ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - 2016

SIMCOE COMMUNITY SERVICES VISION STATEMENT Igniting the unlimited potential of all people!

MISSION STATEMENT We support people of all ages and abilities to realize their full potential and to enhance their quality of life. As a community, not-for-profit, multi-service organization, we provide: • Services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families; • Programs that promote the healthy development of children of all abilities; • Services that respond to community needs.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Barber, President Bob Kennedy, Treasurer Patricia Mansfield, Member Jim McNamara, Vice President Stewart McNeely, Officer Bill Silk, Chief Executive Officer

Valerie Scott, Member Lynn Stevenson, Member Deborah Wall-Armstrong, Member Mitch Whyne, Member Miriam Villamil-Pallister, Member

PRESIDENT’S REPORT There have been many positive and constructive changes taking place at SCS this year. The Board of Directors recognized that our commitment to engaging the community of Simcoe County required strengthening and enhancement. Outreach to our community partners needed to be improved upon and expanded. We acknowledged the need to intensify our efforts at maintaining a high profile within the children’s education environment and engagement with government to be recognized as an organization committed to excellence. Our internal staff working relationships and opportunities to more fully participate in all aspects of our business, to make an effective and meaningful contribution to the success of our organization, have been improved and enriched.

David Barber, President Simcoe Community Services

We have truly re-invigorated SCS through the efforts of our CEO Bill Silk with the assistance of our two Senior Directors, Maxine Johnson and Shelley Wilson. The addition of Jamie Hall, Stakeholder Relations Manager, to our staff compliment has given us the impetus to excel in many diverse and exciting areas of operation including an improved relationship with the SCS Foundation such that we were able, with his guidance, to enjoy one of the most well received Fashion Shows to date. We have re-launched our SCS monthly newsletter under the new banner, “The Spark”. It is an entirely new format with relevant information, stories, pictures, links and superior graphics. I am proud to say that a new day has dawned for SCS and the Board of Directors could not be more pleased. We are advised that staff and the people we support are feeling a breath of fresh air as we move to address new challenges and exciting opportunities. I am now the official Past President of our Provincial Association, OASIS and will continue to serve on their Board of Directors for two more years before my full retirement. I was proud, pleased and privileged to have been able to direct the organization for two years and believe that we accomplished a great deal together. The future is bright and although there is some trepidation as to what it will hold for us going forward, we must remember that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Change is inevitable, is to be encouraged where it is progressive and positive and will ultimately lead us to a point in time where all people with an intellectual disability will be fully immersed in community as effective, participating and valued members. L. David Barber OMC President Simcoe Community Services

CEO’S REPORT I am honoured and feel very privileged to be appointed as the new CEO for Simcoe Community Service (SCS). I have worked for SCS for seventeen years and anyone who knows me will tell you, I love working for SCS. As a native son of Barrie and Simcoe County I understand the need to engage our partners in the community and intend to continue to build our focus as a community based organization. SCS has made great strides in re-building our deep routed inclusive culture and of being a caring, compassionate and highly supportive organization. We collectively recognize the value of having a strong community presence. This past year would not have been possible without the generous support and hard work of all of our staff, but in particular the assistance of our two senior Directors, Maxine Johnson and Shelley Wilson, and our Office Administrator, Robyn Pugsley.

Bill Silk, CEO Simcoe Community Services

Jamie Hall, our new Stakeholder Relations Manager, has greatly increased our visibility in the community with key initiatives undertaken such as the first time raising of the SCS flag at City Hall for the month of May, in recognition of Community Living Month; partnering with the provincial baseball champion Barrie Bay Cats to host a Simcoe Community Services night, which recognized and acknowledged many of the people we support and re-launching our SCS quarterly newsletter under the new banner, “The Spark”. If anyone would like to receive an electronic copy of our newsletter, please send an email to [email protected]. In February of 2016 we held an official opening for our new Ontario Early Years Centre at 129 Ferris Lane. We had a great turnout from families and children as well as Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, MPP Ann Hogarth, MP Alex Nuttall and the President of our Board of Directors, David Barber. The future holds many exciting and challenging opportunities for Simcoe Community Services and together our dedicated staff members and volunteer Board of Directors have positioned us well for what lies ahead. I am excited to be part of such a great organization.

