By Katina Xilias and Kimberly Bakhsh

On Tuesday May 31, 2016, the team in North York celebrated Janis Edwards as she retired from being a twenty-three year veteran at North York Supported Work and Community Activities (SWACA) program. Janis started as a volunteer at the old North York Employment Training Services and went on to become a Vocational Instructor who was then promoted to a Support Worker III position.

The celebration started with a delicious pot-luck lunch and Janis’ daughter as a surprise guest,  followed by a full afternoon program that had been planned and practiced for weeks by staff and program participants. Janis was serenaded by the North York Choir, John Campbell crooning ‘Stand by Me,’ and Frank Lakatosh playing keyboards. Employee Carlotta Charmichael wrote and directed ‘A day in the Life of Janis Edwards’. It was performed flawlessly by an enterprising group of North York actors. An original poem for Janis was written and recited by staff member Georgia Kurlinas and the members of the Earl Bales seniors group spelled out a dedication to Janis using the letters of her name.

Program manager Teresa Streczek provided an emotional farewell to Janis, as well. Janis’ exceptional skills include developing program curriculum, supporting individuals to engage with their community, facilitating supported on-the-job-training for individuals in service, and teaching a wide range of skills. She is the consummate professional who displays a superior level of devotion to the community living movement. Janis’ creativity and initiative provided countless new opportunities for the individuals in service which included many memorable drama and musical sign language performances at annual recognition events. Janis has a constant hunger for growth and development, both for herself and for the individuals we support. The staff and program participants will truly miss Janis and her professionalism, dedication and serenity but wish her well in her well-deserved retirement.

Upcoming North York Events

North York Region Council Meeting
Monday September 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm
1122 Finch Ave. W., unit 18

Everyone welcome

Parent Share
A support group for Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

1122 Finch Avenue West, 10 am to Noon
Dates: September 8, October 6, November 3,
December 1, 2016

RSVP:  Sarah Winter 647-729-1633 swinter@cltoronto.ca
Bonnie Heath 416-645-6000, ext. 1311 bheath@woodgreen.org