We have a proud history of providing community-based supports and ensuring meaningful, inclusive possibilities for adults with developmental disabilities

2024
Marks the 65th Anniversary of Community Living Haldimand.  Helping to celebrate were many committee members, staff, volunteers and people supported bringing together an unprecedented number of Anniversary events.  Included were the Easter Egg hunt, Art Show, Mudcat parade, Concert in the park, Canada Day parade, Trike Race, Poker Run, Golf Tournament, Halloween party, appearances at many Fairs and ending with a 65th Anniversary Dinner/Dance Extravaganza.

Kicked off our 65th anniversary with a number of community events to “give back” to the community that has given so much to CLH for the past 65 years. Events include: Easter Egg hunt with 200 children from the community; a community Art Show; float in the MudCat Festival and Canada Day parades; concert in the park at Dunnville bandshell; a Trick or Treat Trail Halloween event; and Community Living nights at a Toronto Rock and a Dunnville MudCat game.

Second annual tree planting used volunteers from Community Living Six nations, Cayuga Secondary and CLH to plant two lots of sixty five (65) trees to commemorate our 65th anniversary.

More than fifty people attended the second Flag Raising at the Haldimand County Administration Buildings.

Purchased a house in Cayuga that we’ve rented for many years. The three people living and supported there. Will continue to have that house as their home.

LEAP employment won the award for Job Seeker Satisfaction through the Hamilton Niagara Employment Ontario program delivered by FedCap Canada.

CLH was instrumental in kicking off the provincial #5tosurvive campaign. The campaign brought together every agency in the province that provides services to adults with a developmental in an effort to lobby for base funding increases.

2023
For the first time since COVID began CLH were able to host the annual golf tournament. Partnership with Brock University continued, and the agency were humbled to receive generous donations from countless groups and individuals.

In an act of Stewardship, CLH held the first annual tree planting day at our River Road Property. One (100) hundred trees were planted by volunteers from Cayuga Secondary School and Community Living Haldimand, including students, people supported by CLH, Board members and employees.

To celebrate Community Living in May, the Community Living Haldimand Flag was raised at the Haldimand County Administration Building in Cayuga. More than thirty people came out to cheer the flag, hear from dignitaries and join in fellowship with refreshments.

Partnered with Haldimand Abilities Centre (HAC) for programming. Activities and events sponsored by HAC take place at the Jennie Deagle Complex at least once a month.

The Dunnville office moved to Ramsey Drive to become part of a multi-agency hub.

2022
After a COVID pause, we re-started the Annual Golf Tournament at Cayuga Golf Course in September. One hundred golfers and a score of volunteers braved the brisk weather and made the day a great success.

Brock University Co-Op Employer of the Year Award for Finance and IT.

Retirement of Susan Wavell, Executive Director since 2004.

A new Strategic Plan was developed to help shape CLH’s operations through the following three years.

2018
CLH delves forward into the updated technology field by changing the on-premises servers to a cloud-based infrastructure encompassing emails for all staff as well as electronic team sites and communications systems.

To honour one of our founders, CCLH launched the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund. The fund was established through fundraising and a major donation. Each year, people supported by the agency apply for funding to help achieve a (lifelong) dream.

2014 
The Board of Directors undertook a review of the current Strategic Plan, as well as the Vision, Mission and Values.

The board decided to keep the current VISION STATEMENT: “Community Living Haldimand envisions a community where the inclusion of everyone is as natural as a heartbeat”

The board did decide to change the current Mission Statement to be more action-focused and reflect the Values of Community Living Haldimand to the community as a whole:
“Community Living Haldimand is a destination for individuals with an intellectual disability where passion and purpose come together to inspire solutions”

2014 & 2013
Transformation of the Developmental Services sector initiated in 2006 by the Ministry of Community and Social Services continued to unfold in the 2013/14 service year. In 2013/14 the following initiatives were introduced and changes made to the service delivery system by the ministry.

October 2014
Ministry service regions were re-aligned and amalgamated from nine to five regions aligning Adult Developmental Service Regions with the Children’s Services regions.

March 2014
Lead agencies were established for access to Facilitated Planning Supports.