Bill Silk, CEO, Simcoe Community Services

In 2013/2014 Simcoe Community Services provided supports to

700

654

600

612 554

500 400 300 200 100

214

194

156 50

0

177 123

32

SIMCOE COMMUNITY SERVICES - FINANCIALS 2015 - 2016 Simcoe Community Services EXPENDITURES BY PROGRAM per Audited Financial Statements March 31, 2016

Adult Group Homes 52.1%

Supported Independent Living 5.4% Adult Family Homes 4.0%

Preschool Services 6.0% Ontario Early Years Centres 2.3%

Children Group Homes 5.7%

Community Support Services 16.4%

Children Family Homes 3.4% Family Support Services 3.4%

King St & Barrie St PropeƌƟĞƐ

Simcoe Community Services REVENUE per Audited Financial Statements March 31, 2016 Other Government Grants 4.8%

Subsidy MCSS/MCYS/MEDU/DSH 81.0%

PaƌƟĐŝpants' ContribuƟons 7.6% Other InĐŽŵĞ 2.7% AmoƌƟzaƟon of deferred ĂƉŝƚĂůĐŽntribuƟon related to Capital Assets 0.2% United Way 0.2%

Expenditure ReĐovery 3.2% DonaƟons & Fundraising 0.3%

Simcoe Community Services EXPENDITURES BY CATEGORY per Audited Financial Statements March 31, 2016 Travel/Training 1.8%

Salaries & BeneĮts 75.3%

Fixed Asset AmoƌƟzaƟon 3.5%

Other Program Related Costs 12.9%

Occupancy 6.0%

Vehicle OperaƟon 0.7%

THE ROAD TO ACCREDITATION Since 2007, Simcoe Community Services has been accredited by The Council on Quality and Leadership. CQL is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to the definition, measurement, and improvement of personal quality of life for people with disabilities. Their Vision is: A world of dignity, opportunity and community for all people. Their Mission is: Dedicated to the definition, measurement and improvement of personal quality of life for people receiving human services and supports. CQL Accreditation focuses on continuous improvement in 8 factors and 34 indicators identified in What Really Matters: A Guide to PersonCentered Excellence® and personal quality of life as measured by the Personal Outcome Measures. This is an exciting time for Simcoe Community Services. From November 29th through to December 2nd, SCS will host two CQL consultants, working in collaboration toward the achievement of another term of accreditation. We look forward to sharing and celebrating the stories of how we support people of all ages and abilities to realize their full potential. Through the accreditation process SCS continues learning about ways we can improve upon and develop even stronger systems and practices to support people with intellectual disabilities enhancing their personal quality of life.

ACCOMMODATION SERVICES Accommodation Services provides support to 15 children and 176 adults in 41 group living homes as well as 149 adults in the Supported Independent Living Program throughout the cities of Barrie and Orillia. Through the utilization of the Personal Outcome Measures tool, Accommodation Services focuses on identifying how each person defines their personal quality of life. Personal Outcomes are key to understanding and learning about people. People live their lives and discover their own priority outcomes. The role of the support staff is to provide formal and informal services and support systems to assist people to achieve their personal outcomes. We provide people with the opportunity to experience the variety of life so they can start to make informed choices. Supports provided to each person are unique as each person defines personal quality of life differently. Throughout the past year, Accommodation Services continued to capture what is important to people with the goal of enhancing personal quality of life. People’s priorities, goals, and dreams change and develop over time.

