Want to Support Self-Advocates?
We offer useful resources to help support self-advocates!
- How to Support Self-Advocates
- Useful tips on supporting self-advocates
- We’re all on the same team: A toolkit on service user participation in DS
- International Agreement on the Rights of Disabled People
Learn More
Articles From Our Advocates
The “Self-Advocacy Groups Updates” are a series of articles written by people using services within the grassroots self advocate groups in Christian Horizons’ communities. The topics for these monthly articles will include a range of topics, highlighting the perspectives of people who use services.
Articles From Our Advocates
Checkout these insightful articles written by our members!
- Our Voices Matter Against Racism
- Pink Shirt Day: Ryan’s Story
- Pink Shirt Day: Dean’s Story
- Pink Shirt Day: Elizabeth’s Story
Be sure to check back for more articles coming soon!
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Find a Local Group
Our Voices Matter is a diverse group that has many different communities and locations. Currently, Our Voices Matter has 8 different locations across Ontario. Click below to find a local group in your area!
Our Voices Matter Communities
Our Voices Matter West District
This group in the Niagara area is just getting started. If you would like more information about getting involved, please send an email.
Leaders: Elizabeth McDonough & Dean Henderson
Contact: ovmwest@christianhorizons.net, Elizabeth McDonough: mcdonoughe33@icloud.com, Dean Henderson: morgan_1967@outlook.com, Jennifer Polley: jpolley@christian-horizons.org
Our Voice Matters Toronto
This group is interested in advocating in their community. This group has taken a break during the pandemic but is looking forward to meeting again soon.
Leaders: Dzidra Halar, Casey Reilly, & Wayne Jones
Contact: Dzidra Halar: dzidrahalar@hotmail.com
Our Voice Matters Barrie
Leaders: Justin Scrimgeour
Contact: Justin Scrimgeour: cooljymca1984@gmail.com
Our Voice Matters South District
Leaders: Brad Frenette
Contact: Brad Frenette: bfrenette1989@gmail.com, 519-566-7966
Our Voice Matters Peer Support Group – Durham
This is an advocacy group that allows people supported to come together and discuss concerns that arise. It hopes to find solutions to any problems that a person supported may have all while amplifying their voice to be heard. Meetings are via Zoom every second Friday of the month from 1-1:45 pm.
Leaders: Jeff Currie
Contact: Jeff Currie: curriejeff4@gmail.com
Our Voices Matter Ottawa/Kingston
This group meets every other Tuesday evening on Zoom. They learn about advocacy together and invite guest speakers. Some past speakers include a police officer, MCCSS supervisor, local pastors, Christian Horizons managers, and an employment coach.
Leaders: Stephen Csaszar & Ray Ellis
Contact: ovmeast@christianhorizons.net , Ray Ellis: mightyray2@outlook.com
Our Voice Matters North
This group meets on the last Wednesday of every month.
Leaders: Tammy Laskowski & Ryan Smith
Contact: Tyler Ellis: tellis@christian-horizons.org, 705-783-5289
Our Voice Matters York
The advocacy group tries to meet once a month on Zoom. We have had different people come and speak to the group.
To name a few: Joni from Joni and Friends, The actual member of the Green Party, came to speak on his party platform, a woman from Liberal spoke on how to vote, we had Shayne 360Kids, Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Leaders: William Hulme & Caroline Orr
Contact: ourvoicemattersyork@yahoo.com, Irene: imoore@christian-horizons.org, William Hulme: 905-955-9020, Caroline Orr: 289-338-2767
Contact Us
Email us at ovmcouncil@christianhorizons.net, or signup for our newsletter to receive updates about Our Voices Matter and future events!
