Who We Are
About Community Living North Perth
Our Story
Community Living North Perth is a not-for-profit registered charity. We champion and advocate for the inclusion and citizenship of people with developmental disabilities in North Perth.
Community Living North Perth began in 1958 as a group of concerned parents in need of a school for their children with developmental disabilities. It has evolved into an organization that is committed to providing unique, individualized support to people with a developmental disability in partnership with their families, friends and the larger community.
Today, our supports can range from 30 minutes a week helping to balance the cheque book to 24 hours a day helping with cooking, personal care, and anything else anyone needs to do in a day. We listen to what a person wants out of life and then help them formulate a plan to reach their goals and dreams.
Community Living North Perth is partially funded by social service, as well as by donations, fundraising and community support.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to promoting quality of life through education, advocating inclusion, realizing dreams, and supporting people to be contributing members of their community.
Our Vision
Supporting Individuals in a welcoming community.
Our Values
Respect
Inclusion
Empowerment
Integrity
Innovation
Land Acknowledgement
- We acknowledge and give thanks for the land on which we gather as being the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee/People of the Long House and the Anishinaabe.
- We recognize the First Peoples’ continued stewardship of the land and water, and that this territory is subject to the Dish with One Spoon Wampum under which multiple nations agreed to care for the land and resources by the Great Lakes in peace.
- We also acknowledge and recognize the treaties signed in regard to this land including Treaty #29 and Treaty #45 ½. Our roles and shared responsibilities as treaty people mean we are committed to moving forward in reconciliation with gratitude and respect with all First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Indigenous Peoples.
Commitment to Indigenous Sovereignty, Truth, and Reconciliation
- We recognize and respect indigenous sovereignty in Canada as recognized and affirmed in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and are dedicated to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
- We recognize and respect Indigenous peoples’ right to self-governance and ways of knowing.
- We are committed to creating cultural safety by hearing, understanding, and responding to the concerns of Indigenous peoples in order to co-create a new path forward that is grounded in trust, respect, reconciliation and partnership.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
We are committed to:
- Becoming more safe, equitable and inclusive for ALL.
- Addressing all forms of discrimination, including but not limited, to anti-racism, gender bias, and rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- Aligning with the HPA-OHT vision for a sustainable people-driven system that strives to provide a positive experience for all.
Audited Financials
2022-2023 Audit
2021-2022 Audit
2020-2021 Audit
Newsletters
MEET OUR TEAM
OUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT STAFF
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BEN UNDERWOOD
CHAIR
Ben was born and raised on a farm in Wingham before pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McMaster University. Ben moved to Listowel in 2020 to start a career in CIBC Commercial Banking and was looking for a way to give back to his new community. In 2021 he came across an opportunity to join the board of directors for CLNP. Ben is looking forward to providing his financial knowledge and eagerness with the board. Ben’s hobbies include sports, reading, and exploring nature with his dog Link.
KAREN HUBER
1st VICE CHAIR
Karen was born and raised in Millbank. She has worked in children’s mental health and developmental services sectors for 30 years. Currently, she is the FASD Coordinator for Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre and is involved in many provincial initiatives that raise awareness and understanding of FASD. Karen is passionate about equitable, inclusive and culturally safe communities. She works towards this through her work at Sunbeam, her private consultation practice and her involvement in volunteer work. Karen has twin boys, Jacob and Justin. She enjoys time at the cottage, hiking and reading.
VIRGINIA DUNBAR
2nd VICE CHAIR
Virginia was born and raised in Listowel where she and her husband Bruce still reside. They are parents
of 3, Michael, Steven, and Kelsey, and proud grandparents of 3, Meika, Connor, and Lucas, and looking
forward to another grandchild in the fall of 2022. She has been employed since 2005 at Libro Credit
Union and currently fills the role of Community Manager. Virginia is passionate about supporting our
business community as well as having a focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Her hobbies include
knitting, reading, and camping.
BETHANY DINSMORE
SECRETARY
Bethany Dinsmore has worked at Thames Valley Children’s Centre for nearly 17 years and is a Manager of Clinical Services in the Autism & Behavioural Services program (supporting families of children and youth with an autism diagnosis). She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® and is passionate about supporting individuals of all abilities to build fully integrated and inclusive lives within their communities of choice. After moving to the Gorrie area in 2001, when she joined her husband on his family farm, Bethany has enjoyed working with countless families and community partners throughout Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce counties. She brings with her a host of leadership experience and an enthusiasm for human services as she joins the CLNP Board of Directors, June 2021.
LISA SCHAEFER
DIRECTOR
Lisa grew up and currently resides in Listowel with her husband Tyler and two daughters, Keira and Brooke. She is a Health and Wellness Officer at the Avon Maitland District School Board and brings a wealth of in-depth experience and knowledge in human resources. Lisa is passionate about supporting her community and promoting North Perth as a place to live, work and play for everyone. If she is not running her kids around, you will find her at home reading, walking around town or hiking the Bruce Trail.
ASHLEY FOX
DIRECTOR
Ashley was born and raised in Harriston before pursuing a practical nursing diploma from Georgian College in Owen Sound. She resides in Palmerston with her husband and daughter. Currently, she is the Community Outreach Coordinator and a Nurse Case Manager with Promyse Home Care. Known for being a jack of all trades, she is also in various positions of healthcare advocacy and volunteer support. She brings with her a host of leadership and governance experience from past board experience with the College of Nurses of Ontario and the Canadian PSW Network. Ashley’s hobbies and interests include reading, gardening, and ongoing education opportunities.
MICHELLE WHITNEY
DIRECTOR
Michelle obtained her Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from Fanshawe College, and then continued on to obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2020. Michelle has worked in public accounting for nearly 15 years, with the last 8 being at BDO Canada. Currently, she works out of the Waterloo office as a Manager in Audit and Assurance, serving a variety of clients including many in the not-for-profit sector. Michelle moved to Perth East in 2022 and was looking for a way to get involved in the community. She is looking forward to sharing her accounting knowledge with the board. Michelle’s hobbies include golfing, reading and spending time with her dog Oliver.
