ACCESS Newsletter June 2016

ACCESS JUNE 2016

Inside this issue

Meet CSP Team…………….……..…..2

A.C.T. 4 Youth Initiative..………....3

A.C.T. 4 Youth Stories………..……4-5

Student Links…………………………..5

March Break Camp Highlights….6

Passport Forums……………………..7

Staff Appreciation Party………....8-9

Momentum Mother’s Retreat..10– 11

YRDSB Asian/ South Asian

Wellness Event………………...…..11

Summer Camp 2016……….…….12-13

Parent Operated Programs…....14-15

Marketplace & Learning Academy..16

Accreditation ….……………..……17

Partners 4 Planning Upcoming

Events…………………………….….17

“ As part of the Strategic Plan

2013-2016, CLYS committed to providing accurate infor-

mation in accessible formats and communicate information

to all stakeholders. The Access Newsletter is one of the com-

munication methods. It is published quarterly and presents

to you what’s going on in outreach. Enjoy! “

Community Support

comunitario di sostegno

社區支援

کمیونٹی کی مدد کے

சமூக ஆதரவு hỗ trợ cộng đồng

comunitario de apoyo

Community Supports

Meet Your Community Support Team

The Community Support Team provides support and services to people who have an

intellectual disability and their families across Southern York Region in various

languages.

Ritu Singarayer Community Support Program / ACT 4 Youth / Respite Services Supervisor 905-884-9110 ext. 523 Email: [email protected]

Sadia Shaukat Community Support Coordinator

(Provides support in Hindi, Punjabi & Urdu) 905-884-9110 ext. 640

Email: [email protected]

Ellen Chan Community Support Coordinator

(Provides support in Mandarin and Cantonese) 905-884-9110 ext. 267


Tharini Tharmalingam Community Support Coordinator

(Provides support in Tamil) 905-884-9110 ext. 703


THE ACCESS NEWSLETTER June 2016

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Annie Zhang Community Support Coordinator

(Provides support in Cantonese and Mandarin) 905-884-9110 ext. 382


A.C.T. 4 Youth Initiative The A.C.T. (Achieving Community Transition) 4 Youth Initiative led by Community Living York

South (CLYS) assists youth who are transitioning into the community to achieve their

independence and employment goals. This initiative is being made possible through funding

received from Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Youth Opportunities Fund. This initiative is currently

available to youth who are between the ages of 20 - 29 and are residents of Markham.


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Gowsica Kulasingam

ACT 4 Youth Coordinator

(Provides Support in Tamil)

905-294-4971 ext. 348

[email protected]

Jennifer Haque

ACT 4 Youth Coordinator

(Provides support in Hindi, Urdu & Bengali)

905-294-4971 ext. 347

[email protected]

For more information about the initiative, please contact the ACT 4 Youth Coordinators.

mailto:[email protected]


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Mohammed’s Experience with the A.C.T. 4 Youth Initiative

“My name is Mohammed Daher and I am 24 years old. I

graduated from Alexander Mackenzie High School in June

2012.

Ever since I graduated from high school, I looked for day

programs and tried to find the right one for me. I

attended a few day programs and learnt that it was not

the right choice for me because I was interested in

something different. I was introduced to the ACT 4 Youth

Initiative at Community Living York South and the

coordinators helped me to think of my dreams and goals

of being more independent and finding work. I shared

with coordinator the kind of things I like doing such as,

bagging, sorting and scanning items. I also told the

coordinators that I wanted to do be more independent

and learn how to go to different places in Markham. So,

with the help of ACT 4 Youth coordinators and my family,

I learnt to ride the YRT and TTC and now I can to go to

places by myself. The places I travel to using the YRT

and TTC are the Cornell Community Centre, Markham Village and Angus Glen Public

Library.

