Available Online - Citizen Advocacy

rapport
Bringing people together
ISSN 1180-503X
Summer-Fall 2016
Everyday Champions
Marilyn and Laurena have been matched for a year and have created a wonderful reminder of the joy their
match has brought to each of them: a quilt.
As the experienced quilter Laurena took the lead
deciding on the quilt pattern and teaching Marilyn
how to make the quilt. Marilyn decided on the
colours and fabric and added the purple wool ties
that attach the backing and are the final finishing
touch. The quilt has pride of place in Marilyn and her
husband Roy’s bedroom.
Another significant accomplishment is that Marilyn
and Laurena are starting to travel together around
the city by bus. This is an important step towards
one of the goals Marilyn identified in her initial
conversations with the Citizen Advocacy team.
Everyday Champions was suggested to Marilyn by
both her doctor and a social worker in 2010 and after
several years on the waiting list the Citizen Advocacy team found just the right person to be her volunteer
Advocate, Laurena. Marilyn wanted someone who shared her love of crafting, who was talkative, a good
keeper of secrets and who would encourage her to take an interest in the outside world. During her
discussions with Citizen Advocacy Laurena shared that after many years of moving around she “wanted to
put down roots and to make meaningful connections”.
Laurena and Marilyn have many other things in common besides a love of crafting - talking, relaxing, an
appreciation of the spiritual side of life, enjoying each other’s company, a love of cats and husbands who
are both proud to be called “nerds”.
A year later, after weekly quilting sessions, trips to craft fairs and the Byward Market both agree that they
are really happy to have each other in their lives and are certain their friendship will continue well into the
future.
Walking in My Shoes (WIMS)
WIMS wrapped up another successful year and is
taking a break over the summer. We are looking
forward to the start in September of the fall
sessions. We are excited to announce a new
West-End location on Campeau Drive. The Forest
Hill Nursing Home is easy to reach by public
transportation and car. For those of you driving
there is lots of free parking spots available.
We have some great topics lined up for the fall
sessions including person-directed planning and
service navigation and as always, there will be
plenty of time for parents to share their information
and experiences.
The WIMS group’s goal is to provide information
and resources to better support families; a nonjudgemental space and an opportunity to create
networks. As one parent recently said; “WIMS has
helped me to become a better parent and
advocate for my children…the parents have
turned out to be my safe
harbour in the storm”.
years.
We were successful in our grant
application and the pilot project is all set to roll out
in September. An exciting time for the program!
In May, we had a Spring Potluck that welcomed
several new families. The families were able to
mingle and chat with existing members to see how
Lifetime Networks benefits their families.
In June 2016, Citizen Advocacy celebrated its
sixth anniversary with Lifetime Networks and we
are very pleased that the program continues to
grow as word gets out into the community about
the benefits.
We will again be running Beyond Graduation in
the fall of 2016, in partnership with Families Matter
Co-op. Staff from the Ottawa-Carleton District
School Board have been involved in the delivery
of the workshop material and will again join with
Citizen Advocacy to present an informative and
interactive day. This is a one-day workshop for
young people who are living with disabilities and
who are transitioning out of high school. Parents
and/or caregivers are also included in the
workshop.
We look forward to
seeing parents in both
east and west end
locations. Please visit
the website for more
detail about time and
location or keep an eye
on our Facebook page.
Lifetime Networks
Lifetime Networks is enjoying a
time of celebration, growth and
reflection. In 2015, in partnership
with the Mental Illness Caregivers
Association (MICA), we applied
for a Trillium grant to grow the Lifetime Networks
program and to do a pilot project where we will be
working with three families who have adult
children who are living with a mental illness.
Another component was to grow the Lifetime
Networks program by 19 families in the next two
Rapport Summer-Fall 2016
In preparation for the next three years, and our
goal to grow Lifetime Networks, we have invited
current members to take part in a survey looking
at their satisfaction and overall experience with
the program and their thoughts around the use of
their Facilitators. This will assist us as we create
our three-year work plan.
If you enjoy playing Bingo, please support
Citizen Advocacy by playing at Bingoland South
(www.bingolandsouth.com) at 9 Slack Road.
Citizen Advocacy hosts bingo on Tuesday
evenings at 7 p.m. Our wonderful, hardworking
Bingo Team would love to see you there!
2
Children’s Sibling Group
“My daughter is becoming a greater advocate
for herself and for her siblings. The group has
helped build her confidence and has given her a
network of friends who share some of the real
stresses she has in her life.”
