Welcome to Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley

Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley envisions a society where all legal and human rights are afforded to every citizen without discrimination and where everyone is supported in their efforts to become a participating, respected member of our society.

Because the equality of our lives depends on how, when, where and with whom we feel free to live, love, learn, work and spend our personal time, we all have a responsibility to ensure that others have those rights and that they are respected.

We work very hard at inspiring possibilities

News

Soup & Sandwich Lunch
Community Living recently kicked off Community Living Month with a Soup & Sandwich Lunch on May 3, 2013. The home-made soup and sandwiches were donated by staff and volunteers. Along with the kick off, this lunch successfully raised $772.75 which was donated to Champlain Discovery School’s fundraising campaign to build an accessible play structure on the school property on Bell Street. Community Living Board President Shelley O’Malley & Executive Director Chris Grayson donated the cheque to Mr. Lantos, Principal, Sheri Gaston, Parent Fundraiser and students from Champlain Discovery School on May 15th . The combined efforts of staff, community members, the people we serve and volunteers made for a lively social event. Mayor Ed Jacyno, City of Pembroke and Mayor Jack Wilson, Township of Laurentian Valley also attended the lunch and were presented with Community Living Flags which will be flown during the month of May. A special thank you to everyone who donated and participated.

Please visit the Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley Facebook page to see the Photo Album.

May is Community Living Month across Ontario. Many municipalities in the Upper Ottawa Valley are choosing to fly the Community Living Flag in support of Community Living in their local communities. Participating in flying Flags, are the: City of Pembroke, Township of Laurentian Valley, Town of Deep River, and the Town of Laurentian Hills….

Click here for pictures.

Christopher Beesley joins Community Living Ontario as its new Chief Executive Officer

Click here to read more.

On April 23rd His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston visited Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley

in celebration of National Volunteer Week April 21 – 27th, a fitting tribute to an organization started by parents & volunteers in 1958. His Excellency delighted the volunteers and staff gathered for this occasion with his quick wit, personal stories of the importance of making a difference in your community, and, the ease in which he approached each of the volunteers invited to meet him. Melissa Hoffman greeted His Excellency as he entered the building with his impressive smile, and Raina Flexhaug who identified herself as a self-advocate and volunteer, spoke from the heart as she officially welcomed His Excellency. “I know I speak for many volunteers here, when I say we are honoured that you have chosen our organization to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week”. Shelley O’Malley, President of the Board also shared some welcoming words. Chris Grayson Executive Director presented the Governor General with 2 commemorative books, 50 Years of Living Your Dreams, published in celebration of Community Living’s 50th Anniversary, and Kirby’s Lane….a well travelled path. However, there was no doubt the highlight of this distinctive visit was the warmhearted fashion His Excellency spent chatting with volunteers and guests. Following this portion of His Excellency’s official visit was a stop at the Marina and Millenium Boardwalk to participate in a community clean up. Many volunteers and staff joined in this event as well.

For more stories on The Governor General’s visit to Pembroke please click:http://www.thedailyobserver.ca/2013/04/24/governor-general-visits-agency-started-by-volunteers

Click here to listen to an interview with Raina Flexhaug. (audio provided by 104.9 MyFM)

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston will be visiting Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley on Tuesday, April 23rd at 1:05 p.m.

BY INVITATION ONLY

Community Living is very proud and pleased His Excellency will be making a visit to our agency to meet our Volunteers. Approximately 1/3 of the people we support with an intellectual disability volunteer in their local community in a meaningful and valuable role.

The Governor General will have the opportunity to meet with staff and volunteers of the agency and learn about the support and services they provide to more than 150 community members who have an intellectual disability and their families. On this occasion, His Excellency will also deliver informal remarks.

Community Living Upper Ottawa Valley announces CHRIS GRAYSON as Executive Director
Shelley O’Malley, President of the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Grayson as the organizations new Executive Director, effective immediately.
Click here to read the full announcement.