipients to hear their stories. We had very difficult and on the Tournament of decisions to make! This year we will be assisting 12 individuals with Hope committee. After losing funding towards an accessible van, their van in a frightening and traumatic explosion while on a a ceiling track lift, a specialized family camping trip in July 2012, The 16th Annual Dan, Maggie, and children Jacob Tournament of Hope and Mia, kicked off a fundraising effort to overcome the loss. The Wednesday, June 12th, Grand Tournament of Hope is pleased to Valley Golf & Country Club help the Lajoie family reach their goal and regain their mobility! www.tournamentofhope.ca
“Together, Freedom Through Access and Choice”
SPRING 2013 A Message from the ILCWR Board
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t is hard not to feel optimistic at this time of year, as warmer weather approaches and the days lengthen – and getting around is a lot easier for us all as well. Spring, as the English poet Swinburne wrote, is a time when Taposhi Batabyal, Board Co-President “frosts are slain and flowers begotten/And in green underwood and cover/ Blossom by blossom, the spring begins.” A lovely reminder of renewal. The ILCWR board is at the midpoint of its year, and there has been much to think about, to discuss, and to plan. Peter Naus and I have taken on a shared role as co-Presidents of the board, an arrangement that has worked remarkably well as we alternate the chairing of meetings and share the responsibilities incumbent upon the President. A new three-year multi-sectoral agreement with its concomitant goals and targets is in place with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN), our major funder. For any board, quality strategic planning is a necessity, a template for future goals and priorities. The WWLHIN has identified several province-wide priorities for all health service providers, focused on such things as access to primary care, and ensuring a seamless transition of care among agencies. It is easy to see how improved coordination and integration of care would help support consumers and others, especially those with complex chronic conditions. Our participation in such programs as Clinical Connect, and the community Client Care model will also help us
improve the delivery and quality of care we offer current and future consumers. In addition, board members participated in a further strategic planning session, identifying what they think will be future priorities and trends in delivery of services to adults with disabilities, and whether the
“For any board, quality strategic planning is a necessity, a template for future goals and priorities.” mission, vision, and values of the organization need to be revised or refreshed and how they can best serve ILCWR in the decades ahead. It was an excellent opportunity to look at the usual scenario of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through a variety of lenses and viewpoints – and the results of this phase were satisfying for a board that must work with a long-term generative vision. Change, as they say, is a constant, and change is in the air at ILCWR. As many of you will already know, Bil Smith has decided to seek fresh woods and pastures new as executive director, in his case, in a community organization in Renfrew County. Bil has been part of ILCWR for many years, and has brought to the table a deep understanding of the agency, right from the front lines, so to speak. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with Bil, and we shall miss his expertise and knowledge greatly, even as we are excited for the new opportunities that await him. Please be assured that the board has a plan in place to steer the agency surely and capably through any time of transition and the appointment of a new executive director without compromising the level of excellence and value in the services we offer our consumers, funders and stakeholders. Taposhi Batabyal Board Co-President Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region
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SPRING 2013
S Bil Smith, Executive Director
A Message from the Executive Director
pring is a time of rebirth, growth and change. For these reasons, it has always been my favourite season. This year, spring will bring with it big changes for me
on a personal front. As some of you have heard, I have submitted my resignation from my position here at ILC. I have been given a tremendous opportunity to lead a Community Resource Centre in a small town close to my cottage. While I will miss ILC greatly, it has been a lifelong dream of mine to relocate to my cottage. My last day here at the Centre will be May 3rd. I have found my employment here to be exceedingly enjoyable. I believe in the mission and vision of the organization
and the good work we do together in the community is something we can all be proud of. Every day we get to help make our community more accessible and welcoming. We’re out there helping to change attitudes and helping people with disabilities achieve independence. I am particularly grateful to ILC’s many strong supporters and cheerleaders. Without your ongoing and generous support, we could not have achieved all that we have. Many thanks for your continuing support of our mission. I have had the good fortune to be a part of ILC for more than half of my life. I look forward to this next chapter as I can watch from the sidelines as the organization thrives and grows and continues to make a difference in Waterloo Region. With fondness,
Bil Smith Executive Director Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region
to say...
Join...
Farewell to Bil Smith! Come by for an Open House to wish Bil well on his upcoming move!
