Community Living Algoma turns 70, hands out some big awards

It was a celebratory night on Wednesday for local award winners at Community Living Algoma’s annual awards ceremony.

The ceremony followed the Annual General Meeting and saw four individuals or businesses honoured for their outstanding contributions to inclusion and citizenship.

This year is the 70^th anniversary of the organization and it was the 31^st AGM held since the amalgamation of various service agencies in 1994.

Find more details in the following release:

Community Living Algoma’s annual general meeting, held Wednesday night at the Quattro Hotel, may have coincided with the 70^th anniversary of the organization, however, the underlying message was that the mission and commitment continues with just as much importance as day one, back in 1954.

Held under the theme “Trust is Our Cornerstone for Future Building,” it was an opportunity for the agency to showcase the many positive achievements over the past year.

It was also a reality check about how the permanent goal of wanting to achieve the best possible quality of life for people supported, means continuous evolving while earning and sustaining trust in the process – for everyone.

“Our history reminds us that the foundation of our organization was built upon trust so, imagine for 70 years, people supported and families entrusted us to provide quality supports by ensuring people are safe, healthy and well, goals and dreams are being pursued and achieved and people are included in their community,” says John Policicchio, executive director, Community Living Algoma.

“The importance of trust remains a constant even though many changes to have occurred throughout our last seventy years and change is still something to be expected.”

Community Living Algoma has seen support for people with intellectual disabilities evolve from supporting people in congregate settings to more person-centred and individualized approaches.

Policicchio said continuous effort is still necessary in order to emphasize, and put into practice, the importance of the family unit as an integral part of an individual’s life in terms of strength, supports and unconditional love.

“Moving forward, it is important that people understand that CLA’s support is not only for the person with the intellectual disability, but their family or caregivers, as well,” says Policicchio.

The AGM drew 60 attendees including people supported, staff, volunteers and area businesses. It was the 31st AGM for the agency, founded 70 years ago. The AGM was also co-hosted by CLA board of directors’ chair Brad Symboluk.

Some of the highlights of the 2023-24 year included:

• Key Performance initiatives reviewed by the Quality Enhancement Committee, in the last fiscal, included the Quality Assurance Strategy; Personal Outcome Measures Interviews and Workshop; and Ministry Compliance – Quality Assurance Measures.  
• CLA successfully completed its Ministry Compliance Inspection which included a review of the following: Policies and Procedures; Board of Directors Meeting Minutes and Member files; 10 home inspections; 21 staff files; 43 files of people supported; and, three Behaviour Support Plans.
• Continued growth and development through theEMPLOYMENTnetwork and our Summer Student program.
• Review of changes in bylaws under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporation Act under which all existing not-for-profits have had to transition to versus the earlier Ontario Corporation Act (OCA) (part III).
• Capital disposal of vacant properties owned by CLA and leasing arrangements with other area agencies on vacant properties.
• A ‘Time Capsule’ review highlighted prominent events that shaped the agencies history.

The Community Partner Award was presented to Ben Cicchelli and David Toppan of the Dwellwise Group for their outstanding commitment to working with people supported, and their families, to help them reach their dream of finding a place to call home. Dwellwise has played an integral role in the process of people transitioning from large congregate care settings to living within their community. The development process, accessibility, design and custom requirements are all carefully considered and with an assurance that it meets CLA’s Mission Statement.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Emily Scarpino who identified, created and planned inclusive activities and events at St. Ann’s Villa. The programs were representative of the residents’ interests and abilities and worked in conjunction with their expectations and goals. Participants included a mix of people supported by Community Living Algoma in addition to other residents in the villa.

The Champion of Inclusion Award was presented independently to the Algoma District School Board and the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board. Both boards of education have demonstrated strong leadership for inclusion and have gone above-and-beyond the board to help change lives for people with autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability. Each board has also entered into respective partnerships, with CLA that have resulted in a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each board has also been active in Community Living Algoma’s summer employment programs in addition to the ‘Together We’re Better’ contest, held during February’s Inclusive Education Month.

Community Living Algoma provides supports and services to more than 567 people in the Algoma District who have intellectual disabilities or are on the autism spectrum. Community Living Algoma is committed to the advancement of a community in which all people are recognized as full citizens; achieve personal dignity; enjoy the benefits and responsibilities of independence and are supported to reach their full potential.