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Check out our highlighted stories from this past year!
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia,
and Biphobia (IDAHTB) flag raising at Toronto’s City Hall
On May 17, 2024, “Toronto Pflag” families and volunteers gathered with Mayor Olivia Chow at Toronto City Hall to raise the Progress Pride Flag for the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHTB).
We were thrilled to have Kelly Svetkoff, person in service, participate in this event and share her experiences and challenges as a self-advocate in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and as a person with a disability.
We are thankful to Andrew Scott, Behaviour Support Technician at CLTO and a member of the Toronto Pflag board, and CLTO’s Pride Collective group for making this inspiring moment happen!
A Memorable Toronto Adventure:
Exploring Little Canada
Last month, some of the Clubhouse members embarked on an exciting Toronto adventure, filled with fun and interactive experiences at Little Canada, an immersive attraction that delighted everyone.
Little Canada provided a unique opportunity for many of the people supported by the organisation to reconnect with familiar places in Toronto and reminisce about special memories across Ontario. The exhibits, featuring miniature and three-dimensional scenes, transitioned from day to night, adding to the charm and realism of the experience.
Among the crowd’s favourites were the miniature Via Rail and Go trains, which traversed the displays, showcasing iconic provincial landmarks like Niagara Falls, the Ottawa Parliament Buildings, and the Toronto CN Tower. It was a delightful journey where they could marvel at the Canadian landscape from a new perspective and enjoy the independent exploration of their favourite exhibits.
Overall, the visit to Little Canada was a five-star experience, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, nostalgia, and educational value. It serves as a fantastic recommendation for others looking to plan engaging and memorable outings.
The good things in life are better with you
Check out these Valentine’s Day images showcasing artwork by folks from
North York Community Participation Supports (CPS)! With help from the awesome
art teacher, Lisa, they have created a beautiful collection filled with lots of
heart paintings. Each piece reflects the love and creativity of our community.
Fairfax CPS had a ton of fun celebrating Valentine’s Day together! |
South Simcoe Theatre – Night Out!
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Big THANK YOU to everyone involved in making this memorable trip possible. It turned out to be a day filled with smiles and laughter, leaving the group happy for the wonderful memories created.
A part of the Audience at
“The Good Stuff with Mary Berg”
Sam Forbes, a member of
CLTO Influencers, had a really cool chance to watch “The Good Stuff with
Mary Berg” as part of the audience. It was awesome to have Edward and
Michelle Lau with us for this special event. The show was all about celebrating
folks who do good things in our community.
The Provincial Network HR Forum
Community Living Toronto participated in the Provincial Network HR Forum with more than 400 HR professionals, Senior Management, Communications Professionals, Direct Support Professionals, and DS Sector Colleges.
Aneliya Arnaudova, Senior Manager Talent and Acquisition, and Husnain Saba, Workforce Development Manager, from CLTO had the opportunity to share their insights on Talent Acquisition and Development and preparing the DS Workforce for the future. Their presentation also highlighted the importance of building and maintaining strong internal collaborations and partnerships.
AthariPeople also had booth at the Forum. We were inspired by AthariPeople’s mission to purposefully connect skilled, compassionate staff with organisations worldwide that support individuals with developmental disabilities.
Brad Saunders (CLTO) and Sarah MacDonald (MyJobMatch) visiting the AthariPeople booth
Community Living Toronto Celebrates International
Day of Persons with Disabilities with Minister Khera
On Saturday, December 2, CLTO came together at 65 The East Mall to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. We were proud to host Minister Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada who not only delivered her thoughtful remarks but engaged with several attendees and staff throughout the day. There was a festive ambiance with fun, food and engaging activities. We’re excited that Minister Khera joined our special celebration and her presence underscores the importance of CLTO’s ongoing commitment to creating a barrier-free society.
Highlighting Our Adult Respite Programs at Sibley Parkview:
A Successful Open House Event
We are thrilled to share the success of our recent open house, where we proudly unveiled our newest Adult Respite Program location at Sibley Parkview. This renovated and purposefully renewed site is dedicated to adult respite, featuring numerous accessible bathrooms, well-equipped kitchens, inclusive designs, and an inviting, homely atmosphere.
Nestled just across the park in the vibrant East Danforth neighbourhood, the Sibley Parkview location provides a welcoming and accessible space for individuals seeking respite services. The open house drew a significant number of attendees, all of whom had the opportunity to explore the facility and experience firsthand the thoughtfully designed amenities.
The positive response from those who attended the open house is a testament to the success of this initiative. We are proud to have created a space that not only meets the needs of our community members but also fosters a warm and inclusive environment. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the open house, contributing to the triumph of this event and the continued success of our Adult Respite Programs.
