2023-2024 Annual Report - Community Living York South
CELEB R ATING
A M E S S A G E F R O M
A M E S S A G E F R O M
T H E E X E C U T I V E
T H E E X E C U T I V E
D I R E C T O R A N D D I R E C T O R A N D
T H E C H A I R O F T H E
T H E C H A I R O F T H E
B O A R D O F B O A R D O F
D I R E C T O R S D I R E C T O R S
Dear Community Members,
We are honoured to present this year’s Annual Report, reflecting on the achievements, challenges, and growth our organization has experienced over the past year. As we celebrate 70 years’ of contributions to our community, we are proud to continue our mission to empower people with an intellectual disability to live, learn, work and participate in their community.
Reflecting on Our Journey
This year has been one of both progress and reflection. As we move beyond the restrictions of COVID-19 and look to the future, we are excited that our programs and supports have fully recovered and that we are able to plan forward. We continuously assess our current services and the emerging needs of those we support and their families so that we can improve both the quality and reach of our services. Through the dedication of our teams, our partners, people supported and families, we have been able to introduce new initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life of those we support.
Phil Lanzarotta Board Chair
Nancy Kula Executive Director
Our focus on person-centered planning ensures that each individual receives the tailored support they need to thrive in their communities. Adhering to our core values of people, team and community and maintaining our heart centeredness, we are proud of our history and excited about our future.
Navigating Challenges
Like many organizations, we have faced significant challenges this year. The lingering effects of the pandemic, the new and emerging needs of our aging population, our aging physical facilities, have all provided both challenges and opportunities. Our dedicated and innovative teams have worked to provide excellent support to individuals and their families. We have adapted quickly and effectively, always advocating for the best quality of life possible for those we support.
Celebrating Success
There is much to celebrate this year. Our community programs have seen strengthened participation. Our family networks are growing and building a stronger sense of community, supporting
A M E S S A G E F R O M A M E S S A G E F R O M
T H E E X E C U T I V E T H E E X E C U T I V E
D I R E C T O R A N D D I R E C T O R A N D
T H E C H A I R O F T H E
T H E C H A I R O F T H E
B O A R D O F
B O A R D O F
D I R E C T O R S
D I R E C T O R S
families through education, training, collegial support and our renowned ‘Couples Retreat’, providing families with a unique and rare opportunity for a break with other families. New programming has been developed for older adults with new partnerships and opportunities explored. Many people have moved into new homes that better meet their needs and where they can continue to live, with dignity, as they age. We have invested heavily in the education and training of our teams including major work in the areas of personcentered support and leadership development to prepare the organization for success in the future. All these successes are a testament to the hard work and determination of our teams and those they support.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. We will continue to expand our programs, deepen our partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to building inclusive communities. We are thrilled to have completed a new Strategic Plan for 20242027 with engagement from over 150
individuals from across the organization and external stakeholders. Our Strategic plan will build upon our strengths and develop new capacity for the future – Strengthening our Foundation, Building on our Culture of Quality, Rejuvenating our Exceptional Workplace and Developing a Property Master Plan. We are also committed to enhancing our organizational infrastructure, investing in staff development, and embracing new technologies that will enable us to better serve our community. We are truly excited about the future and confident that with the ongoing support of the community, we can achieve even greater impact.
Last and most importantly, a huge thank you to our teams, our volunteers, our Board of Directors, those we support and their families and our partners and funders. None of what we do would be possible without you. We are grateful for your trust and for your commitment.
Sincerely,
Nancy Kula Executive Director
Phil Lazorotta Board Chair
M E E T O U R B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
Phil Lanzarotta, Chair
Elissa Freeman, Vice Chair
Louisa Poon, Treasurer
Shanae Soor, Secretary
Robert DaCosta, Past Chair
Rahila Chughtai
Vince Gennaro
Mona Halawa
Samir Patel
The Board of Directors provides governance, oversight, leadership, guidance, and support to the Executive Director of Community Living York South and the organization as a whole.
Thank you to our Board of Directors for their unwavering governance support in 2023-2024.
