Aw a r e n e s s
December 2013 - Issue #05
Community Partnerships Benefit Everyone!
Chris Bellchambers Receives Order of Orillia
If you live in or visit Orillia, you probably know that behind the scenes of nearly every
local community event is Christopher Bellchambers. Chris has worked on almost every
event in Orillia over the years including the Orillia Farmers’ Market, the Canada Day
parade, the Santa Claus parade, the Orillia Beatles’ Celebration and Downtown Orillia’s
Great Easter Egg Hunt. He also dedicates his
time to the Orillia Opera House, Lighthouse
Christian Ministries and helps out at various
other community events.
Chris was honoured for his devotion to the city
by being recognized with the Order of Orillia
on September 30th, 2013. The award ceremony
took place at City Hall in Chambers with two
other community members who also received
the award. A large number of Chris’ fellow
volunteers, along with his mother, his aunt and
grandparents came out to show support and
congratulate Chris on receiving this prestigious
honour.
Over the years more than 40 worthy people
and organizations have received the Order
of Orillia. The award recognizes a decade of
volunteerism. Chris was quoted that night as
saying, “it makes me feel good inside”. Congratulations Chris!
Laura Stock
Debbie Knight, Tom Doust, Ayla Schulz, Shawn Aldrich, Stephen Monkhouse
(BMO volunteers)
United Way Day of Caring
People supported through Accommodation Services at several group
living options in both Orillia and Barrie benefitted from the Greater
Simcoe County United Way’s “Day of Caring” initiative. These “days” took
place on October 25th and November 25th, 2013. Groups of staff from
BMO took on the painting of various bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms
and hallways in Barrie. Fenbrook & Beaver Creek staff painted a variety of
rooms in a number of homes of people supported in Orillia.
Having their room painted is currently the financial responsibility of the
people we support. Having someone contribute the “sweat equity” is so
greatly appreciated!
Thank you to the thoughtful staff at BMO and Fenbrook and Beaver Creek
who brightened the lives of so many people and to the United Way for
making it all possible!
Melanie Demolder, Mike Turner, Caleb Ribalkin, Melissa Ellis, James Harrison,
Elaine Evans, Jennifer Strang, Jeff Bassel, Meaghan Kelly, Doug Marshall
Tag Day Participation Nets Results
For One And All
On September 13th, a group of staff and people supported from Community
Support Services (CSS) in Orillia participated in a Tag Day benefitting the Orillia
Youth Centre. Staff member Mike Turner was the lead volunteer for this activity.
Because of the participation of the CSS volunteers, an additional Tag Day location
at the Orillia Home Hardware Store was established. Volunteers completed one
hour shifts interacting directly with shoppers. The Director of the Centre sent a
personal letter to each volunteer expressing his gratitude.
The Youth Centre relies on donations and income from fundraisers such as this one
to be able to operate. This building is being renovated and a community kitchen is
being added. Because of the partnership, CSS will be able to access this community
kitchen twice weekly beginning in 2014.
Back Row: Dave Ling, Scott Tempest, Carol Litster, Sue Wrigley, Shannon Turner
Front Row: Janet Harris, Cindy Jamieson (Fenbrook & Beaver Creek Volunteers)
Thank you and congratulations to one and all! Partnerships benefit everyone!
Igniting the unlimited potential of all people
SIMCOE COMMUNITY SERVICES
39 FRASER COURT
BARRIE ON L4N 5J5
40764047
Awareness - December 2013
President’s Message
It is with much excitement and
anticipation that I look forward to our
coming New Year 2014. It is expected
that the Ontario Ombudsman’s
Report will be made available in
January and the Select Committee on
Developmental Disability will make
their report in February.
The Ombudsman has made every effort
to reach out to families, individuals
with an intellectual disability and
stakeholders to try to understand the
scope and complexity of the problems
faced by desperate parents just trying
to cope and survive, all alone in the
community. Our two prominent
provincial organizations, Community
Living Ontario and OASIS, have
made significant deputations to the
Ombudsman in an effort to highlight
the serious challenges being faced
by our friends and neighbours in our
community who have been left adrift
by the system, people who are bereft
of any supports or services. We are
hopeful that the government of the day
will listen very carefully and act on the
expected recommendations that come
forth from the Ombudsman. We are
extremely pleased that our local Barrie
Service Profile - Accommodation Services
Accommodation Services provides
a variety of living options to 348
children, adults and seniors who
are diagnosed with an intellectual
disability. 350 support staff members
provide person directed supports to
assist people to realize their identified
goals. Support is geared toward what
each person wishes and requires
including supports that assist people
to make informed choices, develop
skills, increase independence and
become involved and connected
within their communities. People
may also need assistance with cooking
meals, finances, attending medical
appointments, safety and rights
awareness, relationship development
as well as with their choice of work,
volunteer and/or leisure activities
and assistance to be involved in their
community in a meaningful way.
