The following stories were written as part of a regular column on behalf of Community Living Association (Lanark County), and published in newspapers across the county. They were written by Jeff Semple, a journalism student at Ryerson University, during the summer months of 2005 and 2006.
The following are recent reports from the Association and its Board of Directors.
Report of the President -
2005/2006
Lori Reith
Report of the Executive Director -
2005/2006
Rick Tutt
Response to Opportunities and Action, Tranforming Supports in Ontario for People who have a Developmental Disability -
June 28, 2006
Board of Directors
2005/2006 Board Highlights
Board of Directors
Allow me to introduce you to Richard. Richard is a young guy with a vibrant personality. He is very outgoing and friendly. He lives in Carleton Place with three friends, takes Karate lessons, and works at a restaurant.
Richard has an intellectual disability.
Community Living Association Lanark County is a charitable, non for profit association that works for Richard and others with intellectual disabilities to live and participate fully in all aspects of their community.
"Our goal is to provide assistance and opportunities to people with disabilities so that they can truly be part of their communities," says Rick Tutt, the Association's Executive Director. "With appropriate support and opportunity everyone can grow, and learn, and contribute; and I really do mean everyone."
Richard has been supported through Community Living Association for the past six years. The Association helped him find housing and a job he enjoys.
"I want to be independent," he says. "They (Community Living Association) do good work."
Richard's roommate Kory also has an intellectual disability, and has been supported by Community Living Associations throughout Ontario for the past five years.
"I want to let everyone know that without Community Living Association my life would not be the same," Kory wrote in a letter to the Canadian recently.
"You helped me find employment and housing and dignity. Thanks C.L.A. for opening up doors to a better future for me."
But even with the work of associations like Community Living Lanark, people like Richard and Kory can only be integrated into community life if their communities are willing to participate.
Lori Reith, the Association's President, believes that in order for that to happen people have to stop feeling sorry for them.
"Everyone says, 'Well they deserve special treatment,'" says Reith. "And don't take this the wrong way, but no they don't. All they need to be is treated with respect."
"People are people," says Maria Maloney, a support worker with Community Living Association. "We are all different. We are who we are, but we are still people. I think that's important to remember."
Maloney works for nine people including Richard through Community Support Services in Carleton Place. And although she recognizes that there's still much to be done, she's pleased with the progress she has seen.
"In the last five years I think there's been a big improvement in terms of the way people we support are viewed in the community," she says.
Through its different programs Community Living Association Lanark County works for approximately 125 people throughout the County. And next year the Association will celebrate its 40th anniversary.
"We can pause to celebrate what has happened over the past 40 years," Tutt says. "But we still need to recognize what still needs to happen, if we really want to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome."
Everyone loves a story with a happy ending. That's why I like this one.
Gleema was a farmer's wife. She lived in Carleton Place with her husband, and her daughter Beverly. In 1968, however, Gleema's husband passed away.
Feeling a sense of loneliness, Gleema and Beverly decided to get involved in the Family Home program in 1977, inviting four people with intellectual disabilities to come and live in their home.
"My husband had died and it was nice to have people at home," says Gleema.
Helen was one of the four people, along with Keith, Scott and Elaine. Today only Helen remains and, almost 29 years later, she is truly a part of the family.
"Helen's lived with us for so long that she's sort of an extension of us," says Beverly, now 55. "It's been just great."
"I've really enjoyed everyone all those years," says Gleema. "We used to have lots of fun."
I went to meet with Helen, Gleema and Beverly at their home in Almonte early last week. I was expecting an interview. What I got was something much more special.
"Remember the time Scott would get Keith in the bathtub and turn the cold water on!?" exclaims Gleema.
They all laugh together.
"Oh I remember that," says Helen, smiling.
"And remember the time Keith and Scott had to go for their physicals and take urine in to the doctor," says Beverly. "And one had peed more in the bottle than the other one, so the other one filled the rest up with water so that he'd have the same!"