The Board of Directors at 2023 AGM
ORGANIZATIONAL ORGANIZATIONAL CHART CHART
General
Program Manager Tracy Paiva
Program Manager Silvia DeAbreu Program Manager Carmen Kosem
Palermo
Mission
Empower people with an intellectual disability to live, learn, work, and participate in their community.
Vision Community Living York South believes in a society where everyone belongs.
Values People. Team. Community.
Formally became an association
First residence (High Point) opened
Opened the Community Support Program
1954 1963 1972 1980s 1990s
Ministry of Education provided CLYS with funding
Opened parent relief program “Project Home”
Renamed “Community Living York South”
70 Year Milestone! Bright Ideas closed and amalgamated with C4B
2000s 2010s 2015 2017 2024
Expanded to Stouffville NetWORKS Program commenced
METRICS METRICS
PEOPLE IN INTENSIVE SUPPORTS
PEOPLE IN SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING AND TRANSITIONAL AGED YOUTH
PEOPLE IN SUPPORTED GROUP LIVING
PEOPLE IN COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SUPPORTS
PEOPLE IN SUMMER CAMP AND RESPITE
PEOPLE AND FAMILIES SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM
PEOPLE IN PROJECT SEARCH YORK
2022-2023 2022-2023 REVENUE REVENUE
OPERATIONS BY PROGRAM
Government Funding
Fees for Service
Other Revenue and Public Support
2022-2023 2022-2023
EXPENDITURES EXPENDITURES
OPERATIONS BY PROGRAM
Staff Salaries & Benefits
Program Support
Occupancy-related Costs
Other Expenses
MARCH 31, 2023 WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR 2022
CONDENSED AND CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
REVENUE Government funding Fees for service
EXPENDITURES
Staff salaries & benefits
Occupancy-related costs Program support
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenditures $946,992
COMMUNITY LIVING YORK SOUTH'S Other revenue & public support $1,173,635 $1,625,492 $318,168 $699,136 Other expenses $726,633
STRATEGIC PLAN STRATEGIC PLAN
ACCOMPLISHMENT IMPACT
Received Human Resource Development Canada - Canada Summer jobs funding to support community programs, administrative pressures and expand summer camp programs across southern York region.
The Community Support Team in collaboration with various partners, including but not limited to York Region District School Board, York Catholic School Board, York Region Transit, Your Support Services Network etc. provided information, education, and wellness opportunities.
Successfully completed Project SEARCH York Initiative in partnership with York Catholic District School Board and the City of Vaughan.
Received Funding from Ontario Caregiver Organization and Community Living Ontario to support development of 3 family networks.
109 children, youth and adults accessed summer camps and families received critical respite. Completion of administrative projects fundamental to daily operations. Provided enhanced support for summer activities
Over 100 presentations, exhibitions, and workshops were organized to benefit more than 1500 people with lived experience and families
Supported 6 Family Initiatives (Parent Operated Programs) to reengage social networks and revitalize programming impacted by the pandemic
Inaugural implementation of this internationally renown transition to work program in York region. All students completed 3 internship rotations, secured work and/or pursued employment goals.
Family Networks set goals, created and executed action plans, expanded their connections, and enhanced communication. Valuable information was exchanged and sustainability plans for the future developed.
Approximately 60 people and their families benefited from access to programming and respite.
STRATEGIC PLAN STRATEGIC PLAN
ACCOMPLISHMENT IMPACT
Hosted “Two be One 4.0” Couples Retreat providing families with a well deserved break
Maintained 3-yearpartnership with Etobicoke Support Services (ESS) supporting people with intellectual disabilities aging community.
Partnered with ME and Lau Family Foundation CLYS to deliver in-person income tax filing clinic. Supported the ME and Lau Family Foundation Scholarship.
Partnered with Por Lay Shek to award students with post-secondary education funding.
CLYS’s C.A.R.E crew continues to work tirelessly to bring wellness, positive mental health and self-care opportunities to CLYS employees and volunteers.