Despite the initiatives undertaken by the ministry throughout 2013/14 in October 2013, on the request of families and service providers of developmental services, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario appointed a Select Committee on Developmental Services that would consider and report to the House its observations and recommendations with respect to the urgent need for a comprehensive developmental services strategy to address the needs of children, youth and adults in Ontario with a developmental disability or who were dually diagnosed with an intellectual disability and mental illness, and to coordinate the delivery of developmental programs and services across the many provincial ministries in addition to the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Public hearings were held throughout the winter of 2013.

The ministry is intent on engaging the broader community in building a more inclusive society where people with a developmental disability can participate more fully and lead more independent lives by finding ways to shift attitudes, and to help communities truly include people with a developmental disability.

February 2014
The minister appointed a Developmental Services Housing Task Force to find innovative housing solutions beyond group homes to provide a wider range of residential options for people and help families find housing solutions.

December 2013
The ministry initiated The Modernization and Innovation Fund to support community agencies to pursue innovation, promote best practices and leverage change to improve service delivery.

July 2013
The ministry announced new research projects it was undertaking through their Developmental Services Research Grant Fund. A key research project being undertaken “Working together to support transitions” is intended to gain understanding of the types of support needed in times of transition, moving from school to adult life, from a parents’ home to other residential options, and from developmental services to senior’s services. A second key research project “Building community capacity through person-directed planning” examines how person-directed planning can be used as a tool to educate the broader community about how to more effectively meet the needs of people with a developmental disability.

June 2013
The ministry started work with corporate leaders to establish a Partnership Council on Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities to champion the hiring of persons with disabilities.

May 2013
The Ontario legislature passed a budget, adding $42.5 million in funding to developmental services to help 1,000 adults with a developmental disability and their families in urgent need and better support individuals with complex needs. The ministry acknowledged that even with the increase, the level of funding will not meet the growing demand for developmental services. The ministry is looking to communities to embrace persons with a developmental disability and create more opportunities for them to be participating members of the community.

April 2013
The ministry eliminated the Special Services at Home Program for adults and transitioned it to the new Passports program.

2009
Community Living Ontario, in conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Community Social Services, officially announced the “end of an era”. Under this banner the public is made aware of the last provincially operated and funded institution closure. Persons with intellectual disabilities are now an integral important part of everyday community life.

Once again, the annual Motorsports Showcase was held in May, and the fourth annual Golf Tournament was scheduled to be held in July at the Freedom Oaks Golf Club in Dunnville.

The Association held its 50th anniversary celebration May 12 at the Fisherville District Lions Club Community Center, a fitting location for the half-century old organization which began with the initial involvement of the Fisherville District Lions Club.

2008
The fifth annual Motorsports Showcase was held at the Complex, once again in May. The third annual charity Golf tournament, held at the Freedom Oaks Golf Club in Dunnville in July.

2007
Along with the fourth annual Motorsports Showcase and the Second Annual Community Living Haldimand Golf Tournament, held once again at the Cayuga Golf Club, the NASCAR draw was for a pair of seats at a Cup race in Michigan, known as “Summer in Michigan.”

In November of 2007 the Marty McSorley Community Pavilion Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held to officially open this latest part of the Community Living Haldimand facility. Through the generosity and dedication of hometown hero McSorley, the Pavilion became a reality.

2006
The first annual HADC Golf Tournament was held and has become a popular fund-raiser in the community. The tournament consisted of over 100 players and was held at the Cayuga Golf Club.

A new fund raiser began in 2006 in conjunction with the annual Motorsports Show- case. A ticket draw was held for a pair of seats at the annual NASCAR Cup race in Pocono, PA. Tickets were sold throughout the region starting at the Motorsports Show- case in May, with the prize drawn shortly before the race later in the year.

2004
The first annual Motorsports Showcase was held at the Association, and this annual event  became very popular. Local auto enthusiasts along with racers from several types of racing brought their cars and displayed them, along with talking about their cars and providing photo opportunities.

2001
The new century saw the start of some major fund-raising projects, the first of which was the off-road “quad” vehicle draw in September of that year.  W.J. Heaslip Ltd. provided the ATV at cost.

1996
Due to significant budget cuts from the province, the Association was forced to implement several operation changes, including the elimination of staff, a reduced work week, client service reductions, and the introduction of transportation user fees. The Bakeshop was also forced to close its storefront location.

The Dunnville residential office was moved, and it began sharing space at the Multi-Service Center with other social service agencies in town.

A semi-annual publication entitled Impact Haldimand was started by the Association’s newsletter committee.