The Children’s Sibling Group’s second year was a
great success! On average we had 21 children in
attendance. The children attend one of three
groups depending on their age and the
evaluations we received from everyone involved,
the children, the parents/caregivers and the
Facilitators, indicated that the groups were
positive, safe and supportive places. The children
seemed to think that the snacks were pretty great
as well!
At our final group meeting at the end of May, we
held a special ceremony to recognize the
creativity, fun and friendships that had been
formed over the course of the year.
The
Facilitators prepared individualized comments
about each child and each participant was
recognized with an individualized certificate. The
certificates were presented in front of all group
members and their parents and caregivers so that
everyone knew the contributions and skills of each
child. The celebrations were topped off with
everyone enjoying pizza and cake.
“I am grateful to both the program and the
group leaders. Jordan is an energetic and
spunky kid who sometimes has challenges at
school. Any “place” where Jordan feels like he
can be himself and be accepted is awesome. I
also love the idea that he has a safe space to
share his feelings about having a little sister
with special needs and somewhere he can learn
from others that he is not alone.
As you know, the child with special needs
always gets more attention while the ‘regular’
sibling is expected to help out, behave, be
understanding, etc. - so much placed on his
young shoulders.”
The Fetal Alcohol Resource
Program - One Year In
Only one year ago, Brian Tardif hired three people
who are passionate about supporting individuals
with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and
together designed and launched the Fetal Alcohol
Resource Program. None of us were entirely
certain what we could accomplish, but we all
wanted to try our best to improve the level of
awareness and understanding of FASD within the
community of Ottawa. We were all aware that
supports here are limited and poorly coordinated
and we hoped to create a smoother and clearer
path for individuals who have FASD as well as for
their network of support.
We quickly realized that educating the agencies
and systems that already exist and creating a
simplified way to navigate those systems was
going to be the most effective way to begin. Janet,
Nancy and Tanya hit the ground running and,
since we officially began leading workshops, we
have trained over 350 people at more than 20
agencies including those involved in justice,
mental health, education and housing. The best
part is that when people fill out our evaluations
before and after the workshops, they have
consistently let us know that they are learning
valuable information that they can use in their
various roles at work and with friends and family.
We are raising awareness about FASD and
helping people understand that no amount of
alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
We have also begun two new initiatives. The
FARP team are all a part of the FASD Coalition of
Ottawa and together an idea was born to have an
event for FASD day on September 9th that
involved raising awareness of FASD by helping
everyone understand that they can support
pregnant women to abstain from alcohol by also
abstaining: Mommy Mocktails.
The other big event that we are collaboratively
organizing, along with a number of other agencies
in Ottawa, is a symposium, which will be held next
spring in Ottawa. This event is still in the early
stages of planning, but look for a big
announcement about it on September 9th this
year!
We are incredibly proud of all we have
accomplished so far and are excited to begin
another year with this program. Please do not
hesitate to contact us if you need support or you
work in an agency that could use some training
about FASD.
Rapport Summer-Fall 2016
3
Person-Directed Planning
“I want to get married to my
boyfriend”, she said. This was
loud and clear.
The work of independent
facilitation and person-directed
planning at Citizen Advocacy - is quite unique. We
are in a privileged position of being immersed into
people’s lives, meeting them wherever they are
along the way, and as a result, we are fortunate to
journey alongside people across some of life’s
major milestones. Sometimes people and their
support networks are stuck, they need help,
guidance, encouragement, and/or a chance to see
things a little differently. While other times people
know exactly what they want, and simply need
support moving forward. Chelsea Stanley is one
of those people who knows what she wants.
When I first met Chelsea, we immediately bonded
over a couple of things. The first being our mutual
love of art. She showed me a photo of one of her
paintings, and was noticeably proud when I
commented on its bold choice of colour and the
interesting application technique she used.
Chelsea said she wanted to paint more, so we
eventually ended up taking a tour of H’Art of
Ottawa, and she immediately decided she was
interested in joining this wonderful local
organization. Now she is painting every week.
Our love of family was our other bonding thing.
She always asks about my wife and kids, and is
sure to tell me about her growing family - she is
now an Aunt to a beautiful niece and wonderful
nephew. During our first meeting, after being
asked what she wanted in life, she said, “I want to
get married to my boyfriend, Graham”. This was
the start of many conversations about
relationships, marriage, and family. Then on
Valentine’s Day, I received an enthusiastic text
from Chelsea “Got Engaged!”.