The staff at ACT 4 Youth also helped me to find an employment program that is right for

me. I went to the STEER Program at Corbrook Employment Services and graduated on

March 10th 2016. I liked this program because I learnt about customer service skills and

how to deal with difficult customers as well as the responsibilities of being a cashier. I

learned about working in retail stores, working on the cash register and also folding

clothes. We learnt by doing role plays and doing group work together. This program has

helped to understand what I need to do be able to get a job in the future. I am now

working with the ACT 4 Youth coordinator to find a job that is right for me. I am also

practicing my interview skills .

This is my story”.


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” “

As part of the Strategic Plan 2013-2016, CLYS committed to develop and maintain collaborations and partnerships within the community to

increase service options and create inclusive community models.

Student Links is a program coordinated by Community Living Ontario for high school students with developmental disabilities between the ages 14-21. Student Links is being offered in Mark-ham and Richmond Hill in partnership with Community Living York South. The program aims to match students and volunteer mentors who share a common passion or interests.

Rachel Tam

(Provides Service in English, Cantonese and Mandarin)

647-990-9071

[email protected]

CLYS was honored to have the A.C.T. 4 Youth

Initiative selected as one of the eight nominees for

the 2016 Innovator of the Year Award at the

Innovations Showcase during Ontario Disability

Employment Network’s Rethinking Disabilities

Conference.

THE ACCESS NEWSLETTER February 2016

Testimonials from Parents

“Happy that my child looked forward to going to camp”

“Our son had an amazing time. He loved every minute.”

“My daughter had a good time. We had a time to do our work.”

“Provided us with some down time to recoup. But its nice to allow the participants the chance to socialize with others.”

“I had time to relief and do things I need, and my child had also time to refresh herself instead of staying just in her room. More activity and

getting together with people is good for her too. Thank you every-one! Hope to see in the summer too.”

March Break 2016


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Community Living York South (CLYS) successful-

ly operated March Break Camp in four loca-

tions: Markham, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, and

Vaughan. Heartfelt thankyou to YRDSB and the

Town of Whitchurch– Stouffville for their contri-

butions to the success of March Break Camp.

The camp was attended by 63 youth/adults

and 28 children. The campers greatly enjoyed

participating in many indoor/outdoor, social

and life skill building activities.

Testimonials from Campers

“I like everything about the program. I really enjoy the cooking class. “

I love going with my friends and staff to bowling.

“I love meeting all the new people, going to new places and drawing pictures. “


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Passport Forums

In November 2014, Community Living York South (CLYS) was the recipient of building capacity

for passport services funding through the Ministry of Community and Social Services. This was

a fiscal fund for years 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 as part of the governments investment

strategy.

The forums were facilitated in five languages Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, Cantonese and Mandarin as

well as English when requested. These forums provided information on how individuals with

intellectual disabilities and their families can use the passport funding as well as what

programming options are available in their community. A document was created to outline the

fee for service community options available to adults in the region. This document along with

Passport funding guidelines and tip sheet were translated in Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil and Chinese.

Staff Appreciation Party


Community Living York South (CLYS) hosted its annual Staff Appreciation Party on

April 1st, 2016, to give back to our dedicated staff for the services and support they

provide on a daily basis. Throughout the evening there were various draws, games,

etc. Winners were provided with gifts that were graciously donated by various

sponsors and local businesses.

Many years ago, our Board of Directors started a Staff Service Award for every five

years worked with CLYS. The staff who reached a milestone in their careers at

Community Living York South celebrated together with everyone who attended the

staff appreciation party. Most notably, our Executive Director, Don Wilkinson

celebrated 40 years of service with CLYS. Congratulations to all of the staff that

achieved a milestone in their career in 2016!

