Afrika Yeboah, Richard Janas and Carolyn Bossert attending the Staff Appreciation Event

By: Carolyn Bossert

Richard Janas joined the Community Living Toronto team on June 2, 1986. After only one week of training, Richard was ready for his first mail courier job through Employment Supports. He started at Spadina Centralized Services; then on December 12, 1999 moved to Etobicoke Region, where he continues to provide excellent courier service.

Over a 30 year span many things can change, but Richard remains consistent. He keeps up his strong work ethic, provides courteous service, and is always on time. He has a great sense of humour and an impeccable memory. Seasonal time changes and weather conditions have nothing on Richard; he rarely misses his daily trek to our group homes and offices. Richard also has a great eye for detail. We’ve lost count of the number of times he notices items that need correction on our inter-office envelopes. Aside from work, Richard is a watch collector, cyclist, coffee lover, and “Young and the Restless” fan.

Richard, working with you is a privilege and we greatly appreciate your unwavering commitment to Community Living Toronto.

Bernice and Sandy (center front) surrounded by their friends and colleagues

We recently had the privilege of honouring two  coworkers at a retirement celebration: Sandy Ashwell, 27 years and Bernice Henderson, 25 years of service.

Sandy joined Community Living Toronto April of 1991 as a Behaviour Service Consultant. Her expertise, knowledge base and behavioural consultation has clearly impacted the lives of numerous individuals in our programs. Sandy’s amazing insight and advocacy has made a difference in the well-being and quality of life of many. Sandy’s knowledge also gave her the  ability to facilitate agency trainings such as Dual Diagnosis, Medication Administration, Community Living Toronto’s Interactive Services Information  System (ISIS), and Preventing Abuse through Consultation and Training (PACT).

Bernice came to Community Living Toronto with a background in nursing after growing up in Newfoundland and living in Alberta. She started as a part-time Secretary at Etobicoke SWACA (ETS) June 1992 then in November 1999 became a full-time Secretary at the Etobicoke Office. Bernice was always happy to help the Etobicoke Office staff with all kinds of administrative tasks. She brought an upbeat energy to the office and greeted guests and staff with that same liveliness.

Both Bernice and Sandy were presented with a Jade plant which represents longevity, prosperity and friendship.

Download the full newsletter here: April Connections Newsletter