Community Participation
At Community Living Owen Sound & District, we believe in the power of community and the transformative impact of active participation. Our Community Participation Programs are thoughtfully designed to create opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities to engage, contribute, and thrive within our community. We understand community involvement is not just a social activity; it’s a pathway to personal growth, skill development, and a sense of belonging.
Community Participation is open to adults (18+) who are funded by the MCCSS and receive Community Participation support through Community Living Owen Sound & District.
How do I access Community Participation events and programming?
Community Participation Supports are funded through MCCSS with referrals coming through the DSO.Â
The Phone number for DSO Southwest region is:Â Â 519-371-8428
Visit the DSO website www.dsontario.ca
What does Community Participation look like?
âCommunity Participationâ means different things to different people. For us, it means nurturing (or fostering)neighbourhood connections, building meaningful relationships, and finding ways for you to develop your personal interests and skills.
Our Community Participation program provides group activities, with supports most commonly provided on a 5 to 1 ratio.
Sign up in advance for programs and activities suiting your individual interests, and you can:
âĒ Build skills & learn new skills
âĒ Volunteer in your community
âĒ Deepen your community connections
âĒ Meet new friends
âĒ Enhance your life skills
âĒ And more!
Activities are regularly updated and our schedule is constantly evolving based on individual needs and interests, seasonality, and event facilitator availability.
At Community Living Owen Sound & District, we envision a community where everyone is valued, included, and empowered to live their best lives. Our Community Participation Programs are a vibrant expression of this vision, providing avenues for individuals to actively participate, connect, and contribute. We look forward to you becoming a part of our community-building journey at Community Living!
What are the benefits of group activities?
Group activities bring individuals with similar interests together and is a critical social component. Group activities benefit everyone in our community, hereâs why:
- Group learning brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, fostering a rich environment for idea exchange and creativity.
- Collaborative activities promote effective communication, as individuals learn to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and provide constructive feedback.
- Group activities encourage collective problem-solving, allowing members to pool their skills and knowledge to find innovative solutions. This fosters critical thinking and creativity.
- Working in a group can enhance motivation and engagement as individuals feel a sense of accountability to their peers, making the learning process more enjoyable and meaningful.
- Group activities provide opportunities for members to develop various skills such as leadership, teamwork, negotiation, and conflict resolution, which are valuable in social, workplace, and all other real-world settings.
- Group learning promotes socialization, helping individuals build relationships, develop interpersonal skills, and create a supportive learning community.
- Discussing and teaching concepts to others within a group setting can enhance understanding and retention of information, as individuals benefit from different learning styles.
- Group activities foster a sense of belonging and community, creating a positive and supportive learning environment that can contribute to overall well-being.
- Group settings provide opportunities for peer teaching, where individuals can share their expertise, reinforcing their own understanding while helping others grasp challenging concepts.
- Interacting within a group setting allows individuals to develop emotional intelligence by understanding and managing their own emotions as well as recognizing and empathizing with the emotions of others.
- Exposure to different viewpoints within a group setting encourages open-mindedness and tolerance, promoting a culture of acceptance and diversity.