Now all four of us are laughing hysterically.
The stories continue, with each one bringing more joy and laughter to the conversation.
The three of them sat there telling stories for the better part of an hour, remembering all the good times they have had together.
Just like a family.
"It's just like everyday living," says Beverly. "You just have to try it and see if it's for you or not. It's not for everybody. But there are lots of people out there who need a family."
Community Living Association Lanark County is currently looking for homes for 10 to 15 intellectually disabled people throughout Lanark County. If you are interested you can contact them at 257-8040.
"We all have a desire to make a difference somehow," says Elizabeth Snyder, Manager of the provincially funded Family Home program. "Here's an opportunity to really make a difference."
Beverly and Gleema recognize that their situation is a bit of an exception, as 29 years is quite a long time. But, Beverly says, if she could go back she wouldn't change a thing.
"You don't have to do it forever," she says. "But it gives that person some good memories for that time, and some good care for that time; particularly for some people who never really had a home life."
As for Helen, who will be turning 60 at the end of the month, she's quite content to continue living happily ever after with the rest of her family.
"It's home," says Gleema. "I don't know how else to describe it. It's just home."
Lori works at a daycare in the mornings and at a used furniture store in the afternoons. Jamie started his own entrepreneurship where he shines shoes. Scott has his own button business, where he creates and sells customized buttons, magnets, and key chains.
Lori, Jamie and Scott each have an intellectual disability; they also have a job that they love.
"I work at a used furniture store called Rebound where I strip furniture," says Lori. "But don't think I'm stripping clothes, mind you, just the furniture!"
With the help of Community Support Services, a program of Community Living Association Lanark County, Lori was able to get a job of her choosing.
"I love it there!" Lori says.
With locations in Almonte, Carleton Place, Perth and Smiths Falls, Community Support Services helps those with intellectual disabilities do the things they want to do.
"If my child was disabled, you know, you have reservations because you're so protective," says Eady May Bowes, Manager of Community Support Services in Perth and Smiths Falls. "But here it is completely individually driven. We do whatever they want to do."
And that can mean a number of different things, from looking for jobs and housing, to going to ballgames, going swimming, working out at the gym, helping with grocery shopping; The list goes on and on.
Needless to say, although Community Support Services is technically only a daytime service, its effects reach far beyond its hours of operation.
"What CSS (Community Support Services) does is it gets all of us out involved in the community, whether it's jobs, or whatever is going on," says Lori.
Lori has been supported by Community Support Services since it began in 1993. It was initially brought in to replace Arc Industries, which consisted of segregated workshops for people with intellectual disabilities.
"We made the decision to make the changes because we thought that we could be more person-centered, and more accountable to getting people out into the community as apposed to a segregated location," says Laura Young-Glofcheski, Manager of Community Support Services in Almonte.
"People now go to their own home location in their community, and we help people make connections," she says. "It's helping people become connected, however that looks like for them."
And for several people with intellectual disabilities in Carleton Place, that has meant running their own Used Book Outlet. For others in Almonte, it's helping to run a used furniture store. For others in Perth, it's delivering the Perth Courier once a week.
"Our main goal is to really get out there," says Maria Maloney, Manager of Community Support Services in Carleton Place. "It's important that people live as healthy a life as they can; for people not to be held back by a so-called 'disability.'"
For more information or to contact Community Support Services, please call (613) 257-8040.
You open the front door and walk inside. A young man is sitting at the front counter; he smiles genuinely at you and says hello. Your eyes focus beyond the young man, and you're overwhelmed by your surroundings. Thousands of books on dozens of shelves scale the walls in front of you. Each book is organized into one of 62 categories; and each book is on sale for two bucks or less.
The Used Book Outlet is located at 178 Townline Road East in Carleton Place. Its hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm.
"Welcome to the Used Book Outlet," the young man says. The young man's name is Kory. He has worked at the Used Book Outlet in Carleton Place since last spring. Kory has an intellectual disability, and is supported through Community Living Association Lanark County.
