Community Living month focus on inspiring possibilities in the County

From left, Mayor Steve Ferguson with Executive Director, Susan Treverton and CEO Community Living Ontario, Chris Beesly, at the launch of Community Living Month 2023.

To launch a month of celebration and awareness-building, for the first time in person since 2019, more than 70 local community members as well as guests from Toronto, Kingston and Peterborough came together at Waring House in Picton for the Community Living Mayor’s Breakfast.

Each May, Community Living Prince Edward invites people to learn more about the importance of the community living movement which reflects the aspirations of people with intellectual disabilities to be included in the fabric of community life.

Mayor Steve Ferguson officially proclaimed May as Community Living Month and talked about the importance of Community Living Prince Edward’s work to deliver innovative, flexible and responsive services throughout the County. He thanked employees for their dedication and commitment to helping people attain their personal goals as well as be active participants within the community.

Chris Beesly, CEO of Community Living Ontario spoke about the importance of the community living movement throughout the province. Together with more than 115 member organizations across Ontario, Community Living Prince Edward supports people with intellectual disabilities to live their best possible life. Throughout the province, more than 80,000 people who have an intellectual disability and their families are supported and empowered by Community Living organizations.

In addition, Hudson Yarrow, a County advocate who recently became a council member with Community Living Ontario thanked people in attendance for their active support of inclusion. Multiple community partners were present including representatives from the OPP, the County Foundation, The Hub Child and Family Centre, Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society, and Prince Edward Learning Centre, among others.

“Here in Prince Edward County, we have a number of activities planned during the month of May,” shared Susan Treverton, Executive Director, Community Living Prince Edward. “In addition to a banner across Main Street Picton, we’re launching our new 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan, hosting a free screening of ‘Champions’ at the Regent Theatre on May 21 and inviting everyone to join us in wearing blue and green colours on May 26.”

Throughout May, stories about people who are “Inspiring Possibilities” here in Prince Edward County will be shared on Community Living Prince Edward’s Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin pages. Everyone is invited to get involved, follow along on social media and take part in celebratory activities and events throughout the month.

Since 1965, Community Living Prince Edward has championed Inclusion throughout the County. The supports and services the organization provides are directed by people’s goals and personal preferences. Every day, Community Living Prince Edward is proud to inspire new possibilities here in Prince Edward County!

For more information, click here to visit the Community Living Prince Edward website
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