Registration for the Empower Simcoe 71st Annual General Meeting and Gift of the Heart Awards, taking place Wednesday, September 11th at Liberty North, 100 Caplan Avenue, from 5:00 - 7:00pm, is now open. Please use the link below to register by August 30th, 2024. The Gift of...
Empower Simcoe is thrilled to announce that a Community Living Ontario Self Advocate Research Group is currently conducting an important Experience with Passport Funding survey. If you or someone you know identifies with an intellectual disability, please participate and share your valuable input. The Research Group’s...
Get ready for an incredible week of adventure with Empower Simcoe’s Fee for Service Connect to Adventure Program! Join us August 19th to 26th in Orillia for a journey you won't forget. Explore the stunning biodiversity habitat at the Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve in Washago,...
Empower Simcoe is proud to announce that one of our summer students, Katy Fairbairn, a talented local dancer, has been selected to compete in an international dance championship. This prestigious event will bring together the best dancers from around the world to showcase their skills...
What an incredible mix of students we have working at Empower Simcoe this summer! CEO Claudine Cousins recently welcomed these talented students for a tea and coffee meet n’ greet to learn more about each student's field of study, career aspirations, and to celebrate the...
On June 27th, Empower Simcoe CEO Dr. Claudine Cousins was named Chair of OASIS (Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs) at its Annual General Meeting. [caption id="attachment_20129" align="alignright" width="450"] Claudine and OASIS CEO Robert Walsh[/caption] In taking on this central leadership role in Ontario's developmental services...
June 17-21 marks Developmental Service Worker Appreciation Week! Let's take the time to recognize, celebrate, and thank all our essential Empower Simcoe support staff for their resilience, dedication, and commitment to enhancing the lives of the people we support. You've been invaluable to Empower Simcoe on...
June highlights both Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), recognizing the significance of Indigenous history, heritage, resilience, and the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across our nation. Angelia Brooks, Empower Simcoe’s Indigenous Coordinator, recently joined the Community Support Services Barrie...
Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion and the work my division at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is doing to help improve services for people with developmental disabilities. Our vision in Journey to Belonging is of an Ontario where people with developmental disabilities...
Join us Friday, July 12th, at the Barrie Legion for an unforgettable evening of music with legendary local duo, Even Steven, presented by Superior Home Health Care in support of the Empower Simcoe Foundation. From classic rock and pop to country hits, you'll surely hear all...
The vibrant 'First Steps: Newcomer Parent and Child Programming' at EarlyON Child & Family Centres has officially kicked off, opening doors to a world of opportunities for newcomer families in our community. This exciting initiative, crafted by the minds at CFS Counselling & Wellbeing, CAPC...
Shine on Empower Simcoe! The celebration of Community Living Month 2024 kicked off with a vibrant display of support and solidarity at Empower Simcoe offices in Barrie and Orillia on the evening of May 1st.[vc_row][vc_column width='1/2'] Adorned in the signature blue and green hues representing Community Living,...
We're thrilled to announce that registration for our Summer Adventures Program for high-school aged youth opens on May 9th! Get ready for a summer packed with growth, fun, and adventure. About the Program: Our Summer Adventures Camp is designed to enhance the communication, social, leisure,...
This May, light up your world in blue and green to support inclusion and community living. Join us on Wednesday, May 1st, as we participate in Community Living Ontario's Shine a Light on Community Living initiative. Illuminate your home or office in the vibrant colors...
Empower Simcoe is proud to announce the nearing completion and launch of its new Transition Program, a pivotal development designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities. This unfunded, transitional housing initiative aims to provide a nurturing environment that encourages independence through tailored skills development. Located in Orillia,...
We're thrilled to announce the upcoming 'Focus on Families - Virtual Series,' a trio of information-packed sessions designed to support families and caregivers. Highlighting our strong partnership, we're especially proud to spotlight the 'All About Respite' session, a collaborative effort with the Empower Simcoe Family...
Having a child with a disability understandably requires a substantial amount of time, energy, and resources, often affecting the family dynamic. Parents may not always be able to offer an equivalent amount of time to their other children who do not have special needs; moreover,...
Skills to Thrive is an 8-week program where participants will leave with skills and knowledge to thrive. With guest speakers, slideshows, games, and hands on learning activities people will be engaged while learning and having a good time. The program will cover: Safety at Home and...
The ultimate adventure is unfolding this week with our annual March Break Bash! Aimed at high school students from grades 9 to 12, this dynamic camp is set to make March Break a week to remember. Packed with a variety of activities, from engaging workshops...
Starting March 1, 2024, more people in Ontario can get help with their electricity bills thanks to changes in the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). This program gives monthly money back to help cover electricity costs. Now, families and individuals who make a bit more money...
