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Message from our Executive Director Participating In Our Community Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Volunteer Breakfast Community Living Month Service Anniversaries In This Issue:W W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C ADiscovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity Connections Volume 2 Summer 2026 The Power of Community Our volunteers came out in full force to deliver Box Lunch and Box Lunch for Kids!
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesWelcome to the Summer Edition of Community Living Chatham-Kent’s Community Connections Newsletter. Community Living Chatham-Kent’s longest standing management employee, Barbara Hill, Manager of Community Supports, worked her last day on June 12, 2026, her 42nd Anniversary with CLC-K. Barbara began as a Direct Support Professional II at Campus Parkway, supporting five (5) men who moved out of the Southwest Regional Centre. Barbara became a Supervisor in August 1987. In 1991, she accepted the Supervisor of the Independent Living Program (now known as Community Supports) position. For a period of time Barbara was the Manager of the Carolinian, and Llydican Programs. She returned to Community Supports in 2018. Barbara played a huge role with Special Olympics Ontario, having helped start recreational floor hockey, softball, figure skating, and bowling in the early 1990s. She obtained her National Coaching Level 1 Certification and travelled with athletes to three (3) Provincial Games, and assisted several athletes to prepare for competition at the local, provincial, national, and world levels. The Chatham Aktion Club, Ridgetown Aktion Club, People First Group, Business Ladies Group, and People Make a Community (PMAC) Groups thrived under Barbara’s watch. She managed numerous employees and guided the supports of hundreds of people. Barbara was a role model for all of us. This agency benefitted greatly from her forty-two (42) year presence. Please join me in congratulating Barbara on her retirement. Congratulations to Lisa McAllister, CLC-K’s newest Manager. Lisa is overseeing the Outward Bound Program. Community Living Chatham-Kent’s Annual Golf Tournament was on June 20th, at Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club. It was a day of terrific golf, excellent food, and outstanding weather. The tournament was sold-out with thirty-four (34) teams participating. There was a net revenue of $17,431.61. I offer appreciation to Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club, specifically Chris Hill, and Shannon Thyssen, Presenting Sponsor Waste Connections of Canada, Meal Sponsor Chatham Honda, Gold Sponsors Herbert Law, Lawyer, with Mathews Dinsdale, and North and South Kent Wind, Golf Cart Sponsors the Optimist Club of Chatham, Green Shield Pharmacy, Cascades Casino, and Salus Mutual, Volunteer and Events Coordinator Brittany Emery, and Manager of Community Relations Jenny McGregor. Thank-you to Connie Marion, and Tony Carrington, who recently exited the CLC-K Board of Directors, for their very valuable contributions. A welcome to the Board is extended to Denise Emery, Ely Finley, and Kim Smart. The sunshine and warmth have arrived, and on behalf of CLC-K, have a safe and enjoyable summer. Ron Coristine Executive Director Community Living Chatham-KentW W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C ANEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity Connections Volume 2 Summer 2026 MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ROCK YOUR SOCKS!Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting Lives PARTICIPATING IN OUR COMMUNITYNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity Connections Volume 2 Summer 2026W W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C A H I K E F O R H O S P I C E A group of CLC‐K employees participated in the Hike for Hospice in support of Chatham-Kent Hospice. Although it was a windy and cool day, the energy and strong sense of community were felt by everyone in attendance. SYDENHAM CHALLENGE CLC-K proudly paddled in blue at the Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival as Team Sync or Swim! The team competed in three races and raced in Division E, where they captured the gold medal! Congratulations, Paddlers! Our Leaders Within speakers got together to encourage everyone to “Rock Your Socks” for World Down Syndrome Day! Check out the video by scanning the QR Code:
Spring AdventuresDiscovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting Lives PARTICIPATING IN OUR COMMUNITY BATTER UP!NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity Connections Volume 2 Summer 2026W W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C A N I A G A R A F A L L S Charlie and Todd made it out to the home opener for the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers. We’re looking forward to a great summer season filled with fun, excitement, and cheering on the Barnstormers all season long! Jessica recently achieved one of her personal goals for the year by enjoying an overnight spa getaway! She travelled with Annette to the Elmhurst Inn, where they enjoyed a relaxing spa day that included a massage, manicures and pedicures. Gina achieved her goal of taking a trip to Niagara Falls! She visited Bird Kingdom, Clifton Hill, and the Falls. Her favourite activity was Wizard’s Golf. She also enjoyed an exceptional view of the Falls from her room, where she watched the lights and fireworks show. Susan had a wonderful day filled with fun and connection! She visited a quilt show, where she met new friends and captured some great photos. It was a fantastic day all around!
