OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 13, 2012) - Following an overwhelming turnout at last week's meeting, Therapeutic and Educational Living Centres Inc. (TELCI) staff, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1521-03 are holding a follow up community meeting this Saturday, December 15 to discuss how to move forward to help save TELCI from closure.

Chaired by Reverend Neil Wallace, family members, volunteers and advocates came together last Thursday to speak out on the positive impact TELCI has had on their loved ones and to share their stories. The central theme among those who spoke was that TELCI was the residents' home - many had suffered in institutions prior to finding a home at TELCI. Feeling motivated and empowered, the crowd came together to strategize on how to keep the TELCI family together.

"The involvement of people who care deeply for our TELCI family will be key to saving the agency, says Joyce Nolan, a front-line staff at the agency and CUPE 1521-03 Unit Chair. We have a lot of work on our hands, but every moment is worthwhile. It's really rewarding to see the staff and the community band together for the sake of the residents that we all love. We must continue to fight to save TELCI."

"There was a general consensus in the room that there's a potential solution here, added Nolan. It's time for Minister of Community and Social Services John Milloy to step in and ensure services are properly funded and supported."

On Monday, December 3, the Board of Directors of TELCI announced the closure of the agency. TELCI provides appropriate residential, training, education, and support services, to enhance self reliance and social opportunities for people with both visual impairment and developmental disabilities. It is the only agency of its kind in all of eastern Ontario.