At our next visit we spoke about all the exciting
things that come along with getting engaged - how
he proposed, the ring, and about what’s next… an
engagement party of course. Chelsea loved the
idea of hosting a party, and as we started talking
about who she wanted to invite, her list grew and
grew. We talked about options of where to have
this party and came up with a few places. But
none really seemed to be ‘just right’, until Chelsea
said, “We should have the party at my work”.
What a great idea, I thought. Chelsea works at
Swiss Chalet as a hostess. There, all of her and
Graham’s friends and family could be
accommodated and fed, plus we don’t have the
set-up or clean-up work involved in a big party. It
would also be an opportunity for Chelsea’s coworkers to see her in another light.
Chelsea really ran with the ‘Engagement Party’
idea from there. She, along with Caitlyn, her ‘Life
Coach
&
Community
Connector’,
from
LiveWorkPlay,
another
incredible
local
organization, sent out invitations.
People
responded positively, and when the date finally
arrived for Chelsea & Graham’s Engagement
Party, around 40 people showed up. That evening
she was beaming from start to finish. Chelsea,
wearing a tiara and veil,
was surrounded by
family and friends. She
had balloons and other
whimsically
themed
décor to celebrate this
momentous occasion.
I got to witness and be
a part of it all. And that
is why, I think, we as
Facilitators for persondirected planning are
privileged & fortunate.
Next, Chelsea & Graham, along with those closest
to them, will discuss, think, and plan for what
makes for a successful marriage, and how that
relationship will work.
Advocate Orientation
Citizen Advocacy is always looking for ways to
enhance our programs and the support we
provide to our Friends living with disabilities. We
often heard from current and former Advocates
that there are things they wished they had known
before they were matched. With this in mind we
are planning to introduce orientation/training for
people before they are matched (up-front
strategy). During late July we asked our current
and former Advocates to complete a survey to
comment on possible topic areas and to let us
know any other things they wish they had known
before they were matched. We are now
reviewing this information.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative.
Rapport Summer-Fall 2016
4
Fundraising events
16th Annual Celebration of
People Award Dinner
It’s that time of year again! You
are invited to nominate and put
the spotlight on individuals and organizations in
our community who promote inclusion of people
with disabilities and excellence by their personal
or corporate example. The final deadline for
nominations is Wednesday October 19th, 2016 at
MIDNIGHT.
Award finalists and recipients of this year’s twelve
awards will be honoured and celebrated at the 16th
annual Celebration of People Awards event on
Thursday, December 1st, 2016 at the Ottawa
Conference & Event Centre.
Early Bird Nominations – Now Being
Accepted! Submit your nomination forms by
midnight Monday, September 19th, to be entered
into a draw for two free tickets to the 2016
Celebration of People event! Good luck to all the
early birds!
How to Nominate
Visit www.celebrationofpeople.com, read our
online Nomination Guide then complete and
submit the online nomination forms electronically.
Hardcopies may also be downloaded and printed
from the website, or you can request a
nomination form by calling 613-761-9796
613-725-6175 (TTY)
info@celebrationofpeople.com
Evening in the Maritimes:
Friends of Citizen Advocacy gather for a night
of inspiration, entertainment, and of courselobster!
On May 19th, 2016, Citizen
Advocacy welcomed 500 guests
to the “Evening in The Maritimes”
dinner and reception at the Hilton
Lac-Leamy. The fundraising
extravaganza boasted a large
dose of maritime hospitality and
generosity. With unique decor, the Hilton LacLeamy was transformed into an idyllic maritime
setting harking back to classic Nova Scotian
kitchen parties, a theme that thrilled returning
guests and newcomers alike.
As guests were ushered in to the decadent dining
hall, they were welcomed by Bytowne Highland
Dance and Ten Strings And A Goat Skin from
Charlottetown,
PEI.
This
pre-reception,
complemented by delicious Newfoundland
Screech Rum Storm cocktails, set the stage for a
lively night.
After the reception, guests made their way to the
dining room for the main attraction of the night –
the lobster! This year’s dinner went above and
beyond, offering a four-course lobster dinner to
the guests, as well as a vegetarian or beef
alternative. While dinner was underway, CTV’s
Graham Richardson, our host for the evening, was
joined on stage by honourary co-chairs David
Cork, from Scotia Wealth Management and
Senator Vernon White to share with everyone the
significance of Evening in the Maritimes, Citizen
Advocacy’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The
hosts also introduced the Citizen Advocacy
matches who spoke to the crowd, inspiring guests
with their stories. The ever entertaining Lawrence
Greenspon ended the evening with the
competitive live auction for a breakfast for ten with
Mayor Jim Watson catered by Thyme & Again,
and trips to Wales, Mexico, and Antarctica.