Accommodation Services operates
41 group living homes within Barrie
and Orillia serving both children
and adults. Group living typically
provides support to four or five
people in each home and offers 24
hour staffing.
Children living in group living
attend neighbourhood schools. Their
therapy, dental and other needs
are provided through community
agencies/providers
and
their
educational needs are met through
the Board of Education. An annual
plan of care in conjunction with
parents/guardians helps set future
goals. Children’s group homes are
licensed under the Child and Family
Services Act.
Adults are supported in group
living as well as in the Supported
Independent Living (SIL) option,
which provides support to adults
in Barrie and Orillia who reside in
their own apartment, townhouse,
rooming house or detached home.
An individualized support plan is
developed by the person, support staff
and others who are important in his/
her life.
O’Brien House is a retirement setting
and home for ten older individuals
who have chosen to embrace a quieter
life style. Each person has his/her
own bedroom and ensuite bathroom.
The home provides 24 hour staffing
supports and an in-home cook
provides individualized meals.
All adult accommodation options
are licensed under the Services and
Supports to Promote the Social
Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Act, 2008 and Quality Assurance
Measures.
Accommodation
Services
also
provides respite services to both
children and adults who require full
accessibility and two “safe” beds to
respond to community emergencies.
All new participants must be referred
to Accommodation Services through
Developmental Services Ontario
(DSO).
MPP Rod Jackson has been selected
as a member of the Select Committee
on Developmental Disability and has
taken an active interest in bringing
to light the extreme challenges being
faced by parents and people with an
intellectual disability all across the
Province of Ontario. The Committee
will be physically going to locations
as diverse as Ottawa, Moosonee and
Sandy Lake so that not only southern
Ontario but the whole Province has an
opportunity to tell their story. We are
very proud of Rod for making this kind
of commitment and sacrifice which
involves many meetings and much
travel over the holiday season in order
that the committee is able to deliver
their report by February of 2014. He
will have precious little time to spend
with his family and young children and
we sincerely appreciate their personal
sacrifice as well.
I cannot say for certain what changes
will happen as a result of all of this
focused attention on the Developmental
Services Sector but I can say that
everyone will have had an opportunity
to have their concerns made public. I
can say that government will have to
acknowledge that there is a serious
problem that requires them to take
action. The media will be following this
very closely and the bright light of day
will be shone in some very dark corners.
Entitlement may be one answer that
ensures that every person who needs
help, gets it. What the meaning of
Entitlement might be remains to be
defined but it could be the very step
needed to begin to launch the kind of
change that people in Ontario want,
that they need and that they deserve.
May you have a very happy, healthy
Holiday Season and may the New Year
bring forth the fruits of a new birth and
a new era of prosperity for one and all.
Sincerely,
David Barber, President SCS
Service Profile - Community Support Services
Community
Support
Services provides supports
and
services
dedicated
to providing adults with
opportunities
to
have
meaningful days within
the communities of Barrie,
Orillia and surrounding
townships.
All new
participants
must
be
referred to Community
Support Services through
Developmental
Services
Ontario (DSO). The DSO
refers to our service as
“Community Participation”.
Over 300 people receive
this
service
either
through our Day Program
Option, Resource Centre,
Employment Support, Job
Readiness or Transition.
Hours
of
participation
vary from several half
days per week to full time
participation. People who
participate may live at home
with family, may receive
accommodation
support
from other community
organizations or may receive
support from one of the
many
accommodation
options offered by Simcoe
Community Services.
Day options and supports
are provided to adults living
in Barrie and Orillia. This
program operates Monday
to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.
m. The program’s primary
goal is to help adults find and
maintain leisure/recreational
activities and/or volunteer
placements which interest
them. While the majority
of community participation
occurs at various places of
interest in the communities
we serve, there are currently
two base locations in Barrie
(129 Ferris Lane and 39
Fraser Court) and one in
Orillia (4 King Street). At
39 Fraser Court and 4
King Street, there is the
opportunity to have sensory
and physiotherapy needs
met. Both locations have
equipment that enhances
mobility such as lift systems,
mats, and therapy tubs to
provide people the chance
to relax and stretch. Virtual
reality,
Snoezelen
and
computer assisted learning
are also available.
