About Us

Our History

Organizational Milestones

2021

Intensive Crisis Ready Training completed giving staff the ability to be well versed and instinctively detect and properly assess the scope and impact of an incident in real time. Training videos and handbook developed for internal use for staff and board training.

August purchase of small home in Rainy River to accommodate an Intensive Support Residence site for one person

2020

The COVID Pandemic in March interrupts service delivery, closing some areas, moving to virtual events where possible and changes to service delivery to
comply with Health and Safety Regulations and Ministry directives.

CORE funding ends in March, however the project continues to be delivered and moves to a virtual basis.  The project continues fully supported within our resources as planned.

June purchase of 125 Third Street E to accommodate two individuals needing community housing.

2019

Received funding under Modernization Phase 3 as part of the Transformation of Services through the Ministry of Community and Social Services for a two project “Creating jobs Regionally for Employment (CORE). The project is in collaboration with the Rainy River Board of Education for students with a developmental disability in high school to have access to job-based skills education focused on self-awareness in planning and provide students during their high school years the skills and experiences for community employment and volunteer experiences during their high school years.  Community Living Fort Frances and District staff worked in a classroom in the high schools in the Rainy River District delivering the skills-based education.

Board reviews the corporate by-laws and prepares amendments for the Annual General Meeting in June to meet the pending changes under the proposed Ontario Not for Profit Act approved.

April purchase of 251 Fourth Street W., to provide housing for one individual to remain in his home previously owned by another landlord.

September, purchase of 279 Scott Street building to house the Resource Centre and provide two apartments to address housing needs for people supported.

2018

New case management platform system implemented through Nucleus Labs to improve client service data.

Downsizing six-person group living to three persons and funding realigned from group living to Supported Independent Living.  This transition aligned with the Ministry’s goals to improve service delivery and personal experience in the Development Services System. Individuals moved to community-based housing in their own apartments.

2017

 Purchase of 1008 Walker Ave to provide accommodation for two individuals

2016

The ERN project exceeded all targets for a second year.

2015

Received funding under Modernization Phase 1 as part of the Transformation of Services through the Ministry of Community and Social Services to promote inclusive employment and improve services and supports for a customized employment project, “Employer Resource Network” (ERN) for two years.

2013

October Multi-use Building Project for Sixth Street development billboard unveiled

2012

June consultation and visioning session with service users, families, staff, board members and community members on the development of Sixth Street property; October architects developed the conceptual design; site plan for multi-use facility

2011

M. Walkey Bursary ends

2009

CLFFD provides payroll services to Atikokan and District Association for Developmental Services; FedNor funding for Community Public Relations position; In August of 2009 the Treasure Chest closed its doors after 11 years of operation; October 1, 2009 Community Living Fort Frances and District purchases the Sixth Street School property on the amount of $1.00 from the Rainy River District School Board(in consideration of Fort Kinhaven property); Conversion of 990 Scott Street (Activity Centre) to residential handicapped accessible apartments. Staff offices are relocated to the old Treasure Chest site at 338 Scott Street

2008

Innovative Residential Services Model of Support implemented

2007

Board received ongoing governance training over entire year; Linked with the Ontario Telemedicine Network(OTN) for video conferencing, consultation and training; Completed negotiations for a 3-year; Best Buddies program implemented agreement ending March 31, 2009; Best Buddies program implemented; Volunteer Coordinator and Technology Coordinator positions in place with FedNor funding; “Let’s Grow Together” project distributed 1600 seedlings by elementary school students in Rainy River district; seedlings donated by PRT Dryden Nurseries School presentation to help promote awareness and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities; Confidential Employee Feedback Survey through Brock University completed J. Jourdain Memorial Bursary

2006

December 2006 – Fort Frances charity bingo closes; a source of revenue is lost

2005

April 1 – changed name to Community Living Fort Frances and District & celebrated 40th anniversary of incorporation; Flag raising ceremony at 990 Scott Street; Revenue from bingo fundraising on the decline

2004

Activity Centre opens in former RCMP building; Handicapped van replaced with fundraising projects and a Trillium Grant; 990 Scott Street renovated to house 2 two bedroom apartments, 1 apartment handicapped accessible; housing available for 4 persons

