CRLT Alumni Newsletter

CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Dawson College
Montreal, Qc
Spring 2014
Important Announcements
The CRLT Alumni Committee
presents the first informal gathering
of 2014: Comedy for a Cause! Join
us on Friday April 25th at 7:30pm at
the Comedy Nest in the Pepsi
Forum for a night of laughs and
reconnecting with CRLTers.
The CRLT Alumni Committee has
decided to sponsor this event
alongside the 2nd year CRLT
fundraising class. Tickets are only
$20. Proceeds will be going towards
"Right To Play" as well as the
Alumni Committee, to fund future
committee projects and events (the
AGM, potential scholarships and
exciting special projects).
For tickets, email us at
crltalumni@gmail.com
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook:
CRLT Alumni (Re-Uniting Alumni)
CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Spring 2014
Homemade with Love
How one CRLT graduate’s passion for baking turned into a
business opportunity
By Emily McCulloch
Graduating from the CRLT program in 2011, I met many wonderful people
including all the teachers who were always encouraging me to step outside of my
comfort zone and TAKE RISKS! I have always had a love for baking, and in 2012 I
decided to turn my dream into a reality. I first started out by making cakes for family
events and posted the picture on Facebook. This caught the attention of friends and
co-workers, which lead me to the idea of starting a homemade business with my
homemade talent. I am self-taught and everything is made with love from my kitchen.
From the CRLT program though, I have taken numerous skills with me that I use to
run my bakery today. Regularly I use skills like budgeting, promotion, publicity,
networking, communication, and organization. CRLT has shown me how to turn my
ideas into a reality.
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CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Spring 2014
Homemade with Love’s main goal is to make people happy with delicious cakes at
an affordable price! Homemade with Love offers an assortment of scrumptious treats
varying from cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, desserts, and more. Looking for the final touch
for a special event or party? Why not WOW your guests with a unique cake or cupcakes?
For more information check out our website, Facebook page and Instagram.
http://homemadewithlovee.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HomemadewithLovee?fref=ts
Instagram Page
@homemadewithlovee
A Message from Emily
My mom has been fighting stage 4 Breast Cancer since January 2013. This
year in her honor I will be walking in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for
Life. Please join me in the fight against cancer by pledging me for my
participation in the Relay for Life. No amount is too small, or too big!!
Visit my personal page:
http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_QC_even_?px=578133
6&pg=personal&fr_id=16207
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CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Spring 2014
WIAIH: Providing services, leadership, and support to people
with an intellectual handicap or autism and their families
By Alison Rollins (class of 2008)
My initial introduction to WIAIH came while participating in fieldwork as a
second year CRLT student. Compliments of the mentoring provided by the faculty, I
found myself with a very strong grasp of the many potential opportunities my fieldwork
could provide. Therefore, I diligently considered my options. Once I learnt of WIAIH
my search dramatically narrowed to the point where the decision made itself. Past
experience had established that I was drawn to WIAIH’s clientele. Therefore, I felt quite
assured that it was a perfect fit. Upon reflection, I realize that little did I know just how
profound a contribution this fieldwork would play in my developing story.
What is WIAIH?
WIAIH is a non-profit community organization that provides services to individuals
who have an intellectual disability or autism primarily in the West Island territory,
however not exclusively. Many facets of support are also offered to their families. As you
would likely assume, these essential services are vital to the community, especially when
one considers that the West Island is home a higher percentage of people with
intellectual disabilities and autism than any other region in Quebec.
WIAIH (formerly known as the Lakeshore Association for Retarded Children)
was first started in 1958 by a group of concerned parents who felt that their children who
had an intellectual disability or autism did not have access to services that they could
benefit from. Having identified this need in the community, this dedicated group took it
upon themselves to create programs that their children and other families could benefit
from. WIAIH’s creation and continued work serves as a very strong testament to the
parent movement. WIAIH remains true to its grass roots and continues to embrace the
same principles that guided WIAIH’s creation.
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CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Spring 2014
WIAIH offers a wide range of services and programs from ones birth until old age.