Celebrating Our Rockstars
On November 8, 2023, Community Living Toronto hosted a Staff Appreciation event to honour our incredible team members with long-term service. It was a wonderful occasion to recognize many of the hardworking people at CLTO and emphasize their dedication and commitment to the work we do. You’re the leaders on our journey to making a difference in the community and the lives of those we support and their families.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special congratulations to our award winners. Your devotion to our purpose is truly commendable.
Community Rocks 2023 – Beach Party!
An Amazing Celebration of Belonging
This fall marked the return of our much-anticipated Community Rocks event, the first in the last five years. We extend a big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our “party with a purpose”!
The event’s energy was electrified with your favourite cover tunes from The Dwayne Gretzky Band & and surfing up some Beach Boy covers from The Beach Men. The dancefloor offered pulsating beats from DJ Lynz & DJ Raptor Marc, creating an unforgettable non-stop Beach Party! From engaging in beach ball games to experiencing the thrill of an inflatable surfing simulator, there was an array of activities catering to all attendees. The Creative Village Studio had an exclusive Art Sale, showcasing paintings from their talented Artists.
The turnout for our event was truly remarkable, with 1,200 amazing guests, dedicated CLTO sponsors, and donors. We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to your support, we raised over $750,000! (Before deducting expenses)
Thanksgiving Party at Tretti Way
This Thanksgiving, the residents at Tretti Way gathered for a heartwarming Thanksgiving Party. From decorating to cooking dishes and organizing entertaining games, we witnessed our wonderful staff’s incredible dedication and support.
Laughter filled the air as we played games, sang songs, enjoyed rhythmic drumming, and savoured delicious Thanksgiving feasts. To make the day even more memorable, we had a secret, “Mr. Turkey”, where people had a budget and went out to purchase surprise gifts for each other.
We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and unity that make events like this so special. Thank you to our amazing staff and everyone who joined us for an unforgettable Thanksgiving celebration!
The International Short Breaks Association (ISBA) –
2023 Conference in Poland
The ISBA Conference 2023 in Poland was an amazing experience. Attendees learned about Poland’s history during World War II, and the city of Wroclaw had fun gnome statues.
Lidia Lempart, the keynote speaker, talked about how important it is for families to help children with disabilities. She said parents play a big role, and families need support and tools for taking care of their kids at home.
Saeed Zaroori shared his inspiring story. Even though he uses a wheelchair and has a degenerative disease, he went bungee jumping, rock climbing, and diving. He showed us that with determination, we can redefine our limits and enjoy life.
When we are creative and resilient, there are endless possibilities.
Learn more about the International Short Breaks Association: https://isba.me/
Derek Feltz, Program Manager, Respite Choices, and Brad Saunders, CEO of CLTO, presented on how co-design can empower people with disabilities. Their insights were drawn from CLTO Influencers’ valuable lived experiences.
Exploring Excellence on the Ground
In September 2023, the Strategic Communications Team visited some of the Community Living Toronto sites that allowed the team to witness firsthand the unwavering dedication and compassion of our staff in caring for the people we support. These visits were an inspiring reminder of the incredible work being done every day, the challenges overcome, and the lives touched by your commitment
These tours were more than just a glimpse into the on-ground efforts as they offered a deeper understanding of our mission and vision. The team had the opportunity to witness the colourful expression at Creative Village
Studio and the joy of opening the doors again to the community after the pandemic. The specialized resource homes at Morningside and Buttonwood captured the team’s attention for their brilliant use of technology in providing support to the individuals coupled with the genuine warmth and motivation of our staff.
The team was so impressed by the transformation of Sibley and congratulate all involved in the renovations. It is truly an example of innovation and prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.
A shoutout to the teams at Creative Village Studio, Morningside, Buttonwood and PMO team for their support in making this happen!
Sunshine, smiles, and a whole lot of FUN –
that’s what CLTO’s Family Fun Fair was all about!
The Family Fun Fair came back after a break caused by the pandemic, and it was exciting to see so many familiar faces! We were all so happy to be together again, enjoying a day of fun in the sun.
This event has been a favorite tradition for a long time, and we could not wait for it to return. We had lots of things to do, like playing games, dancing to music, eating tasty BBQ food, and BINGO.
We want to say a big thank you to everyone who came and donated, contributing to our Annual United Way fundraiser campaign. Together, we can help fight local poverty and continue to create strong communities.
Special thank you to MPP Andrea Hazell and MPP David Smith for taking the time to join us!
We’re looking forward to more fun times, more laughter, and more moments together.
Staff’s “professionalism and positivity” in Action at CLTO:
Annual Inspection by MCCSS
The annual inspection by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) is part of a regular process to ensure that Community Living Toronto (CLTO) meets Ministry requirements for health and safety. We are very pleased to share and celebrate with you all that we have passed our 2022-2023 MCCSS Quality Assurance Measure Compliance Review!
