CLEC hands out awards as part of 64th annual AMM

Krista and Jeff Gamble from What’s Poppin’ Popcorn Factory receive the Community Ambassador Award during last Tuesday’s annual meeting of the members. CLEC director of supports for the north area Tim Davidson (left) and board member Ian Phillips make the presentation. More photos are on the RTT’s website and social media pages.

It was a time to conduct some business for Community Living Essex County (CLEC) but also a time to celebrate.

The not-for-profit agency held its 64th Annual Meeting of the Members (AMM) last Tuesday night at the Ciociaro Club in Oldcastle. Chad Sutherland, who moved from 1st vice chair to chair during the meeting, noted the agency is still mourning the loss of its former chair Sue Desjarlais.

Desjarlais had been on the board of directors since 2014 and was chair since 2021. Also a LaSalle town councillor and ERCA board member, Desjarlais passed away in April.

CLEC board chair Chad Sutherland presents executive director Karen Bolger flowers. The June 17 AMM was Bolger's last as executive director, as she is retiring in August.

Sutherland praised Desjarlais as someone who showed leadership, advocacy, spirit and dedication for what Community Living Essex County embodies. CLEC supports over 700 people around Essex County with an intellectual disability and their families and tries to provide people with ways to integrate into their communities.

CLEC also had busy fundraising events, built new homes for people supported, and remained leaders across the developmental services sector. Sutherland also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters for their efforts over the past year.

“You all inspired and made possibilities happen,” he said.

Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti brought greetings from the County of Essex. Bachetti said each municipality owes CLEC “a debt of gratitude” for what the agency does.

“You make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities,” said Bachetti, who is also deputy mayor of Tecumseh.

Johan Klassen (second from left) celebrates with family and friends after receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award.

Bachetti also pointed out the County of Essex is hosting the second annual Accessibility Festival for All, which will be held this year in Amherstburg. That event is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Libro Centre.

Nadine Crumb, program supervisor with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, extended her thanks to everyone with CLEC for the role they play and said their passion and commitment will lead to CLEC’s continued success.

Brigitte Gagnon (centre) receives the Community Leadership Award from CLEC board member Michelle Mastellotto (left) and director of supports for the central area Liz Raffoul.

Marilyn Goddard from the parent-led group Ensemble and self-advocate group New Day – Leaders of Today president Brianne Taggart stated their partnerships with CLEC were important ones and thanked the agency for its support over the years.

Greetings were also brought from Community Living Ontario and OASIS (Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs).

Alexa Moores (centre) received the Inspiring Possibilities Youth Award. Board member Brianne Taggart and director of operations Corey Dalgleish make the presentation.

Awards went to Johan Klassen (Outstanding Achievement), Brigitte Gagnon (Community Leadership), Alexa Moores (Inspiring Possibilities Youth), What’s Poppin Popcorn Factory (Community Ambassador), George Raffoul (Families for Inclusion), Saba Noor (Jeremy Hart Memorial Bursary) and Lisa Laframboise (Kevin McMullan Memorial Award).

Lisa Laframboise earned the Kevin McMullen Memorial Award.

The final recognition of the night was for Karen Bolger, the agency’s executive director who will be retiring Aug. 5. Sutherland called Bolger’s 40-year career “remarkable” and while final goodbyes are still to come, he pointed out this was her final AMM.

George Raffoul earned the Families for Inclusion Award as Marilyn Godard from Ensemble and CLEC board member Diane Bourbeau make the presentation.

Bolger left an impact on not just the agency, but the people supported by it. Sutherland said she has shown compassion, integrity and leadership during her career.

Bolger added she has been reflecting on her career and the people she has worked with and those who have been supported.

Saba Noor (centre) received the Jeremy Hart Memorial Bursary.

“For me, the journey has always been about relationships,” said Bolger. 

Stating she has always been inspired by the stories of the families and what their experiences are, she joined the team at CLEC in breaking down barriers and letting voices be heard. She thanked everyone along the way who she worked with and will be cheering them on once she enters retirement.

“This organization and its people will always be with me,” she said.

CLEC hands out awards as part of 64th annual AMM

By Ron Giofu