Empower Simcoe

It's the 73rd Empower Simcoe Annual General Meeting & Gift of the Heart Awards tonight at Liberty North Banquet Hall in Barrie!

Can't join us in person? We'd love to have you join us virtually. Tune in to our AGM Live Stream beginning at 5:00pm at https://ow.ly/6HHh50ZR0GQ

Be inspired by the stories of our 2026 Gift of the Heart Award recipients as we honour outstanding volunteers, employees, families, self-advocates, and community partners whose dedication helps empower people to lead meaningful and inclusive lives.

We're also pleased to welcome Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall as our keynote speaker for the evening.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you tonight!

What a great idea! We're excited to share this initiative from Lake Simcoe Retirement Residence & Assisted Living. If you have a postcard from your travels, hometown, or a special place, consider donating it and helping create moments of joy for seniors in our community.

Sam recently enjoyed a wonderful staycation at the Four Points Hotel, where she spent some well-deserved time away with Louisa, her Empower Simcoe Support Worker. She then treated herself to the ultimate "Pamper Me Day," visiting a few local businesses for some relaxation and self-care!

From enjoying delicious meals at her favourite restaurants to getting her hair and nails done, Sam made the most of her special getaway.

Looking fabulous, Sam! We’re so glad you had the chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy being pampered. 😊

Thank you, Give Back Rack!

As the featured charity for September, the Empower Simcoe Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community initiative. Visit Give Back Rack, located at 128 Penetang Street in Barrie, this Sunday and shop in support of people of all abilities in our community.

Give Back Rack is a nonprofit thrift store operated in partnership with Barrie Families Unite, providing residents with affordable access to clothing, footwear, toiletries, linens, start-over kits, and other essential items.

Thrift with purpose and help make a difference in our community!

At the Give Back Rack, we believe that when local organizations support one another, our entire community benefits.

That's why we've created Give Back Sundays—a monthly opportunity to shine a spotlight on a local charity or community organization while raising funds through everyday shopping.

This month - Sept. 20th is our GIVE BACK SUNDAY. Please plan to stop by and shop on Sunday and support not only the work of Barrie Families Unite, but also the work of our incredible community partners; !

See you SUNDAY! 😍

🎉 We’re 50% SOLD OUT! 🎉

Tickets are going fast for Empower Simcoe’s Celebrating Community Champions Fashion Show!

Join us Thursday, October 29th at Georgian Downs in Innisfil for an unforgettable evening of fashion, inspiration, and celebration as we shine a spotlight on the incredible people and families who make our community stronger.

🎟️ Don’t wait — get your tickets before they’re gone! https://ow.ly/VBeG50Zk6cr

Looking to make an even bigger impact? Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and community partners.

Come celebrate with us and be part of an evening that champions inclusion and celebrates people of all abilities!

What happens when learning, inclusion, and community come together? Amazing things.

Students from Georgian College’s Hair Styling program recently visited Empower Simcoe’s O’Brien House for a special Spa Day, providing haircuts and styling services for the seniors we support.

The experience allowed students to build their technical and communication skills while learning how to adapt their services to meet diverse needs. Most importantly, they formed some special connections and delivered exceptional care with respect and compassion.

For everyone at O’Brien House, it was about more than just a haircut. It was a chance to feel pampered, and celebrated, while enjoying a special day focused entirely on them.

A huge thank you to the Georgian College Hair Styling students for sharing their skills and kindness. We’re excited that this partnership will continue and can’t wait for the next Spa Day!

Proudly representing Empower Simcoe at Take Back the Night 2026, Erica, Meghan and Sandra joined participants and community members in downtown Barrie to stand against sexual assault and gender-based violence.

This important annual rally and march unites people in support of survivors and sends a powerful message that violence has no place in our communities.

Together, we can raise our voices, foster understanding, and advocate for safer, more inclusive communities where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported.

📢 Help Shape Our Next Family Engagement Event!

Empower Simcoe is planning a Family Engagement: Planning for the Future session and we want your input.

Complete our quick survey to tell us:
• What topics matter most to your family
• Where you'd like the session to be held
• How we can create opportunities for families to connect and share experiences

Together, we can create a valuable and engaging event for families across our community.

Take the survey and share your thoughts before September 30th at https://ow.ly/tqj550ZLv2X

At the 2026 Community Living Ontario Inspiring Possibilities AGM & Conference in Markham, committee members had the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives during their presentation, “Beyond Inclusion: Embedding Self-Advocacy into Organizational Culture.”

The session was also the launch of , a campaign focused on celebrating the talents, strengths, passions and perspectives that make each of us unique.

We loved seeing so many conference guests get involved and share pride in their abilities.

When we take the time to recognize people for their talents and contributions, we help shift the conversation from disability to ability, creating more opportunities for everyone to Be, Belong, and Thrive.

Now, we’re handing it over to you. What’s your ability?

Pictured in first photo (l-r): Empower Simcoe Believe In Yourself Committee members Jefferson, Melissa, and Allison.