2003

Out-of-Home Respite funding received to provide additional supports to individuals in the community; March 10, 2003 – Purchased the former RCMP at 990 Scott Street for Activity Centre

2002

Transitions Supports: Multi-agency managed grant from Ministry of Community and Social Services Foundations Initiative; purpose is to facilitate transition from school to community life for young adults with disabilities; Personal Outcomes Measures adopted as model for quality enhancement

2001

Failure to reach agreement in collective bargaining results in a strike from May to September; Respite apartment at 145 Hudson Drive converted to house one additional 24-hour care apartment

1999

FFDACL publishes and distributes to Fort Frances area the organizational newsletter “Together”; newsletter wins award from Community Living Ontario

1998

Treasure Chest Retail Outlet opens as a training site for Employment Services clients

1997

School to Work initiative; Youth Internship Program and Youth at Risk Project started with funding from Human Resources Development Canada

1996

Respite site made available for use by community

1995

Precision Wood Products ceases operations

1993

Sybel Russell Hall group home closes; converted to two ground-floor apartments, including a Respite apartment, and offices on upper level; Tanglewood 4-plex built with capital funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services providing four apartments with 24-hour supervision and assistance; Community Activity Centre opens and Alternative Services Supports implemented; M. Walkey Bursary for secondary students entering Developmental Sciences

1991

Community Options opens at Mowat Avenue; Gaming & Lottery license obtained; regular bingos are started as the major source of community fundraising

1990

Name changes to Fort Frances & District association for Community Living; Supported Employment program started

1989

Auxiliary Residence program closes; Supported Independent Living apartment program enhanced with MCSS – P3000 funding; B.E June Smith Bursary for secondary students entering Developmental Sciences

1988

Good Impressions Printing moves to Scott Street site

1987

Purchase of building at 340-342 Scott Street, Fort Frances; Precision Wood Products sheltered industry opens with $100,000 grant from FedNor; Good Impressions Printing business purchased, to provide an environment where clients have the opportunity of learning skills in production and sales

1986

ARC Industries closes Portage Avenue site

1983

Life Skills day activity program opens at Mowat Avenue site

1979

Fort Kinhaven School closes; special education class moves to Sixth Street School; Organizational evaluation by the Ontario Association for the Mentally Retarded; Supported Independent Living Apartment Program opens

1978

Auxiliary Residence Program set up in two rented apartments

1975

Sybel Russell Hall group home built with funding from the Provincial Government and a $25,000 bequest from W.T. and Isabelle (Sybel) Russell; Adult classes in academic and life skills offered at local Confederation College

1973

Timeline Heading

Arc Industries renovated to add thirty-foot addition

1972

The Association buys Arc Industries property on Portage Avenue through Kinsmen fundraising and private donations; Boat repair business, furniture manufacturing, printing, and wedding accessory services developed at Arc Industries

1969

Fort Kinhaven School property and equipment ownership transfers to local Board of Education; FFDAMR retains ownership of adjoining property which was site of future Sybel Russell Hall group home

1966

Fort Kinhaven School official opening; Adult Activity Centre becomes Arc Industries and moves to Portage Avenue site

1965

Kinsmen Club undertakes capital-raising campaign to build new school; Provincial Government grant covers 50% of costs; Federal Government provides $5000; The Association is incorporated as the Fort Frances and District Association for the Mentally Retarded; Corporation #140148 on April 29, 1965

1965

Fort Kinhaven School ready for occupancy late fall; operated under Educational Authorities

1964

Pre-school and parent relief programs set up for three children; Adult Activity Centre moves to the basement of First Baptist Church

1963

Adult Activity Centre opens at the old Armory Building

1962

Class enlarges to eight students; moves to Polish Hall and Kinsmen Club covers the rent; volunteers drive students to school

1961

School class for six students set up at Fort Frances Arena; soon thereafter the class moves to Sixth Street School; Summer recreation set up for all ages in partnership with Recreation Commission

1960

Affiliated with the Ontario Association for the Mentally Retarded Children by Ontario Association Charter # 66

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