"It's a really good job," Kory says. "I love it. It's really fun."
The Used Book Outlet first opened in Carleton Place in 1995, and celebrated its 10th Anniversary this past summer. It was initially started by Community Living Association to create job opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. But today, the Used Book Outlet has become much more than a job opportunity.
"We're being known in the community," says Linda Marner, a Community Support Worker for Community Living Association. "People come in, and they get to meet us, and they get to know the people we support. It fosters a good relationship."
Marner's caseload as a Community Support Worker involves overseeing the Used Book Outlet. But for the most part, the store is run independently by its employees.
"It's important that the (Used) Book Outlet is seen as its own," says Alice-Anne Paterson-Collinge, Manager of Community Support Services in Carleton Place. "We have Community Living Association; we have Community Support Services; and the (Used) Book Outlet. We want to see it as a separate entity."
The Used Book Outlet has indeed grown into its own business. All books are donated, and then resold for a fraction of the original price. All the profits then go directly to the store's employees, as well as to help purchase any other necessary supplies.
Nora has been working at the Used Book Outlet since it first opened. She is one of seven full and part-time employees who help share in the responsibilities.
"I do everything you could shake a stick at!" she says. "My favourite part is serving the customers, making them happy."
Nora works full-time at the Used Book Outlet, along with Kory and Janet. Bill, Mike, and Herb work part-time, and Candice serves as an on-call worker.
"It's a very interesting job," Nora says. "You never know who's going to walk through the door!"
Customers from all over the globe have come into the Used Book Outlet to check out its large assortment of inexpensive literature. The categories range from Romance to Suspense, and from Sociology to the Royal Family. Harry Potter for $2.00; Oprah's Book Club for $3.00; Harlequin Romance for 10 cents.
A bookworm's paradise.
"Come and see us," says Marner. "Come and visit us."
Grab your party hats and light the candles: Community Living Association Lanark County is turning 40 years old!
This year marks Community Living Association Lanark County's 40th anniversary, a celebration of 40 years supporting people with intellectual disabilities. And when the Association blows out its candles this year and makes a wish, you can bet it will be for the next 40 years to be as successful as the first.
The movement that led to its formation began back in 1948, with a letter published in the Toronto Star by a grandmother of a child with an intellectual disability. The letter called for better support and education for children with intellectual disabilities. The letter was followed by another written by a parent, calling other parents in similar circumstances to come together for the cause. In response, 70 parents joined together for a meeting, a gathering that would be duplicated countless times in communities across the country during the years to come.
These meetings soon led to the creation of Community Living Ontario (then called The Ontario Association for Retarded Children) in 1953, and by 1960 Ontario boasted 60 schools and three sheltered workshops operated by its local Associations. And six years later, this movement arrived in Lanark County.
Community Living Association Lanark County (then called The Lanark District Association for the Mentally Retarded) was formed in 1966, and the Association immediately began working to improve the education, employment, and living situations for people with intellectual disabilities across the county.
Within a year of its inception, Community Living Association Lanark County opened a nursery and a day school for preschoolers and children with intellectual disabilities in Perth. These schools would soon become publicly funded by the province, and eventually the students would become fully integrated into the public school system. In 1991 the Association created a bursary, awarded each year to two students pursuing post secondary education in developmental services and special education.
On the employment front, Community Living Association Lanark County opened ARC Industries in Carleton Place in 1970, a workshop and training centre for workers with intellectual disabilities. ARC Industries paved the way for Community Support Services in 1993, which continues to promote full integration into the workforce and the broader community. In 2003, the Association initiated an Employer of the Year Award, awarded each year to an employer who provides continued support for employees with intellectual disabilities.
The Association has spent much of its history working to improve the living situations of the people it supports. Since 1975, the Association has opened several homes across the county. In 1987, it assumed responsibility for the Family Home Program, working to connect families with people looking for a home. Today, the Association supports 11 people living with 9 families across the county as part of the program. In addition, the Association currently provides support for homes for over 25 people, as well as supporting 40 others through the Supported Independent Living program, enabling them to live independently in their own homes.
