For more than 65-years Empower Simcoe has helped people define their personal quality of life and has supported individuals and families through their multiple services and diverse programs.
“Empower Simcoe was first established in 1953 by parents wishing to offer their children with intellectual disabilities an alternative to institutional placement. As a multi-service agency, Empower Simcoe provides a wide range of programs and services to pre-school children, individuals with disabilities, and their families in Simcoe County. The individuals and families receiving support, as well as the community at large, benefit from Empower Simcoe’s diverse programs and services. Empower Simcoe is also the lead agency for Regional Housing Support Services focused on connecting individuals to affordable housing and emergency funding,” explains Claudine Cousins, Chief Executive Officer for Empower Simcoe.
Volunteers are a crucial part of Empower Simcoe’s ability to provide extraordinary services to community members. They employ over 550 full-time and part-time staff and are accredited by the Council of Quality and Leadership.
“Volunteers are the heart of Empower Simcoe and play a vital role in our mission of empowering people of all ages and abilities to lead a meaningful and inclusive life. They share their time, interests and hobbies, assist with fundraising initiatives, become peer tutors in our youth programs, help young children and families at our EarlyON Child and Family Centres, offer transportation, and lend their expertise to our numerous committees and Board of Directors,” says Cousins.
Local employers also significantly impact Empower Simcoe’s ability to provide support to individuals with intellectual disabilities who have unique strengths, weaknesses, talents, and skills.
“Empower Simcoe’s Employment Support Services Program assists employers with placing candidates in positions that align with their skills and strengths. This results in employers having access to a talent pool who are punctual, reliable, take pride in their work and are willing to learn,” informs Cousins.
It’s really all about coming together as a community to help others improve their quality of life and make them feel respected and dignified.
“Collaboration is a key component of the work we do at Empower Simcoe. There are numerous community agencies, and by partnering with them, we’re able to align services and programs and reduce overlaps and inefficiencies. The mission of Empower Simcoe is to empower people to lead a meaningful and inclusive life by providing the highest quality of services. Empower Simcoe is a welcoming organization that provides everyone with the opportunity to Be, Belong, and Thrive,” says Cousins.
Empower Simcoe is contributing to inclusivity in our community by responding to the needs of all people and treating them with respect and dignity. Community members can help maintain and strengthen the program by making donations.
“By becoming a donor, you help support the purchase of much needed accessibility equipment, cover the cost of specialized housing needs, assist families with respite, send children to camp, provide youth with skills development, and offer adults and seniors recreational and leisure activities,” enlightens Cousins.
Visit Empower Simcoe at empowersimcoe.ca to see how you can help.
