October 2017 Issue

It was a bittersweet afternoon for Lynn Chamney as staff, friends and colleagues gathered at the activity centre on Suncaost Drive, Wednesday, Sept. 20 to wish the Senior Case Manager a fond farewell.

Chamney, who will officially retire Oct. 4, has worked for the Community Living - Central Huron agency for 24 years and was presented with numerous gifts and well wishes from colleagues and board members.

After cutting and distributing pieces of retirement cake, Chamney spoke to her working family, offering thanks for their love and support.

“Thanks so much for the support from staff and employees,” she said. “I love all of you and I care about all of you.”

Lynn Chamney retires after 24 yearsWell wishers turn out on Sept. 20 for a fond farewell to senior case manager

While still in the formative stages, the first Community Living Central Huron strategic plan is slowly taking shape.

Important in shaping the future direction of the agency, with input from staff, board members, management and families, their information has lead to the establishment of core principles and priorities. Surveys were circulated last February and March and senior staff met in April to establish priorities to direct the future of the agency.

“We have established a framework with four core priorities,” Executive Director Rosemary Foran explained. “The importance of the strategic plan is the guidance and future direction it provides to the agency, its employees and the services they provide.”

Working under the guidance and direction of Tom Little of CMCS Consulting Services, Oshawa, the process was initiated last year with an information gathering process and will progress to a finalized plan.

“We’re well on our way with the process and the next step will be to develop strategies to make our priorities work,” Mia Berg, Board Chairman said. “This is a great start and we have a great staff, passionate staff helping us working through priorities and strategies. Simply, we have amazing people working for us to make it work.”

Draft documents, entitled “Together, Better” have been circulated and made available to participants and stakeholders. The board will establish a more formalized document in the near future and staff will work on implementation.

Strategic Plan for CL-CH taking shapeStaff, family members and board provide critical input on future of agency

Strategic Plan 2017-2020

“TOGETHER, BETTER.”www.clch.ca

Community Participation Supports Community Support for FamiliesAccommodation Services Employment Support Program

ABA-Based Services Activity Centre Supported Independent Living Huron Respite Network

Southwest Regional Respite Network

An innovative service which provides the opportunity for adults with a developmental disability who are experiencing a transition to receive necessary supports to connect with their community. The service provides inclusive, goal-based planning, encouragement, and direct-support to develop positive choices about future life directions.

(519) 482-9955

foundations@clch.ca

Adult Services provides various supports for adults with developmental disabilities. All requests for service

must go through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-877-480-2726.

Activity Centre A Day Program to provide a range of purposeful

activities people may enjoy, such as: Snoezelen Room (multi-sensory room); computer games; crafts and

interacting with others.

Employment Support Program Provides support with competitive employment and

volunteer work in the community.

Accommodation Services Provides 24-hour support through Residential Services or short visits through the Supported Independent Living Program for individuals

living in their own home or apartment. All services through Adult Services are voluntary, confidential

and individualized.

Passport Funding Community Living-Central Huron does provide services and supports to adults with approved Passport Funding. Services are individualized

and focus on inclusion.

(519) 524-7362 clch@clch.ca www.clch.ca

The CSFF Program provides assistance to families in Huron County by administering, on behalf of MCSS, Special Services at Home and Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities benefits, as well as Family Support Worker Service. Each family has a unique set of circumstances. This Program is voluntary and family directed. Staff are available to assist families to:

- research and advocate for appropriate services for family members with a disability who are aged 0 -17

- complete relevant application forms

- identify a variety of goals and plans

- obtain referrals to other services and explore resources & natural supports in their community

- plan for transitioning to Adult Services

(519) 482-3557 csffprogram@clch.ca

ABA based services are designed to support children and youth in Huron & Perth Counties with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), to develop skills in key areas and to address behaviours that interfere with functioning. Services and supports focus on four areas: communication; social skill development; daily living skills and behavior management/emotional regulation.

