Empower Simcoe
39 Fraser Court/ 35 West St. North L4N 5J5 Barrie, ON, Canada

We've had a great time this month recognizing some of our dedicated employees and the exceptional work they're doing to support people and families at Empower Simcoe. Our gratitude to Community Support Worker Kim Breske for her creativity and innovation in the assembly of Activity Kits for the people we support at Community Support Services, Orillia. Each monthly kit is assembled with a variety of leisure, sensory and activities of interest that is specific to each person’s... individual interests, says Kim. It’s about creating meaningful days for the people we support. The messages and notes from parents say it all: You made Travis’ day! He was very pleased to receive the bag of goodies left at our front door. Wonderful ideas and so creative. You keep Stephen wondering what is going to be delivered next month. The monthly Activity Kits have been a true blessing providing connections and new resources! This is awesome. What a great feeling to get a special delivery especially at this time. To have something to look forward to is truly exciting. Thank you Kim, and Community Support Services Orillia, for your commitment to your essential work that’s making such a significant impact on the lives of the people you support.

According to Brandon, It’s the best birthday ever! This was a special day for a special guy. Happy Birthday Brandon from your friends at Empower Simcoe. #MeaningfulLife

Canadian comedy legend Elvira Kurt performs for Empower Simcoe employees, volunteers, families and people supported. As we wrap up Gratitude Month, we celebrate with laughter and our thanks for all that these special people do for Empower Simcoe.

Empower Simcoe Community Support Worker Amy Readman shares how easy it is to get your Covid-19 vaccination. Visit simcoemuskokahealth.org today. Stay safe Empower Simcoe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7qzn7A1-BQ

Get the facts ontario.ca/covidvaccine.

The hot, new DIY hobby? It's Diamond Painting, and Sharlene has it mastered! Great job Sharlene. We love the message too. #LiveLaughLove

Have you had a new baby within the last 12 months? Empower Simcoe EarlyON Child and Family Center has the perfect program for you and your baby! Life with Baby meets online, every Wednesday morning to talk about all things baby! Meet new friends, learn about your baby, and enjoy some songs, stories and rhymes. To register, visit our website here: https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/earlyon-programs/

Join Empower Simcoe CEO Claudine Cousins this afternoon, as Lakehead University and Georgian College present the virtual series Leading through Unprecedented Times. Claudine will be joined by other local leaders in a panel discussion about navigating the Covid-19 pandemic, while maintaining the strength and reputation of their organizations. Register here https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/.../WN_ygMQ6nCEStKmTTaIrMvj3A

Thank you to The Lighthouse for this recognition as a valued community partner. Our Empower Simcoe Regional Housing Support Services team is grateful for this collaboration and partnership to assist and support people experiencing homelessness in our community. #MeaningfulLife https://www.tribute.co/lhcommunity-partners/

Thank you Barrie Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paul Markle for the chance today to talk about meaningful employment for people of all abilities. Empower Simcoe Employment Support Services Coordinators Sandy Calvert and Diane Uram cohosted today's informative webinar: Growing Your Workforce with Inclusive Hiring Practices. It's why being an inclusive employer just makes good business sense. Visit our Empower Simcoe website to learn more about our Empower Simcoe Employment Support Services program. https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/employment-support-services/

This Easter was extra sweet for Empower Simcoe as evidenced by the smiles from Selina, Cassie and Alan! Thanks to Megan Leigh, co-owner of Chelsea Chocolates, for her generosity in ensuring these delicious chocolate treats were waiting for everyone we support, as well as our dedicated Direct Support professionals at our our Empower Simcoe supported living homes. Thank you Chelsea Chocolates!

Chef Martin knows 'tis the season for Christmas baking! Looks yummy Martin.

Emily and Chelsea have been virtually volunteering with Bob Rumball Home For The Deaf every week supported by Empower Simcoe Community Participation Support Worker Abbey MacAulay through our Employment and Transition Support Programs. These ladies wanted to spread some Christmas spirit by hand crafting these adorable snowmen, then delivering them to the residents at Bob Rumball. Emily and Chelsea wish everyone a very FROSTY CHRISTMAS!

