February 15, 2024
Since its inception in 1958, Community Living Haldimand has undergone many changes, in both name and structure. The vital work done by the organization has been handled by many different dedicated individuals. And this year Community Living Haldimand celebrates a major milestone: its 65-year anniversary.
The following article chronicles the history of Community Living Haldimand, along with some of the events happening in the coming year to commemorate the anniversary. For more information, click the link below.
https://haldimandpress.com/community-living-haldimand-celebrates-a-65-year-old-legacy-2/
December 5, 2023
As many of you know, CL Haldimand is funded by the province through the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services (MCCSS). What you may not know is that the developmental services sector has not received funding increases to offset the cost of utilities, supplies, insurance , etc. for about ten years. Thankfully, there have been a few times that we've received increases in our funding to provide wage increases, but overall it's not been enough. Other sectors funded through Health and Education have received regular increases to cover raising costs and to improve wages during this same period.
Community Living Haldimand is a member of Community Living Ontario and OASIS (Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs). These organizations are pressing the government for an immediate budget increase of 5% and a commitment to regular funding increases. One part of the strategy includes a post card campaign. We're encouraging everyone involved with CLH to participate in the campaign using the following link: https://communitylivingontario.ca/what-we-do/advocacy-education-awareness/five-to-survive-campaign/
Together with the other 300 agencies in Ontario that make up the Developmental Services Sector, we can make a difference!. Join the movement today!
Bob Butella, CEO
April 27, 2023
During the season of Lent, members of Oneida United Church were challenged to collect coins for the many everyday gifts they enjoy (i.e. a coin for every can of soup, box of cereal, pair of shoes, etc.). The collection totaled $1,000, which has been donated to Community Living Haldimand (CLH) in support of the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund.
Read more about this kind gesture by Oneida United Church here: https://haldimandpress.com/oneida-united-donates-to-community-living-haldimand/
March 21, 2023
Community Living Month in Ontario happens every May. It's a time when agencies like ours celebrate the achievements of the past years and dream about the coming year and how we can help people to become included in their community.
This year, we will kick off Community Living Month with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Haldimand County Administration Building at 53 Thorburn Street South in Cayuga, Ontario.
The event is scheduled for May 1, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. For more information, feel free to view or download our flyer.
We hope to see you there!
February 10, 2023
The community is coming together to celebrate Warren and all he has done for the community. He has done so much for not just the community but for Community Living Haldimand, and we are so thankful for his work as a volunteer for us. Since Warren first joined CLH as a volunteer, he has worked to promote and expand the program and continues to do so as he helped the Jeannie Deagle Dream Fund raise over $15,000 in the 2022 golf tournament fundraiser!
Join us to celebrate Warrens's Birthday on Tuesday, Feb 15th, from 4 - 8 pm at the Hagersville Legion, 5 Alma St. N.
Learn more about Warren and his extraordinary contributions to communities and CLH here: https://haldimandpress.com/community-to-celebrate-warren-burgers-80th-birthday-give-thanks-for-his-committment-to-haldimand/
Learn more about his celebration here: https://www.thespec.com/local-haldimand/news/2023/02/02/it-is-time-to-celebrate-him-community-invited-to-honour-notable-hagersville-citizen-warren-burger.html
In this photo, Burger (centre) accepts a cheque supporting the construction of CLH’s Jennie Deagle Building in Cayuga in 1989.
January 26, 2023
We are very proud to have Chris as a part of the Community Living Haldimand family; she has spent 30 years here while working as a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Trainer. Chris's value to this team is undeniable; she assists CLH with hiring, providing resources, helping employees and supporting those affiliated with the organization.
Read more about Chris and this incredible achievement here: https://haldimandpress.com/local-woman-receives-meritorious-instructor-status/
October 6, 2022
To The Haldimand Press
CAYUGA—One hundred and eight golfers came out in support of Community Living Haldimand’s (CLH) 15th annual Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the Cayuga Golf Course.
Proceeds from the event will be directed to the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund of CLH, helping people with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams.
The winning team of the day was made up of Kevin Magelan, Ken Robertson, Mike Boyko, and Ron Boyko at seven under par in the Texas Scramble format.
Alma Nagel was a double contest winner, winning both the women’s longest drive and the putting contest.
