Bo Fleishman from Rotary, Laura Parsonson and Paul Collins

By: Laura Parsonson, Council member

On September 4^th the Kingsway Chapter of the Kiwanis Club hosted their monthly meeting and luncheon at the Old Mill.

I was very happy to address the group and tell them about the wonderful programs offered at Creative Village Studio. They were interested in the history of Community Living Toronto, ODSP and were particularly keen to know about fee-for-service day programs. Art work from the studio was displayed for their viewing pleasure.

Our application to Kiwanis was for funds to help support people who have no discretionary money to pay for day programs.  Many individuals have little or no opportunity to take advantage of the art, photography, choir, computer or pottery classes at Creative Village Studio.  The real issue is about equity.

Bo Fleishman from Kiwanis Kingsway presented our region (Etobicoke/York) with a cheque for $3000. Bursaries are available to individuals who have limited resources and would like to attend classes at Creative Village     Studio.

If you would like to apply for a bursary please contact Georgina Stergiotis at 647-729-0445 or Laura Parsonson lauraparsonson@gmail.com

Applicants may apply for more than one bursary throughout the year.

A Valuable Summer Experience

By: Jeneel Gowie and Krisztina Siroki

During the course of this summer, Jeneel Gowie and Krisztina Siroki- were hired by Community Living  Toronto’s Community First to work with Mike Adair and Flora Nichols as Youth Employment Facilitators in the Youth Summer Employment Transitions Program funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. Janeel and Kristztin worked alongside five students with intellectual disabilities to help them find jobs, and then support them throughout the job. They were assisted with job development, interview preparation and on the job coaching. Finding employment positions was challenging. In the end, every one of the candidates had an opportunity for a summer placement. Each one of the participants loved their placements, and were all able to gain valuable employment skills and experiences that could be transferred to future job opportunities.

To wrap up the summer program, a picnic at Christie Pits Park was planned to give everyone a final chance to hang out with each other, have fun, and celebrate the successes had by all over the summer.