Calendar of Events
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Saturday
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1 event,
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11 events,
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Passport: Christmas Shopping Trip - Waterloo Date: Monday, December 1 Time: 9am-5pm Cost: $124 RSVP by: Location: Waterloo, St Jacobs Get your holiday shopping done in style with a festive […]
AM 9-12pm: Creative Writing: Writing with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance; participants discover the power of their own authentic voices and the value of their stories. Cost: […] AM 9-12pm: Beginner Guitar/Ukelele: Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of guitar or ukelele? Come try it out and learn some simple chords! Cost: $0 |
9 events,
AM 9-12pm: Tech Tuesday: Gain skills using iPhone or Android, laptops and TVs. Learn How to use research resources (ChatGPT). Write emails, save contacts, and more! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Community Connections: Do you like giving back to your community? Each week we will visit community programs that we can lend a helping hand to. Cost: $0
AM â Soups & Stews: Learn to make a different soup or stew each week. Enjoy a bowl with friends for lunch and bring a container to take some home! […] |
9 events,
AM 9-12pm: Thatâs a Wrap: Explore a different recipe each week that uses tortillas/wraps. Cost: $60 |
11 events,
AM 9-12pm: Trivia & Treats: Every week the group will have a new Trivia topic; we can do this online, with card games or using Kahoot. Each week one person […]
AM 9-12pm: Candy Making: Try making different types of candy/chocolate and take a tour of Millcreek Chocolate! Cost: $60
AM â Baking Around the World â Try new recipes from different countries and cultures around the world. We will be baking each recipe to sample together. Cost: $45 |
4 events,
CP Fun Fridays
Fun Fridays: Date Event Offered Cost Þ Tues, Dec 2 EVENING: Movie Night at The Link 5-8pm $5 Dec 5 AM ONSITE: Christmas Decorating at The Link with […]
CP PE: Fun Friday in Port Elgin
FUN FRIDAYS Date Event Cost Thurs Dec 4 1-4pm Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 9:00 â 12:00 â Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 1:00 â 3:00 - Exploring […]
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Passport: Caribbean Christmas Carnival Date: Friday, December 5 Time: 1-8pm Cost: $95 RSVP by: Nov 24 Location: Collingwood, ON Celebrate the season island-style with festive Caribbean flair! Enjoy colourful costumes, […]
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Passport: Santaâs Nightcap Train Ride Date: Friday, December 5 Time: 5pm-12am Cost: $230 RSVP by: Location: Waterloo Climb aboard a charming heritage train for an enchanting evening ride filled […] |
1 event,
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Passport: Barra MacNeilâs Christmas Concert & Carroling Date: Saturday, December 6 Time: 5:30-10pm Cost: $156 RSVP by: Nov 29 Location: Roxy Theatre Get into the holiday spirit with an evening […] |
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0 events,
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11 events,
Passport: Machine Gun Kelly Concert
Passport: Machine Gun Kelly Concert Date: Monday, December 8 Time: 4pm â 1am Cost: $301 RSVP by: Nov 24 Location: Hamilton, ON Weâre heading to Hamilton for an adrenaline-pumping night […]
AM 9-12pm: Creative Writing: Writing with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance; participants discover the power of their own authentic voices and the value of their stories. Cost: […] AM 9-12pm: Beginner Guitar/Ukelele: Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of guitar or ukelele? Come try it out and learn some simple chords! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Winter Wonderland: Letâs get outside and play each week, hike and explore nature. Cost: $0 |
10 events,
AM 9-12pm: Tech Tuesday: Gain skills using iPhone or Android, laptops and TVs. Learn How to use research resources (ChatGPT). Write emails, save contacts, and more! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Community Connections: Do you like giving back to your community? Each week we will visit community programs that we can lend a helping hand to. Cost: $0
AM â Soups & Stews: Learn to make a different soup or stew each week. Enjoy a bowl with friends for lunch and bring a container to take some home! […] |
