CLEC presents awards at AMM

Kate Chant of Amherstburg (centre) won the Advocacy Champion Award at last Tuesday’s Community Living Essex County AMM. Presenting her the award are 1st vice president Michelle Mastellotto (left) and director Ray Renaud (right).

Community Living Essex County (CLEC) held its 65^th Annual Meeting of the Members (AMM) and while business was tended to, the evening also produced some award recipients.

Six awards were handed out at the AMM last Tuesday night (June 16) with the Outstanding Achievement Award being presented to Grace Albano. Albano was described as “a go-getter” who receives employment services through CLEC’s Career Compass program. She also supports members of her family and has shown determination in the process. Her resilience and hard work also helped her earn the award.

The Community Leadership Award was presented to Mackenzie Fecteau. She also receives support through Career Compass as well as the Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program. Fecteau was also recognized for her volunteer and community work, including working at a kindergarten lunch program in her community as well as making a positive impact at a bowl-a-thon her family hosts.

Amherstburg resident Kate Chant was honoured with the Advocacy Champion Award. Chant was credited for doing her best to advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, trying to be inspirational and positive through social media and other means. She also regularly attends the Speaking Out conference for people with disabilities and does community work as well such as volunteering at Encounter Church and with Amherstburg Community Services (ACS), including the latter’s Meals on Wheels program.

“Thank you for this award,” said Chant. “I’m honoured to receive it.”

The Community Ambassador Award was presented to Bender’s Bar & Grill. They have participated in CLEC’s Career Compass and Youth in Action programs with people supported by CLEC working their way into full-time positions. Owner Ben Fallon and his team were credited with welcoming people supported by CLEC onto their staff and for that they were awarded.

The Jeremy Hart Memorial Bursary was awarded for another year with CLEC board member Diane Bourbeau recalling meeting Hart and that he had dreams and aspirations that unfortunately were not able to be fulfilled due to his passing.

“As a lasting tribute to him, Community Living Essex County and the Hart family established the Jeremy Hart Memorial Bursary,” said Bourbeau.

Nour Albakro was the bursary recipient and was described as someone willing to work hard to achieve her goals and realize her dreams.

The Kevin McMullan Award is awarded to a staff member who shows leadership, professionalism, teamwork, resilience, initiative, dedication, courage, a person-centred approach and who advocates for others.

Breanna Sabourin was the recipient as she was recognized for her positive demeanor and for creating a welcoming environment everywhere she goes. She was described as someone who sees people for who they are and helps them reach their goals.

Also recognized as part of the evening was Gillian Heisz, who had to leave the board of directors after seven years of service. She was presented flowers by executive director Corey Dalgleish.

Board chair Chad Sutherland remarked that the agency had a great year, filled with challenges, opportunities and compassion. One of the changes came at the executive director position as Karen Bolger retired last August and Dalgleish replaced her. Bolger had a 40-year career with CLEC and worked her way up from support worker to executive director, with Dalgleish taking a similar career path as he also started as a support worker.

Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti brought greetings from the County of Essex, calling it “a night worth celebrating.” He said the organization has worked for 65 years to champion for people with intellectual disabilities.

“Inclusivity is essential to the whole community,” he said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Sutherland read greetings from Nadine Crumb, program supervisor with the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS), and Marilyn Godard, the latter being from the parent and family support group Ensemble.

Brianne Taggart, president of the self-advocacy group New Day, also thanked the organization. Taggart, also a board member of CLEC, congratulated CLEC on its 65^th anniversary.

“We appreciate all of what you’ve been doing for the past 65 years,” added Community Living Ontario CEO Chris Beesley.

Greetings were also brought by Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS) with director of membership and communications Brian Kellow paying tribute to the agency, the progress being made and its anniversary. He recalled being impressed with what he saw at a developmental services technology conference held earlier this year.

Dalgleish also gave his thanks, praising the staff and volunteers with the agency. He praised employees’ dedication and the strength of the organization’s culture as part of his remarks.

CLEC presents awards at AMM

By Ron Giofu