50 Managers, Supervisors and Team members completed Conscious Care and Support Training in partnership with the University of Toronto
50 parents/caregivers to individuals with intellectual disabilities networked, reconnected with their spouses and prioritized self care. 100% of participants reported increasing their social network.
Over 14 educational and self-help workshops offered to the community with over 130 attendees. 50 care packages distributed to address immediate needs during the holidays.
45 people completed their taxes at no cost and 3 students received scholarship funds supporting post secondary education.
8 students were awarded scholarships
Wellness stations implemented in all work locations. CREW hosted 2 wellness sessions for the summer event, implementing suggestions received through the feedback surveys
Provides the tools to support people using a holistic approach that “enhances the life experience of the person supported as well the lives of the people who provide support”
STRATEGIC PLAN STRATEGIC PLAN
ACCOMPLISHMENT
Designed and implementation new programming and built capacity through Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Grant
6 accessible apartments (Woodbridge and Unionville) added to build capacity to support individuals as they age.
Built stronger relationship with our local Ontario Health at Home (Formerly Home and Community Care)
Built partnership with CHATS –Community & Home Assistance to Seniors to support local Food Banks and develop volunteerism at Learning Academy/Day Programs.
Connected with second harvest to support with food donations
Established a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility & Belonging (DEIAB) committee to conduct a thorough assessment and develop actionable plans.
Conducted Mental Health First Aid Training and other extensive training programs for over 200 employees to develop new skills and reinforce existing ones.
IMPACT
Created innovative opportunities, new programming and support for aging people supported, families and employees.
Individuals needing accessible housing are able to continue to living in their communities with CLYS support.
Meeting the needs of people we support by ensuring streamlined access to care.
Enhanced purpose and social role of people supported through volunteer leadership opportunities.
Support with food security for those on a low income.
Obtained baseline data and developed an action plan that will support CLYS in accountability to create an inclusive and equitable work environment.
Enhanced overall workforce competency, improved job performance, and supported career development, contributing to increased organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
2024 2024
EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION
Every day, Community Living York South (CLYS) employees work tirelessly to provide exceptional care to people with lived experience and their families. CLYS expressed appreciation to employees this year through a virtual appreciation event, tokens of appreciation and bonuses throughout the year.
APRIL
Virtual Staff Appreciation
JAN-DEC
Tokens of appreciation & bonuses
SERVICE AWARDS SERVICE AWARDS
5 YEARS
Angie D’Acri
Yuk Ling (Kelley) Wang
Esosa(sosa) Agbonwaneten
Belen Baccay
Hilary Campbell
Marsha Ramsey
Nadia BadirZadeh
Kathleen Pacheco
15 YEARS
Pui Wan (Wandi) Lun
Michelle Holdgate
30 YEARS
Ethline Williams
Carmen Kosem
10 YEARS
Anastasia Faktoroich
Daniel Mattis
Brenda Arguedas
Marites (Tess) Reyes
20 YEARS
Paul Yuen
Jeannie Chan
Walda Williams
Kimberly (Kim) Drewanz
FEATURE FEATURE STORY STORY
FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
RECOGNITION RECOGNITION
The full-time employees at the organization’s TAY location supported in putting out a fire during an emergency. situation. The team was recognized by the fire department and received a certificate of recognition!
Community Living York South's C.A.R.E Crew (compassion, acceptance, resources, energizing) crew provides employees with all things related to wellness, mental health, and selfcare. The organization knows employees work tirelessly for the well-being of the people supported and their families, and the organization wants its valued employees to ensure they take care of themselves!
WHAT WE DID WHAT WE DID
This year, the C.A.R.E Crew hosted an in person yoga and painting session to respond to the feedback received from employees, held draws for employees that completed the C A R E Crew Feedback Survey, and facilitated activities and provided prizes for both the organizations United Way Campaign Celebration Event and the Staff Appreciation Event!
We are always looking for new members! Join the C.A.R.E. Crew today by emailing Kayla Slimkowich at kslimkowich@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF
ALAN RITCHIE ALAN RITCHIE
AUGUST 19, 1979 – AUGUST 18, 2023
AUGUST 19, 1979 – AUGUST 18, 2023
With heavy hearts, we share the peaceful passing of Alan Ritchie on Friday, August 18, 2023, at the palliative unit at Mackenzie Health Hospital.
