By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

The old adage “it takes a village” is certainly fitting to describe the partnerships Community Living Essex County (CLEC) is trying to form to break down barriers and create an inclusive community for all. 

The organization – currently supporting around 750 individuals with an intellectual disability and their families – hosted its annual Mayor’s Luncheon at St. Mary’s Hall on Friday afternoon. The opportunity invited council members, town staff, and local police and firefighters from the seven local municipalities that make up Essex County to learn not only about the services and goals of the organization, but also how they can make a difference within their respective roles.

CLEC’s vision is to celebrate inclusion and inspire possibilities, and its mission is to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in achieving their goals and dreams. Not only is that mission shared with CLEC staff so they can better navigate challenges, Executive Director, Corey Dalgleish, also shared the sentiment to urge local dignitaries to think about how they can help to ensure no one is left behind. 

For CLEC, “Advocacy has always mattered, because people with intellectual disabilities and their families were often excluded from the table where decisions were made,” Dalgleish said. 

Economic opportunities matter because meaningful employment creates dignity, independence, contribution, and connection. Social change also matters, because inclusion is ultimately about belonging and about whether people are truly welcome, valued, and able to participate in their community, he added. 

Values, however, are aspirational and often have barriers to being fully embodied. 

Barriers often continue to exist between CLEC’s values and the lived experience of people. 

“That means movements need to continue moving,” Dalgleish explained. 

From an era of institutionalization that often meant exclusion, to rejecting segregation and thinking about individualized supports, the history of the Community Living movement has “a series of catalysts; moments and ideas where people challenged existing assumptions and pushed the movement forward.”

Barriers still exist to affordable housing and accessing supports and services. For example, there are currently 54,000 individuals on the waitlist for developmental services in Ontario. That puts pressure on caregivers and families, and there can be an economic impact as families need to leave the workforce to provide care for their loved ones. There are also barriers to transportation and inclusive employment. 

He encouraged everyone in the room to join the movement and champion inclusion when opportunities arise. 

“Progress rarely happens through one big decision. More often, movements move forward with small, thoughtful, intentional decisions made consistently over time,” Dalgleish said. 

Liz Raffoul, Director of Community Living Operations, spoke of how CLEC has been able to expand its housing footprint by adding a total of three Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) to its existing properties. This creative opportunity gave three supported individuals the opportunity to live more independently, while remaining connected to their communities.

“Projects like this only move forward when organizations, municipalities, and communities are willing to think creatively and work together,” Raffoul said. 

Ground was first broken for the first ADU in the summer of 2024, which was ready by December of that year. Two more were developed last year. 

“We are not just building homes, we are helping to build independence, confidence, and a true sense of belonging,” she said. 

Shelbey Pillon, Manager of Planning and Technology Supports, spoke of CLEC’s respite program. This provides a short break for families and caregivers, offering time to rest, recharge, and focus on their own well-being or other responsibilities, while their loved one receives thoughtful, compassionate care.

This takes place in the family home or in a dedicated respite space. 

“These supports are tailored to each person’s unique needs, offering a safe and welcoming environment where individuals are cared for, engaged and supported,” Pillon said. “Families are given the opportunity to step away with peace-of-mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

“At the heart of respite is trust,” she said. “Families place immense trust in us when they allow us to care for the people they love most. It is a responsibility we never take lightly, and one that continues to guide the work we do every day.”

Part of the event highlighted the work of some of CLEC’s Career Compass and Youth in Action summer jobs program, which are both dedicated to connecting partner agencies to some of CLEC’s clients looking for meaningful employment. They are supported to ensure their success and prosperity. 

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy spoke of how proud she was that the Town of Essex was able to bring on board two individuals last year through the Youth in Action Program. She wants to build on that.

“At Community Living Essex County, listening to people with lived experience is essential,” Janell Violet, CLEC’s Manager of Community Relations and Resource Development, said in introducing members of New Day, a self-advocacy group, during the event. 

Ensemble was also introduced as an organization dedicated to bringing families together to create space for shared learning. It was founded in part by Marilyn Godard 26-years ago as a parent of a daughter with an intellectual disability. 

Its tagline is “Ensemble understands,” and that is based on their own lived experience in the joy, pride, and milestones of being a parent, but also the uncertainty of navigating instances alone.

Sometimes, what makes the biggest difference is knowing others understand, she said. “When families are supported, the people we support are better supported, too.” 

During the event, Ken Knapp Ford was recognized for its continued involvement in the Jingle Bell Walk, Run, and Wheel. So were the Essex 73’s for always participating, and the Essex County OPP and Essex Fire & Rescue for their support. 

Members of the Ruthven Apple Festival Steering Committee were recognized for their dedication to the event that raises funds to support CLEC’s transportation fleet. Libro Credit Union was also recognized for its ongoing support of the Giving Tuesday program with its grant matching initiative that helps put supporting electronic devices into the hands of the individuals CLEC supports. That helps provide them independence and better connect them to their communities and families.