The evening definitely ended on a high note when
two trips to Antarctica were purchased for $20,000
each! Citizen Advocacy would like to thank all
involved in helping us raise $55,000 at the live
auction. This would not have been possible
without the generosity of our returning donors. We
were especially fortunate to have One Ocean
Expeditions unexpectedly contributing the
expedition to Antarctica. We can’t wait to see the
breathtaking pictures from this amazing
opportunity!
Overall, the 22nd Evening in The Maritimes was a
success: thanks in no small part to the hard-work
of the Organizing Committee, Citizen Advocacy
staff, and the volunteers. This year’s Evening in
the Maritimes raised a net total of over $116,000!
SAVE THE DATE: Evening in The Maritimes will
return to the Hilton Lac-Leamy on June 1st, 2016!
Rapport Summer-Fall 2016
5
Thank you to all of our Ottawa Race
Weekend Donors, Participants &
Volunteers
7th Annual Bowl-a-thon
ONLY $15 PER PERSON
Fundraise $50 or more and bowl for free!
Includes admission, two games of bowling, shoe
rental, and a loot bag.
$15,000 raised
25 participants
12 volunteers
Join us next year!
Date: November 19th, 2016
Location: Walkley Bowling Centre
(2092 Walkley Rd)
Time: 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
events@citizenadvocacy.org
or 613-761-9522 ext 240
IN THE SPOTLIGHT – highlighting the talents and
capacities of artists with disabilities in support of
Lifetime Networks & Families Matter Co-op.
Citizen Advocacy in
partnership with Families
Matter Co-op is excited
to announce the return of
In The Spotlight! This
event promises to be an
amazing night full of
friends, food, drink and
talented artists. It will be held on October 20th,
2016 at the Shenkman Arts Centre.
20th,
Date: October
2016
Location: Shenkman Arts Centre – 245 Centrum
Blvd, Ottawa, ON
Time: Reception 6:30 p.m. / performance at 8:00
p.m.
Tickets: $100 ($40 charitable tax receipt)
Corporate Partnership: $1,000 includes 8
complimentary tickets with preferred seating
The evening will feature a pre-performance
reception including intimate performances by local
artists, passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction
and raffle. Guests will then enjoy mesmerizing
performances by Lucas Haneman Express (jazz),
Jacob Velazquez (piano), Adrian Anantawan
(violin) & Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli (break dancer)
and more! Enjoy complimentary champagne
during
intermission
and
desserts
post
performance.
Introducing Mommy Mocktails - it is an
awareness campaign and fundraising initiative in
support of Citizen Advocacy’s Fetal Alcohol
Resource Program (FARP) and to bring
awareness to International Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder (FASD) day on Sept 9th.
Our goal is to recruit 20 restaurants and raise
$20,000.00. Our participating restaurants have
each agreed to help us reach this goal. Funds will
be raised through the promoting and selling of
Mocktails from Sept 1-11th and/or a contribution of
a portion of their profits on weekend day (9th to 11th
September).
We have a very active social media recognition
plan where each restaurant name and logo will be
placed on our website and each week leading up
to the campaign we thank the participating
restaurants on our pages, Facebook, Instagram
and Twitter. Help us spread the word by sharing
and retweeting using the #FASDOttawa hashtag.
ANNUAL PICNIC REMINDER
Don’t miss out on this year’s Annual Picnic!
Date: August 27th, 2016
Location: New Edinburgh Park, 193 Stanley Ave.
