Families and Friends Newsletter

Hello

Greetings to all our readers as we dive into the vibrant season of summer! Our latest newsletter is bursting with exciting updates to keep you informed and engaged. From highlights of the recent golf tournament to heartwarming stories showcasing the incredible people we support, this edition is packed with inspiring content. Be sure to check out details on upcoming events and programs.

Wishing you a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable summer ahead!

Photo above: Adam, Volunteer Wesley, Krista and support staff Alexandra at the golf tournament.

Fore! The 29th Annual Golf Tournament was a hole-in-one success, teeing off with almost $40,000 raised thanks to our incredible sponsors, donors, silent auction contributors, and golfers! The silent auction alone raised $6,100. We couldn't have done it without all of you driving us towards our fundraising goal.

Despite the heat, the day was a lot of fun, ending with a BBQ lunch that was truly above par. Don't miss out on the snapshots on our website gallery and a listing of all winners. Thank you all for making this tournament a swinging success! For more photos of the day please Visit the gallery here.

Photo above - donation from The Nottawasaga Foundation in support of the 29th Annual Golf Tournament on June 19th. From left, Andrew Walker, Peter Biffis, and Jamie Sheppard.

Photo above - JD Moffit, from Lite 99.3 MC for the tournament welcomes the golfers and thanks the sponsors before the 9am shotgun start.

Storytelling - Fostering Personal Journeys

"It started with a dream of mine," Matt shared.

The power of storytelling! At CLASS, we believe in telling stories that connect hearts and spark imaginations. Dive into our first edition of Storytelling - Fostering Personal Journeys, where every month unfolds a unique story of courage, dreams, and triumphs. Get ready to embark on a journey filled with inspiration and heartwarming narratives. Click the link below to read the stories on our website and experience the magic of personal journeys with us!

Meet Matt. Click on image below to read the full story.

We are thrilled to introduce Austin, a member of our employment course, who has recently embarked on a rewarding journey at Crash Sports in Schomberg. Through his volunteer work, Austin is gaining valuable skills ranging from sorting various sporting equipment to providing customer service. Join us in celebrating Austin's commitment and enthusiasm toward personal and professional growth! Also, a BIG THANKS to Crash Sports for providing this amazing opportunity to Austin. Check out their website. https://crashsports.company.site/

#fosteringpersonaljourneys

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive skills development program by our participants. Throughout the program, participants have honed a diverse set of skills including resume building, interview techniques, precise measurements using various tools like tape measures and rulers, analog clock time-telling, effective communication encompassing tone and cadence, both verbal and non-verbal cues, tool expertise, WHMIS and Health and Safety knowledge acquired through a 4-step course, as well as the ability to fill out evaluation forms and provide constructive feedback. This achievement showcases their dedication to personal and professional growth, equipping them with essential skills for future endeavours.

10 people signed up for this latest : Daniella, Matt, Aaron, Shaun, Aidan, Philp, Nancy, Tim, Austin, and Josh. Congratulations to all of you. Please see below feedback directly from the participants about the course. Click image to view larger.

Aaron and Philip have successfully completed the LegUp to Material Handling Course and were interested in pursuing additional specialty training on forklift operation and safety. The training consisted of a half-day in-class session in Mississauga where they learned about battery maintenance, propane cylinder testing, safety checks, and load restrictions, followed by a written test to assess their knowledge. In the afternoon, they had hands-on experience operating forklifts, practicing driving, moving in different directions, and using various controls to adjust the forks in tight spaces. After additional training and practice, both Aaron and Philip passed the final test. We congratulate them on their achievement and look forward to seeing their newly acquired skills in action (see below photos from the training).

The video above will give you a brief introduction to what Accreditation it is about. In the coming weeks and months we will be sharing more about the CQL Accreditation process at CLASS.

Why CQL?

CQL Accreditation promotes excellence in person-centered services and supports that lead to increased quality of life. It’s about continuous improvement. CQL Accreditation facilitates your organizational improvement in person-centered services and supports and personal quality of life outcomes. CQL’s Accreditation is grounded in over 40 years of CQL leadership and peer-reviewed research. We focus on the critical elements that lead to increased quality of life for people. Our learning about your organization is based on these important foundations: Basic Assurances, Personal Outcome Measures, and Person Centred Excellence.

CLASS and CQL's shared values and beliefs are that basic assurances go beyond mere certification standards - they are the cornerstone of the services and supports we offer to people we support at CLASS. In the upcoming weeks and months, we are excited to delve into the 10 Basic Assurances Factors with you, providing detailed insights and examples for each. Our agency's self-assessment kicks off at the beginning of August, focusing on evaluating what we do well and areas for improvement to better align with the best industry and international standards in human services. Stay tuned for further information on how we will achieve this together at CLASS.