For 20 years Stacey lived by herself and was supported through the Supported Independent Living Program. Stacey recently identified to staff that she needed a change in her supports and wanted to live with other people. Stacey was provided with the opportunity to explore options of living with others. Staff supported Stacey during this time by talking to her about her choices of where to live. Stacey identified that she would like to live in a group living option. A space became available in a home close to shopping, transit and her bank which was very important to her. Stacey was excited about the move and quickly got to know her new surroundings. The people Stacey lives with all enjoy spending time together; playing cards, chatting and having tea and coffee. Stacey continues to enjoy her independent lifestyle.

Outcome People choose where and with whom they live.

Paul’s niece moved to the Cayman Islands two years ago. Paul has stayed in touch, and identified to his support staff that he missed her and wanted to visit. Paul was supported with his goal; going to the Cayman Islands to spend time with his niece (of course!) and to explore the island. Upon arriving with his brother, Paul was able to spend an entire month on the island. He enjoyed seeing his niece, exploring the island, and spending time with the family dog Popcorn (whom he also missed!). Paul’s goal was realized! When Paul returned home, he was excited to share the highlights of his trip; going to a turtle farm, spending time on a fishing boat, searching for sea shells and attending a large fish fry. Paul was thrilled with his trip and is already talking about planning his next island adventure.

OutcomesPeople are connected to natural support networks. People choose personal goals. People realize personal goals. Kevin is a man on the go. Support staff talks with him regularly about his day and what he likes to do. Plans are made around those interests which include spending time with his family, attending events in his community, going out for meals and shopping. For several years now, Kevin has been a valued volunteer at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in Orillia. During his Individual Support Plan meeting, Kevin identified that he would like to volunteer more in order to contribute and give back to his community. Kevin was then supported to explore more volunteer opportunities. He soon began volunteering one morning a week at The Sharing Place in Orillia and it is here that Kevin works with other volunteers sorting food and preparing packages for people to pick up. Kevin enjoys this experience so much that he offered to volunteer a second morning. The Sharing Place appreciates Kevin’s commitment and the valued contribution he makes. Helping others and giving back to his community gives Kevin a sense of pride and enriches his daily life. In addition to helping those in need, it provides Kevin with the opportunity to meet others and develop new friendships.

Outcome People perform different social roles. Personal Outcomes guide us to enrich an individual’s quality of life beyond the traditional quality measures of program input, process and program outcomes. Personal Outcomes focus on the things that matter most to people in their lives. Support staff will continue to focus on what matters most, “Igniting the unlimited potential of all people”.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES 2015 was the year for “settling in” for Community Support Services! The Discovery Garden at 40 Fraser Court was finished at the end of August 2015 and is a spectacular outside space used by all. We recognize that getting outside and enjoying nature is crucial for one’s mindset and well-being. We are very appreciative and thankful to our donors, the Tonner Family and the DH Gordon Foundation for their generosity. Our Day Services in Barrie and Orillia are committed to ensuring we offer a wide range of opportunities to experience community recreation/leisure activities, and volunteer opportunities. Edward Muir gives the thumbs up to the new Discovery Garden

Our Employment Support and Transition Services relocated from their temporary site at 129 Ferris Lane to their new home at 39 Fraser Court. All of Community Support Services in Barrie is now conveniently located at 39 and 40 Fraser Court. Transition Support Services continues to provide valuable information to young people preparing to leave school. Our Transition Coordinators have played a central role in the implementation of the Integrated Transition Plan now used by all high schools in Ontario.

Sean Philip volunteering at Rainbow Valley Riding Centre

Simcoe Community Services’ Employment Support Services was one of 38 organizations who received a grant to assist with modernization of our service delivery model. That grant was well spent. With the assistance of an Employment Support Resource and Advisor we were able to carefully review our capacity to deliver employment opportunities and review our partnerships with employers. A database was created to store and track a wide range of employment information. With over 600 employers throughout Simcoe County, our Employment Support Services is dedicated to ensuring the people we support have the opportunity to obtain and maintain competitive employment.

Connor Knapp on the job at Fox’s Bakery and Deli

Simcoe Community Services’ Annual Fashion Show provided Community Support Services with the chance to highlight many of our community partnerships: Old Navy, Jack Astors, Starbucks, Motion Specialities and Grove Park Nursing Home to name a few! All our community partners play a vital role in helping Community Support Services provide meaningful days and opportunities to the 362 people we support.