Empower Simcoe is excited to announce its participation as a Community Champion in the #ITSTARTS campaign, an influential public awareness initiative aimed at proactively addressing racism and discrimination within Simcoe County. Running throughout March, this campaign is a collaboration with the County of Simcoe and...
Drum roll, please! The results of the 2023 Empower Simcoe Communications Survey are now available, marking a significant milestone in our journey towards enhanced communication and community engagement. We extend our deepest appreciation to all participants who took the time last December to share their...
Empower Simcoe's recent "Cooking Up Capability" program is making waves by offering culinary classes to individuals with intellectual disabilities in Barrie and Orillia. “Learning basic life skills, like cooking, is essential to fostering independence as an adult,” Empower Simcoe CEO Claudine Cousins said. “It’s magical...
At Empower Simcoe, we stand by the belief that "Kids Belong Together," whether in physical classrooms or virtual learning spaces. Annually, we honor those remarkable individuals from the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board who go above and beyond....
Congratulations to Empower Simcoe artists Raymund Concon and Joel Pisano for sharing their inspiring and creative artwork that graces our 2024 Empower Simcoe Thank You card. According to Raymund, his watercolour painting “The Tree” represents how Empower Simcoe helps people to be the best version of...
Empower Simcoe is committed to continuous improvement and effective planning in support services. To achieve this, the Strategic Plan Committee - Goal Planning is conducting a survey to gather valuable insights into the Individual Support Plan and Goals processes. Your feedback is crucial! Why Your Participation...
Fall is a busy time for conferences in the developmental services sector. These are important opportunities for dialogue and for sharing ideas. Ministry representatives are pleased to have participated in a number of events from September to November. I was able to attend part of...
The 2023 Empower Simcoe Fashion Show was a spectacular fusion of elegance and inclusivity that brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to celebrate talent and creativity. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the event served as a powerful platform, not just for fashion but for fostering...
Empower Simcoe, along with other organizations in the Developmental Services (DS) sector, is advocating for sustainable funding for organizations that support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Empower Simcoe CEO Dr. Claudine Cousins recently met with Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey, Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin,...
Welcome to an immersive journey of self-expression through movement, music, and dance! The ‘Ex-press Yourself’ course by Empower Simcoe is a unique blend of melody and motion, designed to unleash your creativity and get you moving in a fun, inclusive environment. Why Join ‘Ex-press Yourself’: Fun...
Empower Simcoe is developing a new communications strategy and we need your input to better understand how you receive information. Aimed at people supported, staff, family members, and community members alike, this survey aims to shape the organization's future communication initiatives. The Communications Committee at Empower...
Following the resounding success of its inaugural run, Empower Simcoe is excited to announce the return of its highly sought-after culinary course, ‘Cooking Up Capability.’ With overwhelming demand and glowing reviews from participants, the second offering of this empowering program is offered in Barrie and...
Calling all Unpaid Caregivers in Simcoe County. The 2024 Respitality Program is open for applications November 27 – December 31, 2023 What is Respitality? Respite + Hospitality = Respitality Empower Simcoe and our business and community partners recognize the significant impact Unpaid Caregivers have in providing exceptional...
Sibshop programs provide opportunities for brothers and sisters of children with special needs to obtain peer support and education within a highly recreational context. This Sibshop is open to all brothers and sisters (ages 8-13 years) living in Simcoe County who have a sibling with...
Empower Simcoe is delighted to announce a significant expansion of its Snoezelen Room offerings with the introduction of a specially curated space designed for children ages 0-7 at the Barrie EarlyON Child & Family Centre. This marks a milestone in our commitment to providing inclusive...
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is proud to congratulate Empower Simcoe CEO Dr. Claudine Cousins as the recipient of its first Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. Presented at the 2023 Barrie Business Awards Gala, this prestigious honour recognizes an organization that embraces cultural differences,...
In partnership with Creative Cafe, Barrie, the Empower Simcoe Artisans’ Card Contest is once again open for art submissions from the people and families supported by Empower Simcoe. The winning entrant’s art will be featured on our agency’s 2024 card. Entries can be in the form of...
Are you currently receiving services from Empower Simcoe and would like to learn more about how to empower your voice and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities? Then the Empower Simcoe Believe In Yourself Committee wants to meet you! Join the Empower Simcoe Believe in Yourself Committee for...
The totals are in. $35,000 raised at the 2023 Empower Simcoe Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show! Photos below. This year’s show at the Heights of Horseshoe in front of a sold out crowd recognized inspiring people and organizations from Simcoe County for their positive contributions to our local...
We look good in purple! On October 19, Empower Simcoe was thrilled to participate in the nationwide Light It Up! For NDEAM campaign in honour of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Every October, this initiative unites organizations coast-to-coast in illuminating buildings and landmarks in vibrant shades...