Through all of their various programs and efforts, Community Living Association Lanark County continues to support over 125 people throughout the county. This number continues to grow, as the Association celebrates its birthday and looks ahead to a promising future.
"And the award goes to...Shannon Mitchell!"
May 31, 2006, marked the beginning of something special. 18 students accepted their diplomas as part of the first graduating class of the social service worker program at Algonquin College Perth. Shannon Mitchell was one of these graduates.
Shannon entered the new program in 2004, hoping to pursue a career working with troubled adolescents. As part of her final year in the program, Shannon was offered a field placement with Community Living Association Lanark County, supporting adults with an intellectual disability. With little interest in pursuing that type of work, Shannon fought to rid herself of the placement. Eventually, however, Shannon reluctantly accepted the position. It would be an experience that would change her life.
"There's not enough words to describe it," she says. "It was just a great, great experience. I can't say that enough. It's everything that you would want in a placement or a job."
After spending three days a week of her final year working at Community Support Services (a program of Community Living Association) in Perth, Shannon has decided to pursue a career working with adults with an intellectual disability. And, at her graduation ceremony on May 31st, Shannon became the first recipient of the Community Living Association Lanark County Certificate of Excellence, awarded to a student who makes a significant contribution to the goals and beliefs of the Association.
"Shannon is just so natural, she stands out," says Peter Bigras, a facilitator for Community Support Services in Perth who worked with Shannon during her placement. "It's no wonder she's won. She's just...well I don't want to say perfect, but she's darn close."
"It was a unanimous decision by all of the faculty," says Lisa Shaw-Verhoek, coordinator of the new social service worker program. "There were other candidates that would have been very appropriate for the award. But Shannon had that extra sparkle and commitment to this particular target group."
On a broader scale, the new award signifies the growing relationship between Community Living Association Lanark County and Algonquin College Perth; a relationship that is creating opportunities and shaping career choices for Shannon and others like her.
"It's a win-win situation," says Lisa. "We're training graduates that will be ready and able to support people with (intellectual) disabilities in Lanark County."
During the school year, Algonquin College students can be found at placements in all four Community Support Services locations in Perth, Smith Falls, Carleton Place, and Almonte. And as much as the relationship assists the students and staff on both sides, the real benefactors are the people receiving the support.
"The relationship is important because it creates more connections in our community," says Karen Southcott, facilitator for Community Support Services in Perth. "But the connections it makes for the people we work for is just amazing."
Shannon has now graduated and her placement has ended, but she still makes time to drop in regularly to help out and say hello. And in the meantime at Community Support Services in Perth, Karen and Peter are looking forward to a new year with a new student placement.
"The new student coming in September is musical; she plays guitar and sings," says Karen. "So there will be a new idea starting in September. I'm looking forward to it. It's really great."
This could really be the beginning of something special.
Lynn Galvin's daughter, Angela, has an intellectual disability. When Angela was 8 years old she went to live at Rideau Regional Centre in Smith Falls, an institution for people with an intellectual disability. As time went on, Lynn became very distraught over her daughter's situation.
"It broke my heart to see her there," Lynn recalls. "But then one day I got a knock on the door from Community Living Association. And they have saved our lives."
Lynn Gallvin was one of several people to address the crowd at Community Living Association Lanark County's Annual General Meeting on Monday, June 19th; Different people from different situations shared their stories of how the Association has impacted their lives during its 40 years supporting people with an intellectual disability.
In Lynn's case, her daughter Angela was invited to live in a group home supported by the Association in Almonte, where she has since flourished as part of the community.
"There's not enough that I could ever, ever say about Community Living Association," Lynn said, concluding her emotional testimony. "My daughter has a smile on her face; she's a happy, adjusted woman, who is so in tune with her environment now. All I can say is thank you."