Tuesday, April 30th
Drop-in between 3:00pm and 6:00pm
ILCWR Head Office (127 Victoria St. S., Kitchener)
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Coming Soon: Personal Safety Workshop Series
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SPRING 2013
ersonal Safety is a concern for many people in our community. How do we protect ourselves and those we love from harm? It is our hope that our three-part safety series will provide some answers to those questions. On April 17th the focus will be on physical safety. John Coish from the Kitchener Fire Department will be discussing fire safety from 2:00pm2:45pm. Whether it is new information or review, no one should miss this learning opportunity. After a short break, David Hackett, Owner & Head Instructor from the Kitchener Kicks Martial Arts Centre will be instructing on basic self-defense. David will base the lesson on the ability and interests of those participating. On May 8th from 2:00pm-4:00pm, Sue Gallagher from Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre will be presenting.
What assault and domestic violence are, as well as what supports are available for those living with abuse are two of the many areas that will be addressed in this very important safety workshop. On June 5th from 2:00pm-2:45pm, Laura McShane from the Canadian Mental Health Association will be discussing trauma, what causes it and what supports are available for people who have experienced trauma. Finally, Sharla Johnston and Juanita Metzger from Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council will present on the topic of neighbourhood safety. General tips and programs in the community, including the “Say Hi” campaign will be the central focus during this session. If you have any questions, or to register, please contact Andrena LockleyBrown at (519) 571-6788 x7474, or at andrena@ilcwr.org.
ILCWR Presents...
Personal Safety Series
are s p o sh Work EE Date FR
Time
Topics
April 17 2:00-4:00 Fire Safety and Self Defense For more information or to register for one of all workshops contact:
Andrena Lockley-Brown andrena@ilcwr.org (519) 571-6788
May 8
2:00-4:00 Sexual Assault/ Domestic Violence
June 5 2:00-4:00 Trauma and
Neighbourhood Safety
Zehrs Laurentian Community Room 750 Ottawa St. South, Kitchener
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SPRING 2013 ILCWR’s New Kids on the Block!
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he Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region’s Kids on the Block is proud to announce the arrival of two new programs! Due to the funding from schools, community groups and very generous individuals, Kids on the Block has been able to expand the program to include Bullying as well as School Safety and Emergency Preparedness. The bullying program was designed to teach children about the many forms bullying can take. It presents problem-solving strategies, encourages empathy for those who are bullied, and explores ways that students may be involved in promoting safety in their school. In the Emergency Preparedness program, puppets Melody and Brenda discuss the importance of preparing for emergencies, the necessary contents of an emergency kit, the role of children in preparedness, the
range of emotions associated with crisis situations, and strategies for addressing those feelings.
Meet Clare Sanchez! Clare is the newest member of the ILCWR Kids on the Block crew. She is 14 years old and appears in the bullying program. Clare is on the Woodburn Junior High cheerleading team and volunteers at the youth center. She has written an article for the school newspaper about a bullying situation she experienced in grade five. Clare feels it’s important to let people know more about bullying and how big a problem it is. Through all of her research she is able to offer advice to other kids dealing with bullying situations and how to keep their school safe.
Balcony Gardening: It’s Growing to be Great!
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alcony Gardening returns for 2013 at ILCWR’s Shamrock Assisted Living Project on Thursday, July 4th! Balcony Gardening has been an annual tradition for many years, giving consumers the opportunity to bring life and beauty to their homes by arranging and planting a wide variety of flowers for their balconies. This year, we are looking for volunteers to assist our consumers with planting their pots. If you are interested in volunteering for
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Balcony Gardening this year, please contact Lorene Collingwood by phone at (519) 571-6788 x7479, or by e-mail at lorene@ilcwr.org. Volunteers are asked to indicate their interest by June 14th. We are already looking forward to this wonderful summer tradition, and we are sure it will “grow” very well!
Balcony Gardening 2013
Date: Thursday, July 4th, 2013 Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm Location: Shamrock Co-Op’s Helen Hall (Waterloo, ON)
SPRING 2013 Spotlight On...Paula!
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pon marking 25 Years as a staff member with the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region in January, Paula Saunders’ foray into the world of ILCWR may come as a surprise. “I started working at ILC as a result of an ad in the paper!” Paula Paula Saunders, Pictured says. “I knew with her Queen’s Jubilee nothing about Medal (December, 2012) the Independent Living Centre. Absolutely nothing.” The ad was inviting applications for a coordinator of the Homelink Program, a provincially-funded initiative connecting people with disabilities to accessible housing. Paula was the successful applicant for this position, launching what would become more than a quarter-century career with the organization. Shortly after accepting the Homelink Coordinator role, federal funding became available for an Individual Advocacy program, which was of great interest to Paula. “I was enjoying the housing part, but I knew that there was much more that could be done,” Paula recalls. “Part of individual advocacy is to say to [people], ‘try not to depend solely on this system. Work toward getting something that works more for you.” Paula still holds the title of Individual Advocacy Coordinator today, in addition to her title of Director of Access and Awareness. “I really think that the individual advocacy program has helped to lead people to speaking up,” she says. And Paula is no stranger to that. In fact, Paula speaks frequently on behalf of ILCWR regarding issues related to disability and the importance of accessibility. “I think that
the disability, in the end, has been very good for me,” she reflects. “I think back to my school days when I was too shy to put my hand up. I have absolutely no problem now going into a room of people and speaking. I’m feeling very confident with myself. I enjoy going out and speaking. I enjoy making changes in our community.”