The Resource Centre is
located at 129 Ferris Lane and
operates Monday, Tuesday
and Thursday from 4:00
-9:00 p.m. On Wednesdays
and Fridays it is open from
1:00 -9:00 p.m. This program
is led by the participants
with staff support.
The
Resource Centre is a place
where people can access peer
support, gain information,
plan activities and participate
in the community.
Job Readiness is a program
that is offered to people
looking to gain skills and
knowledge in regards to
employment.
This six
month course runs once a
year in Barrie and Orillia.
Participants take part in both
classroom sessions and work
placement opportunities.
The Employment Support
Program helps people to
prepare for, obtain and
maintain
employment.
Potential
employees
are given access to the
information and resources
that they need. Employment
Support
Services
Coordinators and Workers
offer employers access to
qualified job candidates
and a job matching service.
Job coaching, training and
ongoing support is provided
to both employees and
employers. The Employment
Support Program is offered
in both Barrie and Orillia.
The Transitions Program is
available to youth and young
adults who are attending
or have recently left high
school.
The Transition
Coordinators offer support
and provide resources to the
person, their family, schools
and
other
community
organizations.
Skills and
abilities are assessed and
interests explored to enhance
individual goals.
Youth & Summer Fun
This summer, Youth in Action was again busy with many fun skill-building sessions. Every week
approximately 16 high-school aged youth in Barrie and 8 youth in Orillia learned about the different
resources available in their community, learned new skills, and made new friends.
This past year, the Orillia Youth Program received funding from The Community Foundation of
Orillia and Area for field trip expenses. The funds that Simcoe Community Services received went
towards two additional field trips that would not have happened without the funding.
The first additional field trip was to Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre in Victoria Harbour.
We chose this field trip as that particular week’s theme was “Mind, Body and Soul”. The week was all
about the youth and the interconnectedness of mind, body and soul in their everyday lives and about
finding the balance to living well. At Enaahtig the youth heard Aboriginal stories of creation, took
part in a drum circle, toured a teepee and were able to make their own medicine pouch. This field trip
was a great example to the youth of how a healthy mind, body and soul contribute to overall wellbeing.
The second field trip was to Toronto for the day. The theme for this week was “Almost Famous”. Some
of the activities that the Barrie and Orillia groups participated in during this week were: what it’s like
to be a celebrity; social media; making their own movie; and learning about the famous people in their
own communities.
Because of the funds received from the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area, we were able to
Kevin Corriveau, Meghan Anca, Mackenzie Doucet, Payton Green & Nicole Moran-Santin
invite youth from the Orillia Youth Centre as well as youth from the SCS Barrie youth group to join
enjoy the Old Spaghetti Factory
us on our field trip to Toronto. We visited the Bata Shoe Museum in the morning, went to the famous
Spaghetti Factory for lunch and then over to the Hockey Hall of Fame. This opportunity allowed for inclusion for youth from three different programs.
A heartfelt thanks to The Orillia Foundation of Orillia and Area and to the United Way of Greater Simcoe County for assisting with these opportunities for youth.
Kristi Pitkin & Caitlin Foisy
Preschool Services
Awareness - December 2013
The Use of Visual Strategies at The Early Years Centre
As facilitators, we are always
open to making Early Years
Programs the best that they
can be.
Strategies are to all children,
not only to children identified
with a speech language delay
or autism spectrum disorder.
While working with the
Resource Teacher “Summer
Playgroup”
Program,
we
observed the benefits that
Visual Strategies provided for
children with various needs.
A facilitator “strategy” was
born.
In
conversations
with
Lauretta Tulipano, Speech and
Language Pathologist at Royal
Victoria Regional Health
Centre, we often discussed
how valuable the use of Visual
Mason and Lacey Green
Visual strategies are posted
throughout the Early Years
Centre, Innisfil Hub and
Outreach Playgroups for all
parents and children to follow.
All children benefit from
being able to follow routines,
transition from activity to
activity, activity to snack,
clean-up time to circle time,
follow circle time expectations
and transition from circle to
home time.