This year, CLTO welcomed MCCSS auditors who inspected three Supported Living Programs including Group Homes, Supported Independent Living, and Life Share over a three-week period from July 31, 2023 – August 18, 2023.
After reviewing Program documentation, policies and procedures, and inspecting our properties, there was just one area of non-compliance and the MCCSS staff commended CLTO on our systems, processes, and the overall quality of services provided. Throughout the review, compliance inspectors commented on staff’s professionalism and positivity, and in CLTO’s pre-exit meeting, Ministry staff noted that, “overall, [it was] a fantastic inspection.”
For further information on the outcomes of the review, you may visit our QAM 2023 page on SharePoint here.
We are thankful to all CLTO staff for your hard work and diligence in making this year’s inspection a success and for your continued commitment to quality in all we do.
A Day at Duncan’s Farm
What a fantastic day at Duncan’s Farm!
On August 14, 2023, a group from various parts of CLTO took a trip to Duncan’s
Farm, and the day was filled with laughter and (re)connection for everyone.
There was no shortage of fun, from games and dancing to a fully stocked BBQ
lunch, ice cream, a refreshing swim, and even a visit with some four-legged
friends.
It’s been a few years since we’ve visited Duncan’s Farm due to the pandemic,
and you can see our joy in these photos. We were so thrilled to be back!
Thank you to Duncan Jackman, Chair of CLTO’s Patron’s Council, for making this
day possible. Special thanks to Nelly, Ann, Bow Tie Ice Cream truck, and
the Seventh Heaven Event Catering team for making it an unforgettable day.
Here’s to more sunny days in the company of friends.
Community Living in the
Community Music Therapy
Thanks to a generous donation from the Retired Teachers of Ontario District 22 Etobicoke and York, CLTO was able to run a music therapy program for seniors with an intellectual
disability to help reduce loneliness and social isolation. Four in-person sessions happened this spring, facilitated by a Registered Music Therapist, CLTO staff and volunteers. Each of the 8 seniors received an MP3 player filled with their favourite music and a lap blanket that was generously created by one of the volunteers to keep them warm.
“From the first session, I knew how special this experience would
be for our participants. The moment Shelley stood up, she started dancing and singing when she heard her selected music come through her headset. It was so beautiful to watch. And when Kevin shared his extensive music knowledge, we were all amazed. Each participant brought something to the table to add a spark to the experience.” – said Laura Parsonson, CLTO Board member and Volunteer and co-creator of the Music Therapy program.
Meet the New Graduate!
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, eight students graduated from Project SEARCH Toronto school-to-work transition program.
With hands-on training combined with job coaching and instruction in
employability skills, Project SEARCH Toronto graduates, including Mackenzie are qualifying for complex and systematic roles in healthcare and other diverse organizations.
Follow the link to read Mackenzie’s success story and learn more about Project SEARCH Toronto: https://projectsearchtoronto.ca/project-search-graduate…/
Sam Forbes addresses the
United Nations in New York!
“This was the most important day of my life!” says Sam Forbes, a member of CLTO Influencers, who was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly directly. Sam, Ann-Marie Binetti, a CLTO Senior Manager, and other Disability advocates from around the world had an opportunity to review and discuss the UN Resolution on Easy-to-Understand Communication. This resolution will encourage companies and organizations worldwide to use accessible language guidelines.
This is a big step towards ensuring that #AccessibleCommunication is a reality for all!
Mural Unveiling
On Tuesday, May 29th, 2023, we celebrated and unveiled the beautiful Canada Connects Autumn Mural Mosaic in Toronto – featuring tiles
painted by CLTO community members! Artists of all skill levels throughout Canada and many parts of the world have come together to create the Canada Seasons Autumn mural.
Meet the New Graduate!
Jonathan Segade started his continuing education journey at Centennial College in 2019 with IOPEN (Individualized On-campus Post-Secondary Experience Network). Jonathan began pursuing a course in Entrepreneurship through the School of Community and Health Studies: Health Wellness.
Despite classes being suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic, Jonathan was steadfast and determined to complete his certificate program and quickly re-enrolled as soon as classes restarted.
On June 08, 2023, Jonathan graduated with a certificate in Entrepreneurism from Centennial College.
Jonathan plans to pursue a diploma program next!
Congratulations to Jonathan!
75 Years of Belonging –
75th Anniversary Launch Event
On April 17, Community Living Toronto hosted a Breakfast Open House event to launch its “75 Years of Belonging” year-long campaign celebrations! The organization is reflecting on how far it has come over the past 75 years through stories on how important it is for people with an intellectual disability to feel that they belong in their community.
It was a pleasure to celebrate the special occasion with attendees including Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance, Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Housing, Honourable Mike Lake, Member of Parliament for Edmonton – Wetaskiwin, and other government officials, people supported, community leaders, CLTO Board members, and staff