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Wilkinson, Don 40

Jones, Carina 35

Lewis, Debbie 5

Johnston, Cathy 25

Evans, Holly 25

Lutz, Maggie 25

Biggerstaff, Joanna 25

Smith, Rochelle 20

Manikam, Dee 20

Baghaee, Mina 15

Kwiecien-

Wawrzyniak, Irena

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Locke, Aleksandra 15

Mlynarczyk, Agnieszka 15

Adams, Jan 15

Bobechko, Lisa 15

Commanda, Nancy 15

Howell, Crenilda 15

Gentles, Judy 15

Wu, Lok Chee 10

Kelusky, Katherine 10

Tavakolzadeh, Lenny 10

Pranzitelli, Sandra 10

Brown, Michael 10

Coutinho, Nubia 10

Fuzir, Gabrijela 10

Lee-Teo, Lai Lin 10

Leung, Patty 10

Caldwell, Aurora 10

Griffiths, Kareen 10

Hatulan, Delia 10

Lo, Whitney 10

Jackman, Joy 5

Smith, Kerry Ann 5

Daryabar, Katerina 5

Shaukat, Sadia 5

Cagang, Edna 5

McDonald, Nicole 5

Hernandez, Patricia 5

We would like to thank all of our sponsors and donors for their generous contributions to

our Staff Appreciation Party

Mormak Print Productions Inc.

Polybrite

Canadian Natural Specialty Brands

Worldwide Distributors

Fastenal

Accolade Promotion Group

Blade Tape Inc

Minken Employment Lawyers

Axe N Gear Music and Vintage Collectables

Sharpe Property Services

Rainmaker

Magda Rigo

Cheryl Berliner

Malka Rosenberg

Steve Palermo

Wendy Maw


Staff Appreciation Party

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Asian/ South Asian Heritage Month

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CLYS hosted a Mother’s Retreat,

Momentum from May 13 to May 15.

This event was made possible by a

grant received from the Ontario

Realtor’s Care Foundation.

Momentum was a positive,

mindfulness retreat for mothers who

have sons or daughters with an

intellectual disability. The retreat

provided opportunities for relaxation,

networking and building relationships

with other mothers who face similar

challenges. Mom’s were able to

receive goody bags and lots prizes.

These prizes were made possible

through the generous donations of

SMAA Corporation, YRDSB Board

Chair Anna DeBartolo and YRDSB

School Board Trustee Juanita

Nathan.

York Region District School Board’s Inclusive School & Community Services

hosted a wellness evening in honour of Asian/South Asian Heritage Month.

CLYS was proud to be a presenter for the parent workshop. The workshop was

attended by parents/caregivers of students. CLYS shared some of the crea-

tive solutions that our parents have developed with the support of CLYS.

Some great group discussions took place around successes, barriers and

challenges families have encountered in their lives.


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FEEDBACK

“I very much enjoyed the event. I think there was a good balance be-tween program points and "fun"/creative ac-tivities. Since returning from the mothers re-treat, we have invited other moms to a parent support network”

“Thank you again

for the momentum

weekend. Your

weekend was in-

credibly valuable.

Everyone in the

room is an advo-

cate and together

we can be so much

more influential. “

Children’s Camp ! REGISTER NOW !!!


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MARKHAM • RICHMOND HILL • VAUGHAN • WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE

Ages 8– 17 9:30am to 3:30pm daily

Register Now! Before May 27:

$175.00/week * for CLYS Mem-

bers , $192.50/week for Non-

members

After May 27:

$192.50/week * for CLYS mem-


members

Additional costs:

you will be advised of any extra

costs in advance if applicable.

One-to-one: Speak to the coordina-

tor in your area if your child needs

extra support. Additional costs will

apply.

Social & Life skills | Trips |

To Register Contact:

Markham - Ellen Chan

905-884-9110, EXT 267 [email protected]

Location: Bur Oak Secondary School, 933 Bur Oak Ave, Markham

Richmond Hill - Annie Zhang


Location: Richmond Hill High School, 201 Yorkland St. Richmond

Hill

Whitchurch-Stouffville - Tharini Tharmalingam

905-884-9110, EXT 703 -

[email protected]

Location: Soccer City, 45 Innovator Ave, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Vaughan - Sadia Shaukat


Location: Emily Carr Secondary School, 4901 Rutherford Rd,

Woodbridge

Youth/Adult Camp ! REGISTER NOW !!!