P.J. Gallagher and Grove Park Home Manager Barb Caicco shine on the runway at the 2016 SCS Fashion Show

FAMILY SERVICES It has been an exciting year for the Family Services department. The dedicated staffing group that makes up the various programs within the department remained committed to a high level of service delivery aligning with Simcoe Community Services’ Vision and Mission Statement. Our diverse services saw the Family Services department provide both direct and indirect support to over 2,300 individuals and families.

Barrie Housing Support Services Services offered through BHSS provided housing loss prevention support to individuals and families at risk of homelessness, as well, it provided support to secure and maintain housing to those experiencing homelessness in our community. This past year, the program realized an exciting collaboration with the Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions. Housing Access Worker resources have been put in place to support youth leaving child care protective services to develop skills, tools and strategies to transition into adulthood and become successful tenants in the rental market. In addition, the housing program continues to take an active role with the Finding a safe and secure home through Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness (SCATEH). In January 2016, BHSS participated Barrie Housing Supports and Services in the 20,000 Homes Campaign led by SCATEH. The campaign is a national movement of communities working together to permanently house 20,000 of Canada’s most vulnerable homeless people by July 1, 2018. Barrie Housing Support Services continues its efforts to realize the goal of ending homelessness for those in our community.

Family Support Program This program provides community-based support to children and youth diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and their families. This strength-based program provides a family-centred approach to service delivery, focusing on Personal Outcome Measures for Children and Youth. Services range from a single Resource Appointment to ongoing support where an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is established with the family and reviewed annually to address ongoing needs. Brief services are provided for those families who require support to achieve time limited goals. A maintenance model of support is also available to families who do not require regular contact but who would like the opportunity for periodic brief consultation. Family Support Workers develop meaningful connection with families to facilitate the identification of goals. These goals support families to realize positive family dynamics and assist their loved-ones to realize their full potential.

Family Relief Program The Family Relief Program has been connecting people with CHAP (Community Helpers for Active Participation) since launching the Simcoe chapter of respiteservices.com in 2007. CHAP assist children and adults to be more independent, participate in recreational and leisure activities and create opportunities to reach their potential. Peter was connected with CHAP, Kylie through the program. Peter’s mother Maggie tells their story: Our story begins 3 years ago when we were fortunate enough to meet a CHAP by the name of Kylie. She was a University student completing her studies in social work and seeking hands on experience in her area of studies. At the time, Peter was not able to easily leave the house and participate in everyday activities (going in a car or bus, shopping, going to the mall, restaurants, library, and other types of recreational activities and venues). Kylie took her time to get to know Peter and gain his trust and confidence. Kylie and Peter with Breakfast Television’s Her kindness, patience, understanding and Jennifer Valentyne approachability made this task seamless. She worked diligently with Peter each summer going here there and basically everywhere to get him comfortable in all different types of environments and situations. Now, Peter enjoys going out into the community (sometimes even by himself) and actively participating and enjoying what life has to offer. We have Kylie to thank for this transformation in Peter. As you can see, it is crucial to find the right fit between a person and the CHAP chosen to support them, and when this is accomplished the “sky’s the limit”. We are so blessed that Kylie came into our life.

Youth Program The program’s Youth Workers had a very busy year planning and running programs for high-school aged youth in the Barrie and Orillia areas. WEB (Barrie) and Get OUT (Orillia) programs were offered throughout the school year with focus going to offering activities peaking the social and recreational interest of youth in our community. Highlights of the year included Supper Club, a Paint Splatter Party and Community Outreach Night. The Youth Program hosted the annual 3 days and 2 nights March Break Retreat at Geneva Park. The event was a huge success as over 50 youth were encouraged to: “Unlock Their Potential”. The 2016 Youth in Action program gave opportunity for over 180 youth to participate in day camp sessions over an 8 week period. Youth gained independence, forged new relationships and learned about their communities as they travelled in and around Simcoe County visiting local sites and amenities.