Beloved son of Barb and the late Bud Anderson. Loving brother to Margaret, Brenda, Patricia, Joe, Blair, Vanessa, and Mary.
Alan loved watching sports; he was a huge Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan. He enjoyed watching game shows: Price is Right, Family Feud, and Wheel of Fortune. He loved music and you could see the pure enjoyment on his face and hear the squeals of laughter. Alan was a huge fan of Lionel Ritchie. Lionel’s music made a bad day good and good day great for Alan. Alan loved seeing people he cared deeply for. He was fond of Frances, his former evening staff. Alan used a few words to communicate, and Frances was one of them. Alan would light up the room when she walked in.
He will be deeply missed by his family and his Community Living York South family, especially Nicholas, Annette, Jacob, and his Bathurst team.
IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF
LISA ANNE YEATES LISA ANNE YEATES
JUNE 25,1989- JUNE 15, 2023 JUNE 25,1989- JUNE 15, 2023
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Lisa Yeates on June 15, 2023, at the age of 33 years. She became a part of our Hub family, Community Living York South, and March of Dimes Canada on June 15, 2016
She was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smiles and giggles were stunning as they would light up the whole room. She was kind, sassy and fun. She had a passion for music and dance. She loved food and was ready to try out different cultural foods She was a touching soul to anyone who spent time with her She communicated with us through her body language, vocalizations, and facial expressions Lisa will be deeply missed by Adrian, Matthew, Rachael, and the Hub staff team. Lisa, you will be missed and will forever live in our hearts.
The Hub
IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF BRIAN
MURPHY BRIAN MURPHY
MARCH 14 1948 - JUNE 28, 2023 MARCH 14 1948 - JUNE 28, 2023
MURPHY, BRIAN Peacefully, at Southlake Hospital, on June 28, 2023, at the age of 75. Beloved son of the late Shirley and Grant Murphy. Loving brother of Darrell. Predeceased by his oldest brother, Robert Will be greatly remembered by his many friends at 71 Dunlop Street (Maplewood Place) Brian was a funny man that enjoyed the simple pleasures of life Ever the true Canadian, loving both Tim Hortons and the Maple Leafs. He was a gentle giant that found joy in seeing people, and interacting with his community. Rain or shine, he would be seen taking the bus on his travels around the Richmond Hill area He had a deep love for his mother and was a devoted Catholic who loved going to church and taking up the collection at St Mary Immaculate Church on Sunday morning Brian will be loved and missed by his roommates, Bill, Reg, and Danny; Sui Kit and the CLYS team; as well as his good friends, Ashley Tulk and Don Wilkinson.
IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM (BILL)
CLEWS WILLIAM (BILL) CLEWS
JULY 14, 1966 – MARCH 22, 2024 JULY 14, 1966 – MARCH 22, 2024
It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Clews
Bill leaves behind his sister Marilyn (Bruce), brother Larry (Joanne), and sister Laurie (Kevin), and many nieces and nephews. Bill is predeceased by his mother Dorothy (1980), father Norman (1990), niece Hillary (2011), and great – niece Sierra (2020).
Bill loved watching sports in person and on T V ; he was a huge Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan Bill also loved participating in sports such as bowling and baseball with Special Olympics, Curling and Floor Hockey with the York South Hawks. Bill loved watching classic T.V. shows such as “Little House on The Prairie” and “The Partridge Family”. Bill also loved going out to the movies and would often talk about the movie afterwards especially if he was very fond of the movie Bill loved listening to country music and loved going to country music concerts as well Bill was a huge fan of Kenny Rogers Bill also enjoyed socializing with others, participating in a variety of activities out in the community, playing his guitar, dancing and going out to Starbucks for a coffee.
Bill will be deeply missed by his family and his Community Living York South family, especially Cecelia, Margaret, Terence, Rick, D’Arcy and his Bates Way Team
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