January 2020 Issue

Happy New Year and I hope 2020 brings you everything you desire. By now some of those New Year’s resolutions may have faded, whether they be: diet, quit smoking, read more, save money, learn a new skill or hobby, exercise more, connect with an ‘ole’ friend, but keep trying the year is new! “What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.” (Vern McLellan).

The Agency’s three year Strategic Plan, Together Better, 2017 - 2020 continues to evolve. Staff and Board are focusing on all four Goals: Move to Full Inclusion, Deliver Exceptional Support Services, Improve Organizational Culture and Increase Awareness, Advocacy and Partnership. People supported continue to become more involved with community,

making new friends, joining clubs or groups and exercising their voice. Staff and Board are planning for renovations to the property at 267 Suncoast Drive, Goderich; furthering opportunities for additional partnerships and building a work culture that demonstrates appreciation to staff and reflects their expertise, professionalism and dedication.

Community Living-Central Huron celebrated 60 years of service to the community in 2019; as an Agency, it is obvious we recognize the need for flexibility, embracing change and continuing to learn and listen to people supported. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers for all you do, our accomplishments and achievements would not be possible without your contributions, hard work and support.

Executive Director Update

Fill the Respite Coordinator’s Van!

Blessings Unlimited Annual Christmas Collection & Holiday Campaign

Annual Agency Christmas Party

A fun and festive evening

Welcome to

Upcoming Events

Community Living-Central Huron, 267 Suncoast Dr. East, Box 527, Goderich ON N7A 4C7 Ph: (519) 524-7362 Fax: (519) 524-1511 Email: clch@clch.ca http://www.clch.ca/donations

For more information, to make a donation, become a Volunteer or Member, please complete this section and return it to our

office, address above.

I would like to become a Member, annual cost $5.00. I support the Agency’s policies, purposes and vision.

Being a Member entitles me to receive a copy of the Agency’s quarterly Newsletter, information on upcoming events

and activities (www.communitylivingontario.ca) and be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting.

I would like more information about Community Living-Central Huron and/or I would like information on

becoming a Volunteer.

Enclosed is a donation in the amount of $ __________. Receipts will be issued for donations of $10.00 or more.

Membership Application Form (Please Print) Thank you for your support! Name & Address:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone No.: _____________________________ Date: _______________________

Email.: _____________________________________________

“People live in dignity and share in all aspects of living in their community.”

Welcome toHeather (Stella) Smith, Samantha Abbott & Shelby Blake, Stuart Armstrong, Myra Reed, Ingrid Stryker & Jessica Belanger.

Heartwarming LunchFriday, February 14, 2020

Last Light Photo Show and SaleSaturday, May 2, 2020 at the Goderich Branch of the Huron County Library. Categories are the colour orange, sunset, waves. Entries are due by Monday, April 27, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., and entry forms can be found on our website: http://www.clch.ca/comingevents.

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the 2019 Food & Toy Drive for Blessings Unlimited. This year the goal was to

fill the Respite Coordinator’s van, and we did just that!

The annual Agency Christmas Party was held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at the White Carnation in Holmesville.

Those in attendance enjoyed an evening of dancing, refreshments, a delicious light lunch, and door prizes to end the evening.

Mental health looks like positive emotions, being content, satisfied, and having a sense of purpose, having fun in life, resiliency, positive relationships, and self-confidence.

Mental health can affect how we think, feel, behave, how we handle stressful situations, our relationships and ability to be resilient.

Everyone goes through periods of stress, disappointment, loss, change, and this can be challenging. Remember to be kind and respectful to yourself. Taking small steps to establish positive mental health can have a big impact. Try some of the following tips:

• Make time for social connection: spend time with family & friends, in person is best. Consider joining a club or team in your community (sports, church, legion etc.), and make new connections. Try smiling at or starting up a conversation with a stranger.

• Help someone else: be a good listener, listen to a friend/family member without passing judgement, or help someone else complete a task, or volunteer in your community.

• Establish good physical health: eat a balanced diet, drink water, ensure you’re getting enough sleep and ensure your sleep/wake time is consistent each day. Try adding the element of exercise to your daily routine, and encourage friends/family to join you.

• Lower stress by listening to music, fill your room with a scent you enjoy, going for a walk.

• Ensure you’re giving yourself enough ‘down time’ to unwind and decompress.

• Practice gratitude; think of three things you’re grateful for.

• Practice mindfulness and being present; by focusing on being present, we are able to eliminate negative past thoughts and focus on the present situation. Think about your senses: what do you see, what do you hear, what do you smell, what do you feel, what do you taste.