As facilitators we have enjoyed
seeing the huge benefits both
children and parents have
gained from with these visual
tools.
For families that would like
more information, please
contact Ontario Early Years
Centre,
Victoria
Village.
(705)792-7878
Pat McCullagh
Community Living
Cinderella’s Costume Wins Coveted Award
For the past four years I have participated in the Halloween Howl Walk for Special Olympics. This takes place
at Tudhope Park and is hosted by the Orillia Parks and Recreation Department. This year I chose to dress up as
Cinderella in her carriage. The support staff at my home helped me choose a theme, took me shopping for the
supplies that I would need and spent time on creating the carriage and costume for me.
The event took place on Saturday October 26th. Darquis (a support staff with SCS) and I dressed for the event
and braved the cold, wet weather. We completed the 5 kilometre walk and, upon our return to the main building,
I was awarded with the “most original costume” for 2013.
We are already looking for fun new costume ideas for 2014 and I am looking forward to taking pledges again!
Bonnie Slessor/Darquis Bushey
I Believe I Can Fly!
Scott had the opportunity to fly
Scott Reed had the opportunity, through Passport funding, to have a
private flying lesson with Future Air, located at the Simcoe County
Airport. Scott had a briefing session which explained the functions
of the plane prior to going to fly the actual plane. From there, Scott
reviewed with the pilot Jeff Cox, visual checks that had to be made to
the plane prior to flying. Once that was complete, Scott and Jeff took
off from Simcoe County Airport and flew up towards Orillia, the
Washago area as well as Mt. St. Louis area. Scott had the opportunity
to fly the plane once they were in the air. Scott said the experience
was “beautiful as well as heart-warming”. Scott recommends this
experience to anyone who is interested. Scott has stated that he would
like to have this opportunity again during the summer months and
is even interested in taking some flying lessons possibly in the future.
Richard and Babe
A Very Special Dog
Karaoke King
My name is Richard Bassani and my dog’s name
is Babe. Babe is a beagle and she will be nine
years old this year. We go on walks. Sometimes
she barks. Babe is afraid of fireworks. She hides
behind mom and me. Babe eats and sleeps a lot.
If I’m not feeling well, I talk to her and hug her.
Babe always listens to me.
My name is Paul Ingram and I love karaoke! My
favourite duet songs to sing are “Islands in the Stream”
and “‘I’ve Had the Time of My Life” with my friend
Jami. I have been singing karaoke at day program
for a number of years and love the Friday afternoons
when we have karaoke. I have always had a passion
for music and love listening to different types of music.
If you are ever at Community Support Services on a
Friday afternoon you could always pop in and see if I
am on the stage singing a song.
Babe is an awesome dog and I take care of her
and love her. She is beautiful. Her nickname is
Babearelly. When I come home she is waiting
for me at the door, barking with my other dog,
Rocky, and wagging her tail.
Paul Ingram
Paul performs for friend Jamie
Music Makes Good Memories
28 Neywash Street is a hopping place to be one Tuesday of every month. The people
who live here host a Music Therapy session facilitated by Heidi Flynn. Seven people
from other group living sites in Orillia join them. This high energy group makes a
lot of noise during the 45 minute
interactive musical experience.
Some of the people involved are old
friends and some are developing
friendships. During December,
Music Therapy is extra special.
Following Music Therapy, friends
are invited to stay and celebrate
with pizza and drinks. This gives
everyone involved a chance to
celebrate the holiday season and
friendships which will continue
to develop when Music Therapy
resumes in the New Year.
Amy Bigelow
Bonnie makes a beautiful Cinderalla
Friends enjoy music therapy
Richard Bassani/Donna Mills
Fond Camp Memories
This past summer, Selina and Richard attended Christian Horizons summer
camp in Paisley, Ontario. For one week, Richard and Selina participated
in various activities like paddle boats, swimming, train rides, Bingo
and crafts. Selina and
Richard really enjoyed
singing songs around the
camp fire, story telling
and especially meeting
lots of new people that
have the same interests.
Oh and let’s not forgot
about the pie and
ice cream! Richard
and Selina can’t wait to
go back together next
summer and experience
Selina and Richard
new camp adventures.