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MARKHAM • RICHMOND HILL • VAUGHAN • WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE

Ages 18+ 9:30am to 3:30pm daily

To Register Contact:

Markham - Ellen Chan


Location: Bur Oak Secondary School, 933 Bur Oak Ave, Markham

Richmond Hill - Annie Zhang


Location: Richmond Hill High School, 201 Yorkland St. Richmond

Hill

Whitchurch-Stouffville - Tharini Tharmalingam

905-884-9110, EXT 703 -

[email protected]

Location: Soccer City, 45 Innovator Ave, Whitchurch-Stouffville

Vaughan - Sadia Shaukat

905-884-9110, EXT 640

[email protected]

Location: Emily Carr Secondary School, 4901 Rutherford Rd,

Woodbridge

Social & Life skills | Trips | Music | Art | Sports | Games | and more!

Register Now! Before May 27:

$175.00/week * for CLYS Mem-


members

After May 27:

$192.50/week * for CLYS mem-


members

Additional costs:

you will be advised of any extra

costs in advance if applicable.

One-to-one: Speak to the coordina-

tor in your area if your child needs

extra support. Additional costs will

apply.


Current Parent-Operated Programs

Parent operated programs are one of our strongest running groups, with parents taking the

initiative to facilitate and launch new programs with the guidance of the Community

Support Coordinators. Currently, the following programs are running in each area:

Markham:

Crafts and Cooking Program - runs every Sunday evening from 6:30pm to 8:30pm;

activities include baking, learning how to make sandwiches, etc. Location: CLYS

Markham Office on 5694 Hwy7 East, Unit 13, Markham, L3P 1B4

Yoga - runs every Saturday from 6:30 to 7:30pm and is facilitated by a trained yoga

instructor. Location: CLYS Markham Office on 5694 Hwy7 East, Unit 13, Markham,

L3P 1B4

Girls on the GO- (ages 15+): The program aims to improve self-esteem, encourage

experiential learning and so much more. Girls have enjoyed outings to Swiss Chalet

for dinner, bowling, and movies, paint lounge and so much more, they do regular

Yoga, dancing and cooking healthy foods at the program. Program runs every

Saturday from 11:30am to 3:00pm. Location: 8400 Woodbine Ave Suite 102-103,

Markham, L3R 4N7. To register contact: Sadia Shaukat (See page 2 for contact).

Awesome Boys Group Wednesday- (14+): This group is social programs for young

boys looking to make friends and at the same time have fun. Program includes

community outings to bowling, library and much more. Program runs every

Wednesday evening from 6:30pm to 9:00. Location: 5694 Highway 7 E. Unit 13,

Markham. To register contact: Daniel Ching. Support Ratio: 1:5

Pink Ladies (15+): New social program for independent young girls running every

Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:00pm. Location: 5694 Highway 7 E. Unit 13

Markham. Support Ratio: 1:6.*currently not accepting any new participants.

Tamil Youth Group-to promote independence, social interaction and teach life skills.

Location: CLYS Markham Office on 5694 Hwy7 East, Unit 13, Markham, L3P 1B4.

Contact : Tharini Tharmalingam at 905-294-4971 ext 703 or

[email protected]

Cont’d….

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Partnership Programs

Autism teen night in partnership with Autism teenage partnership (Ages 13+) runs

every Monday from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm. Weekly fun and social programs for ages 13+ ;

1: 4 support ratio. Location: 8400 Woodbine Avenue, Room 4B . Markham, ON L3R .

Contact : [email protected]

Richmond Hill:

Thursday Night Entertainment Program (ages 10+)- runs every Thursday 7-9pm; .