PARTICIPATING IN OUR COMMUNITYDiscovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting Lives CAR SHOW FUN! VOLUNTEERINGNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity Connections Volume 2 Summer 2026W W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C A Jackie enjoyed a beautiful hike at Rock Glen Conservation Area. It was the perfect day to get outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the scenic views along the trails! Todd enjoyed a special night out at the Elvis concert at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre. He sang along to all the classics, danced the night away, and soaked up every moment of the show. E N J O Y I N G T H E W E AT H E R ! Brett, Derek, and Nicole shared smiles and served up delicious tacos at The Salvation Army Church, bringing people together in a welcoming way. Their efforts perfectly captured the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, creating an atmosphere of connection, and community. Joey and Cooper enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at Mitchell’s Bay for the annual car show. They took in the impressive lineup of classic and custom vehicles while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsW W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C ADIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION AND JUSTICE (DEIJ)Scan the QR code to watch a video about Diwali and learn how to make Nigerian puff puffs! Volume 2 Summer 2026 Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee, established in 2025, continues to make intentional strides to advance inclusive practices, strengthen awareness, and foster a more equitable and welcoming environment across our agency. In February, our agency celebrated Diwali, thanks to Committee member Kiranpreet, who shared her customs and traditions. This initiative has inspired others to share their own cultural experiences with the agency. In collaboration with the CLC-K Wellness Committee, the DEIJ Committee hosted a luncheon at Gurkha Lounge, a local Indian and Nepalese restaurant, in March. This provided employees with an opportunity to explore different cultures and cuisines. We also extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Sabiha for thoughtfully sharing traditional foods in celebration of Eid al-Fitr at a recent team meeting. Additionally, Committee member Bimpe shared her culture by preparing a Nigerian dish called puff-puff. She has been making this dish at her work location and also created a video for coworkers to enjoy. Together, these efforts continue to strengthen a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion at CLC-K.
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsW W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C AVOLUNTEER BREAKFASTOur annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast took place on April 21 at the Retro Suites Hotel, and it was truly a wonderful celebration of incredible people who make our work possible. With over 110 volunteers in attendance, the morning was filled with appreciation, connection, and heartfelt recognition. We were honoured to welcome guest speaker Peter Cobb, along with Mayor Darrin Canniff, who brought greetings and shared words of gratitude for the impact our volunteers have across our community. A special thank you also goes to Terri B., our Leaders Within speaker for the morning. Their messages echoed what we know to be true, our volunteers are at the very heart of everything we do. To all of our volunteers, thank you. Your commitment strengthens our community and helps create a more inclusive and welcoming place for all. Scan the QR code to watch a video that captures highlights of the morning. S c a n t h e Q R c o d e t o w a t c h a v i d e o f e a t u r i n g h i g h l i g h t s f r o m t h e m o r n i n g . Volume 2 Summer 2026