Awareness - December 2013
Simcoe Community Services Foundation
Meridian Provides Much Needed
Respite to Families
The Simcoe Community Services
Foundation recently received a $6,000
donation from Meridian Credit Union,
raised from their 2013 charity golf
tournament. This generous gift will
provide much needed respite for up
to 10 families who are currently on a
waitlist for a break from round-theclock care of their loved one(s) with
intellectual disabilities. Respite is vital
to maintain any healthy family unit as
it creates opportunities for all family
members to live actively and participate
in community activities while allowing
parents/guardians to recharge their
batteries.
The Ministry of Community and
Social Services and The Ministry of
Children and Youth Services currently
funds respite support to 161 families
in our region. Because of continued
population growth in the Barrie,
Bradford and Angus communities,
the need for respite greatly exceeds
the available funding
with presently over 200
families on the waitlist.
“When a family receives
respite support, it’s a winwin for both the parent
and the child. Parents not
only get a much needed
break but their child gets
to engage in new activities
and opportunities which
lead to a more fulfilled
life and expands their
potential,” says Carolyn Harris,
Simcoe Community Services’ Respite
Coordinator. To illustrate, one family has
two children with intellectual disabilities.
These children were not involved in
activities at school or in the community
as the family didn’t have adequate
financial resources. The children were
not connecting with their peers and felt
isolated and uncomfortable in social
settings. With RESPITE SUPPORT, the
Ron Ptasiuk, Kelly Kirk, Josee Doucet, Jason Teal, Nick Hauck, Lisa Spinks-Smith
family has been able to access inclusive
recreational activities for their children,
which have helped them flourish. The
children were surprised to meet other
children from their school at these
activities and quickly made friends.
The parents reported that their children
were coming home happier which made
subsequent family time easier and more
enjoyable.
The Simcoe Community Services
Foundation depends on community
partners such as the Meridian Credit
Union to assist families on waitlists
in their wish to provide the best
quality of life for all its members. For
information on how you can help a
family, please contact Lisa SpinksSmith, Fund Developer, at lspinkssmith@simcoecommunityservices.ca.
D.H. Gordon Foundation invests in the People we Support!
For the fifth year in a row, the D.H. Gordon Foundation is investing in adults with intellectual
disabilities supported by Community Support Services (CSS). CSS promotes inclusion and
independence by providing opportunities for people to participate in community activities.
However, often times, many activities can be cost prohibitive for participants because of the
associated entrance fees and transportation costs.
The funding provided by the D.H. Gordon Foundation is ensuring that 300 people who wouldn’t
otherwise be able to afford to do so, will be able to participate in recreational activities that promote
health and community involvement. D. H. Gordon’s generosity will be used to purchase bus passes
to ensure people can access community resources: fitness activities including ‘Body Groove’
workshops, weekly swimming, ball hockey and courses offered through Parks and Recreation; cooking classes that teach nutrition, meal planning and food preparation, employment readiness
workshops like ‘Looking Good, Feeling Great’ and art projects and workshops.
Thank you, D.H. Gordon Foundation, for the significant difference you make in the lives of adults
with intellectual disabilities. You are removing barriers and relieving poverty and isolation while
promoting healthy living and a sense of belonging for the people who need it most!
Lisa Spinks-Smith, Fund Developer
Make Dreams Become Reality This Holiday Season
It is that time of year when we focus on giving gifts to our family and friends and making
their dreams come true. Individuals with an intellectual disability have dreams too. They
may dream about attending a baseball or hockey game, learning how to use a computer,
taking an art class or participating in training to learn a new skill. Your donation will
go directly to individuals and families for much needed support that will make dreams
become reality. Please consider making a gift to Simcoe Community Services Foundation,
which will make all the difference in putting a smile on the face of someone who needs it
most.
Jenny Addison enjoys getting fit
Simcoe Community Services Board of Directors
David Barber................................... President
Bob Kennedy................................... Member
Pat Mansfield................................... Member
Bonnie Martino................................ Member
Bari McFarland................................ Member
Jim McNamara................................ Vice President
Steward McNeeley.......................... Member
Leslie Pressnail............................... Member
Valerie Scott.................................... Member
Lynn Stevenson............................... Member
Deborah Wall-Armstrong................. Member
Mitch Whyne.................................... Member
Marion Peck.............Chief Executive Officer
Mission Statement
We support people of all ages and abilities to realize
their full potential and to enhance their quality of life.