These services include; support groups, a developmental center, respite, daycare
integration, a residence, afternoon care, information sessions, a resource center,
recreation programs and much more. WIAIH as an organization is committed to
providing innovative services and evolving to meet the needs of the community as they
change. WIAIH’s backbone and mission is to offer services, support and leadership,
therefore an emphasis on advocacy and community sensitization resonates strongly
within WIAIH’s culture.
WIAIH practices a strength-based approach throughout all of its facets. WIAIH
provides participants with opportunities of empowerment, independence, stimulation
and socialization. To families WIAIH acts as a voice and a beacon of support. Guiding
them as they navigate what can be a very difficult system while providing belonging and
community. WIAIH’s staff benefit from working as part of a dynamic and driven team
with a shared goal.
Where do I fit in?
In the years following my fieldwork I have had the opportunity to grow within
WIAIH, both professionally and personally. I have worked in various different capacities
including: program animator, head animator, assistant director at a sleep away camp,
afternoon care service manager, and naturally, the position that I currently hold as
Recreation Assistant. I have mostly worked in the Recreation Department, which is
WIAIH’s largest point of service. In the span of a year, over 450 participants, 50 staff and
170 volunteers are involved in the Recreation Department. Specialized programs are
offered throughout the year.
During the school year
there are programs every
evening of the week and on
weekends, during the
summer there are 3-day
camps, 2 sleep away camps
as well as weekends away.
In addition to these
specialized programs, an
Integration Service is
offered for individuals who
would like to participate in
community recreation
programs.
Alison with one of her clients.
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CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Spring 2014
Background:
As mentioned, I had been eager to begin my fieldwork with WIAIH, but could not
really appreciate the profound significance this placement would have in my life.
To provide some background, in September 2006 I had been present during the Dawson
Shooting. Consequently, I found myself questioning the lack of connection we sometimes
have to one another. I was also discouraged by how society seemed to neglect those in
need.
In January 2007 I began my fieldwork with WIAIH. I believe that within minutes of
being with WIAIH’s participants this interest that I had in the clientele evolved to a
passion and in many ways has become a calling. I began to grasp how WIAIH’s
participants have so much to offer yet they are very often limited by stigma and confines
created by others. I noticed how in many ways these participants have great
understanding in areas that the general population can have such difficulty grasping.
Furthermore, they live their lives embracing their values in such a natural manner. I
realized that I had a lot to learn, and knew that among WIAIH’s participants I was
surrounded by the best teachers.
As my experience continued my learning’s were boundless. I witnessed the
magnitude of unconditional acceptance and the true meaning of what it is to be genuine.
Understanding just how resilient humans can be both amazed and empowered me. I had
made an effort to exist in the moment and had a deep appreciation for the sincere beauty
of the moments I experienced. Yet it was when I took a moment to step back that I
realized that right here, in my back yard was the humanity that I had questioned and
searched for, humanity in all of its purity.
My experience with WIAIH further supported my developing opinion that although
I may not be able to solve the world’s problems, I certainly have a part to play. I began to
understand that although my contribution seemed small it held great value and
importance both in my life and in that of others.
Today I find an innate sense of belonging with both WIAIH and CRLT. I consider myself
fortunate to have the opportunity to work with many CRLT fieldwork students, guiding
them through their own experience with WIAIH.
On a daily basis I find myself astounded by what
can be accomplished when a small group of passionate
people get together and choose to make change their
responsibility. I continue to learn so much from
WIAIH’s participants, and am truly moved by the sheer
strength of WIAIH’s families.
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CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Spring 2014
CRLT Alumni Profile
Full name: Debbie Veronica Resurreccion
Year of CRLT graduation: 2000
Current position: Technicienne en loisirs at
the Jewish Elder Care (JEC). It is a long-term
care center.
Location of employment: Cote-des-Neiges
Have you attended university?
Yes, I did attend university at Concordia in the department of Applied Human Sciences and received my
Bachelor’s degree in human relations in October 2012
Where did you do your 1st, 2nd and 3rd year CRLT internships?
