Epilepsy Simcoe County
Address | Victoria Village
72 Ross St. Unit 6 B&C
Barrie, ON L4N 1G3 |
Phone | (705) 737-3132
(800) 256-0638 |
Fax | (705) 737-5045 |
E-mail | epilepsysimcoecounty@rogers.com |
Staff | Jocelyn Williams, Office Manager
Ramona Carter, Client Services, Ph: (705) 719 4603 |
Hours | Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm |
Mission Statement
Epilepsy Simcoe County exists to improve the quality of life of those whose lives are affected by epilepsy by means of education, community awareness, advocacy and support.
Vision
Epilepsy (Ontario) Simcoe County will become an effective, caring, high profile organization which meets the identified needs of all people with epilepsy in our region. It will serve as a standard of service for Simcoe County, Ontario and Canada. The organization will have a strong foundation of board, volunteer and staff representatives from each community within Simcoe County.
This will be built through a financial development and communication infrastructure which supports a board-based program of public education, awareness and direct support, to understand and mitigate the impact of epilepsy on individuals within our community.
History
Epilepsy (Ontario) Simcoe is a volunteer organization, formed in 1978, to provide public education and awareness about epilepsy, and to give support to individuals affected by epilepsy.
Our activities are guided by a Board of Directors, representing a variety of professional skills and interests.
Funding
We are financed in part by the United Way of Greater Simcoe County, but the majority of our operating income comes from our own fundraising efforts and donations.
Volunteers
Volunteer efforts are essential to our programs and services. There are many ways in which volunteers can help. For information about becoming a volunteer, please
contact us.
Volunteering with Epilepsy (Simcoe County) has many tangible rewards, some of which are
directly transferable to employer(s). These rewards include but are not limited to:
- Building a better and more empathic community
- A higher sense of self-worth
- Obtain credible references
- Enhancing your computer skills
- Improving your interpersonal communication skills
- Improve your community networking with influential organizations
- Assistance with your resume
- High School students can use towards the necessary community volunteer hours
Volunteer positions (You can choose!!)
- School/Senior Residence/Nurseries Presentations including a puppet show "Kids on the Block"
- Clerical (computer/filing)
- Membership mailings
- Volunteer Recruiter
- Support group/youth mentoring involvement
- Receptionist
- Drivers
- Community Fundraiser Coordinator/Helper
- Media/public Awareness
- NEW FOR 2008……be a member of our Barrie Dragonboat Festival 2008 team (rowers, steer person, drummer etc)
Community Events, Support Groups and Announcements
| Support Group Meetings
May 21st 1:00pm at the office.
Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we know approx. how many people to set up for. Everyone welcome - all ages - families or individuals with epilepsy or friends and concerned relatives. |
 | Teen Mentoring Group
May 14th, and June 18th 1:00pm at the office.
We need young people between the ages of 13 - 25 (or older if interested) wanting to share experiences at monthly meetings. Can arrange group activities, fundraisers to assist people who can use the extra financial support etc. We are in the process of starting a web page just for this group and a "chat" line so you can speak to each other about the ups and downs of living with epilepsy. Call 719-4603 and register for the next group meeting. |
Programs & Services
Child Tutor Program
Providing financial assistance for tutoring children living with epilepsy (6-18 years of age). (Must meet agency requirements.)
Resource Library
Our lending library offers current materials, books and videos to the general public to increase knowledge about epilepsy.
Children's Camp
Financial assistance is available for children living with epilepsy (6-16 years of age) to attend Epilepsy Ontario's
Spike and Wave Camp. (Must meet agency requirements.)
Kids on the Block
Our troupe of volunteer puppeteers and their life-size puppets provide education and increase awareness by their scripted performances about epilepsy. This is offered at no charge to schools and a variety of groups throughout Simcoe County, when invited.
Education
We offer other forms of education about epilepsy for teen and adult audiences.
Support Groups
Monthly meeting to support and educate adults and teens about epilepsy.
Counselling
We offer support and referrals to individual clients by appointment, walk-in or telephone.
Emergency Medication Fund
Financial assistance is available for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). (Must meet agency requirements.)
Emergency Travel Expenses
Financial assistance is available for a person with epilepsy to attend doctor's appointments, medical tests, etc. (Must meet agency requirements.)
Newsletter
Our informative quarterly newsletter offers news, events, etc.
Volunteer Programs
Interested persons have a variety of opportunities to assist with agency programs.
Events
Self defense classes - With Selena Grant a certified instructor.
May 28th, June 4th, June 11th, and June18th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm (Rain or Shine)
Price: Free for members & $30 for non-members (but this will give you a one year membership)
Please RSVP with main office.
Bird Watching
May 31st, at 10:00 am – 1:00pm (Weather permitting), at the Tiffin Conservation Centre
Come out with family and friends and enjoy the scenery. Bring your camera, lunch, sun tan lotion, strollers, walkers, etc.
Price: $2:00
Please RSVP with main office.
Dinner Cruise
July 18th - A 2 hour sunset cruise around Kempenfelt Bay.
Enjoy the beautiful scenic cruise aboard the Serendipity.
The Serendipity will leave the Barrie Harbor at 7:15pm.
Price: $44.00 per person
Dragon Boat Festival 2008
August 23rd, 2008 start time 7am – 5pm
Be a member of our Barrie Dragon boat Festival 2008 team: 'pirates of the epilepseas'. We are still in need of rowers, steer person, drummer etc.
For more information please contact the office or
e-mail us.
