OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 5, 2012) - Therapeutic and Educational Living Centres Inc. (TELCI) staff, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1521-03, will be holding a community meeting this Thursday, December 6 at 6 p.m. as they invite supporters to come and help save the agency from closure.

On Monday, December 3, the Board of Directors of TELCI - an agency providing services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities who are visually impaired - 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. Located in the City View neighbourhood of Ottawa-West Nepean, TELCI has been providing services since 1978.

"TELCI has been a part of this community for over two decades. The closure of this agency would have considerable impacts on residents, families and our community," says Joyce Nolan, a front-line staff at the agency and CUPE 1521-03 President. "The residents have lived together for over 30 years. To them, it's not an agency, it's not a facility, it's their home - they are family. There is no guarantee that the residents would remain together if they are re-located to other agencies for support. Together, we can find ways to advocate to keep TELCI open and give a voice to those rely on TELCI's services and supports. We count on you to join us in defending the future of this unique agency."