Locally Community Living North Grenville held a recognition day on March 31, celebrating the dawning of a new era in Ontario.  The event today followed the historic closures of Ontario’s last three institutions for people who have an intellectual disability on March 31, 2009.  Among the attendees were people who have an intellectual disability, their families and friends, volunteers and staff of Community Living and individuals that have moved from Institutions in the province back to their community in North Grenville over the past 30 years.

Jason Payne President of the local “People First” , Ted Shuh, Executive Director and Fran Brauneisen President of Community Living North Grenville paid tribute to those individuals and recognized the importance each of their lives plays in our community. Candles were lit for their friends, who are no longer with us, a very moving experience for everyone.  A beautiful picture collage of all of the individuals who have moved back to our community from Institutions was unveiled and will be displayed at the Association office.

David King and Bruce Higgs are shown cutting a cake signifying the “End of an Era”, accompanied by Donna McConnell, support worker for Community Living North Grenville.