Largest crowd to date out to celebrate People First anniversary
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By EMC News
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guest speakers Noreene Adam of Community Living Ontario and Joyce Rivington of Community Living Association of Lanark County received a token of appreciation from Kory Earle, PFoLC president.
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EMC News - Through laughter and through tears, People First of Lanark County (PFoLC) - together with family, friends and members of the community - celebrated its fourth anniversary last Thursday evening with a barbecue outside its Bates Drive office in Carleton Place.
guest speakers Noreene Adam of Community Living Ontario and Joyce Rivington of Community Living Association of Lanark County received a token of appreciation from Kory Earle, PFoLC president.
"I was absolutely shocked by the strong turnout, we had in excess of 60 people in attendance," said Kory Earle, president of PFoLC. "This was the most people we have ever had. I am so proud!"
A handful of municipal representatives were around to offer congratulations, including Carleton Place councillors Ed Sonnenburg (deputy mayor), Jerry Flynn and Wendy LeBlanc, and Mississippi Mills councillor Brenda Hurrle.
PFoLC is a group of self-advocates and the voice for people with intellectual disabilities across Lanark County. Currently, there are more than 25 members.
The festivities, which ran from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., started with an emotional two minutes of silence.
"Over the years, people who lived in institutions ..... never had the chance to be out in the community," stated Earle. "As of March 31, 2009, all large institutions closed in Ontario."
"I want to take a moment to reflect on the people who never got to witness the closure of these institutions," added Earle. "You should have had the same rights as everyone else!"
To the individuals now living out in the community, Earle pledged that "People First will continue to fight to the very end to make sure you have the rights you deserve."
FOUR YEARS
"Tonight we are all here to celebrate our four amazing years in Lanark County," said Earle.
During the evening, he spoke about the many advocacy issues his organization has faced, as well as the many ways PFoLC has given back to the community.
"As most of you are aware, People First of Lanark County fought a major battle against the union members who picketed in front of people's home," said Earle.
The 2009 strike between Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 1521-02 and Lanark Community Living Association Lanark County lasted 10 weeks.
"Our local chapter stood up and fought for the people who had their houses picketed, and we were so proud that the union decided to end the picketing after 50 days," said Earle. "We will continue to fight the 'no picketing' issue in Ontario."
Another advocacy issue front and centre for PFoLC was inclusive education, and People First - locally and provincially - stood up and said 'no' to segregation.
"We believe that everyone should be in a regular school setting with the proper supports in place," said Earle. "Why can't schools be accommodating for people with disabilities?"
In the last four years, PFoLC has given back to the community, hosting free lunches on Christmas Day, as well as co-hosting the annual Bunny Run in Carleton Place.
"The 2010 Bunny Run (in April) saw more than 180 children participate," said Earle.
Earle took the opportunity to thank the organizations, businesses and people who have supported the organization, PFoLC's office administrator Kathy Seguin, vice president Joan Morin and board of directors, Buck or Two, Lanark County businesses, family and friends of members, the public, area municipalities, Community Living Ontario, Community Living Association of Lanark County, Mills Community Support Corporation, People First of Canada, People First of Ontario, ALEP program, and the media.
AWARD
Each year PFoLC honours a person, organization or business for their major commitment to the local chapter. This year EMC reporter Tara Gesner was recognized.
"Tara, what you and the EMC have done for us is something I truly cannot put into words," said Earle. "Our local chapter is so proud to know you. Your passion and commitment to our organization is very much appreciated."
He presented Gesner with a bouquet of flowers and card.
GUEST SPEAKERS
The anniversary celebration had two very important guest speakers: Joyce Rivington, Community Living Association of Lanark County, and Noreene Adam, Community Living Ontario.
"On behalf of Community Living Ontario, I congratulate People First of Lanark County on four amazing years," said Adam. "Your tremendous accomplishments are a testament to your dedication and commitment for equal rights, respect and self-determination."
She said that people who have a disability are often left out of decisions that affect their lives, however, with the work of PFoLC, "the county is beginning to understand that the voices and dreams of people who have a disability can no longer be ignored."
"Since its inception, People First of Lanark County has worked diligently to gain positive recognition in this community," said Adam. "Their efforts were rewarded when Carleton Place and Perth declared the first People First Day on June 20, 2009."
Adam said PFoLC became a household name last year in the provincial movement when people's homes were picketed during the strike at the local Community Living association.
"The existence of your group changed the course of that strike - and we are so grateful!" she noted. "You rallied and raised your voices and said you were not willing to sit back and allow some residents to be denied their right to a peaceful home environment. We congratulate you on standing up for your beliefs and in the process, changing a community's attitude and setting a remarkable precedent for self-advocacy groups across the province."
It was for this reason that Community Living Ontario presented PFoLC with its 2010 James Montgomerie Community Award.
The award is given to an organization which actively addresses the legacy of institutions in society, moving towards practices that focus on inclusion and individual autonomy.
With 500 people watching and cheering, Earle accepted the award in the Grand York Ballroom at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel in Richmond Hill, Ont., during the 57th annual Community Living Ontario Conference May 26 (2010).
"Congratulations, on behalf of Community Living Association of Lanark County," said Rivington. "What Noreene said is well worth repeating."
Rivington praised PFoLC for its united voice, as well as advocating in an effective way.
"Kory's passion is contagious," she exclaimed, adding, "People First is doing an amazing job, and you are an example to all of us of what can be accomplished."
Other speakers included Morin and emcee Maureen Essery.
FUTURE
"Our local chapter has no plans on leaving, we will continue to advocate on behalf of the members," said Earle.
Unfortunately, the president announced to the EMC Thursday morning that he is not seeking another term.
In addition to his leadership role at PFoLC, Earle is president of People First of Ontario, and a youth representative for People First of Canada.
"I told the local board of directors at our July 8 meeting that I would resign August 1, 2011," he said. "I want to focus on my provincial duties."
Earle added that most of the issues dealt with locally are now at the provincial level.
Vice president Morin will take over the helm.
"She is very qualified, she's a mover in this organization," said Earle. "What she has been able to accomplish over the last four years is amazing. She and Kathy are the backbone of this organization."
With Morin not wanting to jeopardize any of the work that's been accomplished over the years, Earle promised there won't be any big changes.
"We ask that you - the public, our families, politicians and businesses and organizations - continue to support the issues that affect us on a regular basis," he stated. "Your support is amazing! People First of Lanark County is proud to be a part of your community."
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