Thursday, May 8th, 2025
11:00am - 12:15pm
Room 603
Concurrent Session:
Seventy Years of Transformation: The Evolution of Community Living Welland Pelham’s Values, Policies, and Services
Seventy Years of Transformation: The Evolution of Community Living Welland Pelham’s Values, Policies, and Services
This presentation will explore the seven-decade evolution of Community Living Welland Pelham (CLWP), a developmental service agency that has continuously redefined its values, policies, and service provision to better serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. Beginning in 1953 with a small group of mothers advocating for their children’s education and community involvement, CLWP has grown into a pioneering organization deeply rooted in the principles of Social Role Valorization (SRV). A significant turning point in the agency’s history occurred in 1981-1982, when CLWP underwent a PASSING (Program Analysis of Service Systems’ Implementation of Normalization Goals) evaluation. This process was transformative. Recognizing that ongoing education and engagement with SRV are critical for sustained change, CLWP partnered with the SRV Implementation Project to develop a comprehensive training program for all staff and an internal Study Group creating a culture change for the agency. This presentation will provide an overview of the key milestones in CLWP’s evolution, emphasizing the agency’s ongoing commitment to SRV and the continuous development of its services and values. It will offer insights into the challenges and successes of CLWP’s journey. It will highlight how a sustained focus on values and continuous learning can drive meaningful change in developmental services.
Presenters
Laurie Frandsen​
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Laurie Frandsen is a dedicated paraprofessional with extensive experience as an Educational Assistant and Personal Support Worker, providing support to both children and adults. She served two terms on the Board of Directors at Community Living Welland Pelham. As a parent of a young adult with autism, Laurie is a passionate advocate, working to ensure her son has access to valued roles within the community, broadening his opportunities. Recently, Laurie relocated from Ontario to Nova Scotia, where she and her family are embracing the natural beauty of the east coast.​
Leslie Mongor
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Leslie Monger is the Executive Director of Community Living Welland Pelham in Ontario, with a 36-year tenure at the agency. Leslie served as Supervisor of Independent Living and Family Homes for 15 years, supporting over 90 individuals, then as Director of Adult Services for a decade before assuming the role of Executive Director in May 2024. Leslie is guided by SRV and person-centered approaches in every decision she makes for the agency, ensuring that those served enjoy the good things of life. Leslie received her degrees from the University of Guelph and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
Amy Norman​
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Amy Norman has worked in the developmental sector for over 25 years. She has held various roles throughout her career and currently is in the role of Director of Adult Services with Community Living Welland Pelham (CLWP). Amy utilizes SRV and Person Centered approaches within her work setting as well as, for the last 18 years, at home with her son, whom she does not want to be identified (solely) by his disability. These approaches have helped him experience success at every stage of his life.​
Theresa Terreberry​
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Theresa Terreberry’s deep commitment to family has influenced her role as Manager of Family Support with Community Living Welland Pelham (CLWP). Theresa has been influential in implementing the Living the Vision project and moving to expand how we support families in learning the importance of their loved one having valued social roles. During her tenure at CLWP, Theresa was instrumental in developing and implementing the 3’rs Project (Rights, Respect and Responsibility) in partnership with Brock University. This multi-year project saw a shift in the culture within the association as there became a stronger focus on individual choice and preference. This work has influenced service organizations across the country. ​
Kerry Thomas​
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Kerry Thomas is a Family Support Coordinator, Community Liaison Coordinator & Supervisor of Children’s Residential Supports. With almost 30 years’ experience in human services, Kerry has embraced many roles including, residential support, employment, and family support. Twenty-five of those years he has been a mainstay at Community Living Welland Pelham. He has also been privileged to sit as an Advisor to People First Welland, Ontario and Canada. Community is important to Kerry, and he has received recognition for his contributions as a recipient of Niagara 40 under 40, The Steward Cummings Service and a Paul Harris Fellow. Over the years he has served on many boards and was past president of the Welland Rotary Club where he spearheaded the Rotary at work initiative.​