Time: 11:00am-3:00pm
Cost: Hamburgers: $3.00, Hot Dog: $2.00,
Veggie Burger: $3.00, Pop or Water:$0.50
RSVP: events@citizenadvocacy.org or
613-761-9522
Rapport Summer-Fall 2016
6
Match Anniversaries
Everyday Champions
MAY 2016
26 Louise Crone & Margaret C.
18 Jody Dixon & Moira F.
12 Chris Walters & Réjean R.
11 Greg Enns & Joseph D.
9 Lorraine Yorke & Esther C.
8 Amy C. Walpole & Adria C.
8 Erica Zwicker & Elsi M.
7 Carol-Ann Deveau & Barbara R.
5 Ron Warren & Anthony D.
4 Colin Fyfe & Ian B.
3 Craig McCall & Kristian G.-W.
3 Chris Walters & Daniel A.
2 Patrick Thibeault & Joel A.
2 André Demers & Randy D.
2 Wanda Cadigan & Brenda R.
1 Debbie Webber & Madeleine L.-M.
1 Ray Chodura & Mark E.
1 Pierre Wilder & Dario K.
1 Kara Houston & Jennifer C.
1 Jose Maria Nates Garay & John D.
JUNE 2016
25 Arnie Francis & Ernest S.
19 Stacey Norris & Dennis F.
13 Marie Gwilym & Françoise G.
9 Dan Paquette & Philip D.
7 Angela Wagner & Debra A.
6 Patricia Parker & Melody B.
4 Elaine Stephens & Lorraine B.
4 Amy Ede & Chantal S.
2 George Georgewill & Donald K.
2 Israel Ndikuriyo & Mohamed T.
2 Inna Pimenova & Jenn R.
1 Barbara Stewart & Carolyn B.
1 Shelby Bergeron & Gordon W.
1 Véronic Renaud & Jocelyn W.
1 Jackie Scheffel & Christine D.
JULY 2016
24 Allan Lewrey & Michael C.
20 Robert Lukshis & Tom S.
12 Mavis Mason & Lois R.
12 Adrian Raghunandan & John R.
11 Jean Boulay & Joseph O.
11 Neena Kushwaha & Debby A.
8 Patricia Smith & Sophia T.
7 Lisa Gibson & Karine L.
7 Harry Beatty & Donald D.
7 Lisa Suzanne Fitzpatrick &
Frances W.
6 Melissa Fuerth & Patty-Ann S.
5 Kate Johnson & Shelly B.
1 Lyne Cyr & Tania M.
1 Jean Boutin & Marc G.
1 Winfred Mandela & Jasbeer K.
AUGUST 2016
19 Sheila Robertson & Monique P.
10 Jocelyne Moran & Jackie W.
9 Thy Dinh & Amy S.
7 John Weir & Guy P.
7 Elizabeth Young & Francine L.
5 Michelle Lauzon-Baptista &
Kelly-Ann D.
5 Tim McCarthy & Jason T.
3 Rob Meredith & Fred V.
3 Joelle Pavelich & Jennifer L.
3 Jessica Hughes & Eva I.
2 Kerry Wright & Sonya V.
1 Rochelle Rupert & Patricia C.
1 Saku Srighanthan & Vita A.
1 Ashley Majeau & Marguarita S.
New Matches
Everyday Champions
APRIL 2016
Winn Lambert-Meek & Margaret C.
Line Miner-Pilon & Dalila B.
Deborah Rowe & Kimberly H.
Paul Gould & Travis R.
James Hale & Atinc E.
MAY 2016
Juliet McNaughton & Anupam R.
Michael Bastianelli & Jeremy A.
Michael Ryan & Robert S.
JUNE 2016
Sylviane Lacasse & Diane P.
Mary-Lynn Gallant & Anna C.
Madeleine Brochu & Diane C.
Savi Narayanan & Kat T.
JULY 2016
Alison Jog & Lisa G.
Megan Waldron & Renee C.
Fan Li & Mick H.
Chance for Choice
Chance for Choice
MAY 2016
10 Marcel St. Jean & Gordon G.
APRIL 2016
Debbie Webber & Madeleine R.
Rapport Summer-Fall 2016
7
Board Member Interview
William Wells
How long have you been on the board?
I’ve been involved with Citizen Advocacy for about
six years now, first indirectly by tagging along to
many events with my partner Kate, who is an
Advocate, and her match Shelly, and then when I
became an Advocate myself two years ago. I just
joined the board this spring, and am looking
forward to the important work ahead.
What motivated you to join the Citizen
Advocacy board?
As an Advocate, I’ve been lucky enough to see
firsthand the direct, positive, and lasting impact
that Citizen Advocacy has on so many lives
around the city. The relationships created by
Citizen Advocacy are so rewarding for both parties
involved, not to mention the positive trickledown
effect these matches can have on the community
at large. I simply wanted to further contribute to
this worthwhile and valuable organization, and do
what I could to help increase its reach.
What is your work and/or volunteer
background?
I work in the communications field for the federal
government. I currently am a Senior
Communications Advisor for the Canadian Coast
Guard, where I focus on crisis and strategic
communications. As previously mentioned, I have
been volunteering as a Citizen Advocacy
Advocate for two years. I also volunteer as a
server for Meals on Wheels.