The windy and cool temperatures didn’t dampen the competition and the fun. Through the support of more than 30 prize donors, 37 tournament sponsors, and numerous volunteers, the event raised more than $12,000 for the Dream Fund.
Also, on hand at the dinner was Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt who presented Community Living Haldimand’s President of the Board, Heather Furtney, with a cheque for $5,000 as recognition to Warren Burger and his long-standing support of Community Living Haldimand.
“We’re so thankful to the businesses and people of Haldimand County for supporting the tournament to make it so successful. A total community effort!” stated Furtney. “We hope to see you back next year!”
For more information on Community Living Haldimand and the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund, visit clhaldimand.com.
October 6, 2022
Wind and blustery weather could not impede the enthusiastic supporters of a cause dear to Community Living Haldimand: its Jennie Deagle Dream Fund.
The agency's 15th annual golf tournament was held at Cayuga Golf Club on Sept. 22. Guests golfed, enjoyed a meal, bid in an auction and met with 2022 recipients of the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund.
It is estimated that roughly $12,000 was raised, which did not include a $5,000 presentation from the Mayor's Gala, held earlier this year.
"We had so many local businesses who helped us," said Bob Butella, Community Living Haldimand's executive director. "There was tremendous community support."
September 15, 2022
Bob Butella ready to face challenges as Community Living Haldimand’s new Executive Director
By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
CAYUGA — Community Living Haldimand (CLH) has named Bob Butella as their new Executive Director. The Press spoke with Butella about what makes him a good fit for the role and what makes the organization so vital.
A University of Guelph alumni with a Bachelor of Commerce, Butella got his start in developmental services in 1981 as a summer recreation staff member.
September 8, 2022
By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—The Jennie Deagle Dream Fund, a charitable endeavour granting ‘wishes’ to a number of citizens receiving support through Community Living (CL) Haldimand, has announced this year’s nine recipients.
Dream Fund Chair Heather Furtney explained of the fund’s name, “Jennie Deagle was instrumental in creating the foundation of what we know as Community Living Haldimand now.
Deagle first got involved when she realized the obstacles her son Jim would face as a child with cerebral palsy and mental health issues at a time when much less was known medically about either. When Deagle attempted to enroll Jim at Green’s School in Caledonia in the mid-1950s, he was rejected, with the teacher that saw him at the time noting a fear of catching his ailment. Things, clearly, have changed a lot in the intervening years.
Natahsa Tryniszewski, Dream: a new patio table and umbrella
"She was involved with a group of parents, along with the Fisherville Lions, who created a school in the Canfield area, where children who were not welcome in the public system because of disabilities were able to experience school like their peers did," said Furtney. "She even drove the bus."
Luke Deagle, Dream: a new set of patio furniture to enjoy
Knowing that her son would continue to need educational opportunities and a place to belong once his schooling was complete, Deagle obtained a former school building located on Highway 56: “That led to her becoming involved with the institution of CL itself. When the services grew from just a school to both employment services and residential lots for folks to live in, she became involved there too.”
John Crawley, Dream: a new outdoor umbrella and chair to relax
Furtney praised Deagle as someone who "believed strongly that people with intellectual disabilities should experience life to the fullest, just as all of us do. She was prepared to make that happen."
She elaborated, "She actually would take groups of supported people places and they would raise money doing various things within the community so those people could go to Florida, or go on a longer camping excursion…. The more I learn about her, the more I know that we as a committee have a great responsibility to honour that."
Joe Stymeist, Dream: a new gaming chair that is comfortable with Bluetooth capability
Deagle's efforts over the years did not go unrecognized, with her being named one of only 12 recipients in 1992 to receive the Ontario Community Action Award, and the central office for CL is now known as the Jennie Deagle Complex.
It was upon Deagle's passing five years ago that Furtney said the idea to create a fund in her name first came about "to honour the invincible spirit Jennie possessed."
"We talked about dreams. Many of the individuals we support do not have money for things like trips or experiences, things that we all dream about. It’s very unique to that individual," explained Furtney.
Jason Allen, Dream: his very own patio swing
While doing some initial fundraising for the Dream Fund, the Board was approached by the Golden Horseshoe Antique Society, who were dispersing funds following the disbanding of their membership: "They made a very generous donation. So, for us, that was a real shot in the arm, and it added to the pressure that whatever we were going to do, we wanted to get it right. The reason that they chose us, is that Jennie had always impressed them as someone who did wonderful things."
