The 16th Annual Tournament of Hope

Wednesday, June 12th, GrandValley Golf & Country Club

www.tournamentofhope.ca

THE FORUMAUGUST 2011

“Together, Freedom Through Access and Choice”

SPRING 2013

Tournament of Hope

For several years, the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region has

been a proud supporter of the Tournament of Hope. Last year, the Tournament became part of ILCWR’s family of programs and this year we are proud to present the 16th Annual Tournament of Hope. All funds generated by this golf classic support ILCWR’s Access Fund, with a mission to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in our community. This year’s tournament tees off on Wednesday, June 12th. As always, the Tournament of Hope is hosted by our friends at beautiful Grand Valley Golf & Country Club. For 16 years the Tournament has been supported by golfers, friends, and local businesses, and has raised over $345,000 to assist 130 individuals in our community. Again this year the Tournament Committee met with prospective recipients to hear their stories. We had very difficult decisions to make! This year we will be assisting 12 individuals with funding towards an accessible van, a ceiling track lift, a specialized

bed, a scooter, home renovations, 2 wheelchairs, a transfer disc and 3 shower commodes! In order to meet these requests, we need your help to raise over $30,000. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, or this is your first time, the Tournament of Hope always welcomes the community to join us for a fun day of golf. If golfing isn’t your thing, you can volunteer during the day, make a charitable donation, or sponsor the event.

A Message from the ILCWR Board.............2

A Message from the Executive Director.....3

Personal Safety Workshop Series.......4

ILCWR’s New Kids on the Block...................5

Balcony Gardening....5

Spotlight On...Paula!........................6

ILCWR’s Community Spotlight...................7

Inside...

Find us on Facebook!www.facebook.com/ilcwr

Follow us on Twitter! @ILCWR

Watch us on YouTube!www.youtube.com/ilcwr

Keep in Touch!www.ilcwr.org

2013 Featured Recipient: The Lajoie Family

For many years, Dan Lajoie has played an important role in our community and on the Tournament of Hope committee. After losing their van in a frightening and traumatic explosion while on a family camping trip in July 2012, Dan, Maggie, and children Jacob and Mia, kicked off a fundraising effort to overcome the loss. The Tournament of Hope is pleased to help the Lajoie family reach their goal and regain their mobility!

SPRING 2013

2

A Message from the ILCWR Board

It is hard not to feel optimistic

at this time of year, as warmer weather approaches and the days lengthen – and getting around is a lot easier for us all as well. Spring, as the English poet Swinburne wrote, is a time when “frosts are slain and flowers

begotten/And in green underwood and cover/Blossom by blossom, the spring begins.” A lovely reminder of renewal. The ILCWR board is at the midpoint of its year, and there has been much to think about, to discuss, and to plan. Peter Naus and I have taken on a shared role as co-Presidents of the board, an arrangement that has worked remarkably well as we alternate the chairing of meetings and share the responsibilities incumbent upon the President. A new three-year multi-sectoral agreement with its concomitant goals and targets is in place with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN), our major funder. For any board, quality strategic planning is a necessity, a template for future goals and priorities. The WWLHIN has identified several province-wide priorities for all health service providers, focused on such things as access to primary care, and ensuring a seamless transition of care among agencies. It is easy to see how improved coordination and integration of care would help support consumers and others, especially those with complex chronic conditions. Our participation in such programs as Clinical Connect, and the community Client Care model will also help us

Taposhi Batabyal,Board Co-President

“For any board, quality strategic planning is a necessity, a template

for future goals and priorities.”

