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...
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,...
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...
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...
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,...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Get ready to be part of something exceptional! We're thrilled to invite you to the Empower Simcoe 70th Annual General Meeting and the prestigious Gift of the Heart Awards ceremony. Mark your calendar for September 20th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Liberty North,...
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...
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,...
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...
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...