VOL. 19, ISSUE 4 FALL 19

SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE FILLED WITH FUN BUT ALSO TEACH LIFE SKILLS

TIME FOR A CHANGE AFTER 30 YEARS..................................... PG 6

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ..... 3 NDEAM 2019 ..... 4

WHAT'S HAPPENING ..... 5SUMMER FUN WRAPS UP FOR 2019 .... 6

JOAN AND GORDON MURLESS FUND ..... 7PARENT GROUPS MEETINGS ..... 8

FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS ..... 8

Nearly 200 golfers braved the rain on Aug. 27th to help raise a record $113,600 at the 16th Annual Community Living Mississauga Golf Classic.

While the weather shortened the event to a 12-hole tournament, participants enjoyed the challenge of wet courses before returning to the clubhouse for a raffle, live auction and remarks from Paul Brum.

Brum, who has been supported by Community Living Mississauga for most of his life, shared how he has benefitted from the funds raised at previous tournaments which helped fund the child and youth programs in which he participated while growing up. He went on to thank participants for making sure children and youth in the future will continue to have similar opportunities.

Each year, as the end of June approaches, children excitedly begin their countdowns.

The end of the school year means a break from the 10-month routine of getting up early, attending classes and doing homework. But for Kevin and other children and teens who have autism, routine is something they need and the end of school means a change which often proves very challenging to both them and their parents.

Fortunately, Kevin’s parents. Jennifer and Durell, had jobs which allowed them flexibility….but they still needed some activities to help fill Kevin’s summers.

16TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC RAISES OVER $113,000

Continued on pg. 2

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16TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC (continued)

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SUMMER PROGRAMS (continued)As his parents are both active scuba divers, Kevin grew up around water. So when they began looking for a summer activity, they wanted something that included time in a pool.

In 2011, Kevin participated in the City of Mississauga’s Chips and Dip program which combined half a day on computers with half a day in the pool. Each day, Kevin participated in a morning of computer activities before he could spend the afternoon in the pool.

“Some people think of these supported programs as some type of daycare, but they aren’t. These programs teach new physical, social and emotional skills,” explained Durrell. “Each year, Kevin became more adept at using the computer, but he also became more willing to listen to instructions and stopped being a risk to suddenly run out of the room.”

When Kevin turned old enough to participate in Community Living Mississauga’s summer programs, he was able to participate in camps for four weeks each summer.

Over the next four summers, Kevin attended the“Waterworld” program. In addition to enjoying his time in and around the water, he again learned new skills such as taking the bus, waiting his turn and paying for items.The support staff knew how to get Kevin to try new things – prefer-ring to stick to a routine, trying new things is something he wasn’t always keen on doing.

“The support staff always pushed the limit just a little bit to get Kevin to try new things,” said Jennifer. “He now enjoys many new activities, but Kevin initially needed somebody to encourage him to try things outside of his comfort zone.”

A prime example occurred prior to returning to camp in 2017.

While he loved being in and around water, Kevin could not swim and had always worn a life jacket. He decided that he wanted to try something new and learn to swim.

After successfully completing the Swimability program, Kevin was able to be in and around the pool without a life jacket for the first time.When he returned to camp that summer, the staff quickly adapted

and added new life jacket-free pool activities to Kevin’s routine.

This was Kevin’s third year with the same support worker, Carlos, supporting him during the summer program,” explained Durrell. “This continuity in support helped Kevin feel more at ease and it also meant that Carlos had experience with Kevin and knew how to incorporate new routines into the daily schedules.”

Jennifer and Durrell noted that Kevin has become much more active and continues learning new skills without being taught.

“A few years ago, Kevin had real challenges with issues like interacting with others, sharing personal space and recognizing unsafe situations,” said Jennifer. “While participating in the Summer Teen Activity Program, he has learned how to deal with all of these challenges.”

“There is no one program that will work perfectly for every child who has autism, because every person is different and things change from day to day,” added Durrell. “The success of the program is the staff. Their ability to adapt and go with the flow is what makes the program successful.”

And now, as September arrives, it is time for him to return to the routine of the school year. But secretly, Kevin is likely already beginning his countdown to next year’s Summer Teen Activity Program!

Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month acknowledges the valuable contributions of people who have a disability. It is also time to celebrate business successes and benefits stemming from hiring with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

For Community Living Mississauga, National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an annual campaign that provides an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions of people who have an intellectual disability, to raise awareness about disability employment issues, to dispel myths, to recognize community employers and to motivate others to be ambassadors for change.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Community Living Mississauga will be participating in a variety of promotional activities to highlight employment success stories and to raise awareness of the role that everyone plays in promoting employment inclusion.

For businesses, National Disability Awareness Employment Month presents an opportunity for businesses to review their hiring practices, especially their recruitment

process. Businesses who have opened their doors to inclusive hiring practices have seen great benefits. Statistics show that organizations with inclusive cultures are eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes.

Please join us in spreading the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all people.

When people who have an intellectual disability are participating actively alongside their neigbours,

our community gains greater acceptance of the importance of creating an inclusive community that is welcoming and accepting of all people.

To participate or to learn how you can be involved in National Disability Awareness Employment Month, please contact Community Living Mississauga’s Employment Resource Centre or share your employment stories on Twitter and Facebook by tagging #NDEAM #DEAM2019 #EngageTalent and @CLMississauga.

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NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

BRAMPTON BEAST ECHL HOCKEYOct. - Apr.Admission: Ticket prices vary by seating locationbramptonbeast.com

MISSISSAUGA STEELHEADS OHL HOCKEYOct. - Mar.Admission: Ticket prices vary by seating locationmississaugasteelheads.com/

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIRNovember 1 - 10Exhibition Place TorontoAdmission: Adults: $27.50Seniors: $20Youth (4 - 17): $16royalfair.org

CLARKSON MUSIC THEATRE PRESENTS THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Nov. 22 - Dec. 1Meadowvale TheatreAdmission: Adults: $30Students/Seniors: $28culture.mississauga.ca/

CHRISTMAS FAMILY WEEKENDSNov. 16 - Dec. 23Black Creek Pioneer VillageAdmission: Adults: $15Seniors: $12Youth (5 - 14): $11trca.ca

ONE OF A KIND CHRISTMAS SHOW AND SALENovember 21 - December 1Enercare CentreAdmission: Adults - $15Seniors (65+)/Students (13 - 17) - $8.50 Children 12 and under - FREEoneofakindshow.com/toronto

CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE & SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Nov. 22 - 23Nov. 24 - ParadeStreetsville Village SquareAdmission: FREEvillageofstreetsville.com

DON'T FORGET TO VISIT:

www.cultureonthemap.ca

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RAPTORS 905 BASKETBALLNov. - Mar.Admission:

Ticket prices vary by seating locationraptors905.com

WHAT’S HAPPENINGNOV, DEC, JAN

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At Trillium Hospital, Andy MacPherson’s name was synonymous with smiles and praise about what a great employee he was. He enjoyed every aspect of his job and completed it each day with pride and enthusiasm.

Andy worked very hard in his role at Trillium Hospital for the last 30 years. However, after many years of putting a smile on each person’s face, he decided it was time to retire.

The environment at Trillium hospital

played a large role in Andy’s life for many years and it was a very difficult decision.

The skills and experience he received allowed him to give back to his community by choosing to take on a volunteering role with the YMCA.

Andy is excited and happy about his new role. Andy sometimes sees people from Trillium Hospital at the YMCA. They are always happy to see him which makes him happy in return.

AFTER 30 YEARS ON THE JOB, ANDY FELT IT WAS TIME FOR A NEW CHALLENGE

Despite our reluctance to let go of the long, glorious days of summer, the definite chill in the morning air reminds us that summer is over and fall is truly upon us. Summer 2019 proved to be another exciting, fun filled and successful session for our Children’s Summer Support Program, Summer Teen Activity Program and Futures Program.

Again this year, children between the ages of 4 and 12 were able to join siblings, neighbours, classmates and friends at local summer camps. Within our Children’s Summer Support Program, our dedicated and enthusiastic inclusion staff supported 56 children to learn cartwheels at gymnastic camp, score a goal at soccer camp, ride 10 kms a day in bike camp and master their artistic

talents in art camp. The children supported within the Children’s Summer Support Program enjoyed countless successes, reached personal goals and discovered new talents.