(519) 606-6611 autismaba@clch.ca

The Huron Respite Network provides periodic and planned respite for children, youth and adults with various needs in Huron County. The Network will assist in developing a respite plan to meet the needs of the individual and their family. Various respite options include overnight, hourly, as well as camps and weekend retreats.

(519) 482-3115 respite@clch.ca

www.respiteservices.com

Community Living—Central Huron offers the following services to individuals and their families:

Community Living-Central Huron

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!Thank you to all those that contributed.

The development of the Strategic Plan for Community Living-Central Huron was a group effort that involved almost 150 people.

Family Members - 43%Staff Members - 32%

Board of Directors - 8%Management - 9%

Others - including People Supported - 21%

Vision“People live in dignity and share in all aspects of living in their community.”

Mission“Community Living-Central Huron is committed to assisting and supporting people to achieve their goals, vision, dreams and to participate in the community through

the promotion of social inclusion.”

Benefits of Respite

Respite creates greater opportunities for all family members to live actively and participate in community activities and allows parents/caregivers time for themselves.

Types Of Respite

In/Out of Home Respite

Support available in and out of the home depending on the needs and interests of the person receiving respite

Overnight Respite

Host Families welcome a person into their home for planned regular overnight respite.

Camp Registration & 1:1 Support

Children/adults can attend overnight or day camps during summer and spring breaks. 1:1 support may be provided if needed.

Relaxation

Enjoyment

Stability

Preservation

Involvement

Time off

Enrichment

What Is Respite?

Respite is a flexible, periodic short break-

for-a-caregiver; respite-promotes

resiliency-of-the-caregivers.-The-Huron

Respite-Network-provides-services–to

adults-with-a-developmental-disability

and-children-with-a-developmental/

physical-disability,-Autism-Spectrum

Disorder,-or-a-mental-health concern.

Huron Respite Network provides a service that is

Family/caregiver directed

Individualized

Supportive of family unity and community inclusion

Who Will Provide Respite?

A respite provider promotes positive interactions for children and adults in their own home and in the community. While providing relief for the primary caregiver, the person supported is included in the provider’s daily activities

.

Respite Worker Requirements

18 years of age or older

Demonstrate a strong personal

philosophy and practice regarding inclusion of all people

Successfully complete the

screening process

Providing respite offers new opportunities, meaningful relationships and the

satisfaction of making a difference!

Welcome to:Melanie McGrath, Residential Support Worker on Team A.

Jaimee ten Pas, Shannon O’Brien and Delaney Erazo, Residential Support Workers on Team B.

DJ Stevenson Residential Support Worker on Team C.

Nicole Emmerton, and Abby Lee, Residential Support Workers on Team D.

Amanda Voisin, Human Resource Assistant at Central Admin Office.

Farewell to:Valerie Krick, Jessica Sluys, Sarath Ramaman, Laura Hackett, Amanda Johnston, Briana Rogers, Hailey Woods, and Lynn Chamney. All the best in your new adventures.

Congratulations to:Penny Smith on her marriage to Rob, September 16th.

Recent Events:A job fair was held on September 19th, and was a great success!

Upcoming Events:Annual Alzheimer Coffee Break is being held on October 4th.Annual Thanksgiving Potluck is being held on October 9th.

Comings and Goings

New funding obtained

Christmas Bazaar and party set to go

Rob and Linda enjoyed fishing at New Dundee

Community Living-Central Huron submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Community and Social Services Employment and Modernization Fund and was successful in obtaining funding to enhance our Employment Support Program. Our partner organizations include: Partners in Employment, Central Huron Secondary School, Goderich District Collegiate Institute, St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School, The Centre for Employment and Learning and Compass Minerals. The objective of the project is to enhance employment skills of students and adults with a developmental disability, provide transferrable skills and experience to enhance resume’s and to ease the transition for students from school to work. The Long-Term Impact of the project will provide students and adults with developmental disabilities employment options to “….live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community and have the opportunity to participate effectively”.

The arrival of the fall season means that many festive and activities and events dot the Community Living calendar.