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsW W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C AC O M M U N I T Y L I V I N G M O N T H Community Living Month was a wonderful celebration of connection, inclusion, and community spirit! Guided by this year’s theme, Connections That Count, we kicked off the month with our annual Flag Raising and BBQ. We were delighted to honour Giant Tiger owner Mark Lush with the Joyce M. Carr Champion Award for being an inclusive employer. We also presented the Rob McLandress Make a Dream Come True Award to Micheline M. and Tyler B. A special thank you to OPSEU Local 148, Schinkels, and Maple City Bakery for their generous support of the event. Throughout May, we hosted and participated in a variety of meaningful events, including our Box Lunch fundraiser, the BizConneCKt networking event (co-hosted with Performance 360), Boston Pizza Day, Riverview Bingo Day, and a very special Barnstormers game, where we saw Tod K. throw the first pitch! Each event created opportunities to connect, celebrate achievements, and highlight the importance of inclusion within our community. A sincere thank you to our employees, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who helped make this month such a success. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive Chatham-Kent! Volume 2 Summer 2026
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsW W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C AThe Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is intended to reduce and remove barriers for people who have diverse abilities, in hopes that Ontario can become more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Collaboration among businesses, organizations, communities and all levels of government is key to reaching this goal. Community Living Chatham-Kent attains the highest standard to meet accessibility achievements to accommodate people who access services, employees and visitors. To ensure our new playground at Children’s Respite is as safe and accessible as possible, a rubber flooring surface was installed using funds from our charitable gaming proceeds. This matting makes the space easier to navigate for children using mobility devices and enhances overall safety and accessibility for all users. A C C E S S I B I L I T Y Volume 2 Summer 2026
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesAPRIL STACEY DAWSON – 25 YEARS KAROLYNN ALEXANDER-HOGLUND – 10 YEARS JULIE ALLISON – 10 YEARS JESSICA DALE – 10 YEARS GREG LUCIO – 10 YEARS MAY JUDY FLAGLOR – 25 YEARS BRIDGET TUINSTRA –20 YEARS JUNE BRANDI LEAN – 20 YEARS A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO BARBARA HILL ON CELEBRATING HER 42ND ANNIVERSARY! WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY RETIREMENT, BARBARA! APRIL STACEY DAWSON – 25 YEARS KAROLYNN ALEXANDER-HOGLUND – 10 YEARS JULIE ALLISON – 10 YEARS JESSICA DALE – 10 YEARS GREG LUCIO – 10 YEARS MAY JUDY FLAGLOR – 25 YEARS BRIDGET TUINSTRA –20 YEARS JUNE BRANDI LEAN – 20 YEARS A SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS TO BARBARA HILL ON CELEBRATING HER 42ND ANNIVERSARY! WISHING YOU A VERY HAPPY RETIREMENT, BARBARA!NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsW W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C A WORK ANNIVERSARIESWORK ANNIVERSARIES Volume 2 Summer 2026
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsCommunity ConnectionsW W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C AJonathan Daniel Stone John Klassen Chad Caron Ruby Hatt Brian DeFraeye Terry McEachran Lisa Kerr Lawrie Maris Jonathan Daniel Stone John Klassen Chad Caron Ruby Hatt Brian DeFraeye Terry McEachran Lisa Kerr Lawrie Maris" T h o s e w e l o v e d o n ' t g o a w a y , t h e y w a l k b e s i d e u s e v e r y d a y . U n s e e n , u n h e a r d , b u t a l w a y s n e a r . L o v e d , m i s s e d , a n d v e r y d e a r . " - A l e x M a c L e a n " T h o s e w e l o v e d o n ' t g o a w a y , t h e y w a l k b e s i d e u s e v e r y d a y . U n s e e n , u n h e a r d , b u t a l w a y s n e a r . L o v e d , m i s s e d , a n d v e r y d e a r . " - A l e x M a c L e a n Volume 2 Summer 2026
Discovering Dreams,Discovering Dreams,Connecting LivesConnecting LivesVolume 2 Summer 2026 O N B E H A L F O F E V E R Y O N E ATO N B E H A L F O F E V E R Y O N E AT C L C - KC L C - K H AV E A S A F E A N DH AV E A S A F E A N D H A P P Y S U M M E R !H A P P Y S U M M E R ! O N B E H A L F O F E V E R Y O N E AT C L C - K H AV E A S A F E A N D H A P P Y S U M M E R !W W W . C L C - K . C A 5 1 9 - 3 5 2 - 1 1 7 4 I N F O @ C L C - K . C A