Lynn's story was later followed by another from Kory Earle, a young man who has been supported by the Association for the past two years. Kory first moved to the area to be closer to his family, but needed a place to live. He contacted Community Living Association Lanark County for assistance in finding housing; three days later, Kory had a home.
"I'd like to thank Community Living Association for everything," Kory said. "They're always there for me, and we work together to make the road of my life a little smoother." Since moving to Carleton Place, Kory has become an integral part of the community, working full-time at the Used Book Outlet and helping to start People First of Lanark County, an organization of self-advocates.
Lynn and Kory's stories were some of the many highlights of an evening that said goodbye to old board members and welcomed new ones, awarded numerous individuals for their different achievements, and concluded with a delicious 40th anniversary cake. The meeting also recognized the contributions of outgoing President Lori Reith, while warmly welcoming Colin Gibson as her replacement.
Overall, the focus of the event was on the Association's frontline staff and volunteers, in recognition of their hard work and dedication to supporting people with disabilities. Linda Marner, a long-time frontline staff worker for the Association, spoke to those present about the journey thus far while looking ahead to a hopeful future.
"As a frontline staff worker, I've seen a lot of changes over the years. We have learned to take direction from the people we support, and the changes have been very positive," Linda said. "Now we need to take a page out of Charles Dickens' book, and let our motto be Great Expectations!"
Community Living Association (Lanark County) is a lot like a family. It started as a small group of people in a single community, and has since grown and spread throughout the county. It has dozens of members, many of whom grew up together and have since moved on to different places and different things. And, like a family, once in a while everyone gets together and has one heck of a party.
On Tuesday, June 13th, that party was held at the Legion in Carleton Place. 125 people from throughout the Association came together for its 4th annual barbeque, which has become more about a family reunion than it is about burgers and bratwursts. The guest list included everyone, from board members and managers, to staff and volunteers, to the many people with an intellectual disability that the Association supports in different ways across the county. Everyone came together for the celebration.
"Everybody's off in their own town doing their own thing. But every now and again it's really nice to know that you're part of something much bigger," says Karen Bowes, a staff worker for Community Support Services (a program of Community Living Association) in Perth. "For the people who have been here a long time, it's great to see everybody. It's just like coming home to see everyone you haven't seen for a while."
For Jackie, a woman supported by Community Support Services in Perth, the barbeque was an opportunity to catch up with old friends from her days working at ARC Industries in Carleton Place, a former workshop for people with a disability. "Jackie was always off socializing, from the second she walked through the door. There were lots of old friends she was visiting with," says Bowes.
For Herb, a gentleman supported by Community Support Services in Carleton Place, the occasion was an opportunity to visit his former staff workers from his days living in Smith Falls. For Donnie, a gentleman supported by Community Support Services in Perth, it was a similar experience. "I talked to a lot of staff who I knew from before. It was really nice," he says.
The annual barbeque, according to Association President Colin Gibson, is generally the only opportunity for everyone in the Association family to come together; a rarity that Gibson hopes to rectify in his first year as president. "We don't have an opportunity to see each other very often. That's one of the things I want to look at changing, possibly by having an equivalent winter event," Gibson says. "It's important that we demonstrate that we are one, inclusive community."
To see pictures from the barbeque, or to learn more about Community Living Association (Lanark County) and how to get involved, be sure to check out the Association's website at www.clalanark.ca.
"John Smith, c'mon down," Pat exclaims along with the announcer. "You're the next contestant on the Price is Right!" Pat stares at the television with excitement. He says he is Bob Barker's biggest fan.
Pat and his two roommates are new to the neighbourhood. Prior to arriving, the three men had each spent a substantial part of their lives living at Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls, an institution for people with an intellectual disability. But last September, their lives changed.
"We've got more freedom now," says Mark, Pat's roommate. "More places to go, more stuff to do. I'm more independent."