The CL-CH Holiday Campaign will take place through the mail and our generous community partners are asked to remember Community Living in their annual spirit of giving.

November means Christmas events take place, including the CL-CH annual Christmas Party at Holmesville’s White Carnation in November.

The town of Goderich annual Santa Claus Parade is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 18.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAARThe Activity Centre will be a Christmas wonderland on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 7 and 8 as an incredibly festive assortment of baked goods, decorative crafts ornaments and holiday creations will be offered for sale. More than $1,100 in sales was generated at last year’s sale.

Rob up to bat, we wormed the hook and cast ‘er in. He appreciated four casts made by staff, and we watched as the young fellows threw more fish food in the area. Before we knew it...Rob was nearly pulled off his chair, as staff helped him to hold on tight. He had a whopper!!! He began to reel it in and the boys helped Rob land the next meal-time victim. Rob was speechless, and trembling with excitement. His catch was put into a bucket and he enjoyed time swishing the squirmy fish. The fish were weighed,

and Rob’s was at 2 pounds. Victor cleaned the fish right there on the spot, so that it looked store bought. Rob and Linda did not take their eyes off of the process; they both beamed with delight.After loading the van up with the prize catches of the day, dessert was brought to a table and devoured with great conversation about fish tales. An amazing conclusion to a wonderful day in the community of New Dundee.

Bob from Community L i v i n g - C e n t r a l Huron's employment support program which includes traditional volunteering was out and about in Goderich delivering "Embracing Diversity: Newcomer's Experiences" a report completed by the Social Research & Planning Council a program funded through United Way Perth Huron.

Amber and Autumn, Accessibility in Education Volunteers, IPM 2017 One of the accessible shuttle wagons at IPM 2017

Rob and Linda enjoyed a day of fishing at New Dundee

CLCH Employment Support Team and Compass Mineral continue to work closely together to develop new opportunities for supported individuals to gain competitive work. This year marks the third year of a successful partnership and with it has brought exciting changes and developments. 16 workers are now employed to work with employment support at Compass Mineral, a healthy increase from the 11 workers from last year. They continue to provide lawn care, gardening and Maintenance at the Railway, Parking lot, Cottage, and on sight gardens, but have also expanded into a biweekly lawn care positions at compass mineral “Evaporator House”. Compass has also hired staff to do seasonal cleaning of the company cottage, providing job opportunities to those with a different skill set. Along with competitive work and wages, employees are also provided with WHMIS and health and Safety training. Community Living continues to provide additional training to help expand skills, teach workplace etiquette, emphasize safety and help promote independence in the workplace. As the

work season comes to a close, Compass Mineral and employees will celebrate another successful year with a pizza party together at the Compass Mineral Cottage!

The first ever job fair hosted by Community Living - Central Huron on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the main administration building, was an unqualified success.

Sixteen people turned out with resume in hand during the one-day event for an orientation session on the agency and the services it provides to to families and developmentally challenged adults living in the community.

Administration was pleased with the response to the job fair, and several candidates will be called back to participate in a formal job interview process.

The agency, which employs about 103 full-time employees, has a critic need for employees with specific skill set. A staff shortage is resulting in an imbalance in hours worked and the establishment of new group homes will require staffing as well.

Community Living-Central Huron had the pleasure of joining the first ever Accessibility Committee for the 2017 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo held in Walton ON September, 18-23. Just one of the many ways CL-CH helps to build inclusive communities.

Many accessibility features were added to ensure all people were able to participate independently with fun and dignity including: Universal Accessible Washrooms, Sign Language Interpreters, Ramped Accessible Shuttle Wagons, Accessible

viewing areas, Vision resources and more.

Of particular importance to both the IPM Accessibility and Education committees was the planning and support provided to schools so that all children could enjoy their field trips to learn about farming and agriculture in Huron County.

Despite a rainy start, the IPM was well attended by both schools and community.