Applicants can either make a submission themselves, or can do so with the help of family, friends, or support workers. The only requirement is that the applicant is supported by CL.
"That takes many forms; we have people who are supported and require 24-hour care, to people who live independently and need a different level of support," said Furtney.
Carlee Scott, Dream: a princess bedroom oasis
"We've tried to make the process as open as possible, because we know there are many different ways people that are supported could choose to apply," said Furtney, noting that the fund had over 30 applicants this year, making for a tough decision-making process for the board.
"As a committee we go through everything, talk about the dreams, and begin to narrow it down, and make our final decision. The individuals are then notified, and the work on gathering the dreams starts that day. Whether it’s a piece of furniture, or the opportunity to do something. That happens as soon as we make our decisions."
Trudy Schaeffer, Dream: a photo for her wall of elephants (specifically a mom and baby)
Those interested in contributing can visit clhaldimand.com/about/the-jennie-deagle-dream-fund, where you can make a donation to the fund or learn more about their charity golf tournament, scheduled for September 22.
While Furtney called the fund a "work in progress," she said the ultimate goal will always be to carry forth Jennie Deagle's generosity and kind spirit to future generations. "We're all really committed to finding ways for the fund to allow people to reach out and touch those dreams that otherwise might not have been available to them."
Source: https://haldimandpress.com/jennie-deagle-name-continues-to-be-honoured-through-dream-fund/
August 23, 2022
Hagersville resident Luke Deagle is proud of his backyard oasis.
"I really like coming out here in the morning with my coffee," he said. "It's peaceful."
The faux rattan chairs with cornflower blue seats fit on his rear patio, next to a box garden.
"It's calm and quiet here, it's good for my mental health," said Deagle. "It's a good place to relax."
His dream for patio furniture was fulfilled thanks to the Jennie Deagle Dream Fund.
The fund was created in 2018 to honour local humanitarian Jennie Deagle and her half century of advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and their families. To date, 21 people with developmental disabilities have been selected to have their wish fulfilled, becoming a "Jennie Dreamer."
A fundraising golf tournament is being held on Sept. 22 at Cayuga Golf Club. For more information, call 905-772-3344 or email golf@clhaldimand.com for more information.
Source: https://www.thespec.com/local-haldimand/news/2022/08/23/luke-deagle-has-been-named-a-jennie-deagle-dreamer-for-2022.html
We would like to share the latest MCCSS updates and changes affecting our sector and specifically Community Living Haldimand regarding COVID-19 which we received on March 22. In consultation with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH), MCCSS is working to strive to achieve a balance between reduced COVID-19 risk and the importance of overall health and wellbeing of the people supported in MCCSS-funded programs and the staff that provide the services.
The following changes are effective immediately. CLH policy and procedures are being revised to include these changes.
While the government announced changes to masking requirements for most public settings beginning March 21, 2022; Maintaining masking requirements in these settings provides additional protection in places where people are often in close contact and/or required to be in-person and allows for sustained protection for vulnerable populations.
Eye protection will only be required when providing direct care within 2 feet of the unmasked
July 26,2022
We would like to share some recent information with you about COVID-19. We hope this information is helpful!
Unfortunately, we continue to see high numbers of COVID in our communities related to the 7th wave. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit continues to remind residents that being up to date on COVID-19 vaccines is the most effective way to protect yourself from severe COVID-19 infection, including severe outcomes such as hospitalization, ICU admissions and death. High vaccination rates can help prevent and limit the spread of this virus in homes.
It is important to note that immunity wanes considerably after 6-7 months from the time you received your last vaccine dose. Research has shown that there is additional incremental benefit from each vaccine exposure, even in those who have had prior infection (confirmed through antibody or detection through asymptomatic and symptomatic testing).
People who have had a COVID-19 infection should receive the recommended number of doses (two initial shots, 1st and 2nd booster doses); however, they are recommended to wait 4 to 8 weeks after having a COVID-19 infection to get the next dose in their primary series (e.g., between first and second doses of Pfizer or Moderna).
People who get COVID-19 after a completed primary series are recommended to wait 3 months after having COVID-19 before receiving either their first or second booster dose.
Optimal timing can be discussed with a health care provider and depends on age, number of doses received, risk of exposure and health status.