ILCWR Head Office (127 Victoria St. S., Kitchener)

improve the delivery and quality of care we offer current and future consumers. In addition, board members participated in a further strategic planning session, identifying what they think will be future priorities and trends in delivery of services to adults with disabilities, and whether the

mission, vision, and values of the organization need to be revised or refreshed and how they can best serve ILCWR in the decadesahead. It was an excellent opportunity to look at the usual scenario of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through a variety of lenses and viewpoints – and the results of this phase were satisfying for a board that must work with a long-term generative vision. Change, as they say, is a constant, and change is in the air at ILCWR. As many of you will already know, Bil Smith has decided to seek fresh woods and pastures new as executive director, in his case, in a community organization in Renfrew County. Bil has been part of ILCWR for many years, and has brought to the table a deep understanding of the agency, right from the front lines, so to speak. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have worked with Bil, and we shall miss his expertise and knowledge greatly, even as we are excited for the new opportunities that await him. Please be assured that the board has a plan in place to steer the agency surely and capably through any time of transition and the appointment of a new executive director without compromising the level of excellence and value in the services we offer our consumers, funders and stakeholders.

Taposhi BatabyalBoard Co-PresidentIndependent Living Centre of Waterloo Region

Tuesday, April 30th Drop-in between 3:00pm and 6:00pm

Farewell to Bil Smith!

and the good work we do together in the community is something we can all be proud of. Every day we get to help make our community more accessible and welcoming. We’re out there helping to change attitudes and helping people with disabilities achieve independence. I am particularly grateful to ILC’s many strong supporters and cheerleaders. Without your ongoing and generous support, we could not have achieved all that we have. Many thanks for your continuing support of our mission. I have had the good fortune to be a part of ILC for more than half of my life. I look forward to this next chapter as I can watch from the sidelines as the organization thrives and grows and continues to make a difference in Waterloo Region.

With fondness,

Bil SmithExecutive DirectorIndependent Living Centre of Waterloo Region

3

A Message from the Executive Director

Bil Smith, Executive Director

Spring is a time of rebirth,

growth and change. For these reasons, it has always been my favourite season. This year, spring will bring with it big changes for me

on a personal front. As some of you have heard, I have submitted my resignation from my position here at ILC. I have been given a tremendous opportunity to lead a Community Resource Centre in a small town close to my cottage. While I will miss ILC greatly, it has been a lifelong dream of mine to relocate to my cottage. My last day here at the Centre will be May 3rd. I have found my employment here to be exceedingly enjoyable. I believe in the mission and vision of the organization

SPRING 2013

Come by for an Open House to wish Bil well on his upcoming move!

Join... to say...

ILCWR Head Office (127 Victoria St. S., Kitchener)

RSVP by phone or e-mail before April 26th

(519) 571-6788 • info@ilcwr.org

SPRING 2013

4

Coming Soon: Personal Safety Workshop Series

Personal Safety is a concern for many people in our community. How do we protect ourselves and those we love

from harm? It is our hope that our three-part safety series will provide some answers to those questions. On April 17th the focus will be on physical safety. John Coish from the Kitchener Fire Department will be discussing fire safety from 2:00pm-2:45pm. Whether it is new information or review, no one should miss this learning opportunity. After a short break, David Hackett, Owner & Head Instructor from the Kitchener Kicks Martial Arts Centre will be instructing on basic self-defense. David will base the lesson on the ability and interests of those participating. On May 8th from 2:00pm-4:00pm, Sue Gallagher from Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre will be presenting.

ILCWR Presents...

For more information or to register for one of all workshops contact:

Andrena Lockley-Brown

andrena@ilcwr.org

(519) 571-6788

Personal Safety Series

Workshops are

FREE Date Time Topics

April 17 2:00-4:00 Fire Safety and Self Defense May 8 2:00-4:00 Sexual Assault/ Domestic Violence

June 5 2:00-4:00 Trauma and Neighbourhood Safety

Zehrs Laurentian Community Room 750 Ottawa St. South, Kitchener

What assault and domestic violence are, as well as what supports are available for those living with abuse are two of the many areas that will be addressed in this very important safety workshop. On June 5th from 2:00pm-2:45pm, Laura McShane from the Canadian Mental Health Association will be discussing trauma, what causes it and what supports are available for people who have experienced trauma. Finally, Sharla Johnston and Juanita Metzger from Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council will present on the topic of neighbourhood safety. General tips and programs in the community, including the “Say Hi” campaign will be the central focus during this session. If you have any questions, or to register, please contact Andrena Lockley-Brown at (519) 571-6788 x7474, or at andrena@ilcwr.org.

range of emotions associated with crisis situations, and strategies for addressing those feelings.

