Media Release: Celebrate authentic inclusion in Huntsville for Community Living Month 2023
Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist for Community Living Huntsville, invites everyone to inspire possibilities for real community inclusion in May 2023. Photo by Community Living Huntsville.
North Muskoka – What does community mean to you?
Community Living Huntsville invites everyone to consider the meaning of community and join in authentic community inclusion during Community Living Month in May 2023.
“Our not-for-profit organization was founded in 1962 because our community wanted children and adults with developmental disabilities to live full lives as respected, active, and included community members. Our community wanted real relationships based on shared interests to be possible between people with and without disabilities. That is still true today,” says Jennifer Jerrett, Community Engagement Specialist for Community Living Huntsville. “It is possible only if people are out there experiencing their community, together. Our role is to empower people to live their lives, explore their interests in their community, and create those genuine social connections. That is how strong, safe, and vibrant communities are built.”
Jerrett encouraged everyone to think about how they could inspire possibilities for authentic community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities in North Muskoka. “Honestly? You can start with a friendly smile and a ‘Hello.’ It’s really that simple,” she says. “It’s about seeing people for who they are – your neighbours, co-workers, friends, and fellow community members – and knowing that our community is a better place when everyone is appreciated and included.”
Kick-off Community Living Month 2023 with the following events in Huntsville:
- Community Living Flag Raising Celebration at Huntsville Town Hall
Where: Huntsville Civic Square, 37 Main Street East
When: Monday, May 1, 2023, at 10:00 AM
What: Everyone welcome for speakers, refreshments, and more, as the Town of Huntsville raises the Community Living flag at town hall - Community Living Month signs in Downtown Huntsville storefronts
Where: Downtown Huntsville
When: May 1 to 31, 2023
What: Downtown Huntsville businesses display Community Living Month signs to show their support and help raise awareness for community inclusion - Shine a Light on Community Living
Where: Huntsville Civic Square, 37 Main Street East, and Community Living Huntsville administration offices, 99 West Road
When: Monday, May 8, through Thursday, May 11, starting at dusk (postponed from May 1 due to bad weather)
What: Outdoor lighting displays in Community Living’s signature blue and green with support from Huntsville Festival of the Arts
Plus, follow @clhuntsville on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and Community Living Huntsville on Linkedin, to join the conversation about authentic community inclusion throughout the month.
Community Living Huntsville is a not-for-profit, registered charity that supports and advocates alongside more than 300 children and adults, and their families, to live, work, and play in unique and purposeful ways in North Muskoka. Learn more at www.clhuntsville.ca and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin.