On Wednesday June 26, 2024, Community Living-Fort Erie proudly hosted its 67th Annual General Membership Meeting, a remarkable milestone in our ongoing commitment to supporting and enhancing the lives of individuals within our community. This year’s meeting was an inspiring event that brought together board members, staff, individuals we support, and community leaders to reflect on our accomplishments and look forward to the future. Even the rain could not dampen the celebration for those that attended.
We were delighted to introduce our newly elected 2024-2025 Board of Directors, who will lead our organization with dedication and vision in the coming year. Their expertise and passion for our mission are vital as we continue to grow and support our community. We extend a warm welcome to board members and look forward to their contributions.
Sandy Leemet, Rebecca Parton, Nick Dubanow, Joe Nemet, Cassandra Lalle, Maureen Murphy, Pauline Wilson, Bobbie Paonessa, Sue Doan, Betty Talbot
A Special Presentation by Betty Talbot and Mayor Wayne Redekop
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Community Living-Fort Erie Awards. Board Chair, Betty Talbot, assisted by Mayor Wayne Redekop, had the honor of recognizing the outstanding efforts and achievements of our staff and self-advocates. These awards celebrate the hard work, dedication, and remarkable progress of those who embody the spirit of our organization. The Wendy Henderson Bursary, Jackie Sandelli Award and the Community Inclusion Award were given to recognize excellence and commitment. The awards were presented to deserving winners, highlighting their exceptional contributions and achievements within our community.
The Community Inclusion award is granted to the person on the merits of their progress in self-direction, initiative, motivation and personal growth. They actively participate in their community. This person demonstrates leadership in pursuing our vision of “An Inclusive Community That Only Sees Abilities.”
Allen Pressey is this year’s recipient of the Community Inclusion Award.
Allan is a man who enjoys his community. He is an avid sports fan. He has volunteered his time for the local Fort Erie Junior B Meteors helping them to fundraise by selling 50/50 tickets at their Saturday home games as well as cheering them on. He likes to support the local Cannons baseball team at their home games and rally’s to have others to attend. Allan found his own “pen pal” with many of the same interests to communicate with from Crescent Park Lodge. He is self-motivated to take care of himself and works out regularly at the Boys & Girls Club. He is taking private guitar lessons in the spring and summer so he can keep the winter months open to attend Hockey. He has also made friends with the clerk at the local store where he walks by himself every Saturday to collect his newspaper. Allan has learned how to navigate his way through the internet on his tablet to find all of his sports schedules for the major teams. He is motivated to make the things he wants in his life happen! He is a strong self-advocate and is aware of the importance of having a voice when making choices and directing his life. Wishing you and all the sports teams, you follow, a “winning” future! Congratulations Allen.
This bursary is In Memory of Wendy Henderson who was a Family Support Case Manager with over 24 years of service at Community Living – Fort Erie. Wendy’s passion for the youth of our community was demonstrated frequently as she supported them to overcome barriers to further their education or obtain employment. The bursary is awarded to a young adult who is actively pursuing education.
Hannah Schneider is the recipient of the Wendy Henderson Bursary.
Hannah Schneider is being recognized for her exceptional dedication and resilience, particularly exemplified during her work training experience at Safari Niagara. Hannah actively participated in a work-training program at Safari Niagara, where she was stationed at the Giraffe deck. During her time there, she took on the responsibility of learning and memorizing crucial information about the giraffes, ensuring she could provide informative and engaging experiences for Safari Niagara visitors. Her proactive approach to research enabled her to confidently address any questions posed by guests, enhancing their overall experience. Following her successful completion of the training program, Hannah’s dedication and performance were duly recognized. She was offered a position as summer staff at Safari Niagara, where she continued to excel at the Giraffe deck and lent her talents to assisting in the gift shop. This transition from unpaid job placement to paid employment is a testament to Hannah’s hard work, adaptability, and positive attitude. Hannah’s achievements at Safari Niagara are just one aspect of her remarkable character. Throughout her high school years, she has consistently displayed a strong commitment to her education, personal growth, and community involvement. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has remained resilient and determined, embodying a spirit of perseverance that is truly admirable. We wish you all the best as you move forward to reach your educational goals. Congratulations Hannah.
The Jacquelyn Sandelli award is given to a Community Living – Fort Erie employee in Memory of Jackie Sandelli. Jackie faithfully served Community Living Fort Erie for over 25 Years. Her Leadership And Dedication Has Left A Lasting Impression on Our Organization. We are better because of Jackie’s efforts! We honor Jackie’s memory by recognizing staff through this award. The award is given to an employee that demonstrates Positive Attitude, Good Attendance and Willingness to participate as part of team.
Paula Steinhaus is the winner of the Jackie Sandelli Staff Award.
Paula exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and positive spirit celebrated by this award in honor of Jackie’s lasting impact on our organization. She has shown a steadfast commitment to advocating for those she supports, fully embodying our mission and values. Her enthusiasm and optimistic outlook inspire colleagues to approach challenges with a “can do” attitude. Paula’s reliability and excellent attendance record ensure she is always ready to support her team. She frequently covers shifts at various locations, maintaining high-quality support across all sites. This level of dedication underscores Paula’s work ethic. A true team player, she actively participates in team activities, contributing her skills and insights. Known for her kindness, care, and compassion, Paula fosters a culture of cooperation and mutual respect in every team she joins, be it Residential, Community Support, or Passport. Her positive attitude consistently boosts morale and motivation among her colleagues. Her genuine nature and dedication to those she supports are evident in her attentive listening, responsive actions, and unwavering commitment to quality service. She consistently goes above and beyond her caseload. Paula’s positive attitude, dependable attendance, and teamwork make her a deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations Paula.
