Windsor-Essex Family Network

03/22/2026

Belonging is built in everyday moments.

A smile to someone you see often.
A quick hello.
Making space for someone to join in.

These small actions may seem simple, but over time they help build stronger, more welcoming communities.

What small action will you try this week? 💜


Family Respite Services

03/22/2026

03/21/2026

This didn’t happen because of one person.
It happened because people and organizations saw the vision and stepped up.

They understood that belonging doesn’t just happen… we have to build it.

Grateful to be surrounded by partners who get it and who are willing to do something about it.



With thanks to: Community Living Windsor Chasing Hazel Foundation Family Services Windsor-Essex Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex Brokerage

📍 Passions, People & Possibilities Fair
🗓 April 11 | 10:00–2:30
📌 Fogolar Furlan, Windsor
🎟 Free event

Come by for hands-on activities, games, a community book fair, and real people sharing what they love.

03/21/2026

Fuel up while you’re rocking your socks with these delicious treats that will support programs for individuals with Down syndrome! How awesome are these businesses?

03/19/2026

📚 Safe and Secure Book Club

Join us for a guided book club for families who want to explore future planning for a loved one with a disability.

Together we’ll work through Safe and Secure: Seven Steps on the Path to a Good Life and talk about practical steps like building relationships, planning for home and community, and understanding financial and legal options.

Each family who attends will receive a free copy of the book (if you don’t already have one).

🗓 Starting: Wednesday, April 1
⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: 7025 Enterprise Way
📅 Meets every other Wednesday through July

Registration helps us ensure we have enough participants to run the group.

🔗 Register by March 20
Scan the QR code or visit windsoressexfamnet.ca

💬 Have questions? Email info@windsoressexfamnet.ca

The Ontario Caregiver Organization

03/19/2026

Small acknowledgements can go a long way. 💜

A nod. A smile. A simple hello.

These small gestures help people feel seen and welcome — without pressure to start a conversation. When we recognize one another in everyday moments, we help create communities where people feel they belong.

Family Respite Services

03/18/2026

Family Respite Services (FRS) works in partnership with families who have children with disabilities. We coordinate support and provide short breaks that strengthen families and contribute to children having meaningful lives in their community. Proceeds will support respite services for families wit...

03/18/2026

What happens when people share what they love?
Community grows.

Join us at the Passions, People & Possibilities Fair — a welcoming event where people of all ages and abilities can explore interests, meet others, and discover opportunities in the community.

✨The Personal Interest Room
A space where people share hobbies and passions like:
Art • LEGO • Gaming • Music • Baking • Robotics • Collecting

🤝The Discovery Space
Meet local clubs, organizations, and community groups and learn about programs you can join.

You’ll also find:
🎨Artists selling crafts and artwork
📚Book fair by Biblioasis
🎲Games & free make-and-take activities
🎁25+ door prizes

📅Saturday, April 11, 2026
⏰10 AM – 2:30 PM
📍Fogolar Furlan Club – Windsor

All ages. All abilities. Real community.

Donations are welcome.



Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex Brokerage Community Living Windsor Chasing Hazel Foundation Chasing Hazel Foundation Family Services Windsor-Essex

03/18/2026

🏐✨ Boccia Try It Night at JMCC! ✨🏐

We’re excited to partner with Rose City Riot to host a Boccia Try It Night at the John McGivney Children’s Centre!

Join us for an evening of fun, connection, and inclusive sport as we introduce Boccia, a game designed for athletes of all abilities. Whether you’re new to the sport or curious about Rose City Riot’s upcoming Boccia program, this is a wonderful opportunity to give it a try in a welcoming and supportive environment.

JMCC clients and community members of all ages are welcome (recommended age 8+).

Come roll, aim, and experience the excitement of Boccia with us!
For more information:
📧 Julie Jones, JMCC Recreation Therapist – Julie.jones@jmccentre.ca
📧 John, Rose City Riot – RoseCityRiot@gmail.com

We can’t wait to see you there! 💜

03/18/2026

We will be there!!!

Join un for a Celebrate the Spectrum Tie Dye Community Event, with many community partners The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism, Behaviour Essentials Inc., Virtual Behaviour Services, Essential Autism, Thames Valley Children Centre, Inspired Sounds Music Therapy, Windsor Family Network, Autism Services Inc. of Windsor & Essex County, John McGivney Children's Center Wincity, AccessOAP, Children First and more.
This event is schedule March 25th, 4:00 - 6:30 pm, this is a free event to celebrate each individual with Autism. With many community partners for you to learn about resources in the community.
Families will gather in a welcoming and supportive environment to design custom shirts using a vibrant palette of colors. This hands-on activity encourages self-expression while offering a sensory-friendly experience for children and youth.
In addition to tie-dye, families can enjoy:
Entertainment- Balloon Makers, Face painting (4:30pm-6:30pm)
Community partner booths
Crafts, sensory play, Lego
Light snacks and more!
For more information and to register, click the link below:
https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=12169...
If you have any questions, email livia@autismontario.com

03/18/2026

Wake Up Wednesday!

I'm Faith, The Inclusion and Social Justice Coordinator for WEFN and today I wanted to highlight Alaqua Cox. She is an actor most known for her role as Maya Lopez in the Marvel spin-off series called Echo.

Alaqua is also deaf. Her right leg is also amputated and uses a prosthesis.

She was raised in the Menominee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin. She is also of the Menominee and Mohican nation.

She and her fiancé (who also happens to be deaf) have welcomed their two sons. Born in 2023 and 2025.

I chose to highlight Alaqua this week because I found her story intriguing. She has brought a lot of eyes and attention to the deaf community. She had received a lot of praise from other artists in the deaf community for her ability to shed light on things that other people may not know about living with a hearing impairment.

I encourage you to follow the rest of her career on her social media .

I'm looking forward to coming back next week to highlight sisters who have used their platform to showcase how inclusive design is a must not "special treatment".