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Second New Base Site Location Celebrates Grand Opening
MPP Bob Delaney (far right) and Councillor George Carlson (second from right) helped cut the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of Community Living Mississauga's Argentia Base Site. (Photo by Fred Loek, Mississauga News)
On December 12th, more than 50 people, including Mayor Hazel McCallion, Bob Delaney, MPP for Mississauga-Streetsville, and George Carlson, Councillor for Ward 11, celebrated the Grand Opening of Community Living Mississauga's new Community Base Site location on Argentia Road.
"The base site concept evolved to address the support requirements of individuals who required a support to fully participate in community-based activities," said Marie Benassi, Director of Day Supports at Community Living Mississauga. "Here, participants arrive in the morning, gather with peers and are encouraged to plan their activities for the day."
In keeping with the goal of full and meaningful community participation, participants are supported with other individuals to engage in activities throughout Mississauga and the GTA. After a day spent shopping, swimming, hiking, fishing, playing basketball or gaming at Playdium, participants return to the base site to unwind and relax before going home.
"In terms of the organization as a whole, we recognize the importance of people having something meaningful to do to during the day," said Keith Tansley, Executive Director at Community Living Mississauga. "We continue to base our supports and services on our organization's mission and vision. Promoting opportunities in the community which enhance the quality of life for individuals who have an intellectual disability."
Art Exhibit Celebrates Abilities and Achievement of Personal Goals
 A few short months ago, when several individuals who have an intellectual disability came together to share their interest in painting, little did they realize that they would be holding their first public art exhibition by the end of November.
The November 29th exhibition, which was held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Streetsville, was a celebration of individuals coming together as artists and celebrating achieving their personal goals.
"This whole exciting opportunity started when two ladies supported by our organization realized that they shared similar goals and started a painting club for anyone, with or without a disability, who wanted to learn how to paint," explained Anna Rossa, Community Living Support Manager at Community Living Mississauga. "A local artist, named Christina Garza, was asked to teach the group."
Participants in the club invited other friends who shared their interest in painting and, consequently, two additional groups were formed. The classes rotated from home to home, giving each participant the opportunity to serve as host to the rest of the group.
"Each participant has progressively evolved to incredible artists and are extremely proud of their achievements," said Rossa. "To celebrate, all of the groups decided to come together for a year-end art exhibition.
New Base Site Opens on Watline Avenue
 Ward 5 Councillor, Bonnie Crombie, was on hand to celebrate the November 25th grand opening of Community Living Mississauga's newest Base Site location on Watline Avenue.
While the new location includes a kitchen area, computer room, lounge and television area, participants at the Watline Base Site will focus their time on participating in community-based activities.
Community Living Mississauga offers a number of Community Base Sites located throughout Mississauga. The goal of each Base Site is to provide an opportunity to participate in meaningful day time, recreational, social and leisure activities both at the location as well as in the community. Each participant directs the activities they wish to participate in and are provided with a monthly schedule.
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