1st year- Griffith-Mc Connell (Seniors Residence), 2nd year- City of Montreal (Recreation department),
3rd year- Archdiocese of Montreal (youth development program)
Who was your favorite CRLT teacher?
hmmm… All of them ;-)
What was your favorite CRLT class?
Recreation Activities; I never considered myself to be a sporty person, however, learning the different
types of sports and learning them from my peers got me to value the athlete within. It taught me to
appreciate training the drills and understand the rules of the game. I’m still not sporty person but I’ve
learned to embrace the challenge and respect the competitive spirit.
What is your favorite CRLT memory?
Most memorable moment …too many! Would have to write a book… I guess the one that comes to mind
is… the evening we celebrated the end of our steering committee. We toasted the evening with good cheer
and laughed about all the fun times we shared over the years. It was a great night of relief, joy, excitement
& a great feeling of accomplishment, however, that all changed once we started our BA a few days later.
What position/responsibility did you have as a member of the Steering committee?
I was a workshop leader with Shannon Cunning and we did a native lore workshop. I also was in charge
of an early bird activity and I taught Tai Chi.
What is the most important thing you have taken away from CRLT?
Awesome memories, treasured memories! Steering 98. Life-long friends, I consider my family. CRLT
allowed me to get in touch with my inner self and taught me the meaning of integrity & accountability.
Most of all the responsibility we have to our home, land and neighbor. CRLT has given me so many great
life lessons, experiences & education. For that I am forever grateful.
Why is CRLT better than every other CEGEP program?
CRLT is better than any other program… Without a doubt! CRLT continues to train great leaders of
tomorrow. CRLT Rocks!
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CRLT Alumni Newsletter
Spring 2014
CHOC Hockey Cosom
By Alexy Symons-Belanger
Once upon a time, an aspiring CRLT student
wished only to somehow be part of a hockey
organization after graduating from Dawson
College. As he progressed through the
sleepless nights of studying and lesson
planning, his passion for hockey did not
disappear, but his opportunities seemed to be
limited. Even though he was gaining an
unforgettable experience and growing as a
recreation professional, he felt like his dream
of being part of a hockey organization would
only ever be a dream.
After playing countless hours of hockey and
meeting hundreds of passionate players, his
fate finally succumbed to his passion. After
meeting with the owner of a well-respected
league, this future graduate was offered a
position to manage the league while the
owner worked on other things. At that time,
he was studying, working part-time and
played in 3 other hockey leagues. But his
passion for the sport took over while he was
managing the league. The owner was content
with his work and decided to approach him
about the opportunity of buying the league.
Finally, it had come true, but it was much
easier said than done. Purchasing a hockey
league with over 250 players is no small
investment.
Negotiations went on, contracts were
drawn up and eventually this CRLT
student was able to be part owner of a ball
hockey league with his good friend before
even graduating.
Since September 2013, I have been part
owner of the CHOC Hockey Cosom
league in downtown Montreal with my
good friend Andrew Paquette. Our league
consists of over 30 teams and more than
300 players ranging from beginner to
advanced skill levels. We offer our services
in the summer, fall and winter.
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Since taking over the league, we are
extremely happy with our results and we are
planning to expand thanks to CRLT teacher
Simeon Pompey and CRLT graduate Wesley
McCoy. Recently, we have also just agreed to
a partnership with CBC Hockey Night in
Canada’s biggest ball hockey tournament
across the country!
issue, date
If you are looking for more information or
just curious to see what we are up to, you
can find us on Facebook or on our website.
Currently, a graduate, Mr. Chris Lockhart,
already plays in the league but we would
love to welcome more CRLT alumni.
hockey-cosom.ca
https://www.facebook.com/pages/CHO
C-Ligue-de-hockey-cosom
The CRLT Alumni
Committee would like to
wish you and your family
a happy, safe, and fun
summer!
Contributors
Editor-in-Chief
Kristen Whitelaw
Alexy Symons-Belanger
Alison Rollins
Debbie Resurreccion
Emily McCulloch