In the midst of considerable financial constraints, the Supported Employment Program continued to expand and provide employment opportunities. By year’s end it had secured close to 100 positions for individuals which paid the minimum wage for the time. New cooperative employment included a toy lending library and a day nursery.

1995
A new fund-raiser, the Canada Day Celebration, proved to be a great success, and ushered in a new opportunity for involving more members of the community.

Accreditation Ontario evaluated the services provided by the Association as part of a pilot project for testing Outcome Based Performance Measures. The Association received a good rating.

In order to cope with increasing financial demands and limited resources, a cost containment committee began to institute cost-saving measures for the Association.

1994
Deagle Signs, the plastic sign making business, was closed and sold by the Association due to economic conditions at the time.

The Association was able to take several people off the residential waiting list and move them into small community apartment settings.

The Association was able to upgrade its computer system for the central administration staff and introduce new technology to client programs.

In order to ensure greater mutual benefit, the Special Needs Program was amalgamated with the J.B. Deagle program to form a Vocational and Alternatives Program. This union allowed a greater use of the community and individually- tailored service options.

1993
The Bakeshop was in dire financial straits near the end of the year due to government funding cutbacks. But the community rallied to save the Bakeshop, providing the necessary operating capital for the store to remain open another year.

After a membership vote, the Association applied for a Supplementary Letters Patent, requesting the organization’s name be changed to the Haldimand Association for the Developmentally Challenged, (HADC).

The Supported Employment Program moved its operations and service to a downtown storefront location in Dunnville, providing higher visibility and greater accessibility.

1992
The Association moved the Special Needs Program and J.B. Deagle Enterprises into the new building on the Filsinger property, along with administrative staff and equipment.

The year was highlighted with the special open house for the new facility in May. During the official opening, it was deemed the facility would be known as the Jennie Deagle Complex.

1991
A Trillium Foundation grant was received by the Association for its Volunteer and Recreation Program. This was intended to offer individuals an opportunity to expand friendships and become more active in the community. The Association used grant money to purchase two semi-detached homes in Dunnville and these homes were soon put to good use.

With donated production equipment, a plastic sign-making business began in Dunnville under the name of Deagle Signs. This operation provided another opportunity for individuals to develop and enhance their vocational skills.

With the support and cooperation of the Board of Education, the Association took an active role in developing and maintaining the first School-to-Work Transition Project in Haldimand.

1990
The Association expanded its residential services with the addition of three new apartments for five individuals in the Community Living Program.

A government grant was received which allowed a specially designed wheelchair accessible home for four individuals to be built on the new property and named the Filsinger House.

Fund raising continued throughout the year on a successful tone, highlighted by the successful Monte Carlo Night, the Bowl-a-Thon, and the Truck and Diamond Draws.

After many years, the dream finally became reality with the building of the first phase of the new facility, originally known as the Workshop building shell. Architectural services were provided by Len Huget, and construction was supervised by Russ Burger and the R.F. Almas Company offers contractor services.

1989
The announcement of another major fund-raising campaign to develop the Filsinger property.

The Association celebrated its 30th anniversary with many local events acknowledging the efforts of individuals and the community.

A major event was the Marty McSorley All Star Day.

The Community Activity Program changed and evolved into the Supported Employment Program offering clients the opportunity to acquire employment locally and with competitive wages.

A Special Needs Program was also established to cater specifically to those with multiple disabilities. Previously operated only in the summer months, this program was now operated year-round.

To grow the Association’s profile, a tearoom was opened in Caledonia, offering refreshments along with products from the Bakeshop. The new enterprise was successful but was forced to close the same year due to leasing issues.

The Association became involved with the Ontario Special Olympics, and under the direction of Jean Shurr, established a Haldimand branch.

The year closed on a positive note with the sod turning in December for a new facility on the Filsinger property. This was the culmination in raising funding for this project from the community and the efforts of fund-raising Chairman Warren Burger.

1988
The Bakeshop was moved to a new location in the business section of Cayuga. Previously this had always operated out of the Empire Corners workshop, but it was felt that the new location would provide greater opportunities for enhancement and exposure to the community.

Due to business limitations, the silk-screening operation in Dunnville was closed.

With the support of the Association, a Local Planning Group was established in order to prepare for future needs and services. This group was comprised of many agencies providing service to the developmentally handicapped.