8 events,
AM 9-12pm: Thatâs a Wrap: Explore a different recipe each week that uses tortillas/wraps. Cost: $60
AM â Chair Yoga â Meet at Link by the Shore to stretch together, moving our bodies in a meaningful way. Â Cost: $0 |
12 events,
Passport: Brad Paisley Concert
Passport: Brad Paisley Concert Date: Thursday, December 11 Time: 3:30pm-12:30am Cost: $170 RSVP by: Dec 4 Location: London, ON country music Country fans, get ready! We're heading to London to […]
AM 9-12pm: Trivia & Treats: Every week the group will have a new Trivia topic; we can do this online, with card games or using Kahoot. Each week one person […]
AM 9-12pm: Candy Making: Try making different types of candy/chocolate and take a tour of Millcreek Chocolate! Cost: $60
AM â Baking Around the World â Try new recipes from different countries and cultures around the world. We will be baking each recipe to sample together. Cost: $45 |
4 events,
CP Fun Fridays
Fun Fridays: Date Event Offered Cost Þ Tues, Dec 2 EVENING: Movie Night at The Link 5-8pm $5 Dec 5 AM ONSITE: Christmas Decorating at The Link with […]
CP PE: Fun Friday in Port Elgin
FUN FRIDAYS Date Event Cost Thurs Dec 4 1-4pm Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 9:00 â 12:00 â Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 1:00 â 3:00 - Exploring […]
Passport: Serena Ryder Christmas
Passport: Serena Ryder Christmas  Date: Friday, December 12 Time: 4pm-1am Cost: $230 RSVP by: Dec 5 Location: Guelph, ON Celebrate the season with the soulful sounds of Serena […] |
1 event,
|
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0 events,
|
11 events,
AM 9-12pm: Creative Writing: Writing with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance; participants discover the power of their own authentic voices and the value of their stories. Cost: […] AM 9-12pm: Beginner Guitar/Ukelele: Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of guitar or ukelele? Come try it out and learn some simple chords! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Winter Wonderland: Letâs get outside and play each week, hike and explore nature. Cost: $0 |
9 events,
AM 9-12pm: Tech Tuesday: Gain skills using iPhone or Android, laptops and TVs. Learn How to use research resources (ChatGPT). Write emails, save contacts, and more! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Community Connections: Do you like giving back to your community? Each week we will visit community programs that we can lend a helping hand to. Cost: $0
AM â Soups & Stews: Learn to make a different soup or stew each week. Enjoy a bowl with friends for lunch and bring a container to take some home! […] |
9 events,
Passport: Holiday Dreams
Passport: Holiday Dreams Date: Wednesday, December 17 Time: 4pm-1am Cost: $137 RSVP by: Dec 1 Location: Kitchener, ON Step into a world of holiday magic at Holiday Dreamsâa dazzling theatrical […]
AM 9-12pm: Thatâs a Wrap: Explore a different recipe each week that uses tortillas/wraps. Cost: $60
AM â Chair Yoga â Meet at Link by the Shore to stretch together, moving our bodies in a meaningful way. Â Cost: $0 |
12 events,
AM 9-12pm: Trivia & Treats: Every week the group will have a new Trivia topic; we can do this online, with card games or using Kahoot. Each week one person […]
AM 9-12pm: Candy Making: Try making different types of candy/chocolate and take a tour of Millcreek Chocolate! Cost: $60
AM â Baking Around the World â Try new recipes from different countries and cultures around the world. We will be baking each recipe to sample together. Cost: $45 |
4 events,
CP Fun Fridays
Fun Fridays: Date Event Offered Cost Þ Tues, Dec 2 EVENING: Movie Night at The Link 5-8pm $5 Dec 5 AM ONSITE: Christmas Decorating at The Link with […]
CP PE: Fun Friday in Port Elgin
FUN FRIDAYS Date Event Cost Thurs Dec 4 1-4pm Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 9:00 â 12:00 â Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 1:00 â 3:00 - Exploring […]
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Passport: 12 Days of Christmas Dollarstore DIY Crafts  Date: Friday, December 19 Time: 1-5:30pm Cost: $106 RSVP by: Nov 24 Location: Main Office, ON Get crafty and celebrate the […]
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Passport: Magic of Lights  Date: Friday, December 19 Time: 5-10pm Cost: $80 RSVP by: Nov 31 Location: Springwater Provincial Park Experience the holiday season in glowing style! Drive through the […] |