Clare is the newest member of the

SPRING 2013

5

The Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region’s Kids on the Block is proud to announce the

arrival of two new programs! Due to the funding from schools, community groups and very generous individuals, Kids on the Block has been able to expand the program to include Bullying as well as School Safety and Emergency Preparedness. The bullying program was designed to teach children about the many forms bullying can take. It presents problem-solving strategies, encourages empathy for those who are bullied, and explores ways that students may be involved in promoting safety in their school. In the Emergency Preparedness program, puppets Melody and Brenda discuss the importance of preparing for emergencies, the necessary contents of an emergency kit, the role of children in preparedness, the

ILCWR’s New Kids on the Block!

ILCWR Kids on the Block crew. She is 14 years old and appears in the bullying program. Clare is on the Woodburn Junior High cheerleading team and volunteers at the youth center. She has written an article for the school newspaper about a bullying situation she experienced in grade five. Clare feels it’s important to let people know more about bullying and how big a problem it is. Through all of her research she is able to offer advice to other kids dealing with bullying situations and how to keep their school safe.

Meet Clare Sanchez!

Balcony Gardening: It’s Growing to be Great!

Balcony Gardening 2013

Date: Thursday, July 4th, 2013 Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm Location: Shamrock Co-Op’s Helen Hall (Waterloo, ON)

Balcony Gardening returns for

2013 at ILCWR’s Shamrock Assisted Living Project on Thursday, July 4th! Balcony Gardening has been an annual

tradition for many years, giving consumers the opportunity to bring life and beauty to their homes by arranging and planting a wide variety of flowers for their balconies. This year, we are looking for volunteers to assist our consumers with planting their pots. If you are interested in volunteering for

Balcony Gardening this year, please contact Lorene Collingwood by phone at (519) 571-6788 x7479, or by e-mail at lorene@ilcwr.org. Volunteers are asked to indicate their interest by June 14th. We are already looking forward to this wonderful summer tradition, and we are sure it will “grow” very well!

Personal Safety Series

SPRING 2013

6

the disability, in the end, has been very good for me,” she reflects. “I think back to my school days when I was too shy to put my hand up. I have absolutely no problem now going into a room of people and speaking. I’m feeling very confident with myself. I enjoy going out and speaking. I enjoy making changes in our community.”

When asked what she is most proud of in her work with ILCWR, Paula barely hesitates. “I would have to say my work in barrier-free design, for sure,” she answers swiftly. “I would say that’s my high point—the successes that we’ve seen, and the changes we have made.” Over the years, Paula has advised on accessibility for a number of projects, from the current Kitchener City Hall to the renovations of shops and parking in Kitchener’s Belmont Village. She was one of the founding members of Waterloo Region’s Barrier-Free Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the Built Environment Subcommittee of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC). “In the 25 years I’ve been here [at ILCWR], and in the 42 years I’ve been in a wheelchair, the changes in our community have been incredible,” she says. Paula has a number of reasons for continuing to be an active member of the ILCWR family. “One is definitely the great service we provide to people who need it,” she says. “We can deal with people on a personal basis. More often, we just deal with a person as a person. We set aside the disability and ask, what are you feeling?” Clearly, the organization has a place in Paula’s heart—and it always will. In her opinion, “the whole idea of independent living is what keeps us going. We’re opening the eyes of so many people saying, ‘Yes, you have a disability. Yes, you have to do things differently. But let’s figure out how you’re going to do that.”

Spotlight On...Paula!