What is your education and/or training
background?
I studied Political Science and History at Carleton
University, and my training background at work
has mainly focused on emergency response (with
a focus on health-related incidents and
emergencies) and risk/crisis communications.
What do you enjoy most about your board
involvement?
Seeing as I’ve just recently joined the board, I
haven’t had too much involvement yet in various
committees and broader activities, but I am
looking forward to getting further involved.
In what other are you involved with Citizen
Advocacy (e.g. Committee work, Advocate)
I was an Advocate for a great, young man named
Jessie. We were matched for almost two years.
We had a wonderful time and developed a very
meaningful friendship. We had the honour of
speaking at the 2015 Evening at the Maritimes,
and always enjoyed going to Citizen Advocacy
events like the holiday festivities, the annual picnic
and the Bowl-a-thon, often times with my partner
Kate and her match Shelly. The four of us have
enjoyed many fun adventures together, and
dinners out were always filled with laughter.
Unfortunately, Jessie recently passed away after
a very courageous episode with cancer. He was
raised by his wonderful, younger brother Corey,
and the two of them taught me so much. My match
meant the world to me, and
I think it probably was
pretty special for
Jessie as well, and
helpful for his brother
Corey, who I’m also
proud to call a friend.
Learning from you
Citizen Advocacy has entered into an exciting
partnership with the University of Ottawa’s
School of Psychology to undertake an
evaluation of our matching programs. To that
end, we are hoping to learn from our Friends
who have Advocates and people who are
Advocates about how being engaged in an
intentional
relationship
through
Citizen
Advocacy is working for you, what is or has been
the impact and some feedback about what we
are doing well or could do better. Over the fall
months, many of you will receive a survey and I
am asking that you please take the time to
complete this survey as your feedback is very
important to us. We will also be holding a series
of focus groups and hope that we can count on
your support and participation in these groups
when they are scheduled. The learning from this
exercise will be very helpful to both strengthen
what we do, recruit more advocates and help
our funders and supporters increase their
understanding of the impact of your match
relationships. Thank you in advance for your
support of this undertaking.
Rapport Summer-Fall 2016
8
Volunteer Introduction
Michelle Schafer
How long have you been volunteering with
Citizen Advocacy?
One year - since Sept 2015.
What motivated you to help CA?
I must credit a friend for planting the seed with me!
Although helping the Consumers Advisory
Committee (CAC) in the capacity of coach was my
primary motivation, I initially wasn’t sure I’d be the
right fit, having never worked with people with
disabilities. It has quickly become one of the most
rewarding experiences I’ve had. Every single
member of the group is so unique and brings their
own viewpoints to the table. It is fulfilling to help
the team bring forward important issues and
advocate on behalf of people with disabilities,
making changes that will improve lives.
Describe the ways in which you are involved
with Citizen Advocacy.
As the CAC coach - I work with the CAC team
members to develop their leadership skills and
help them participate in meetings and other
activities in a productive way, respecting meeting
etiquette and the opinion of each member of the
team. I also help them advocate and bring
forward important issues affecting people with
disabilities (e.g. writing a letter to the City, with
CAC input, to encourage the City to increase the
snow removal budget). I also help organize and
participate in events, such as the Bottle Drive
fundraiser.
What is your work and volunteer background?
In the past, I worked for TD Bank Financial Group
and the Canadian Cancer Society. In July 2015, I
launched my own coaching business, Michelle
Schafer Coaching. I help empower people to feel
more fulfilled and rewarded
in their career, working with
individuals looking for work
and helping them clarify
their career goals, develop
their resume, practice
interview skills and create
networking approaches. I
have been volunteering
since I was 12 years old - currently I also volunteer
at my boys’ school, and am an Interview Coach
with World Skills (helping newcomers to Canada
find work). I also help out at the Bluesfest music
festival each year - very fun!
What is your education and/or training
background?
I obtained my Honours BA from Wilfrid Laurier
University, majoring in English. Last year, I was
certified as an Integral Coach with Integral
Coaching Canada, and am currently working on
the next level of my coaching certification.
What do you enjoy most about your
involvement?
The people! Each person brings a unique
perspective and viewpoint to the table. Put all that
together and it helps the CAC do great work
together! It’s truly a team effort, including staff
partners, who are so supportive.
Tell us about you.