As a community, not-for-profit, multi-service
organization, we provide:
Services for children and adults with
intellectdual disabilities and their families;
Programs that promote the healthy
development of children of all abilities;
Services that respond to community needs
Simcoe Community Services
Foundation Board of Trustees
Ron Ptasiuk...................... President
Shelley Black.................... Trustee
Karl Cadera...................... Trustee
Brian Hobson.................... Trustee
Simcoe Community Services
39 Fraser Court
Barrie, ON L4N 5J5
Tel: (705) 726-9082
Fax: (705) 726-6875
www.simcoecommunityservices.ca
Pat Mansfield.................... Trustee
Maureen Noome............... Trustee
Lynn Stevenson................ Treasurer
Special Edition
To help celebrate the agency’s 60 anniversary, in
2013, Rogers Television (Steve McEown) created a
documentary about Simcoe Community Services.
Once filming got underway, we felt that the most
meaningful documentary would share the joys,
struggles and triumphs of a variety of people who
have an intellectual disability who receive support
from the agency. The documentary was unscripted
th
I Have A Voice
and people just stepped forward to talk about what
was important to them.
On the evening of October 8th, Rogers hosted a private
screening of “I Have A Voice” at the MacLaren Art
Centre. The stars of the documentary wore corsages
and boutonnieres and received a personal copy of
the documentary as they embraced their red carpet
moment. Friends, families and community members
gathered to watch this emotionally charged yet
informative documentary. Rogers reported a record
attendance for the screening.
The documentary will be a valuable tool for teaching
various community groups, locally as well as
provincially, about the importance of acceptance and
inclusion of all citizens.
Allison Bobbette narrates and links together some
wonderful personal stories
Tracy Pfrimmer realized her performing dream by
singing to a crowd at a karaoke bar
Don Green took his issues to Mayor Lehman
Taylor Abbospour loves working in a salon and LOVES Ellen!
Albert & Jocelyn Druer prove that love does conquer all
The cast of the documentary revels in their stardom
Igniting the unlimited potential of all people
Awareness - December 2013
Celebration and Recognition
On September 4 , SCS celebrated the opening of their new accessible entrance at 39 Fraser Court as well
as the unveiling of their “Landscape of Life” donor wall. Many supporters and donors gathered for the
festivities.
th
This event was followed by the agency’s 60th Annual General Meeting and awards presentation!
Gifts of the Heart awards are given out annually to people who have done an exceptional job of volunteering
their time and energy on behalf of the organization. Five people were honoured this year.
Mitch Whyne has been an agency board member for close to 20 years and has always supported the efforts of
the organization. His dad participated as a clothier in the early days of our annual fashion show; his family
and friends play in the annual golf
tournament and he and his family
members are financial supporters.
SCS is fortunate to have the support
of this very busy ER doc.
Bonnie Martino has been an agency
board member since 1994. During
her tenure she also volunteered
regularly at the Ontario Early Years
Centre. She’s been involved with
the Foundation Board (even acting
in the role of President) and is a faithful friend
and fundraiser on our behalf. She is also quick
to get others to support us as well! Thank you
so much, Bonnie, for your efforts!
Bonnie Martino and David Barber
Shelley Black has been involved with the
Foundation Board of Trustees since 2009.
Shelley is very community minded and has
immersed herself in activities that benefit
Marion Peck and Mitch Whyne
people who have an intellectual disability. She’s
established an annual pig roast at her home
complete with raffle, silent auction, and entertainment. All proceeds go to the Foundation. Thanks Shelley for being
such a great ambassador.
Kevin Grigg is a community-minded gentleman. Kevin is a member of the agency’s Self-Advocates Council. He has
volunteered for more than 10 years with Soldiers Memorial Hospital in his home town of Orillia. For the last while
Kevin has been a diligent agency Bingo volunteer.
We greatly appreciate how willing Kevin is to share
his time and talent with his community.
Caitlin Foisy has worked for SCS since 2010 but
has made an amazing impact in her short time.
Caitlin has been involved with the fashion show,
has encouraged several youth to act as agency
ambassadors when presenting to community
groups, represents the agency at several tables
which require French language and undertook
co-chairing the agency’s United Way campaign.
Congratulations and thank you Caitlin!
Shelley Black
Each year, a deserving person is presented with the
Community Partner of the Year award. In 2013
this honour went to Al Quigley from the Ranch.
Al generously donated the Ranch venue for our
fashion show fundraiser in 2013 and again for 2014.
