Press Release
Clients honored as Community Inclusions celebrates 25 years
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Melissa Heald melissa@peicanada.com
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Nov 1, 2023
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Currently, Ms Charchuk is Canada’s representative on Down Syndrome International.
Being an active member of Special Olympics as an athlete, mentor, athlete leader, trained health messenger and spokesperson, her accomplishments include many medals for local and national sports events.
Her biggest accomplishment with Special Olympics was to represent Canada in the sport of snowshoeing at the World Winter Games in Austria in 2017 where she won a gold medal.
Ms Charchuk was presented the award by her mother, Jackie Charchuk, who was also a recipient of the Pioneer Award, along with her husband, George, in 2015.
The celebrations weren’t only about marking the 25th anniversary of the amalgamation of community-based services that became Community Inclusions Ltd., but also an evening to recognize clients and staff for their continued contributions and years of service to the organization.
Anita McCullum has over 30 years starting out at Normalization Co-op where she presently attends and lives at the Tignish Group Home. Ms McCullum enjoys knitting and loves spending time with her family.
Heather Dennis has 30 plus years starting out at Maple House. Presently, she lives at the Tignish Group home and attends Tignish Training Center day service. It’s said that Ms Dennis gives the best hugs and she is happy to be surrounded by people and enjoys their company.
Marie has excellent helping skills for the residents and staff at Alberton House. Shirley is a former gold medalist with Special Olympics for snowshoeing and enjoys life to the fullest. Christine has a very big heart and shows this daily to everyone she meets.
Lisa Chaisson has 25 years with Community Inclusions. She attends both Tignish Training Center and Maple House and resides at the Alberton House. Ms Chaisson makes beautiful crafts and is very giving. She also helps out in the bakery during her time at Maple House.
Down Syndrome advocate Janet Charchuk was presented the 2023 Pioneer Award during Community Inclusions Ltd 25th anniversary celebrations at the Palmer Road Community Centre on Oct 16. Ms Charchuk was presented the award by her mother, Jackie Charchuk, who was also a recipient of the Pioneer Award, along with her husband, George, in 20
She was one of the founding members of VATTA, Voices at the Table for Advocacy, a self advocacy group with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, where she chaired the committee for several years and retired after her 10 year term.
Her speaking engagements have taken her across Canada, in the USA and even Trinidad and Tobago. She is the past president of PEI People First.
Nine clients who have been with Community Inclusions for the past 25 years or more were recognized at the organization’s 25th-anniversary celebrations at the Palmer Road Community Centre on Oct 16. In photo: Clients (L-R): Lois Ann Handrahan, Marie Buote, Shirley Buote, Wayne Oulton, Lisa Chaisson, Anita McCallum, Christine Buote and Doris Arsenault. Missing from photo Heather Dennis.
Nine clients who have been with Community Inclusions for the past 25 years or more were recognized that evening.
Lois Anne Handrahan has 30 plus years starting with the Tignish Normalization Co-op where she still attends day services. During her time with Community Inclusion, she worked at MJ’s Bakery until she retired.
Doris Arsenault has been with Community Inclusions for 30 plus years starting out at the Normalization Co-op. Since 2018, Ms Arsenault has resided in Tignish with supported housing and she always takes the time to meet and acknowledge others.
Wayne Oulton has 30 plus years at Maple House. He resides at the Tignish Group Home and attends Maple House five days a week. Mr Oulton enjoys helping out in the café by washing dishes and greeting customers in a friendly and positive way.
Sisters Marie, Shirley, and Christine Buote all have 30 plus years of day service starting at Normalization Co-op. All reside at the Alberton House and attend Tignish Training Center or Maple House for their day services.
Judy Bryan (right), a Maple House Bakery & Cafe staff member, was recognized during Community Inclusions 25th anniversary celebrations at the Palmer Road Community Centre on Oct 16 for her 15 years of service. Over those years, Ms Bryan has developed close relationships with many at Community Inclusions, especially with the clients who attend Maple House Centre. Ms Bryan was presented her award by Maple House Manager Staci Gallant.
Ralph MacNeill (left) and Troy Gorrill (middle) accept the Award for Significant Contributions as members of Community Inclusions Board of Directors from Executive Director Kevin Porter at the organization’s 25th anniversary celebrations at the Palmer Road Community Centre on Oct 16. Both men have served multiple terms on two different occasions, assisting with collective bargaining, executive duties, monthly meetings, policy development, and both have served as chairperson.
February 25,2022
Maple House Bakery & Café plan for Re-opening. Open House to take place March 3rd, 2022 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Employment opportunities