Community Living Stormont County is located at 280 Ninth Street West in Cornwall. Courtesy Photo

CORNWALL – Community Living Stormont County (CLSC) is a non-profit organization providing services for people with developmental challenges 18 years and older in Stormont County.

Founded in 1958, CLSC is an agency of the Ontario government and receives 100 per cent of its funding through the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). CLSC Executive Director Michelle Alguire explained that in SDG, each county has a Community Living organization.

“We are here for a reason.” said Alguire, continuing the reason for the organization is to provide people with developmental challenges with the services needed to be successful members of their community.

She mentioned the CLSC provides their clients with help in securing employment, participating in community events and access to group or independent living. Alguire explained the Passport Program, funded through the Ministry, allows participation in social and recreational activities on an individualized basis. The program provides money for taking classes or participating in a recreational program, hire a support work, provides temporary caregiver respite, and develops person-directed planning to assist in goal achievement and develop life skills.

Ontario residents with developmental challenges are able to apply for CLSC assistance through a central intake system. The Developmental Services Ontario Eastern Region will complete assessments and determination of eligibility for services. Further information on DSOER can be found at www.dsontario.ca. Alguire mentioned the organization works closely with family and guardians to ensure available resources are accessible for clients.

She continued how May is Community Living month in Ontario, with CLSC planning several special activities and fundraisers during this month. On May 15, there are plans to hold a Rock n’ Bowl event in Nativity Lanes in Cornwall and on May 22 an Accessible Yoga time in the Automotive Room at the Benson Centre in Cornwall.

For those with a sweet tooth, people are encouraged to participate in the CLSC cookie fundraiser between May 1 and May 22. Alguire explained a box of eight cookies are available to purchase at the CLSC office located at 280 Ninth Street in Cornwall. The cookies come in a variety of flavours and are made by Cakes and More in Cornwall.

With almost 40 years-experience in this agency, Alguire enjoys the opportunity to help people when needed, mentioning the experience of seeing the happiness and success of clients brings her happiness. She and Bernadette Van Gurp, CLSC Assistant Executive Director, both agreed their work is very rewarding, complimenting the dedicated work accomplished by staff.

More information on Community Living Stormont County is available on their Facebook page or website located at www.communitylivingstormontcounty.ca.

 

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