“I really think that the individual advocacy program has helped to lead people to speaking up.”
When asked what she is most proud of in her work with ILCWR, Paula barely hesitates. “I would have to say my work in barrier-free design, for sure,” she answers swiftly. “I would say that’s my high point—the successes that we’ve seen, and the changes we have made.” Over the years, Paula has advised on accessibility for a number of projects, from the current Kitchener City Hall to the renovations of shops and parking in Kitchener’s Belmont Village. She was one of the founding members of Waterloo Region’s Barrier-Free Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the Built Environment Subcommittee of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC). “In the 25 years I’ve been here [at ILCWR], and in the 42 years I’ve been in a wheelchair, the changes in our community have been incredible,” she says. Paula has a number of reasons for continuing to be an active member of the ILCWR family. “One is definitely the great service we provide to people who need it,” she says. “We can deal with people on a personal basis. More often, we just deal with a person as a person. We set aside the disability and ask, what are you feeling?” Clearly, the organization has a place in Paula’s heart—and it always will. In her opinion, “the whole idea of independent living is what keeps us going. We’re opening the eyes of so many people saying, ‘Yes, you have a disability. Yes, you have to do things differently. But let’s figure out how you’re going to do that.”
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SPRING 2013
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he
Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region is pleased to help support and promote other agencies in our community working towards building inclusiveness for people with disabilities. The following exert is from Susan Lott, executive director of Facile. For more information you may contact 519-501-8714, e-mail facilewr@gmail.com, or visit www. facilewaterlooregion.ca. At Facile, we work with individuals, families, organizations and the
ILCWR Community Spotlight! facile: Independent Facilitation Waterloo Region wider community to enhance the lives of citizens who require support to participate fully in community life. Our facilitators are well-trained, creative, and energetic. Their role is to assist individuals and families to build meaningful lives. They do this by following the person’s lead, helping the person to build relationships, and connecting people with people and places in the community. Independent facilitation builds resilience and capacity of individuals, families, communities, and organizations. Ultimately, independent facilitation enables people to belong in community (in families, in neighbourhoods, in networks of support, and always in relationships) and experience an everyday life.
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Information for Persons with Disabilities, their Families, Caregivers, and Professionals within Waterloo Region.
St. Mary’s Catholic High School - 1500 Block Line Road Kitchener For more information visit:
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Advocacy and Supports * Education * Financial Assistance * Health Personal Care and In-Home Supports * Recreation Respite and Residential Programs * Transportation * Work, Day Programs Volunteer Supports and much more
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AUGUST 2011 SPRING 2013
Special Thanks To Our Major Funders
ILCWR PROGRAMS AND STAFF
Executive Director - Bil Smith Director of Business Services - Angela Korn Director of Human Resources - Laura Sparks Employee Health Coordinator - Christina Churchill Finance Coordinator - Tracy Spencer Executive Assistant/Community Relations - Andrew Posen Reception, Information & Referral - Jim Ducharme Director of Access and Awareness - Paula Saunders Public Awareness and Education Coordinator - Andrena Lockley-Brown Peer Resource & Advocacy Coordinator - Dan Lajoie Direct Funding Coordinator - Lorene Collingwood Director of Service - Daryl Nancekivell Outreach & In-Home Respite Supervisor - Cindy Guy Outreach Supervisor - Lise Hancock Outreach Supervisor - Sandy Stauffer Scheduling Coordinator - Leanne Schade Administrative Assistant - Kelly Stamper SHAMROCK - WATERLOO - (519) 746-1312 Cathy Doerbecker - Project Supervisor MOOREGATE - KITCHENER - (519) 745-5949 Allan Russell - Project Supervisor KIWANIS VILLAGE CAMBRIDGE - (519) 650-0843 Jacqueline Doummar - Project Supervisor
Visit Us Online! www.ilcwr.org
Proud Participant
Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region 127 Victoria St. S., Suite 201 Kitchener, ON N2G 2B4 Telephone: (519)571-6788 Fax: (519)571-6788 TTY: (519)571-7590 Charitable # 10750-5356-RR0001
Justice • Dignity • Respect • Teamwork • Welcoming