March 2021 Update

It is with mixed emotion that we announce, that after forty-five and a half years of dedicated service to the people we support, their families and staff Pauline Wilson will be retiring effective March 26, 2021. Pauline began her career at Community Living – Fort Erie on October 11th, 1975 as a frontline staff. She was recognized early on for her hard work, commitment and compassion. She was then promoted to a Residential Supervisor, a position she held for several years. Organizational restructuring resulted in Pauline being reassigned to Manager of Staff Scheduling, Training and Health and Safety. She has remained in this position for over 20 years. Pauline has also been a long standing valued volunteer, helping out whenever CLFE needed it. We will miss her positive attitude, her laugh, her compassion, her work ethic and so so much more. We are thrilled that retirement will allow her more time to spend with her family and do things she really enjoys like travelling. We wish her happiness and good health in her retirement.

As a dedicated employee of Community Living-Fort Erie for almost 46 years, EVERYONE wanted to have the opportunity to say THANK YOU and Good Luck to Pauline. It is hard to say good bye to someone who has committed their lifetime to making a difference in the lives of others. March 26, 2021 started out with Pauline visiting all of our Residential locations where staff and people supported greeted her with signs, balloons, retirement gifts and farewell tears.

Once Pauline returned to the office she was greeted by a parade of well-wishers who came to a drive-by parade. People from her past and present came out to wish her all the very best. Facetime calls and recorded videos came from past Executive Directors, Co-workers and friends. We were only able to have a small get together for lunch in honour of Pauline, where she was given retirement gifts from the Board of Directors, management team and office colleagues.

Anyone that has ever had the privilege of working with Pauline spoke about her positive attitude, remarkable work ethics and genuine caring personality. Although many are very sad to see Pauline leave we are also happy that she will be able to spend more time doing the things she loves. Pauline will be missed beyond words!!

We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Guarasci is the successful applicant for the Health and Safety Supervisor position. Jennifer is a long term employee with almost 30 years of experience. She started her career at Community Living Fort Erie as a residential support worker, then applied and accepted a position in community support where she remained for many years. She has proven experience in advocating for others, creative problem solving and decision making as well as collaboration and network building. She comes to the position with Health and Safety and WSIB qualifications and experience. She is highly motivated and extremely passionate about the work that she does.