May is Community Living Month!
Community Living Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and to recognize the importance of inclusion and community. CLAPW is proud to take part in this celebration with a variety of events throughout the month. See our list of events below and join us in honouring the incredible individuals who enrich our communities every day.
Download the Schedule of Events here
We Candle Team Illuminates Branding for Change Event with Handcrafted Gifts for Attendees
Watch the We Candle Team Craft Gifts for the Branding for Change Event
We’re proud to share this inspiring video from We Candle, showcasing the heart and purpose behind the Branding for Change event, hosted by Alex Christopoulos and the amazing team at @icondigitalpro and the Geneva Centre!
The video highlights the incredible individuals employed by We Candle, including members of the CLAPW We Candle team, working alongside CLAPW Team Lead Siobhan Pearce and We Candle founder Tim Cordeiro.
Together — in partnership with Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby, Participation House Project (Durham Region), and with generous support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation — they are proving that every product has the power to create purpose.
Each handcrafted candle gifted to guests at the event was made with care by people who face barriers to employment, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These meaningful gifts are a symbol of inclusion, empowerment, and the impact of community collaboration.
Watch and be inspired by the power of purpose-driven employment and inclusive partnerships.
#BrandingForChange #PurposeDriven #WeCandle #InclusionMatters #CLAPW #OTF #PartnershipsInAction #AbilitiesNotBarriers #CommunitySupport #EmploymentForAll
CONNECTING FAMILIES WITH SUPPORT WORKERS JUST GOT EASIER:
Try
RespiteNow is a free app that connects individuals and families seeking respite services with local, independent support workers. Recently expanded into the Durham Region, RespiteNow is now available for individuals, families, and workers to create profiles and get started.
Through the app, individuals can list the type and amount of support they need, while workers can outline their experience, training, and interests. The app then uses an algorithm to identify strong matches, and a RespiteNow Coordinator follows up to help facilitate the connection.
Please note: Support workers found through RespiteNow are self-employed. This means they are responsible for arranging work details directly with caregivers, including scheduling, payment, and handling any necessary income tax, EI, or CPP deductions.
To learn more, visit https://respite-now.com, or contact CLAPW Passports Assistant Kaitie Scheuer or RespiteNow Coordinator Tanya Yakeley for support and inquiries.
We Candle Initiative: Empowering Individuals through Employment and Collaboration
Community Living Ajax-Pickering & Whitby (CLAPW), Participation House Durham, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and We Candle have come together to create a meaningful partnership that provides employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment, including intellectual disabilities. This exciting initiative, called the We Candle Initiative, is designed to foster empowerment, skill development, and inclusion within the community.
The Power of Collaboration
The We Candle Initiative is built on the shared goal of creating sustainable, meaningful work opportunities for individuals who face challenges in the workforce. The partnership brings together organizations that are deeply committed to the well-being and success of individuals with intellectual disabilities. By working together, we can provide participants with valuable training and work experience, helping them gain confidence, build skills, and increase their independence.
A Commitment to Employment Accessibility
At the core of this initiative is the commitment to employing people with barriers to employment, including those with intellectual disabilities. We Candle is focused on providing hands-on, real-world work experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. By offering meaningful roles, participants not only contribute to the success of the program but also develop a sense of pride in their work.
Gratitude for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Support
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing the Seed Grant that helped bring the We Candle initiative to life. Their support has made it possible for us to launch this project, creating new opportunities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to find employment. The grant has enabled us to build the foundation for a program that will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of many.
Looking Ahead
The We Candle initiative is just the beginning. As the program grows, we hope to expand the number of participants and partners involved, creating even more opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and other barriers to employment. Through continued collaboration, support from the community, and ongoing investment in these individuals' futures, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to shine.
We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and excited for the future of the We Candle Initiative. Together, we are lighting the way to a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
#WAITING TO BELONG
Too many adults with intellectual disabilities in Ontario are being underserved, with 50,000 still waiting for the developmental services they need to lead fulfilling lives. For most, these services are lifelong essentials—but without immediate action, many may never receive them.
Each year, approximately 3,000 more people apply, but only a fraction are approved, leaving so many individuals and families in a cycle of waiting and uncertainty, and causing the waitlist to grow longer. This is a crisis that affects everyone in our communities.
It's time to push for the support they deserve. Let’s make sure everyone has the chance to belong.
