Ensemble

08/29/2025

"TNT" 2025 – Redefined

You’ve read the title, right?

Bet you think you know what "TNT" is? Well - think again! This isn’t 1925 with “TNT, a powerful yellow substance used in explosives.”

This is TNT 2025 – Today Not Tomorrow.

Why focus on "TNT" this week? If you read last week’s article, Change is a Comin’, you’ll remember the tips on preparing your child, teenager, or young adult for the new school year. One key change was helping your loved one with an intellectual disability make meaningful connections that could lead to friendships.

I know many of you are already spending a few minutes each day talking about how to choose, make, and keep friends. But as August days fly by, it’s easy to get caught worrying about what’s ahead. That worry increases your anxiety—and when that happens, the present moment slips by unnoticed.

So here’s a gentle reminder to slow down and enjoy each day, each challenge, each success, and each baby step on the way to September:

TNT – Today Not Tomorrow.

Sit back, take a breath, and give yourself credit for taking time to be present in the moment. Focus on today—not tomorrow.

And now, here’s a simple daily practice to ease the arrival of fall changes:

Qualities of Good Friends
Spend just 5 minutes each day talking about this together.

Until next time,

Marilyn,
Ensemble Family Consultant and the Advisory Committee

08/26/2025

08/25/2025

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08/25/2025

Our mission is to provide leadership in the development of Microboards through education, advocacy and support to people and communities across Ontario.

08/25/2025

One of the hardest things to do as a Special Needs Parent is,
to keep going.

To get up tomorrow
when today knocked you down
more times than most face in a year.

To keep pouring your heart
into someone who, on the surface, may push you away,
but deep down, you know needs you more than anyone.

To keep going through a tired
that no amount of sleep can cure.

To keep going through a day
that feels lightless.

To keep going,

Through exhaustion.
Through sickness.
Through burnout.
Through behaviours.
Through pain.
Through fear.
Through the long.
Through the unknown.

To keep going
when the weight of it all feels unmovable.

To keep going. That - can be the hardest thing of all.
But it’s also the most important.

Keep going, Mama.

The easier moments will come.
The laughter will return.
The strength will rebuild.
The joy will rise again.

Just keep going.

In this with you,
Christine x Special Soul Mama

08/22/2025

We're excited to once again be taking part in the second annual Outdoor Accessibility Fest-For-All! This event is hosted by the County of Essex Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee (ECAAC) and is taking place on Friday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Libro Credit Union Centre in Amherstburg. This is a free event, and all are welcome to attend.

08/22/2025

If you're looking for an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and get more involved as a facilitator, connector, support worker, or family member, then the Planning and Facilitation Collaborative (PFC) has just the space for you!

The PFC is a national online community we created for people who care about building capacity to offer quality, value-based future planning and facilitation supports to people with developmental disabilities and their families. With access to a growing library of courses and resources, PFC members can network, share knowledge and experiences, and learn from one another through conversations, educational opportunities, and special events.

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a BRAND NEW course on the platform called A Bench and a Song: Practicing Everyday Community Building, hosted by Joe Erpenbeck. Inspired by Joe’s guidebook, A Bench and a Song: 10 Ideas for Community Building From Wherever You Are, this six-week online course is rooted in real stories, small actions, and meaningful relationships.

You don't need a membership to join! While this course is included for PFC members, you can still purchase the course without becoming a member, for just $120 CAD! Your registration will give you full access to the course content, lessons, events, and discussion space.

Course starts on September 10th at 1pm EST
Click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/mtx3vw73

08/20/2025

Sometimes I sit and think about all the things I’ll never know.

The thoughts behind his eyes.
The feelings he can’t put into words.
The little moments he can’t explain.

I can see the frustration.
I can see the joy.
I can see the exhaustion.
But I can’t know it the way he does.

Some days, it feels like standing outside a door I’ll never be allowed to open.
Other days, it’s a reminder to lean closer, watch harder, and hold more.

They say love needs no words, and while this is true…
It doesn’t stop the ache of needing some sometimes.

But in the silent hand-hold moments,
I sit with him.
I watch.
I hold him close in the not-knowing.

Love, Christine x
Special soul mama.

08/20/2025

You’re there for them. We’re here for you.

08/19/2025

How do we make a National Caregiving Strategy a reality for Canada’s 8+ million caregivers? By working together to let our leaders know it’s time to . Join the Canadian Caregiving Summit to be a part of a brighter future of care. https://bit.ly/432sRIq

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Comment créer une Stratégie nationale sur la prestation de soins pour plus de 8M d'aidants au pays? En incitant nos dirigeants à agir. Participez à notre Sommet canadien pour les aidants et contribuez à l’avenir des soins. https://bit.ly/43jUBrJ