I’m married with two boys, Cameron (age nine)
and Nathan (age seven). We moved from Toronto
ten years ago, and love Ottawa! I enjoy anything
outdoors (skating in the winter, biking in the
summer) and am a fitness enthusiast. I enjoy
long-distance walks (I complete the Ottawa half
marathon for race weekend each year). I also
love adventure and travel - one day I would like to
take my boys to Africa on a volunteer
vacation. Years ago I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Short-term advocate wanted
Do you live in the Westboro area? Do you enjoy going to the mall to window shop? If so, we have a
wonderful opportunity for you! We are currently looking for a current or former Advocate to take on a
short-term match for one of our Friends. Sara is currently matched and has been for the last 12 years.
Her long-time advocate is needing to take a step back from her role for a time for a medical procedure
and recovery. Ideally we would like to find someone who can spend time with Sara starting in
September. She would love to meet someone new and get together about once a month on a
weekday evening. If this is of interest to you, please get in touch with Rachel Levine-Katz
rlevine-katz@citizenadvocacy.org or 613-761-9522 ext. 224.
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An ideal opportunity for a guy who enjoys sports [Orleans]
Ken is a 22 year old who lives with autism. He would like a friend, a peer, who enjoys movies, bowling,
badminton, floor hockey, watching ice hockey and going to the gym. If you were also open to coaching Ken
in different situations, such as taking the bus, going to restaurants that would be a bonus
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering come along to one of our commitment-free
information sessions to learn how you can make a real difference in the life of someone with a disability.
Date
Day
August 16
September 8
September 26
October 14
Tuesday
Thursday
Monday
Friday
Start
Time
12:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
10:30 am
Contact Maria Redpath at 613-761-9522 ext. 222 or mredpath@citizenadvocacy.org for more information.
On December 11th, we will be hosting our annual Holiday Dinner and Dance for our volunteers,
and matches. This special occasion gives program participants, staff and volunteers the
opportunity to get together, share a turkey dinner and celebrate the joy of the holiday season. It is
expected that over 350 people will attend. This year we are look for supporters to make a
donation to ensure this annual event remains affordable.
Please contact vpartridge@citizenadvocacy.org if you would like to make a contribution to our
annual Holiday Dinner and Dance.
Help us reach more people
Today there are 287 people waiting an average of three years for a volunteer Advocate. People need
people! We recognize the importance of friends and networks in our lives. Every day, we see evidence of
how personal relationships and networks help support and resolve personal and professional matters. We
use our networks to help others – whether it’s related to getting a job, finding a professional resource or for
social and recreational purposes. We rely on these rich personal networks and relationships. Many people
with disabilities don’t have the benefit of these relationships.
We need your help to encourage more people to come forward as volunteer Advocates. You can help by
encouraging your employer to:
 Host a presentation or lunch and learn for your staff to learn about the work of
Citizen Advocacy and the need for volunteers.
 Add our Proud Supporter logo, and link to Citizen Advocacy, on your website.
 Publish one of our pre-prepared articles, or a volunteer posting, in your company
newsletter or on your intranet.
Contact: Maria Redpath at mredpath@citizenadvocacy.org or 613-761-9522 ext. 222
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10
Staff updates
Erin Levesque
I am delighted to join the team at Citizen Advocacy as an Independent Facilitator. I look
forward to working collaboratively with focus people and their families to explore their dreams
and ambitions. It is a privilege for me to work closely with people in this way, designing and
imagining better.
Susan Campbell
I am thrilled to be joining Citizen Advocacy as Special Events and Program Assistant. I look
forward to working with the local community.
Jennifer Graves
It is with great pleasure I join the team at Citizen Advocacy Ottawa as Resource
Development Officer. I look forward to bringing awareness and funds to support our
programs through what I love best; being creative and bringing the community leaders and
its members together for a campaign and fundraising initiative. Our efforts may not change
the world but it could change the world for one person. It brings me great joy to be here and
work toward out common goal.
Josaphat Joseph
I joined the staff team in mid-April as the new executive assistant. After 10 years at the
Government of Quebec, it was quite the leap of faith to move from Montreal to Ottawa to
join Citizen Advocacy. The new challenge was exciting, the timing was perfect for me and
my young family, and I believe in Citizen Advocacy’s values, so why not!? My technical
training in college was in office systems technology, desktop publishing and website
development, and I studied sociology in university. As executive assistant I need to wear
many hats and I feel like I’m in a perfect place to use my skills to help out in managing the
office. I’ve always been someone who enjoys being able to help other people and I’m
grateful for this new opportunity. I’m looking forward to discovering more and more about serving our
community from this great organization!
