May is Community Living month. On Tuesday morning, workers, residents, and community members gathered to watch the flag raising at the Civic Centre.
For Fort Frances and district CEO Ted Scholten, the flag flying on Portage Ave signifies acceptance.
“It’s a month to celebrate their inclusion in the community,” he said. “To recognize that persons with developmental disabilities are a part of the community and that they need to be included in activities — full integration.”
Mayor Andrew Hallikas shared a similar sentiment, praising the organization’s dedication to helping residents experience inclusion and equity.
“Community Living does an amazing job of supporting individuals throughout their lives,” he said. “We thank this wonderful organization for the contribution to the quality of life and the people they serve.”
Scholten mentioned that a number of people in attendance Tuesday are part of a supported employment program.
He said they do a type of apprenticeship with various companies, and some are hired into full-time roles as a result.
“Community participation is huge,” said Scholten.
Stay tuned to the Fort Frances Times this coming month for more Community Living coverage from Robin McCormick.
Fort Frances Week in Review
– Daniel Adam photoThe Fort Frances Fire Department’s new ladder truck was on full display outside the Fort Frances Curling Club during the Business Expo this weekend. Dozens of area businesses set up inside the club building for visitors to check out their services and offerings. – Ken Kellar photoWalkers took to the streets of Fort Frances on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in memory and honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people. The walk, sponsored by the United Native Friendship Centre (UNFC), Sunset Country Métis, Northwestern Ontario Métis Child and Family Services, Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope and the Town of Fort Frances, began at the Fort Frances Senior Centre and proceeded to the UNFC building on Mowat Avenue. Red Dress Day falls on Friday, May 5, 2023, with several memorial walks scheduled across the Rainy River District. – Allan Bradbury photoRiverside Foundation for Health Care director Allison Cox welcomed the assembled crowd at the Foundation’s annual Spring Luncheon and High Tea at Robert Moore School on Saturday, April 29, 2023. This year’s tea was held in honour of former Foundation and auxiliary member, and prolific volunteer June Keddie, who passed in 2022. – Ken Kellar photo
Daniel Adam is a summer reporter/photographer from Winnipeg. A pair of Creative Communications job placements saw him working with the Jets and Blue Bombers. He has close ties to Emo where he lives during the summer.