The Summer Teen Activity Program was a great success this year. In all, 107 teens between the ages of 13 and 21 spent the sunny, hazy days of summer exploring Mississauga, discovering favourite pools and waterslides, challenging each other at laser tag and besting personal lap times on go-karts. The theme for the summer was definitely friendship and fun in the sun. The Summer Teen Activity Program attracted and encouraged many of the brightest and enthusiastic students to share their unique talents and skills as staff and as volunteers, their dedication and

hard work made a lasting impact on many.

After its launch in 2018, the Futures program was back again in 2019. The program has quickly grown and is able to provide a variety of challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunities to youth who are just discovering how their talents can enhance the lives of others through the gift of volunteering. This year, the 22 participants in the summer Futures program, made an impact on the lives of seniors, supported the local foodbank and demonstrated how much they had to offer their community through their strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. The Futures program participants are well on their way to conquering the job market.

SUMMER FUN WRAPS UP FOR 2019

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JOAN AND GORDON MURLESS FUND HELPS FAMILIES PLAN FOR THE FUTUREThe Joan and Gordon Murless Fund was established in 2014 as a result of a generous donation to Community Living Mississauga to provide assistance to families interested in planning for the future. The funding assists families by covering part of the cost of having wills prepared.

To date, 52 families have completed the process which involves signing an Agreement, attending two information sessions, developing a plan and completing their wills. People who have completed the Murless Fund requirements have reported that they appreciated having the deadline to motivate them to

complete their wills, and they appreciated the information and support that they received.

If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please contact Sue Taggart at 905-542-2694 ext. 2312.

Want to try recipes from Olympian Silken Laumann,

CFL legend Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons, Chef Michael Smith,

and many more celebritieswhile supporting a great cause?

‘Sip, Sup, & Socialize’ includes morethan 100 recipes from famous and not-so famous foodies with all net

proceeds going to support people who have an intellectual disability through

Community Living Mississauga.

ORDER YOUR COPY AT

sixdergeesfromnancy.com

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

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Wills and Trusts

A great opportunity to learn how to establish a specialized Will that ensures your son / daughter’s future is as secure as possible.

Guest Speaker:

Lisa Sticht-Maksymec, Pallet ValoDate: Thursday, October 24th Time: 7 – 9 pm

Ask the Expert

A great opportunity to ask your questions about taxes as well as estate planning to an expert panel comprised of a Lawyer, a Corporate Trustee, a Financial Advisor, and a Tax Accountant.

They will be able to address questions about factors to consider when estate planning, taxes and the Henson Trust from their unique perspectives.

Guest panelists:

Lisa Sticht-Maksymec, Lawyer, Pallett Valo LLP; Winifred Kanyogo-nya, Manager Private Trust,

TD Wealth Private Trust – The Canada Trust Company; Kevin Wong, Partner, MDP LLP; Mike Parris, Investment Advisor, BA, CFP, CPCA – Manulife SecuritiesDate: Tuesday, November 26th Time: 7 – 9 pm

FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS

All sessions will be held at:

Community Living Mississauga 6695 Millcreek Drive, Unit #1

Space is limited, so register early at

infosessions@clmiss.ca or 905-542-3840 ext. 2400

PARENT GROUPS MEETINGS - CONNECTING FAMILIES TO SHARE INFORMATIONCommunity Living Mississauga is pleased to support a number of parent groups where parents and sometimes extended family can join together, share successes, look for information and just have the opportunity to chat with others! Come and join the conversations!

Parents of preteens – This informal group of parents of preteens (9-14) meets every few weeks on Thursday evenings to share information and conversation. The group’s next get-together is November 14th at 7 pm.

Parents of teens, young adults and adults – This group meets informally on Tuesday evenings every few weeks to share information and conversation. The group’s next get-together is November 19th at 7 pm.

Parents Planning Group II – This groups meets together with the intention of developing plans for their family member. Resources are given out, information is shared as well as lots of conversation! This group will start on Wednesday, October 30th and meet monthly for the first 8 months. After plans are prepared, the group will start to meet every 6-8 weeks.

If you are interested in learning more about any of the parent groups mentioned above, or you wish to join, please contact Sue Taggart at 905-542-2694 ext. 2312or via email at suet@clmiss.ca .