Family Home Program This program is an accommodation option for children and adults diagnosed with an intellectual disability who are unable or uninterested in living with their natural family but wish to live within a family setting. The Family Home program offers the option of living in the community where approved home providers open their homes to provide support to meet the emotional, physical and recreational needs of the person living with them. The program hopes the relationship that exists between the person supported, the home provider and their family members is one that builds an atmosphere of mutual trust and reciprocal giving. To learn more about the program or how to become a Home Provider, please contact the Family Services Program Associate at 705-726-9082 ext. 2261. Robert Orvis enjoys an ATV ride with SCS Home Provider John LeBarr

PRESCHOOL SERVICES It Takes a Village to Raise a Child The Preschool Services Department houses four unique programs which all have the common goal of supporting families to raise healthy, thriving children who have the best possible chance of meeting their full developmental potential. SCS partners with many services in the community to achieve these outcomes. Our programs support the tiniest babes born as early as 17 weeks prior to their due date to grandparents who are parenting their grandchildren. The Simcoe County Infant Development Program provides support to children 0 to 2 years of age who are at risk of, or experiencing a developmental delay. The Infant Development team is a specialized team that comes alongside families during a very stressful period in their lives and gently assists families with putting all the supports in place to help their little one experience best possible health and develop to their full potential. Infant Development Workers often form very profound relationships with families as they allow a professional into their private home life. Infant Development Workers are often the first professionals that families encounter in what may be a life long journey requiring developmental services and supports. Many times our relationship with a family can begin in the hospital shortly after birth. We participate in weekly rounds at the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre where we meet families and their babies who start their life in the NICU. Dr. Vincent Ho is a Neonatologist and Paediatrician at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, he says of the partnership with the Infant Development Program (IDP) “The IDP plays a critical role in the continuum of care of the vulnerable patients who “graduate” from the NICU into the community”. Some of the babies we meet are born with a clear diagnosis such as Down Syndrome. Others are born very premature and at high risk of failing to thrive while others are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. This means they are born having been exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. Early Intervention seeks to equip the parent or caregiver with the tools, skills and resources required to give these little ones the best possible start in life. The Resource Teacher Program provides service to children and their families who are identified with a developmental delay or are significant risk of delay until entry into school. The Resource Teacher program delivers service to families and licensed child care centres in Barrie, Innisfil and Bradford. This past year 580 children received service through our program. The role of the Resource Teacher is to support the inclusion of children with special needs in licensed child care centres and develop an Individual Family Service Plan with the family. Working with licensed child care centres to support the inclusion of all children, regardless of ability, aligns with our Shared Values and Personal Outcomes Measures for Families with Young Children. This year Resource Teachers developed and delivered training to 50 child care providers. The training focused on sensitive conversations with families regarding the development of their child. Child Care Providers reported that after the training they felt much more confident to have conversations with parents about developmental concerns regarding their children. Resource Teachers working together with Early Learning Professionals allows SCS to ensure more children are getting help earlier giving them their best possible chance to grow, learn and develop to their full potential.

The Ontario Early Years Programs in Barrie, Innisfil and Bradford, as well as several outreach locations provide service to parents and caregivers and their children up to a child’s 7th birthday. Programs at the OEYC are universal which means they are open to all families and children. This year began with excitement and anticipation, as our long awaited move to 129 Ferris Lane in Barrie was brought to fruition. The well-equipped, bright and welcoming environment sets the stage for positive interactions between parents and children. Our Grand Opening on February 27th was a great success attended by many parents, children and local dignitaries who celebrated together the opening of a wonderful facility that promotes the healthy development of all children and families through play, information and resource sharing and education.