Last September, Pat, Mark, and Jack moved out of Rideau Regional Centre and into their new house in Smith Falls. The move is part of a provincial-wide initiative to close down the institutions, in favour of moving residents into their own houses within their communities. Community Living Association (Lanark County) has joined in this new initiative, and taken on the responsibility of helping Pat and his roommates with the move.
"It (the new home) provides a lot of opportunity for growth," says Rick Tutt, Executive Director of Community Living Association (Lanark County). "It creates opportunity for people to grow and expand, and be more a part of their community, and have more control over their lives."
Pat leans forward on the sofa, watching excitedly as Bob Barker announces the next prize: "A New Car!" Pat yells with excitement. He looks over at me as I sit down next to him. "I'm not on floor two anymore," he says, smiling.
Now in his new home, Pat has his own bedroom with his own bathroom. And although Community Living Association (Lanark County) provides 24-hour staff support, Pat and his roommates essentially look after themselves. They participate in making their own meals, do their own grocery shopping, have their own bank accounts, and work at their own jobs within the community.
"We really promote their independence here," says Val Cornect, Community Living Association's Manager of the new home. "They have the freedom of being able to do their own thing. They decide on their own, just with some supports."
The move has also seen the three men become more integrated into their community. Mark works part-time at Canadian Tire and is starting school in the upcoming year. Jack volunteers at the Lanark Animal Welfare Society, and Pat goes out regularly to cheer on the local sports teams. Last month the three men had a yard sale, and raised around $600.
As The Price is Right goes to commercial break with the 'Showcase Showdown' still to come, I turn to Pat and ask him whether he's enjoying living in his new home. "Oh yeah," he says without hesitation. "Oh yeah."
Executive Director Rick Tutt is glad to hear it.
"What really counts is that the three people seem to be happy, content, proud, and pleased in their new home," Tutt says. "I think all we have to do is look at it from their perspective; it has been successful."
For years people with an intellectual disability in our community have struggled against prejudice, segregation, and discrimination. Now, people with a disability throughout Lanark County are coming together to form a unified front and stand up for their rights.
People First of Lanark County is a group of self-advocates and the new voice for people with an intellectual disability across the county. The group, which began last month, is affiliated with People First of Ontario and People First of Canada; the provincial and national organizations have won several landmark victories in recent years, addressing the provincial legislature, the Supreme Court of Canada, and several government committees.
Kory Earle, Vice-President of People First of Lanark County, is hoping that this organization will have the same kind of impact. "People First is all about standing up for our rights," Earle says. "Our focus is to be able to change people's attitudes. That's what we're hoping to do."
Earle identifies several areas where he hopes to initiate change, with much of his focus currently placed on employment issues. "We have the right to apply for a job, but we don't have the right to a job," Earle says. "That's a big thing for us right now. Our committee is trying to change that."
With more than a dozen members so far in Carleton Place alone, People First of Lanark County consists of many people who have themselves faced different forms of discrimination within their communities. David McKillop, the organization's interim president, encountered various struggles growing up in an institution and later when he joined the workforce. Now, at the age of 55, he hopes to use People First to help inform and empower a younger generation.
"I stand up for myself now; I stand up for my rights. And I want to show other people how to do it," McKillop says. "We want to let people know what their rights are, so people know what to do when they're on their own."
While the new organization is currently dealing with establishing much of its internal structure, it has also begun several fundraising initiatives to help get the group on its feet. There will be a carwash on August 16 in Carleton Place as well as a dance for the community on August 25, with the funds from both events going to support the new group. In addition, People First of Lanark County will be meeting with the O.P.P. on August 16 to educate the group on their rights, address different member concerns, and begin to foster a good relationship between the two parties.
Overall, Earle is very pleased with how quickly the new group seems to be taking form. "I personally think that everyone is very excited. We have a lot of people who have already spoken out on different issues," he says.
"My vision is that people recognize that People First is here. And that wherever people with an intellectual disability go, People First is going to be there; to show Lanark County that we deserve to be here, and that we have equal rights with everyone."