Empower Simcoe's YAK (Young Adult Konnections) program assists young adults to develop the independent skills required to connect, plan, and participate in community activities with their friends. The YAK Ladies social group meets weekly via Zoom to chat about a variety of topics including self-care, life goals, everyday challenges, and building healthy relationships. Today, everyone had fun planting herbs and canvas painting. Surround yourself with dynamic ladies and you will be inspired! #MeaningfulLife

Learn more about the Registered Disability Savings Plan in the upcoming Edward Jones RDSP webinar event tonight at 7pm. All aspects of establishing and maintaining a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) will be covered, including requirements to be a beneficiary (and the impact on a beneficiary's other social benefits,) requirements to be a plan holder, contributions (including rollovers from other registered plans), grants and bonds, the rules surrounding withdrawals, and taxation issues. Register here https://edwardjones.zoom.us/.../WN_Ot1F82e7Q26CretC_N-ijQ

Just like the Netflix show, our Empower Simcoe supported living homes have been having great fun participating in their own Nailed It Baking Challenge. Congratulations to Martha and Holly. Their Empower Simcoe supported living home won the recent Monster Cake Challenge. The best part of the friendly competition? Everyone's entries are delicious! #nailedit

We continue to reach out to serve you better! Empower Simcoe’s Family Relief program understands that sometimes when funding finally comes your way, it can be stressful figuring out how it can be used to benefit your family. This year has been extra challenging to utilize funding during a pandemic. Here is Carolyn Harris, Empower Simcoe's Respite Coordinator, facilitating a parent information session for Family Relief funding. A great way to have a meaningful chat with families and personally help each family leave with a plan. Find more information about our Empower Simcoe Family Relief program here https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/family-relief-program/.

Jen, Brad, Josh and Stephen had a great time creating and decorating these gorgeous gingerbread trees during Empower Simcoe's Community Support Services virtual cooking class. Thank you to Sweet Time Bake Shoppe in Orillia for making this fun and festive project possible. Each tree is centrepiece ready for any table this Christmas!

Kailey, Kristina and Empower Simcoe Community Support Worker Lisa Wright don't seem to mind that the fireplace at Park Place Barrie isn't on yet. A cozy blanket and good conversation between friends are all that's needed for these ladies to stay warm! #MeaningfulLife

Perry's busy crafting his own Christmas cards for family and friends. What a great way to spread a little joy and cheer with his own personal touch! #MeaningfulLife

Empower Simcoe CEO Claudine Cousins presents Kerrie Christie, On-site Coordinator at O'Brien House with her 2019-2020 Employee Gift of the Heart Award. Every day, Kerrie leads a large team of dedicated and caring Direct Support Professionals. Unrelated to the pandemic, Annie, one of the seniors at O'Brien House, was experiencing health concerns and often required hospital visits. Kerrie worked diligently and with compassion so her team and Annie's network of health professi...onals could continue all health services at O'Brien House. During the last weeks of Annie's life when she required more care than ever, Kerrie empowered her team to support Annie with respect and dignity. It's because of this kind-hearted, compassionate approach to her essential work that Kerrie is so deserving of this special honour. Congratulations Kerrie. #GiftOfTheHeart See more

Christmas luncheon day at Empower Simcoe with deliveries from Swiss Chalet to all our supported living homes and programs! Thanks to Katie and her Swiss Chalet team for assisting Empower Simcoe Finance Manager Kamila Romanowicz and Community Support Services On-Site Coordinator Fernando Bertucci with some of our Empower Simcoe order. #FestiveSpecial

Great family fun at Empower Simcoe's EarlyON Child and Family Centres! Holiday Make and Take starts November 23rd and runs until December 14th during our in-person Stay, Play, and Learn programs. Families will be provided with the materials and guidance to complete a fun holiday creation that they can take home. Each family will receive their own materials, to promote safety. Register now at https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/earlyon-p/stay-play-and-learn/

Caleb's day of fishing at Couchiching Park in Orillia - you should see the one that got away!

It's a Canadian inspired 12 Days of Christmas, brought to you by the Program Facilitators at Empower Simcoe's EarlyON Child and Family Centre. #12DaysOfChristmas #EarlyON

Good exercise, fresh air, and the best views to share on Emily's weekly trail hike!