Karla Hough
I am very excited to be joining the Independent Facilitation & Person-Directed Planning team
here at Citizen Advocacy. I am passionate about discovering the strengths in people and their
community. I have been working in the developmental services sector for 13 years providing
employment and academic supports in a variety of capacities. I have recently moved back
‘home’ to Ottawa after spending the last 10 years in the GTA. I live with my wonderful husband
and our two crazy sons.
Goodbye
Neala Kelly
It has been a pleasure working at Citizen Advocacy. The staff and program users are an amazing bunch; I will
miss my daily interactions with you all! I have had such a great experience planning many fun and successful
social and fundraising events. Supporting the Independent Facilitation and Person-Directed Planning team had
been an eye-opening experience.
Nandeesh Kumar
We were sad to see one of our Independent Facilitators, Nandeesh Kumar, leave us earlier this year. We wish
him luck in his new role.
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Magasinez chez RONA et aidez le Parrainage civique\
Shop at RONA and help Citizen Advocacy
This copy of the RONA card entitles you to receive an immediate 5% discount
on most of the in stock, full price 45,000 items sold at RONA’s three Ottawa
locations. RONA stores will also accrue an additional rebate on the total
purchases of each cardholder throughout the year. This rebate will be paid
out at 5% annually to Citizen Advocacy.
Cette copie de la carte RONA donne à chaque membre le droit de recevoir un
rabais immédiat de 5 % sur la plupart des 45 000 articles aux prix courants
dans les trois magasins de RONA établis à Ottawa. Les magasins RONA
accorderont aussi un rabais supplémentaire sur le montant total des achats
de chaque titulaire de carte tout au long de l’année. Ce rabais de 5 % sera
remis annuellement à Parrainage civique
Empty bottles taking up too much space?
Our Consumers’ Advisory Committee is holding a bottle drive to raise funds to support people with
disabilities. Bring your empty bottles to the Beer Store parking lot (1546 Scott Street) on Saturday October
15th between 11 am and 2 pm or drop them off at the office (312 Parkdale Ave) the week before.
Our last bottle drive raised a record $767! Thank you to the bottle drive team - you are awesome!
Now we need your help to raise even more this October.
Are you a Public Safety Canada Employee?
Please share your story of how and why you are involved with Citizen Advocacy as part of Public Safety’s
Employee Charitable Campaign. They want to know about an organization you feel passionate about? Or
one that has made a major impact in your life? And what inspired you to get involved in your community.
Campaign details are on the Public Safety’s Employee Charitable Campaign InfoCentral page.
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SAVE THE DATE
CREATING A NEW REALITY
A RETREAT FOR THE CAREGIVERS OF A FAMILY MEMBER WITH A
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
Come and learn about Independent Facilitation and Person Directed Planning;
guest speakers, parent panel, socializing and more!
HOSTED BY CITIZEN ADVOCACY
When: November 5th & 6th 2016
Where: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Drive, Ottawa, ON K2K 2W2
More details to follow in August on our website at:
http://www.citizenadvocacy.org/caregiver-retreat/
Citizen Advocacy encourages you to go green! Joining our e-newsletter list will help save trees and
reduce the use of paper and envelopes. An added bonus is that you will help us to keep postage costs
down. E-newsletter members receive e-mail notification when the latest issue has been posted on our
website: www.citizenadvocacy.org. You can read the newsletter online or download it to your computer.
To join the Green Team and receive an e-mail notice about the latest newsletter publication and other
events and happenings at Citizen Advocacy, please send an e-mail to info@citizenadvocacy.org or call
the office at (613) 761-9522. Remember to include info@citizenadvocacy.org in your safe list!
Yes! I want support Citizen Advocacy
I would like my donation to be invested towards:
Cheque payable to “Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa”
Everyday Champions
Chance for Choice
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Walking In My Shoes
I would like to make a monthly contribution of: $ _________
EXPIRY:______/______
I would like to make a one-time contribution of: $ _________ Name on card: _____________________________________
Name: ___________________________________________ Signature:_________________________________________
Thank you for your support.
Address:__________________________________________
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City:________________________ Province: _____________
of $10 or more, subject to Canada
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sell or share our mailing list
Email:____________________________________________
Citizen Advocacy Ottawa, 312, ave, Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y4X5
CHARITABLE REGISTRATION NUMBER 13036 2817 RR0001
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