Community Living Manitoulin celebrates its successes
MANITOULIN—The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, after months of repeated virus outbreaks among residents and staff of Community Living Manitoulin (CLM) last winter and spring, was a highlight of 2022-23, according to CLM’s Executive Director, Adrienne Kuula. She praised dedicated and resilient staff members who worked diligently to ensure the health and safety of people in their care during those difficult days.
This wasn’t the agency’s only success, however, as her report at the CLM Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mindemoya on October 5 made clear. The past year included the new “Get to Know Me” campaign, carried on What’s Doin’ on the Manitoulin, which introduces Islanders to individuals who either live in one of CLM’s group homes or independently in the community. Several fun and fundraising activities were also celebrated, including The Brothers of the Blade motorcycle organization’s annual Penny Run. Bikers from across Canada and the US sponsor a day of fun activities for CLM individuals every summer when they tour Manitoulin. This includes giving motorcycle rides, playing games and hosting a bar-b-q lunch, as well as donating money to purchase things for the group homes such as outdoor gazebos and accessible picnic tables. CLM also operated a barbecue during Haweater Weekend in Little Current, generously supported by Orr’s Valumart, with staff and residents taking their turns meeting and feeding hungry locals and tourists.
Especially important, the end of COVID restrictions enabled members of the CLM community to become active again in the larger community, whether reconnecting with immediate families or friends they had missed. Thanks to the Community Participation program, for the first time in ages, they were able to leave their group homes to join independent living members of CLM at the Community Hub to share in activities such as making crafts and playing cards that promote inclusion and friendship building. The program also lets group home residents enjoy outings like going to watch the Chi-Cheemaun come in or go shopping in Espanola and Sudbury. The Passport Program, which provides funds for every individual to enjoy specially tailored experiences, was reactivated too. Some people chose to go to Tim Horton’s for a coffee while others opted to take in a baseball game in Toronto. Still others took advantage of skills-building programs like learning to cook and bake, or to gain greater independence. One enormous success was the transition of an individual who previously received CLM care to being someone who has graduated as a personal support worker and is now out in the broader community helping others.
CLM isn’t without ongoing challenges. Like most organizations, it is suffering a serious staffing shortage which has placed added demands on its existing employees. The agency has undertaken proactive measures to boost the recruitment and retention of staff, including developing a partnership with Cambrian College to promote apprenticeships for students, attending volunteer fairs and being increasingly active on social media.
Recognition of the outstanding efforts of both individuals under CLM’s care, as well as its staff, was another highlight of the AGM, which entailed tear-filled tributes to this year’s winners for going above and beyond. Awards were given to three exceptional employees who were nominated and selected by their co-workers. They include Michelle Lanktree, a 33-year veteran of the agency, celebrated for promoting inclusion; Della Bridge, an employee of 22 years, for her advocacy work; and Rylee Mayer, a recently hired employee who was unable to attend the AGM, who is widely respected and appreciated for her work championing change.
Several remarkable individuals were also recognized, including Tyler Madahbee for his peer support, Linda McCulligh for the power of her positivity and Dan Grandmaison for his success in gaining independence.
Pam Lambert, longtime Chair of the Board of Directors, gave a huge thank you to all the award winners, staff and management, particularly Adrienne Kuula, for leading with excellence, perseverance, caring and skill over the past year, laying the foundation for even greater future progress.