The Grandparent System Support Program In May 2015, the Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded Simcoe Community Services with a 4 year grant to build a system of support for grandparents parenting again. This grant has provided us with the opportunity to build a system wide approach by engaging many stakeholders from the public and private sector to support this unique population. We are working hard to ensure sustainability beyond the life of the grant by equipping and training grandparents as peer supports and by providing specialized training to volunteers to co-facilitate support groups. The first year of the program was very exciting and positive. A Grandparent System Support Navigator was hired to create and develop program goals and initiatives and to continue facilitating support groups. The Grandparent System Support Program was branded with a unique and identifiable logo which gives the program a fresh look and personality. Grandparent participation has increased across the County of Simcoe and we have new community partners hosting support groups. Host support group sites include Simcoe Community Services, Ontario Early Years Centres and The Barrie Native Friendship Centre with more collaboration to come! Support groups provide grandparents with a safe and confidential environment where grandparents create peer relationships, learn new skills and access community resources. Reaching out to community partners through education and awareness was another important initiative during our first program year. Via presentations, lunch and learns, and library book kit distribution, the joys and challenges of parenting again were shared with members of the community. Building strong community relationships and providing accessible resource material are ways in which the program is building capacity. As we move ahead with a number of projects and initiatives in the Preschool Department this coming year, we are continually reminded that all of the good work done in each program area to support the healthy development of children and families cannot happen in isolation. It truly takes a village to raise a child.

SELF ADVOCATES’ COUNCIL Welcome to the newest members of the Simcoe Community Services Self Advocate Council; Annie St. Louis, Kasandra Lindlow, and Kaela Brown. All 11 members of the Council have been hard at work developing training to educate others regarding abuse prevention and rights awareness. The Council worked closely with Advocates Against Abuse learning effective ways to empower others to speak out against abuse. The hard work has paid off and the Self Advocates are looking forward to co-facilitating the training sessions in the fall of 2016. More information to follow – so stay tuned! The Council continues to represent SCS at the annual Community Living Ontario Conference and are looking forward to going again this year. The Council enjoys supporting SCS in the promotion of our Agency. Many were able to attend the raising of the SCS flag at City Hall for Community Living Month. The Self Advocates’ Council continues to advocate directly with Mayor Jeff Lehman for better and affordable transit for people with intellectual disabilities; sharing their concerns about the challenges faced using the Barrie Accessible Transit System. Exciting news! One of the SCS council members, Brant Mawsdley, is in the running for a spot on the Council for Community Living Ontario. The elections are taking place this fall. Best of luck to you Brant!

Member Profile by Allison Lauren Bobbette I am very glad and honoured to be highlighted with the Self Advocate Profile for this year’s Annual Report for Simcoe Community Services. I have accomplished many different and special things this year. Last November at Barrie City Hall, I was thrilled to be awarded the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities 10th Anniversary Champion Award for advocating on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities. I also wrote my own song,” I am Able” with help from Music without Barriers. I am a member of the SCS Self Advocates’ Council and I sit on the Board of the Barrie Integrated Baseball Association; both have proven to be fantastic experiences. Of course I would not be able to achieve all that I have accomplished without the help and support from my wonderful family - thanks Mom and Dad. Thank you again for the tremendous support from Simcoe Community Services and from the Barrie Integrated Baseball Association, in particular, someone I’ve learned a lot from BIBA Convenor and friend Sherry Beauchamp. I thank you all for helping to give me “my wings.” I would ask that everyone help spread the message of inclusiveness. It does really make a huge difference in the lives of people with special needs.

SIMCOE COMMUNITY SERVICES FOUNDATION PRESIDENT’S REPORT “We raise funds to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities”. We are proudly committed to generating funds and other resources needed beyond government and other core funding sources to enhance the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities and remain focused on the ever challenging task of raising these funds. Despite some significant changes and unusual challenges this year, I am pleased to report another excellent fundraising year. The Fashion Show and Annual Golf Tournament once again were well attended, enjoyed by all and were financially successful. We continue to focus on our objectives despite the many changes and challenges and continue to pursue additional ideas to generate the funds we need to deliver our programs. Our campaigns focus on raising money for the following:

Ron Ptasiuk, President

Simcoe Community Services Foundation

 Purchase of accessibility equipment  Family respite  Campership for children and youth  Skill development for youth  Recreational and leisure opportunities for adults and seniors On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank the many families, businesses and individuals who partnered with and supported the Foundation during the past year. I also wish to thank the many volunteers and SCS staff who contributed to our success this year. To the many self-advocates who helped us this year, a heart felt thank you. Your participation always brightens our day, enriches our lives and helps us deliver an important message to the community in a most tangible way. I personally wish to thank the Trustees for their continued focus, dedication and direction despite the many changes and challenges we faced this year.