A major fund-raising program was established to cope with expanding programs. Headed by Warren Burger, this campaign got underway to raise the necessary funds.

1987
Several new programs were instituted in an effort to expand accommodation alternatives and working opportunities for clients.

A new workshop/business venture, a silk-screening business, was started in Dunnville in 1987 in an effort to diversify work-related programs.

1986
The Association opened a central administration office in Cayuga. It was also at this time that Albert Moreland was hired as the Association’s Executive Director, and he was assisted at the time by two part-time staff. Mr. Moreland was the first person in this role for the Association as the focus became more business oriented.

Due to limited enrolment, the Children’s Center was closed.

A new program was started late in 1986 to increase the involvement of the Dunnville Group Home residents in local social, recreational, and educational activities. This service was known as the Community Activity Program, or CAP.

1985
With the introduction of a new Supported Independent Living Program, several group home residents were able to move and live in their own apartments.

1984
In honor of the contributions and work of Jennie Deagle, the Workshop, formerly known as the Haldimand Adult Opportunity Center was renamed J.B. Deagle Enterprises

1982
The Association Workshop moved from its Highway 56 location to a facility at the Slack Lumber Yard in Empire Corners. With Jennie Deagle as Director, the Work- shop endeavored to honor all work requests, but concentrated on woodworking, crafts, and the Bakeshop.

1981
A second preschool known as The Haldimand Children’s Center was started at White Oaks School in Springvale. It was later moved to the Fisherville Lions Medical Center.

1980
Amidst some controversy, a Group Home was opened in Dunnville to welcoming local people and individuals moving out of institutions to participate more in community life.

1975
With increasing school enrollment, students were set up in the Board of Education Maintenance Building. Mrs. Dorothy Parsons was hired to teach, and Elmer Winger served as assistant.

1971
Students at the Canfield school were moved to the Haldimand School in space which adjoined the J.L. Mitchener School in Cayuga. Under the auspices of the Haldimand School Board, the site was the first in Ontario to become integrated and received official provincial recognition.

1970
Mrs. Grace Baldwin retired, and Mrs. Dorothy Parsons was asked to be the principal.

1969
The Children’s Center for preschool was established in the basement of the United Church in Cayuga.

1968
With financial support from the community, the Opportunity Center added a woodworking shop and began to make pallets for Lanark Industries.

1967
The Association was issued a legal Charter of Letters Patent and became known as the Haldimand Association for the Mentally Retarded.

A third classroom was added to the Canfield school and Nora Rightson was hired to teach.

1965
The Dunnville workshop moved to the former Bishop McCarthy School on High- way 56 south of Empire Corners. This facility, known as the Haldimand Adult Opportunity Center, was under the direction of Jennie Deagle.

In conjunction with name changes at the provincial level, the Haldimand Association for Retarded Children became known as The Haldimand Association for the Mentally Retarded.

1964
The Association’s first workshop was opened in the Dunnville Boys Club. At the time there were three trainees under the guidance of Brock Gaines.

1963
A second classroom was opened to meet the increased number of students. Leslie Hoskin was hired as an additional teacher.

1959
With a commitment from the Fisherville District Lions Club and the determination of the concerned parents, the Haldimand Association for Retarded Children was formed and issued a charter certificate by the Ontario Association for Retarded Children under the authority of the founding Board of Directors.

Members of the founding Board were:
President: George Schweyer
Vice-President: Birge Havill
Vice-President: Samuel Donato
Recording Secretary: Mrs. Mel Kuiper
Corresponding Secretary: T. Roy Brown
Treasurer: Mrs. James Ullman
Lou Spry

A two-room schoolhouse in Canfield was purchased from the North Cayuga School Board for $1 for the initial six students. Mrs. Grace Baldwin was their teacher and Mrs. Harvey Richert provided the transportation.

Highlight from September 15, 1959, Club Bulletin:
“Open House will be held at the School for Retarded Children at Canfield on Wednesday evening, September 16. Every Lion is urged to be out for this occasion. Wear your Lions hats. We need your help for parking cars, placing chairs, etc. This is the particular project of the Fisherville Lions Club. We have brought this endeavor this far. Let’s not peter out now that things are beginning to roll. There is still some work to be done before we can sit down and pat ourselves on the back. Let’s put our hands and backs to a better use than that.”