Empower Simcoe

09/03/2026

Registration is now open for Empower Simcoe’s Cooking Up Capability Level 3 program! 🍳

📅 Mondays, September 14th to November 9th, 2026
🕓 4:00pm to 6:30pm
📍 Goodness Me Classroom, 79 Park Place Blvd., Barrie

Ready to take your cooking skills to the next level? This 8-week program is ideal for people 18+ who have completed Cooking Up Capability Levels 1 and/or 2 and are hungry for more.

Participants will build confidence using an oven, learn new recipes, and enjoy cooking alongside peers in a fun and supportive environment.

Learn more and register at https://marketplace.empowersimcoe.ca/shop/programs/educational/cooking-up-capability-level-3/ 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

This program is recommended for people who have completed Cooking Up Capability 1 and/or 2 and are hungry for more. This 8-week program is aimed to help you get more comfortable working with an oven while learning new recipes with your peers. Date: Mondays from September 14 – November 9, 2026,

09/03/2026

Please join us in celebrating Lisa Springall, Empower Simcoe Supported Independent Living Worker.

For the past 25 years, Lisa Springall has made a lasting difference in the lives of the people she supports at Empower Simcoe by helping them develop skills and build independence and meaningful connections within their communities.

A graduate of Sault College's Child and Youth Worker program, Lisa began her career in Empower Simcoe's Accommodations program, supporting people in group living environments. Today, as a Supported Independent Living Worker, she supports people with developmental disabilities who are living independently, helping them achieve their goals and thrive within their communities.

A dedicated lifelong learner, Lisa has continued to expand her knowledge through studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Toronto, including training in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed approaches.

For Lisa, the greatest rewards come from witnessing the small but significant moments of success. Whether it is someone preparing a meal independently for the first time or connecting with community resources that lead to greater inclusion and belonging, she sees each milestone as a meaningful step toward increased confidence, independence, and personal achievement.

"The people we support at Empower Simcoe are so kind and compassionate toward us," says Lisa. "Those tiny moments have such value because they mean people are sharing a genuine part of themselves. I'm kind of hooked on that."

Congratulations, Lisa, on this remarkable 25-year milestone. Thank you for your dedication, and the profound impact you’ve made in the lives of so many people and families throughout your career.

09/02/2026

Join us next month for Investing in Community: A Rental Housing Forum, an engaging and informative event designed for investors, landlords, business owners, real estate professionals, developers, and community stakeholders interested in the future of rental housing in Simcoe County.

This free event is presented by Empower Simcoe, in partnership with and and will take place on October 7, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, at the Barrie & District Association of Realtors.

Featured Speakers: Nick Lecuyer from Mortgage Wellness; and Peggy Hill from the Peggy Hill Team

Seating is limited, please register to attend via eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/4dvrr577

09/02/2026

Join Empower Simcoe's EarlyON Child and Family Centre every Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Life with Baby.
This program is designed for parents, caregivers, and their babies aged 0-12 months. Connect with other families in a welcoming and supportive environment while learning about your baby's growth and development during the first year.
Enjoy songs, stories, play-based activities, discussions about development, community walks, and guest speakers who can connect you with local resources and supports.

To register, visit: https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/earlyon-child-family-centres/programs/

09/01/2026

The music was loud, the energy was high, and Brandon's smile said it all! Brandon and Empower Simcoe Direct Support Professional Lindsay had an awesome time at the Sean Paul concert at the RBC Amphitheatre. This was a night to remember!

08/31/2026

Only one day left to take advantage of early bird ticket pricing for the 2026 Empower Simcoe Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show! It'll be an unforgettable evening of fashion, inspiration, and community celebration on Thursday, October 29th at Georgian Downs in Innisfil.

🎟️ Early bird ticket pricing until August 31st at https://ow.ly/VBeG50Zk6cr
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and community partners looking to make a lasting impact for people of all abilities in our community.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration of the incredible achievements of the people and families who are supported by Empower Simcoe!

08/26/2026

Ashley believes that supporting her community starts with showing up for others

As a volunteer at The Sharing Place Food Centre in Orillia, Ashley helps organize food, supports individuals and families accessing services, and donates her time to make a positive difference. Her commitment reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Thank you, Ashley, for helping make our community stronger and more caring!

08/25/2026

Empower Simcoe's EarlyON Child and Family Centre in Bradford welcomes children aged 0-6 and their parents or caregivers.
Families can enjoy:
• Art and sensory experiences
• Open-ended play and exploration
• Circle time
• Indoor and outdoor play
Connect with other families while accessing child development information, community resources, and family support from our EarlyON team.
For a full list of programs and to register visit: https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/earlyon-child-family-centres/programs/

08/25/2026

A big shout-out to Megan Fraser as she wraps up her summer position with the Empower Simcoe Family Relief Program!

Megan attends Nipissing University and is working toward her goal of becoming a high school science teacher. During her time with the Family Relief Program, she brought professionalism, compassion, and dedication to everything she did.

Megan built meaningful connections with caregivers and donors to our Respitality program, developed high-quality resources and content for the future Caregiver Hub, and played a pivotal role in preparing and launching our new Pathway to Support program. This program helps people seeking support connect with independent direct support providers offering services in their area.

In just a few short months, Megan made an incredible impact on our team and the caregivers we support. We’re so grateful for her exceptional dedication and all she contributed to the Empower Simcoe Family Relief Program.

Thank you, Megan! We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next.

08/24/2026

Just one week left to take advantage of early bird ticket pricing for the 2026 Empower Simcoe Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show! It'll be an unforgettable evening of fashion, inspiration, and community celebration on Thursday, October 29th at Georgian Downs in Innisfil.

🎟️ Take advantage of early bird ticket pricing until August 31st at https://ow.ly/VBeG50Zk6cr
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and community partners looking to make a lasting impact for people of all abilities in our community.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this inspiring celebration of the incredible achievements of the people and families who are supported by Empower Simcoe!