Board of Trustees Lynn Stevenson Ron Ptasiuk Karl Cadera Pat Mansfield Cory Johnson Victoria Skinner-Ptasiuk

We look forward to working with our friends, volunteers and staff to continue the momentum we have generated in the past couple of years in raising funds to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities. Ron Ptasiuk, President, Simcoe Community Services Foundation

The Power of Jenny’s Smile and a Cup of Coffee by Laurie Watt When Jenny Addison celebrated 10 years as a Starbucks partner, her mother Denise Remus couldn’t have been more proud. It was a milestone many parents may not mark, but for Remus it proves doctors who said her youngest daughter who “would never be able to do anything” were wrong. “I said, ‘Watch me’,” said Denise, recalling that conversation 42 years ago at Sick Kids. “The road we have travelled with Jenny has been long, varied and exciting.” Jenny has her own apartment in Barrie and receives support from Simcoe Community Services (SCS), the local Community Living agency that helps people with intellectual disabilities participate in their community and reach for their dreams.

Jenny and Denise sharing fond memories

“She’s worked at Starbucks for 11 years. She loves every second of it,” said Denise, adding a Simcoe Community Support worker helps Jenny get up and out the door to work two mornings each week. When you mention Starbucks, the warmest smile lights up Jenny’s face. Getting her daughter integrated into school and, later, the community, has been a challenge for Denise. One-to-one programming in the preschool years helped Denise prepare Jenny for school, where she was finally fully integrated. After leaving school at age 21 – as people with special needs may stay in school until that age – a whole set of new challenges lay ahead. “It was very important to have a community-minded program which is the SCS philosophy. We wanted Jenny out in the community, active and being involved where she lives,” said Denise. When moving to Simcoe County with her family a decade ago, Denise worked with her connections to local donors to help enhance existing programs such as art, cooking and swimming, enabling people to increase their participation in recreational and leisure activities. “As donations from the community grow so do the enhanced opportunities for people to participate in community recreation activities of their choice, such as world cuisine and fitness classes including Zumba. “Being fit is absolutely essential. The sense of well-being and achievement you get from it is enormous.” Simcoe Community Services Foundation’s annual campaign supports an array of life-enhancing initiatives, ranging from helping adults with a recreation centre membership to helping pay workshop fees to specialized equipment that helps someone participate in the community, such as a hearing aid, dentures or orthotics. Adults with special needs have very little ability to pay for community programs others enjoy. “You realize how limited their lives are, because of finances and what they get from the Ontario Disability Support Program,” said Denise, noting the typical allowance is about $140 per month or $35 a week. Over the past several years, numerous donors also helped create a sensory program and specialized sensory therapy room, and this year, the second of two washroom lifts will be installed. As the weather warmed up this summer, flowers grew in the new garden at 40 Fraser Court, another project made possible through numerous donors who have planned to leave a legacy. With a tulip tree, gardens and benches, the green space behind the adult dayprogram building continues to bloom, offering adults a place to connect in nature or have a picnic lunch or for those who love birds, a place to feed them. The garden includes a water feature and a pergola to offer respite from the sun as it shines and brightens the garden, just as Starbucks brightens Jenny’s smile. Jenny on the job at Starbucks at Chapters in Barrie

39 Fraser Court, Barrie, ON L4N 5J5 (705) 726-9082 Fax: (705) 726-6875 [email protected] www.simcoecommunityservices.ca