“I started working at ILC as a result of an ad in the paper!” Paula says. “I knew nothing about the Independent

Living Centre. Absolutely nothing.” The ad was inviting applications for a coordinator of the Homelink Program, a provincially-funded initiative connecting people with disabilities to accessible housing. Paula was the successful applicant for this position, launching what would become more than a quarter-century career with the organization. Shortly after accepting the Homelink Coordinator role, federal funding became available for an Individual Advocacy program, which was of great interest to Paula. “I was enjoying the housing part, but I knew that there was much more that could be done,” Paula recalls. “Part of individual advocacy is to say to [people], ‘try not to depend solely on this system. Work toward getting something that works more for you.” Paula still holds the title of Individual Advocacy Coordinator today, in addition to her title of Director of Access and Awareness. “I really think that the individual advocacy program has helped to lead people to speaking up,” she says. And Paula is no stranger to that. In fact, Paula speaks frequently on behalf of ILCWR regarding issues related to disability and the importance of accessibility. “I think that

Paula Saunders, Pictured with her Queen’s Jubilee Medal (December, 2012)

“I really think that the individual advocacy program has helped to

lead people to speaking up.”

Upon marking 25 Years as a staff

member with the Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region in January, Paula Saunders’ foray into the world of ILCWR may come as a surprise.

SPRING 2013

7

The

Independent Living Centre of Waterloo

Region is pleased to help support and promote other agencies in our community working towards building inclusiveness for people with disabilities. The following exert is from Susan Lott, executive director of Facile. For more information you may contact 519-501-8714, e-mail facilewr@gmail.com, or visit www.facilewaterlooregion.ca.At Facile, we work with individuals, families, organizations and the

2013Tuesday, April 9, 20135:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Information for Persons with Disabilities, their Families, Caregivers, and Professionals within Waterloo Region.

St. Mary’s Catholic High School - 1500 Block Line Road Kitchener

Advocacy and Supports * Education * Financial Assistance * Health

Personal Care and In-Home Supports * Recreation

Respite and Residential Programs * Transportation * Work, Day Programs

Volunteer Supports and much more

For more information visit:

2013

ILCWR Community Spotlight! facile: Independent Facilitation

Waterloo Regionwider community to enhance the lives of citizens who require support to participate fully in community life. Our facilitators are well-trained, creative, and energetic. Their role is to assist individuals and families to build meaningful lives. They do this by following the person’s lead, helping the person to build relationships, and connecting people with people and places in the community.Independent facilitation builds resilience and capacity of individuals, families, communities, and organizations. Ultimately, independent facilitation enables people to belong in community (in families, in neighbourhoods, in networks of support, and always in relationships) and experience an everyday life.

AUGUST 2011SPRING 2013 ILCWR PROGRAMS AND STAFF

Executive Director - Bil SmithDirector of Business Services - Angela KornDirector of Human Resources - Laura SparksEmployee Health Coordinator - Christina ChurchillFinance Coordinator - Tracy SpencerExecutive Assistant/Community Relations - Andrew PosenReception, Information & Referral - Jim Ducharme

Director of Access and Awareness - Paula SaundersPublic Awareness and Education Coordinator - Andrena Lockley-BrownPeer Resource & Advocacy Coordinator - Dan LajoieDirect Funding Coordinator - Lorene Collingwood

Director of Service - Daryl NancekivellOutreach & In-Home Respite Supervisor - Cindy GuyOutreach Supervisor - Lise HancockOutreach Supervisor - Sandy StaufferScheduling Coordinator - Leanne Schade Administrative Assistant - Kelly Stamper

SHAMROCK - WATERLOO - (519) 746-1312 Cathy Doerbecker - Project Supervisor

MOOREGATE - KITCHENER - (519) 745-5949 Allan Russell - Project Supervisor

KIWANIS VILLAGE CAMBRIDGE - (519) 650-0843 Jacqueline Doummar - Project Supervisor

Justice • Dignity • Respect • Teamwork • Welcoming

Special Thanks To Our Major

Funders

Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region127 Victoria St. S., Suite 201

Kitchener, ON N2G 2B4

Telephone: (519)571-6788Fax: (519)571-6788TTY: (519)571-7590

Charitable # 10750-5356-RR0001

Visit Us Online!www.ilcwr.org

Proud Participant