Even with a dozen women telling him what to do,
Al calmly did their bidding and transformed the
venue into a family-friendly environment. Thanks
Al for both your generosity and patience!
Harold Dougall and Donna Gage were presented
with a plaque honouring their two terms of service
on the Self Advocates’ Council.
Jacquie McKnight and Kevin Grigg
David Barber thanks and congratulates
Brian Young for all his hard work!
David Barber also bade farewell and gave thanks
to Brian Young who served on the agency Board of
directors for several terms. During his tenure he
also acted in a variety of capacities with the OASIS
Board, including President. Thanks for all your
hard work Brian!
George Gough, Adrian Gough, Carol Wrightman, Lillian
Gough and Barbara Keill stand before the “Landscape of
Life” wall remembering Earl Kenneth Gough
Caitlin Foisy, a young go-getter
Reet Skelton and Al Quigley
Awareness - December 2013
Celebrating the Past and Navigating the Future
To help celebrate the history of the agency, on June 5th SCS hosted a Presidents’ breakfast at the MacLaren Art Centre. Former Board presidents recalled earlier days
of both struggle and expansion. Former SCS staff member Caroll Lowe and her brother Jim Hankin were in attendance. Their mom, Eileen Hankin, was instrumental
in establishing the agency in 1953. Caroll shared memories of “how it all began” and of the development of services in the first couple of decades.
Current Board President David Barber and Foundation Chair Ron Ptasiuk
praised how far the organization has come in the breadth and depth of its
service delivery, but also cautioned that 60 years later, we continue to need
the support of strong community volunteers and donors so that service gaps
do not grow.
Caroll Lowe and Jim Hankin
Former Board of Directors President & Vice Presidents - Yvonne Young, Louise Pope and Mary Mudde
Celebrity Ball Game!
On May 14th Simcoe Community Services (SCS) held a celebrity ball game at the Guthrie ball field in Oro.
It was an unusually cold May day but players, cheerleaders and fans were out in full force. The Kiwanis
Club generously hosted hotdogs, sausages and beverages.
The teams were mixed with
the best of local BIBA (Barrie
Integrated Baseball Association)
players as well as local politicians
and
media
representatives.
Local celebrities included Bruce
Stanton MP, Garfield Dunlop
MPP, Mike Arsalides CTV, Barrie
City Mayor Jeff Lehman and Cam
Brown and Steve McEown from
Rogers Television. While SCS was
celebrating its 60th anniversary,
members of the BIBA were
celebrating their 25th anniversary.
Karl Cadera stayed warm cooking up complimentary
hot dogs and sausages
Numerous staff and people
supported by the agency, led
by Kim Stephens, acted as
cheerleaders to keep both teams
motivated! While no one
officially kept score, a
good time was had by all.
Players were reminded
that sometimes someone
with a disability can
hit a triple and a local
politician can strike out.
The baseball game was a
great equalizer.
Maxine Johnson, John Johnson, Jacquie McKnight, Liz Wigg, Carrie Nadeau
and in front Jordan Downing cheer relentlessly
Allison Bobbette and MP Bruce Stanton get ready to play ball
Cassie & Jeff Lehman pose with Ann Sponalge at the game
CTV’s Mike Arsalides shows some team camaraderie
Awareness - December 2013
Court Party
On July 23 , SCS held a Court Party
at 39/40 Fraser Court. The Lions
Club provided complimentary
hotdogs, hamburgers and drinks for
all attendees. Popcorn, candy floss
and slushies were also available and a
variety of community vendors were
selling their wares. But, the most
exciting partof all was the variety of
entertainers who performed nonstop during this event for everyone’s
rd
enjoyment. The rain held off while
Tyler Firestone, Steve McEown,
Meaghan Ing, Mike Moreau, Lucas
Millar, David Barber, Zach Truen,
Tracy Pfrimmer, Allison Bobbette
and Logan Schramm (Elvis)
performed. Community partners,
people supported, staff members
and families were out in full force
celebrating 60 years of supporting
people with intellectual disabilities.
CEO Marion Peck serves up 60th Anniversary cake
Mike Hardy, Jamie Hall and Tom Burnep enjoy the festivities
Logan Schramm and Michael Fernandes give the event a big “thumbs up”
Reet Skelton, performer Tracy Pfrimmer and volunteer Tamara Agar pose for a picture
Performer David Barber and guest Harold Dougall enjoyed the festivities
A hungry crowd waited for The Lions’ barbeque