• Find a sense of purpose; find engaging and meaningful work, make time for the important people in your life and build your relationships, maybe your pet gives you a sense of purpose, try volunteering in an area you enjoy.

Promoting positive mental health is important because it creates strong individuals, communities, and helps to reduce the stigma of mental health. Bell’s annual Let’s Talk Day is January 29, 2020. You can help raise awareness and reduce the stigma! Bell will donate $0.05 for every eligible text, call, tweet, or Facebook video view or use of Facebook or Snapchat frame filters.

Board Members and Employees of CL-CH can access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) LifeWorks for additional resources. LifeWorks can help in every aspect of your life: family, health, work, money. They can find and help cover some of the cost of professional counselling, a lawyer, and they can help you research/plan an event. Eligible Employees of CL-CH can also utilize their Employee Benefits Plan through RWAM to facilitate positive self-care: counselling, registered massage therapy, chiropractor, physiotherapy, nutritionist, etc.

Sources Used: Building Better Mental Health https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/building-better-mental-health.htm, Government Of Canada Public Health Agency of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/promoting-positive-mental-health.html, https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/school-health/mental-wellness-for-children/positive-mental-health-for-children#.XhYryVVKiUl, University Health Service https://www.uhs.umich.edu/tenthings, 9 Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201510/9-ways-you-can-improve-your-mental-health-today

This December, the Caregiver Support Group through Huron Respite Network and Rural Response for Healthy Children enjoyed a night out to paint! 12 Caregivers brought home a masterpiece and had the opportunity to meet other caregivers and chat about experiences. The group meets regularly – for more information contact respite@clch.ca or check out Huron Respite Network's Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/huronrespite/ .

Mentoring consists of a long-term relationship focused on supporting the growth and development of the mentee. The Mentor becomes a source of wisdom, teaching and support and together as the relationship evolves the knowledge gained and personal growth are experienced by both the mentor and mentee alike.

JANUARY is National Mentors Month and we would like to celebrate Mentors through Huron County that contribute to the growth, knowledge and opportunities for the people we support

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BECOME A MENTOR OR TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP, PLEASE CONTACT Amanda @519-524-7362 ext 215

The data was collated from the last “Who Are Your 5?” Survey and natural supports are increasing! The first survey determined 53% of the survey participants stated they had 5 friends, where the most recent survey found 72% of those who completed the survey have 5 friends.

As we know, the best way to meet people is by accessing our community! Staff and families are doing a great job of getting people involved in their community, which is evident by the increase in “Who Are Your 5?”. Keep up the good work!

Examples of some of the community, inclusive activities going on are: Alpaca walk, Fleetwood Mac tribute concert, Halloween at Wonderland, yoga, London Knights hockey, Clinton Radar hockey, Comicon, Jitsu, line dancing, bingo, art classes, knitting club, curling, bowling, cooking classes, Johnny Cash tribute concert, Elton John concert, fishing.

Accessibility is being able to get in the building. Diversity is getting invited to the table. Inclusion is having a voice at the table. Belonging is having your voice heard at the table. -Heidi Musser 2019

As part of the Wellness Committee’s interest and commitment to a healthy workplace as well as the encouragement of employee participation, we reached out to staff with a Activity/Event Survey. We are very excited with the response level and pleased to bring you the results of the survey.

68% of staff would like to have family invited to Wellness events/activities.

The most popular days for events/activities is Wednesday & Thursday and close behind are Monday & Tuesday. The most popular time of day was evenings from 5pm to 8pm, with 65% of votes.

The top Events/Activities picked were Painting/Craft night, snowshoe/hike, campfire, skating, meditation.

The additional comments section had great ideas as well. Going to the theatre, sports events, physical interactions like Rock climbing and Axe throwing with a social time to follow. Educational ideas included financial budgeting, EAP Employee Assistance Program and retirement. Having guest speakers, nutrition, self-help, guided meditation, and improving workplace culture was also mentioned.

We appreciate the compliments that were left for the Wellness Committee. Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to planning the next Wellness Activity/Event. Keep an eye out for information coming to you soon!

What is Mental Health?Tips from the CL-CH Wellness Committee

Huron Respite NetworkPaint Night

Community Participation Supports

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE- NATIONAL MENTORS MONTH!

Corrine’s Corner

Raise the Bar on InclusionAn update from the CL-CH Community Inclusion Committee

Wellness Committee UpdateSurvey Results