Everyday Miracles at CVNQuinte: How Support Transforms Lives
At CVNQuinte, the extraordinary often hides in the ordinary. For the people served, “everyday” moments—like shopping for groceries, visiting a favourite restaurant, or making it to a community event—become milestones of independence, confidence, and connection.
Executive Director Terri Korkush says with pride in her team: “The people we support can tell you that every day is special because they have supports that listen to them, believe in them, and make sure they are safe. They get what they need done, and they also have opportunities for adventure.”
Nicole: Finding the Right People
Nicole’s joy begins with trust. “I finally got the workers that I like,” she says. These are people who listen, who help her keep her home tidy, and who support her in doing the things she loves. Whether it’s Alicia helping with cleaning or joining Nicole on a trip to the food bank, the right match makes all the difference.
Nicole uses Passport funding to plan trips, from Medieval Times to the Ripley Aquarium and the Ottawa Tulip Festival. Without her support team–support workers and co-ordinator–she says, these adventures wouldn’t happen. They help her plan, get tickets, and make sure the day runs smoothly. Her eyes light up when she talks about the horses at Medieval Times. “They have white horses… they even do the Olympic-style riding.”
Margaret: Support Through Life’s Ups and Downs
Margaret has been connected to CVNQuinte for over a decade, receiving support from a team that includes Jasmine, Patricia, Iris, and Stephanie. They help with everything from grocery shopping and cooking to paperwork she finds overwhelming.
When her sister could no longer assist with day-to-day needs, CVNQuinte stepped in. “They can speak government language,” Margaret explains, describing how her team helps navigate forms and appointments. The support is practical but deeply personal—Jasmine, for instance, helped Margaret to visit her mother’s gravesite in one particular outing.
Margaret values knowing that CVNQuinte is there to organize her support and fill in when needed. “It’s nice to have them here… they help in a lot of ways,” she says.
Daniel: Independence, Keys, and Connection
For Daniel, CVNQuinte has been the bridge to independence. He recalls life before joining the agency and can’t imagine going back. “With this agency, I can do anything I set my mind to,” he says.
His days include grocery shopping, movie nights at the Galaxy Cinema, and playing video games. But one of his biggest milestones was receiving the keys to his own apartment—a place that he describes with pride for its comfort and security. He now lives with a roommate who is a great cook and is teaching Daniel some basic phrases in sign language.
The support is about more than tasks. Patricia, one of his longest-standing support workers, knows his preferences and takes time to ask what he wants. For Daniel, that respect and personal connection matter as much as the practical help.
Darrin: Stability and Choice
Darrin appreciates the consistency his support team provides. Shopping trips, cooking, and attending community events are regular parts of his week. He has been in Belleville for nearly 20 years, and in that time, CVNQuinte has become a steady presence.
He’s especially grateful for the freedom to choose his activities. “They don’t tell you what to do,” he says. From concerts—like seeing epic concerts like Journey and Def Leppard in Toronto—to train trips and car conventions, his support workers help make those plans reality. And, of course, there’s the hockey games. Darrin is a locally famous fan who is a massive supporter of the Belleville Senators.
For Darrin, the difference from other agencies is clear: “I just don’t like the way they treat me,” he says of past experiences. At CVNQuinte, he feels respected and supported.
More Than Services—It’s Partnership
Across these stories, a theme emerges: CVNQuinte isn’t simply delivering services; it’s building partnerships with people. Support workers listen first, then work alongside each person to make daily life smoother and richer.
As Terri points out, what may seem “mundane” to an outsider—shopping trips, banking, attending appointments—can be life-changing. For someone who might otherwise be isolated or unable to access the community, these moments are milestones.
And CVNQuinte is ready to welcome more people into those moments. Terri urges families not to wait: “Please give us a call. Don’t sit on a wait list. We can help you figure out what you need, when you need it, and with whom you need it—and help you find the funding to make it happen.”
At CVNQuinte, independence is celebrated, friendships are built, and every day is an opportunity for a small miracle.
Experience Transformative Support Through The Eyes of The People We Support in this micro-documentary:
