Alice Saddy Foundation's Annual Susan Shepherd Educational Talks presents Dr. Al Condeluci World Café

The Alice Saddy Foundation, as part of their annual Susan Shepherd Educational Talks, is excited to be hosting a World Café with Dr. Al Condeluci. Al Condeluci has been an advocate, a catalyst for building community capacities and a leader in understanding social culture since 1970. Al has emerged as a national leader and consultant on human services and community issues. He speaks annually to national and international audiences, reaching some 15,000 people each year. The theme of this World Café is " Creating a more inclusive and welcoming community. " A World Café will allow people with different perspectives and experiences to come together and to engage in facilitated conversations, with an intended outcome of positive changes in our community. We look forward to lively conversation on October 9th from 4-7 pm . Please contact Helen at helenf@alicesaddy.com or 519-433-2801 X 254, with any questions.

Ontario’s developmental services organizations are facing a critical challenge – providing quality services and supports to people with developmental disabilities while dealing with a 0% budget increase. “Like many families and organizations across Ontario, Alice Saddy Association is struggling with increased costs to keeping the heat and lights on, putting gas in vehicles, and buying food to feed people,” explains Executive Director, Marg McLean. “With rising inflation and skyrocketing costs, it’s getting harder to provide the support individuals with developmental disabilities deserve.” Adding to this struggle is the challenge of recruiting qualified staff. All while having funding increase. “Recognizing the escalating crisis, we’re joining developmental service agencies across the province in the #5tosurvive campaign which calls upon the Ontario government to provide an immediate 5% increase in base funding, including Passport and Special Services at Home,” says McLean. Vision vs reality Ontario’s current developmental services strategy envisions a future where individuals with developmental disabilities are supported by their communities, networks and government to lead inclusive lives. However, the organizations tasked with turning this vision into a reality are shackled by a lack of resources. The gap between the envisioned support and reality on the ground is widening, leaving developmental service organizations on the brink of crisis. “Alice Saddy Association, like many other agencies, finds ourself caught in a paradox,” McLean explains. “While demands for our services are increasing, funding remains stagnant. Rising costs, including essential services and recruiting qualified staff, are pushing developmental service organizations to our limits.” “Despite the dedication and passion of our staff, we’re concerned that a 0% budget increase means we’ll be unable to meet the growing needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.” Lend your voice We encourage community members to share their concerns by joining #5tosurvive . Contact your local MPP to ask for the immediate 5% funding increase and sign the online petition . Make your voice heard alongside ours.