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,...
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...
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...
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...
Light It Up! spotlights the many ways people who have a disability contribute to businesses and their communities, helping companies be successful and competitive. Empower Simcoe is thrilled to announce its participation in the nationwide "Light It Up!" campaign in honor of National Disability Employment Awareness...
Our next 70th anniversary Empower Simcoe event is one week away! The Empower Simcoe Celebrity Slo-Pitch game hosted by the Barrie Bay Cats is scheduled for Thursday October 5th. Come out and cheer on some of the Barrie Integrated Baseball League, and Challenger Baseball League All-Stars,...
The 2022-2023 Gift of the Heart Awards were handed out during Empower Simcoe's 70th Annual General Meeting on September 20th. “The Gift of the Heart Awards recognize extraordinary individuals and organizations who have impacted the lives of the people and families supported by Empower Simcoe and...
This session has been cancelled - please stay tuned for a new upcoming session to be announced shortly. 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...
Empower Simcoe is thrilled to introduce our new “Cooking Up Capability” course, a Fee For Service offering designed to empower individuals with the skills and confidence to become more independent in the kitchen. This inclusive and adaptive course provides a supportive environment where participants can...
As part of its 10-point homelessness prevention strategy, the County of Simcoe has partnered with Empower Simcoe to support the region's vulnerable residents with the County's new Community Rent Subsidy Program. Beginning September 1st, this new program will provide rent subsidies for individuals and families...
This Spring, ministry representatives had the opportunity to speak about Journey to Belonging at stakeholder conferences and held a webinar for people with developmental disabilities and their family members. We heard hope and enthusiasm for bringing the vision of Journey to Belonging to life. We...
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new online booking service, allowing people supported, families, and community members to easily reserve Empower Simcoe's Snoezelen Room. Located at 40 Fraser Court, Barrie, ON, this sensory environment offers a serene and therapeutic experience for individuals...
Empower Simcoe, celebrating 70 years of support and service in Simcoe County, is excited to host a 70th Anniversary Summer Celebration on July 23rd. Get ready for an action-packed day of fun, entertainment, delicious food, and heartwarming memories. In this short video message from CEO Claudine...
As shared at the 2023 Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs Conference, please see the progress update below on Journey to Belonging: Steps to Towards the Development of a Person-Centred Funding Approach. “Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion” lays out the Ministry’s long-term vision for...
Please join Empower Simcoe and the people and families we support in celebrating a significant milestone that sees the creation of a new national disability benefit. This historic move is a big step towards more financial security for people with disabilities. Bill C-22 has received...
Drum roll, please. The totals are in! We are thrilled to announce that the recent Empower Simcoe Golf Tournament, presented by RBC Dominion Securities Wealth Management, has successfully raised an incredible $55,000.00 for the Empower Simcoe Foundation! The 2023 Empower Simcoe Golf Tournament was a resounding success,...
In recognition of Empower Simcoe's 70th anniversary in 2023, we're excited to partner with Windrush Estate Winery in the creation of our very own Empower Simcoe signature wine. Two years ago, this barrel aged VQA Pinot Noir 2018 won the GOLD MEDAL at the London, England...
Empower Simcoe is a non-profit organization that has been providing support and services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental needs for 70 years. To celebrate this milestone, Empower Simcoe is hosting a 70th Anniversary Celebration Party on July 23rd from 1pm-5pm at Rounds Ranch...
With heartfelt gratitude, the Empower Simcoe Foundation unveiled the new Rotary Club of Barrie Huronia Snoezelen Room at Lakeshore Ridge, Empower Simcoe's newest supported living home. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Barrie Huronia's generous donation of $50,000.00, the state of the art Snoezelen room (multi-sensory...
Join CEO, Dr. Claudine Cousins, as she talks about the Ministry's vision to transform the developmental services sector. Sessions Include: Tuesday, March 21st: 3:30 - 4:30pm Tuesday, March 21st: 5:30 - 6:30pm Wednesday, March 22nd: 10:00 - 11:00am REGISTER HERE Ontario Ministry of Children, Community & Social Services has announced the...
To our valued Empower Simcoe Employees, Every year, Employee Appreciation Day is observed on March 3rd. What I appreciate and marvel at daily is your ongoing hard work, your sharing of ideas, and your drive to empower the people and families we support to lead a...
On Bell Let's Talk Day 2023, Empower Simcoe pledged to locally donate $1.00 for every public use of the hashtag #EmpowerSimcoeTalks on Empower Simcoe socials. This year, Empower Simcoe was delighted to support Seasons Centre for Grieving Children and it's vision of building resilience in children,...
Supports and Services Director Luke Lynn, Supports and Services Manager Michele Kapteyn, Program Associate Joan Crozier, and CEO Dr. Claudine Cousins visited Barrie and Fire Emergency Services to extend Empower Simcoe's heartfelt gratitude for the generous support of our Christmas Gift Hamper campaign. This past Christmas,...
Barrie Colts owner Howie Campbell and Colts Brandt Clarke and Jacob Fraska stopped by RVH to visit with Colts fans Sean, Jeff and Empower Simcoe Community Support Worker Melanie Smith, who were impacted by the December 1st car accident outside the Sadlon Arena. [caption id="attachment_17253" align="alignright"...
Bell Let's Talk Day, which is designed to break the silence around mental illness and support mental health all across Canada, is Wednesday, January 25th. As an agency committed to creating positive change in our community, we invite you to participate by calling, texting, or using...
Please join Empower Simcoe in congratulating Jackie and her sons Jaxon and Jett for sharing their artwork that graces our 70th Anniversary Empower Simcoe Thank You card. Jackie, Jaxon, and Jett love to express the importance of helping one another. No act of kindness is too...