Some of the activities include: bowling, bingo, drumming, pottery & much more. Loca-

tion: Community Living York South ,101 Edward Ave., Richmond Hill L4C 5E5. Contact

Jude :647-271-5487 ; Joshua:416-895-8232

York Abilities (Ages 14+)-This program runs every Saturday from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

Activities include a lot of physical activities, Zumba, in door mini golf, bowling and so

much more. Location: CLYS Richmond Hill Office-101 Edward Ave., Richmond Hill L4C

5E5. Contact: Stinder Lyall (905) 883 - 5248; [email protected]

Vaughan:

Friday Night Club (ages 16+)–Social group for young adults running every Friday

evening from 6:30-9:00pm. Participants engage in various activities such as arts/crafts,

cooking, music, dance, and various community outings such as bowling, Dave and Bust-

er, putting edge, swimming and so much more. Location: 136 Wings Road Unit 6,

Woodbridge, L4C 6C3. (Locations for drop off and pick up varies weekly depending on

community outings). Contact: Sadia Shaukat [email protected]

Tuesday Night Entertainment- runs every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Activities includes: community outings, cooking at Fortinos, and so much more. Loca-

tion:136 Wings Road Unit 6, Woodbridge, L4C 6C3. Contact:Joshua Tan @ 416-895-

8232 / Jude Farjami @ 647-2715487

THE ACCESS NEWSLETTER October 2015

16


MARKETPLACE PROGRAM

The Marketplace provides an array of group educational courses, activities and

recreational opportunities suggested by, and of interest to, individuals with an intellectual

disability.

The Marketplace is a collaboration between Community Living York South and local

municipalities and school boards as well as community organizations and

programs. Established since 2012, previous courses include healthy and easy cooking,

preparing for G1 license, developing healthy relationships, fitness at the YMCA, self-

defense, social skills for independence, personal safety, dance, computer basics, women’s

support group and budgeting. Courses change with the season. Upcoming summer 2016

courses are: Dance, Nature Walks, Play it Forward-a seven week about leadership and

making a difference in the world, and Fitness and Swimming at the YMCA. To access

Market Place program calendars : http://www.communitylivingyorksouth.ca/support-

services/youth/marketplace-calendars/

LEARNING ACADEMY

Learning Academy is an educationally-based program focusing on the practice and

improvement of various literacy skills. Currently based in Vaughan, and looking to expand

to Richmond Hill and Markham, Learning Academy also offers recreational and social

activities based on the interests of all new and existing members. Participants become

active in their community through involvement in local centres, libraries, sports facilities,

swimming pools, grocery stores and restaurants.

Learning Academy offers a weekly core curriculum to members, including the educational

use of IPad; reading comprehension activities; mathematic games and worksheets;

cooking classes; yoga sessions; trainer facilitated physical programming; healthful living

education; social and communication skills review, bowling and wellness

walks. Additionally, the Learning Academy may change or add activities with the season

to include various day excursions to amusement or animal parks, nature walks or to

include outdoor programming.

Contact Cathy Johnston 9905 294 4971 x 380 or [email protected]

for more information.

mailto:[email protected]

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Community Living York South (CLYS) is excited to announce that we will be working with FOCUS

Accreditation to re-certify in the spring of 2017!

CLYS undertook its first ever Accreditation review in November 2012, successfully achieving a 4

year Accreditation certificate in March, 2013. This means that we met or exceeded over 70% of

the standards, which is FOCUS' requirement to be Accredited.

In order to prepare for the re-Accreditation process, CLYS developed a quality improvement and

accreditation work plan that started in January, 2016. Activities to support employees, people

supported, families and community members to refresh themselves on the standards we are

required to meet have been created. Over 20 people volunteered to lead the review of the

standards.

To date, we have reviewed standards for:

1. Ethical Practices, Rights & Responsibilities 2.Achieving Outcomes 3.Communication

4.Accessibility 5.Governance & Leadership 6.Finances

The remaining standards will be reviewed through to February 2017.

If you have any questions about Accreditation at CLYS, please contact Pamela Singleton-Palmer,

Director of Residential & Day Services, at 905-884-9110 ext. 650 or via email at

[email protected]


ACCREDITATION

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ACCESS Newsletter June 2016

Documents

Transcript of ACCESS Newsletter June 2016