Free rapid antigen tests will continue to be available to all staff and visitors (as appropriate) and it is highly recommended that they be done 3 times a week (for staff) as an addition to the self assessment screening tool.
CLH will continue to:
Antiviral treatment (Paxlovid) is available for higher-risk individuals with COVID-19. Your risk of serious illness is determined based on a combination of your health, age, and vaccination status, based on an assessment from a health care provider. Available treatments can help prevent serious illness if taken within 5 days of the start of symptoms. Your primary care provider or another health care provider can tell you if you are at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Treatments are not substitutes for vaccines. The best defence against serious COVID-19 disease is to get vaccinated.
Use Ontario’s antiviral screener tool to help determine if you should be assessed for treatment.
Antivirals to Treat COVID-19 | HealthUnit Haldimand-Norfolk (hnhu.org)
Community Living Haldimand’s Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Robert Butella has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer beginning April 11, 2022.
Bob has extensive experiences in the Developmental Service Sector in both rural and urban centres, large and small agencies, not for profit and for-profit organizations plus his work with numerous governmental ministries.
Recently, Bob has held the position of Executive Director for the following agencies: Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (private organization providing clinical services to people with autism spectre disorder living locally, provincially and internationally); Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services (providing services to children and adults with developmental disabilities across Halton, Peel, Waterloo, Wellington and Dufferin); and Community Living Wellington (provided services to adults with developmental disabilities across Wellington County, City of Guelph, Centre Wellington, Wellington North, Erin and Minto).
For the last eighteen years, Susan Wavell’s exemplary leadership has taken our agency through many initiatives, advances, and changes. Her dedication to providing the best possible services to individuals supported by Community Living Haldimand and their families has never wavered. Our utmost gratitude goes with her as she retires. We offer her health, happiness, and the chance to experience many, happy family times.
Scott Miller
President Community Living Haldimand Board of Directors
Corteva Agriscience’s Simply Better, Together contest celebrates all of the great things farmers do for their communities
Hagersville, ON March 3rd 2022 — Corteva Agriscience is pleased to announce that Warren Burger of Hagersville, ON has been selected as a winner of the Enlist E3™ soybeans Simply Better, Together contest, which recognizes farmers in Eastern Canada that give back to their local communities.
Nominated by Jake Elgersma of Gralex Agronomy Pioneer Dealership of Dunnville Ontario, Burger has been awarded a charitable donation of $2,000, which he has chosen to give to Community Living Haldimand: The Jennie Deagle Dream Fund. The Jennie Deagle Dream Fund was created to honour Jennie Deagle’s outstanding contributions to Community Living Haldimand. For more than fifty years, Jennie was instrumental in creating a firm foundation for growth and continued success for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Jennie’s Dreamers are living legacies to this remarkable lady as they work to transform their wishes into realities.
Having participated in fundraising events for over 50 years, Burger has helped not-for-profit organizations secure funding when government grants weren’t available to them. His community work includes leading the fundraising efforts to help Community Living Haldimand build their current 10,000 square foot facility, which gives those with developmental disabilities a social space to call their own.
“We know that good choices in farming practices are just one way that farmers make their communities better; but their work doesn’t stop there,” says Jeff Loessin, Canada Seeds leader, with Corteva Agriscience. “Farmers like Warren Burger are a fixture in their community, giving back, doing good, and making towns like Hagersville simply better. The Corteva team is happy to be able to celebrate farmers and all the great things they do for their communities, because we’re simply better, together.”
The Simply Better, Together contest is sponsored by Enlist E3 soybeans from Corteva Agriscience. The contest encouraged licensed sellers of Enlist E3 soybean seeds, Enlist Duo™ or Enlist™ 1 herbicide in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes to nominate farmers actively involved in making their communities a better place to live, grow and flourish.
In this photo (left to right):
Jake Elgersma, Gralex Agronomy Pioneer Seed Dealer
Ken Edwards- Director of Corporate Services, Community Living Haldimand
Valerie Stone, Pioneer Territory Manager, Corteva Agriscience
Joyce Osinga, Jennie Deagle’s Daughter
Suzanne Rauwerda, Jennie Deagle Dream Fund Committee Member
Warren Burger, Fundraising Chairman, Farmer, Simply Better Together Contest Winner