What an amazing day it was and such terrific community support as we all came together to celebrate the Grand Opening of the FirstClass Community Fridge Program and Vendor Artisan market on April 27th. 2024.

Thank you to all the vendors who came out in support and donated to the silent auction, and to our attendees who brought food and donations in. 

Thank you to Alliston Fire Fighters Association, York Region Respite Care, and to the County of Simcoe for their donations and support. 

Thank you to Mayor Norcross and Deputy Mayor MacLellan and to Cathy Law from MPP Saunderson's office for stopping by to present CLASS with a certificate of appreciation. 

Thank you to CLASS staff Courtney Johnston for her vision and dedication on the opening of the community fridge, and to staff member Wendy Robinson who created an organized this vendor market. A big thanks to other CLASS staff and volunteers who have been instrumental in the success of this event and the day to day operation of the Fridge program. 

There will be a fall vendor market stay tuned for details and dates.

Photo above from left: Mayor Richard Norcross, Cindy Brent, Courtney Johnston, and Deputy Mayor Stephanie MacLellan. Below photo: Adam and his support worker selling at the vendor market.

This CLASS-supported volunteer-run Community Fridge program received a donation in May from #54plusseniorscentre https://www.54plusseniorscentreinc.com/ towards the program. Thank you to the Seniors Centre for their support.

The goal of the Fridge is to address food insecurity in South Simcoe. The program offers free community access to nutritious foods while giving those we support some great on-the-job skills and knowledge to pursue employment in the community through volunteering. 

Hours are daily 8 am-8 pm (closed Wed. and Thurs. each week for inventory and restocking). Donations are always welcomed at 233 Church St. from M-F 830 am - 430 pm.

Photo from left: Geri Cale, David Y., Roy Sherman, Richard T., Volunteer, Andrew Walker, Executive Director, and staff Courtney Johnston

Thank you LINED UP Barber Shop for your generous donation to the FIRST CLASS Community Fridge! Much appreciate it.

Photo above: Patrick, Kayla and Dave accept the donation.

Happy 45th Birthday Paul!

Happy 50th Birthday Kenny!

Find more photos in the gallery here.

CLASSetball on now at CLASS!

CLASSetball is held every Wednesday from 1-2pm at head office through the summer. There will be lots of shade and seating provided, lemonade, and a small snack. Even if your not interested in playing basketball, come join for the social part! Thank you to staff Dawn West for running this program.

The 2024 Family/Caregiver survey is here!

If you have taken the survey already thank you! If not you have until June 30th. For Please click on image to enter survey. Thanks.

CLASS and CLASSy Canine Cookies will be at the following events:

• July 6 - 10-4 pm Tottenham Community Week Street Festival
• Saturday August 10th, 10AM - 4PM -Potato Festival Weekend - Victoria Street, Downtown Alliston
• August 17th - Bradford Carrot Fest

Dreamworks Drum Circles with Instructor Debbie Brown is coming back to the RC Day program by popular demand!

Don’t miss out on these fun, interactive, musical groups…

Dates: Mon. July 15, 29, Aug 12, 26 from 1100-1145 (RC backyard weather permitting) instruments provided we need you.. where your heart is in tune to the beat of the drum!

Contact: dianekruck@class.on.ca for more information

EXCITING NEWS!

The Resource Centre will be running several POTTERY workshops over the coming months, courtesy of a generous family donation, along with several other fun, interactive activities including drum circles and dance programs (details to follow with each event).

The Pottery teacher is Wendy Dodd-Kellam, who owns and runs her own Pottery Studio called HONEYHILL! Wendy will bring her 'studio' to the Resource Centre.... (along with a few experienced volunteers). Wendy has lots of experience with many tools, cutters, rollers to help each person create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of pottery. See photos below.

Upcoming sessions: September 16 and 30th, November 12 and 26th, January 2025 14th and 28th. Please RSVP as soon as possible so any remaining spaces can be offered to others. A waitlist will be put into effect on a first come first serve basis.  Contact: dianekruck@class.on.ca 

Contact Kristie for any questions on the fees for service programs above.

Our Vision:

An inclusive community where everyone is valued, diversity is a strength and all live with dignity. 

Our Mission: 

We foster personal journeys — as a provider of innovative programs and services, a credible voice for change and a trusted facilitator of success.

Want the latest newsletter from CLO? Link here.

CLASS is a proud member of Community Living Ontario.

Click on image above to learn more.

CLASS is lit up blue and green to celebrate #CLMonth2024 this is in support of being a member of Community Living Ontario. 

CLASS is a member of Microboards Ontario.

Want to learn more? Reach out to us here.