Community Living Essex County holds AGM, acknowledges award winners

has been coached at Sutton Creek and continues to work there.

By Ron Giofu

Community Living Essex County

(CLEC)

held its annual general meeting last week and used the occasion to hand out awards as well.

The 62nd annual AGM was held last Wednesday evening with most board members meeting in-person, though guests and board members were able to join virtually as it was a hybrid meeting. The organization aims to have a fully in-person meeting in 2024.

CLEC board president Sue Desjarlais, who will return to the role for 2023-24, said in-person events have started to return as COVID-19 pandemic restrictions loosened.

“We saw fewer masks, more smiles and more in-person gatherings,” she said.

CLEC supports over 700 people in Essex County with intellectual disabilities and their families, and there was more enjoyment of life, increase in choices and independence. Desjarlais added the agency was pleased with improvements to pay for developmental support workers and enhancements to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

People within CLEC are “creative, resilient and determined” in pursuing goals and visions regardless of the challenges faced, she added.

Warden Hilda MacDonald provided her greetings via video, as the CLEC AGM took place at the same time as an Essex County council meeting.

“For 62 years, you’ve been inspiring people with intellectual disabilities and their families,” said MacDonald.

MacDonald, also the mayor of Leamington, said CLEC listens to the concerns of the people it supports and their families and have the passion to ensure “their voices are heard.”

Dr. Robert Walsh, CEO of Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS), looked forward to further opportunities to work with CLEC and said the agency has been an industry leader through its Real Xchange program, the latter being a hub to exchange knowledge, collaboration and learning in the developmental services (DS) sector.

“You should be proud of the leadership role you’ve played,” said Walsh.

“I’m grateful and proud of the work you are doing and you should be too.”

Walsh also praised CLEC executive director Karen Bolger, who works as a board member with OASIS.

Chris Beesley, CEO of Community Living Ontario, said by working together, goals can be accomplished.

Beesley was happy about the passage of Bill C-22 in Ottawa, which is the National Disability Benefit. He added the job now is to ensure it doesn’t get “clawed back” by the province.

Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) program supervisor

Nadine Crumb had positive words about CLEC’s leadership in the DS sector.

Ensemble, a parent consultant group that operates under CLEC’s umbrella, were represented by family consultant Marilyn Godard and she said they aim to continue to collaborate with CLEC.

Brianne Taggart, president of the selfadvocacy group New Day – Leaders of Today, thanked CLEC for its ongoing support. New Day also operates under the umbrella of CLEC. Taggart was also the recipient of the first-ever Advocacy Award, which rewarded her for her work to help advocate for those with intellectual disabilities.

The Outstanding Achievement Award went to Robert Wilson with Wilson being cited as a person who has made great progress in his strive for independence.

Brodie Morin was presented the Community Leadership Award for his involvement in the community which includes volunteering at the barbecue at the Miracle League of Amherstburg and working with Meals on Wheels offered by Amherstburg Community Services (ACS). Nicole Canzoneri won the new Inspiring Possibilties Youth Award, which goes to a young person who has shown leadership and a strong commitment for inclusion and advocacy for people with a disability.

Canzoneri is a disabilities studies student at the University of Windsor and her advocacy began in high school. She has also been a summer student with CLEC where she planned interactive online activities for youth. She is a board member with Community Living Ontario.

Sutton Creek Golf Club won the Community Ambassador Award, which recognizes a person, business or group that champions a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The McGregor golf club shows their commitment through their actions by employing people with intellectual disabilities and working in partnership with high school STEPS programs. Kyle Spearing, a person with a disability,

Audrey Bajic captured the Families for Inclusion Award. It is a newly introduced award and was presented in collaboration with Ensemble. It recognizes families’ ongoing support for the vision and mission of CLEC through “significant contributions.” Bajic was identified as the winner due to her involvement with committees and volunteerism, and she also offers a family perspective at staff training session.

Paisley Bartlam won the Kevin McMullan Memorial Award, recognizing a CLEC staff member who excels at improving the lives of people supported. It is in memory of McMullan, a long-time manager with CLEC. Bartlam, a support worker, was cited for her work in launching virtual supports which brought people together through the use of technology. She was also praised for efforts to learn the goals and dreams of the people she helps support and tries to create schedules around people’s wants and needs. Bartlam attempts to personalize supports as best she can.

The Jeremy Hart Memorial Bursary was presented this year to Jennifer David. The bursary is in memory of Hart, who was supported by CLEC and had a dream of continuing his education and finding meaningful employment. He passed away in 2012. David thanked the agency and said that it will help her towards her own education and finding meaningful work.