1 event,
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Passport: Casa Loma Wreath Workshop  Date: Saturday, December 20 Time: 9am-5:30pm Cost: $152 RSVP by: Dec 11 Location: Toronto, ON Get into the festive spirit with a magical evening […] |
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0 events,
|
10 events,
AM 9-12pm: Creative Writing: Writing with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance; participants discover the power of their own authentic voices and the value of their stories. Cost: […] AM 9-12pm: Beginner Guitar/Ukelele: Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of guitar or ukelele? Come try it out and learn some simple chords! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Winter Wonderland: Letâs get outside and play each week, hike and explore nature. Cost: $0 |
9 events,
AM 9-12pm: Tech Tuesday: Gain skills using iPhone or Android, laptops and TVs. Learn How to use research resources (ChatGPT). Write emails, save contacts, and more! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Community Connections: Do you like giving back to your community? Each week we will visit community programs that we can lend a helping hand to. Cost: $0
AM â Soups & Stews: Learn to make a different soup or stew each week. Enjoy a bowl with friends for lunch and bring a container to take some home! […] |
6 events,
AM 9-12pm: Thatâs a Wrap: Explore a different recipe each week that uses tortillas/wraps. Cost: $60
PM 1-4pm: Brushes & Brews: Painting and Coffee! Come to the link for a Coffee, or Tea and enjoy some relaxing painting with water colour or acrylics! Focusing on winter […] |
6 events,
AM 9-12pm: Trivia & Treats: Every week the group will have a new Trivia topic; we can do this online, with card games or using Kahoot. Each week one person […]
AM 9-12pm: Candy Making: Try making different types of candy/chocolate and take a tour of Millcreek Chocolate! Cost: $60
PM 1-4pm: Craft 2gether: Each week, bring in your own craft from home and work on it together (diamond dots, sewing, crocheting, drawing, painting). Enjoy crafting together or find a […] |
1 event,
CP PE: Fun Friday in Port Elgin
FUN FRIDAYS Date Event Cost Thurs Dec 4 1-4pm Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 9:00 â 12:00 â Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 1:00 â 3:00 - Exploring […] |
0 events,
|
|
0 events,
|
11 events,
AM 9-12pm: Creative Writing: Writing with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance; participants discover the power of their own authentic voices and the value of their stories. Cost: […] AM 9-12pm: Beginner Guitar/Ukelele: Have you ever wanted to learn the basics of guitar or ukelele? Come try it out and learn some simple chords! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Winter Wonderland: Letâs get outside and play each week, hike and explore nature. Cost: $0 |
6 events,
AM 9-12pm: Tech Tuesday: Gain skills using iPhone or Android, laptops and TVs. Learn How to use research resources (ChatGPT). Write emails, save contacts, and more! Cost: $0
AM 9-12pm: Community Connections: Do you like giving back to your community? Each week we will visit community programs that we can lend a helping hand to. Cost: $0
AM 11-1pm: Soups & Sandwiches: Enjoy making a nutritious and cozy lunch each week. Cost: $50 |
6 events,
AM 9-12pm: Thatâs a Wrap: Explore a different recipe each week that uses tortillas/wraps. Cost: $60
PM 1-4pm: Brushes & Brews: Painting and Coffee! Come to the link for a Coffee, or Tea and enjoy some relaxing painting with water colour or acrylics! Focusing on winter […] |
6 events,
AM 9-12pm: Trivia & Treats: Every week the group will have a new Trivia topic; we can do this online, with card games or using Kahoot. Each week one person […]
AM 9-12pm: Candy Making: Try making different types of candy/chocolate and take a tour of Millcreek Chocolate! Cost: $60
PM 1-4pm: Craft 2gether: Each week, bring in your own craft from home and work on it together (diamond dots, sewing, crocheting, drawing, painting). Enjoy crafting together or find a […] |
1 event,
CP PE: Fun Friday in Port Elgin
FUN FRIDAYS Date Event Cost Thurs Dec 4 1-4pm Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 9:00 â 12:00 â Baking Christmas Cookies $7 Dec. 5 1:00 â 3:00 - Exploring […] |
0 events,
|