Hello everyone I have a lot to share, but first I want to say I have now been in my new home for a year! I am so happy! I get to make my own choices, I go shopping, out for walks and drives, out for suppers and on picnics. I love it!!!

I have been to Windsor to visit my family and stay over. I found 2 days was long enough as I missed my home. I went to parades and to fireworks and had a blast this summer. I went to garage sales, flea markets, farmer market… Oh man, so much treasures!

Mary, my roommate and best friend has shared some of my experiences. I love it when she comes with me. I help her talk, and help show her stuff. We laugh all day. She even likes “The Walking Dead” just like me. We are both the same.

I got my hair streaked for the first time and I love it. I got a cleaning job which I am really good at. It’s hard work but Staff said I am really good. My mom taught me well. I help at home sometimes too for staff, when they are busy.

I went shopping a lot to find the perfect dress for my Birthday Party on October 6. I will be 39. I found one and it is beautiful!

I love it! My party is for girls only and it is really a dressy party. We will have lots of fun, lots of things to do and the decorations will be beautiful. Back Street Boys music is my favorite. I asked my mom to get them to come to my house for my party but I have to wait and see.

I have been doing lots of exercise. I lost 6 pounds! I am so happy and so is my mom.

I will see everybody at bowling and swimming. Oh yeah, and at Community Kitchen to cook!

I went to see Beauty and the Beast. It was the best ever; I had so much fun. My mom came too. My mom and I both loved it.

I went to Wonderland but it was closed, so I went to the Reptile Zoo instead. There were snakes and lizards, turtles, and even crocs!! I got a picture of myself holding a snake! I went with Sonya and Craig; we had lots of fun and lots of laughs. I was the only one holding the snake. Everyone else was scared. But I thought it was so pretty.

I am going to see the movie “IT”. I can’t wait! It is really scary and I love scary movies!

It was a bright sunny day in mid September when, supported by staff, Rob Tebow and Linda Reid adventured to the outskirts of Kitchener for a day of fun. We stopped off at Schmidtsville Restaurant in Wellesley for lunch. Rob enjoyed his pancake which was the size of his plate, with sausage, home fries and an egg with toast not without the delicious maple syrup!! Linda enjoyed her scrumptious fish and chips with coleslaw, and tartar sauce extra-ordinaire!

We drove 15 minutes to the east, to find the Lyndon Fish Hatcheries and Trout Farm. This fish farm has been very well established and staff remembered it as a point of joy when she herself was a child. It is located on Queen Street, between Petersburg and New Dundee, across from the New Dundee Golf Club. The trees so green, the pond full of hungry rainbow trout looking for their next meal, and many people enjoying a beautiful adventurous day, made pause to relish.

We arrived with smiles and eager step, and chatted with the young fellow behind the counter. It was a $5.00 entry fee and a fishing pole rental of $6 that came with a rod decked out with hook and bobber, a container of worms, a net and bucket. An $8 per pound of fish would be charged.

We took our supplies to a spot where we were guaranteed to catch “a big one”. With thousands of fish in the water, luck is high that you will serve a great fish dinner in the near future! First

Linda, we got the wiggly worm on the hook, and it took no more than 5 casts and she was holding on for dear life!!! “I got it, I got it!!” Linda was more than thrilled, as in all the times fishing over the past couple of years, she caught many a stick and maybe even a sunfish, which still all made her smile. This slippery creature made her work as she gleamed. She reeled it in, a small rainbow trout weighing 1 ¾ pounds, but large enough to share with companions. Some young fellas assisted and interacted quite eagerly knowing that they were making a difference in their lives’; Linda and Rob’s, not the fish. The fish was removed from the hook, and we were all excited and astonished that it happened so quickly. The fish was put into a bucket of water where Linda played with it for the time that Rob fished.

Support Team works with Compass Minerals

First ever job fair attracts 16 hopefuls

CL-CH helps with IPM accessibility issues

Corrine's Corner

Rob and Linda land big fish at trout farm

The work crew has been expanded to 16 members this year.

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