Empower Simcoe MeaningfulLife Newsletter March 2021

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MeaningfulLife
March 2021

MeaningfulLife features stories of accomplishments people have achieved and the Personal Outcome Measures related to these achievements. Personal Outcome Measures are the foundation of everything Empower Simcoe does to support people.

The Simcoe Muskoka District moved back into the grey lockdown zone effective Monday March 1, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. The lockdown zone consists of widescale measures and restrictions, including closures, to halt or interrupt transmission of Covid-19.

All Empower Simcoe programs and departments will continue to operate in the current capacity with a combined approach of virtual supports, work and meetings, where possible. We have not received notification from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services regarding updates to family visiting practices. As we receive further information we will communicate changes as appropriate.

For current information regarding each region and the level of public health measures please access the Covid-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open website.

We cannot stress enough the importance of everyone adhering to all current local public health unit requirements and Empower Simcoe health and safety measures for Covid-19 to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Find the latest developments on Empower Simcoe closures, cancelled events, and resources for children and caregivers here.

Self Advocates' Questions About Covid-19

Empower Simcoe volunteer Allison Bobbette recently joined a panel of self-advocates to ask doctors about the Covid-19 vaccine. Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities and CAMH connected with a few doctors to help answer these questions. Thank you Allison for sharing this important information with us.

If you have a question about the Covid vaccine, this video may be able to answer it.

Outcome - People have the best possible health

Empower Simcoe
Finalist for Not for Profit of the Year

The Barrie Chamber of Commerce and the City of Barrie are pleased to announce that Empower Simcoe has been chosen as a finalist in the Not-for-Profit or Charitable Organization Award category for the 2020 Barrie Business Awards.

This award is in recognition of a not-for-profit or charitable organization that exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit, with demonstrated excellence and growth in programs, services and overall returns to community. As a finalist, Empower Simcoe is recognized for our agency's operational achievements, marketing and promotion, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement.

This year's Barrie Business Awards will be presented during a virtual awards presentation on March 25th. Visit the Barrie Chamber of Commerce's website for more information.

Congratulations Empower Simcoe!

Join Empower Simcoe CEO Claudine Cousins on March 30th, as Lakehead University and Georgian College present the virtual series Leading through Unprecedented Times. Claudine will be joined by other local leaders in a panel discussion about navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, while maintaining the strength and reputation of their organizations.

Register here.

Snowmen Everywhere

Thanks to the people and families we support at Empower Simcoe for celebrating winter and building a snowman during the month of February.

Clockwise top left: Doug and Robert's smiling Valentine's themed snowman; Marian and Rayelle's snowmen creations prove the size of your snowman doesn't matter; Perry's cowboy themed snowman is ready to ride; Hat's off to Ally's snowmen; Joe's Spunky Snowman entry; and Les' snow art is the cat's meow! Above, honourable mention goes to our Community Support Services Orillia team for their creative and colourful Be Belong Thrive snow art, and Employment Support Services Coordinator Debbie Osborn's Empower Simcoe snowman.

Great job Everyone!

Outcome - People participate in the life of the community

Hip Hop Dreams Come True

In last month's edition of Meaningful Life, we introduced you to hip hop artist Jimmy Saengone, who's supported by the Empower Simcoe Family Home Program. Jimmy's thrilled to announce his new album, Love Story is now officially available for digital download. 5 brand new songs for just $10.00. Congratulations Jimmy on this exciting musical milestone!

You can download Love Story (The Album) through Jimmy's website here.

Outcome - People realize personal goals

The Road to Accreditation 2021

Empower Simcoe is excited to announce the next date for Reaccreditation is May 18th – May 21st, 2021. Stayed tuned as we share more information and ways to be involved in this venture and the recognition of all the excellent supports and services provided by Empower Simcoe.

According to CQL, "Empower Simcoe is to be commended on the progress made in moving forward with its long term goals and for efforts to maintain the Basic Assurances® and continuing to enhance the use of the Personal Outcome Measures® for planning for people and for the organization."

It is the dedicated, hard work of all Empower Simcoe stakeholders that has assisted our organization in achieving accreditation with The Council on Quality and Leadership since 2007!

Melissa's Birthday Fundraiser

As a dedicated Empower Simcoe volunteer, Melissa Swales lends her passionate voice of self-advocacy for people of all abilities as a member our Empower Simcoe Believe In Yourself Committee. With a March birthday just a few weeks away, Melissa invites you to celebrate her special day by giving to Empower Simcoe.

With heartfelt gratitude, thank you Melissa for generously giving back and helping others supported by Empower Simcoe.

To donate, visit Melissa's Facebook birthday fundraiser page here.

Outcome - People choose personal goals

Save The Date for Golf

Golf is back in 2021! Save the date for Thursday June 24th for the 25th Annual Empower Simcoe Golf Tournament at The Braestone Club, just south of Orillia. Join us for this fun day of golf as we raise funds for Empower Simcoe programs. Look for registration details coming soon.

Please note, Empower Simcoe will be working closely with Braestone to ensure physical distancing and Covid-19 safety protocols are in place for golfers.

Mental Health for Adults
with Developmental Disabilities during Covid-19

Beginning March 17, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. EST, this six-week course is for Ontario family caregivers of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). The curriculum will specifically address the mental health challenges one can face during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Register here.

Subscribe to MeaningfulLife and stay up to date with everything that's happening at Empower Simcoe. Inspirational stories of accomplishment, what we're working on as an agency and upcoming events are just a click away.

EarlyON Outdoor Fun

Another great program for children, parents and caregivers at Empower Simcoe's EarlyON Child and Family Centre. Join Program Facilitators, Carol, Debbie, Sandy and Leanne for a fun, parent-child interactive virtual outdoor adventure. Over 4 weeks we will discover and explore area parks and wintertime experiences.

Maximum Number of Registrants: 20

Time of Course: 10:00 AM

Date of Course: April 12,19, 26 and May 3, 2021

For: Children ages 0-6, Parents and Caregivers

Registration will open: Monday, February 12th at 9:00 AM.

Zoom link will be provided

Questions? You can contact us as facilitator@empowersimcoe.ca

Have a comment, question or story idea? Contact: call (705) 726-9082 ext. 5280, or email communications@empowersimcoe.ca