Marissa Blake (Left), Cheasnessa Pink (Centre) and Krista Bath (Right) at Parliament Hill

By: Patricia Araya and Michelle GrimleyOn February 26th a small and determined group from Community Living Toronto’s Individualized Support Program began their journey to Parliament Hill. Marissa and Krista-Lee started their road trip to Ottawa from their condo building in downtown Toronto. Alongside Marissa and Krista were Community Living Toronto staff members: Patricia Araya (Supervisor), Heidi Reynders (Senior Facilitator, Housing), Cheasnessa Pink (Support Staff), and Warren-Lee Herdsman (Driver). Marissa and Krista were there to present on what accessible housing means to them  and were ready to deliver the speeches they wrote to agency representatives and politicians.

Upon arriving in Ottawa, after a long drive, Marissa and Krista didn’t miss a beat. They rallied their energy and changed into their best outfits for the reception that evening to kick off National Developmental  Disabilities Month. Reena, the Intentional Community Consortium, and Community Living Toronto were invited to speak to the opportunities created through the National Housing Strategy and plan to increase Supportive Housing for those with Developmental Disabilities across Canada.

Many were in attendance at the Speakers Lounge at Parliament Hill including Community Living Toronto’s

Brad Saunders,CEO,  Frances MacNeil, Regional Executive Director,  Nick Macrae, former President of the Board, and Mary Pat Armstrong,  Founder and Chair of LIGHTS. At the cocktail party before their speeches, Marissa and Krista had the chance to speak about their experiences with, Members of Parliament, Irene Mathyssen and Adam Vaughan!

It was a proud moment for Community Living Toronto when Marissa and Krista spoke to the room about the many positive impacts of accessible housing on their lives.

Marissa talked about how affordable housing allows her the financial freedom to participate in her community in the ways she enjoys, live a healthy lifestyle, and be more independent. Marissa has achieved a great deal and highlighted completing a 2 year program at Humber College and earning her diploma!  She said she was grateful to be able to do the activities that interest her most, such as Conductive Education – a program that trains the motor pathways of the brain through exercise.

Krista spoke on how it was a dream come true when she found out that, with the support of Community Living Toronto,  she would be living with a roommate in their own downtown apartment! Krista talked about how her support staff and family helped to create a happy home that was accessible to her needs. She said how affordable housing and her large support system have allowed her to grow, improve her life skills, and make her own decisions. Krista has achieved a great many goals and is currently a volunteer at Sunny View Public School. She believes deeply in giving back to the community and is working towards a career where she can help people living with disabilities. Krista shared that she wants to be a role model for people with disabilities, showing that anything is possible if you work towards your goals and believe in yourself.

Congratulations on your successful speeches, Marissa and Krista!

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