Community Living York South achieves 4 year accreditation and award
CLYS proudly holds a four-year accreditation from FOCUS, awarded in 2025 in recognition of our commitment to excellence. Additionally, we have been honored with the prestigious Seal of Sustainability—an acknowledgment reserved for organizations that have maintained accreditation for three consecutive cycles and exemplify a sustained dedication to continuous quality improvement.
Meet the Community Support Team
Ritu Singarayer
Director of Community Development
rsingarayer@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
905-294-4971, ext. 523
Winny Ho
Community Support Coordinator
廣東話(Cantonese), 普通話 (Mandarin) who@communitylivingyorksouth.ca 905-294-4971, ext. 382
Shamira Prabakaran
Community Support Coordinator
(Tamil) sprabakaran@communitylivingyorksouth.ca 905-294-4971, ext. 703
Sanaz Sadozai
Administrative Liaison ssadozai@communitylivingyorksouth.ca 905-294-4971 ext.385
Stina Li
Community Support Coordinator
廣東話(Cantonese), 普通話 (Mandarin) sli@communitylivingyorksouth.ca 905-294-4971, ext. 267
Palak Bhatia
Community Support Coordinator
(Hindi),
(Punjabi), ودرا (Urdu) pbhatia@communitylivingyorksouth.ca 905-294-4971, ext. 640
Person-Supported Workshops September 2025
Fall 2025
Parents/Caregivers Workshop Descriptions
Work Experience Day Program Information Session (Cantonese)
Join us to learn more about work experience in farm for adult day programs.
Alzheimer’s Society of York Region Community Education
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Explore how Alzheimer's disease presents in individuals with developmental disabilities, including early signs, behavioral changes, and supportive strategies that uphold dignity, respect, and independence throughout the progression of dementia.
People-Supported Workshop Descriptions
Board Game Fun Day (In-Person)
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Join us for a fun-filled Board Game Day! Enjoy games, laughter, and connection in a friendly, inclusive space.
Fun Friday: Movie Day
PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED
Join us for a fun movie day at home! Bring your snacks and be comfortable as we watch one of the classics.
Fall Celebration Art & Craft Workshop (In-Person)
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Celebrate the season with a fun, hands-on craft workshop! Create festive fallthemed projects using natural materials and vibrant autumn colors. All ages welcome supplies, snacks, and seasonal vibes provided.
Bowling Social Day (In-Person)- PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Join us for an afternoon of fun at Markham Bowl—enjoy a bowling session, make new friends, and share great moments together, all for just $12 per person.
SUMMERCAMP 2025
SUMMER CAMP 2025
This summer, Community Living York South welcomed over 140 campers across Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Virtual programs. From exploring global cultures and ocean life to engaging in sports and trivia, campers experienced a wide variety of activities that inspired creativity and learning. Highlights of the season included exciting community outings— ranging from the thrills of Wonderland and splash-pad adventures to exploring the wonders of the Aquarium and the high-energy fun of Sky Zone. Campers also had opportunities to showcase their talents, gain valuable work experience, and participate in skill-building workshops.
At every camp location, campers demonstrated confidence, creativity, a true sense of community spirit while having a lot of fun! Their enthusiasm and growth made this summer not only memorable but also a meaningful celebration of friendship, inclusion, and personal achievement.
Family and Caregiver Respite Services Evaluation
108 families responded to the survey, with more responses coming in
94% 90% 98% 95%
responded absolutely or yes when asked if the respite services they received provided a sense of relief
responded absolutely or yes when asked if camp provided them more time to do things that they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise
“Camp gave my child a chance to socialize and participate in activities.”
responded absolutely or yes when asked if they would re-register their family member in the respite program responded that they would recommend our respite program to their friends and family
“Staff have been very kind, understanding and accommodating.”
Ways to enhance Summer Camp:
“Even more outings!”
“Use the same link for Virtual Camp”
Supported Persons Respite Services Evaluation
109 campers responded to the survey, with more responses coming in 84%
Top 4 aspects campers enjoyed most about camp: making friends, excursions, games, karaoke responded very good or good when asked about their feelings about the program. 90% responded that they would come back to the program again
“Going to places I have never been to before.”
Summer Camp Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Event
On August 21, 2025, CLYS hosted an appreciation event to recognize our incredible summer camp employees and volunteers. The evening featured delicious food, certificates, and gift bags— honoring the hard work and dedication that made this year’s camps so special. It was a wonderful chance to come together and celebrate the spirit that makes CLYS camps unforgettable.
A Special thanks to our Donors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Siri Legal Professional Corporation for their generous donation, which made it possible to create summer camp shirts.
A heartfelt thank you to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) team for their generosity in donating and assembling food kits and snack packs. Your kindness and hands-on support made a meaningful difference for the people and families we support.
We are truly grateful to all of our donors and community partners — your generosity creates joyful experiences and lasting memories for the people and families we support.
2025 ME String Music Art Exhibition & Scholarship Awards Presentation 2025 弦美中
This year’s exhibition not only highlighted the achievements of individuals with disabilities but also celebrated multicultural heritage through music. Audiences enjoyed a rare opportunity to experience unique performances and discover new cultural expressions within our community. It was a meaningful occasion to appreciate both familiar traditions and fresh discoveries, while cheering on the incredible talents showcased on stage.
The ME & Lau Family Foundation Scholarship awarded CAD $1,200 to support Grade 12 students in the GTA and York Region with financial need (family income of $135,000 or below) as they begin post-secondary studies in Fall 2025. The awards were presented during the ME String Music Art Exhibition & Scholarship Awards Presentation, held in partnership with Community Living Toronto and Community Living York South.
This years winners were:
Azka Siddiqui
Mariya Mushasta
Elly Ahn
Sky Yang
ESS HEARTS Caregiver Program
CLYS is proud to have built a strong relationship and partnership with Etobicoke Services for Seniors (ESS) over the past three years, supporting hundreds of families in the community. Together, we have facilitated workshops for senior caregivers and shared donations and gifts during the holidays to bring warmth and joy. One highlight of this partnership was the successful completion of the H.E.A.R.T.S. Caregiver Program.
Family Support Networks
Farsi Family Network Farsi Family Network
Farsi Family Network
Farsi Family Network successfully received the Family Engagement Grant from Community Living Ontario in July! Since then, they have put this funding to great use by increasing their participation in community outreach events, like the BaTo Iranian Cultural Event held on August 15–17. With the support of this grant, the network was also able to create a banner to proudly showcase their network to the community.
For more information, please contact:
Simin Ayati at 647-504-9246 or simin ayati@hotmail.com
PATH PATH PATH
PATH (Korean Family Network) had their first meeting in 2018. In the seven years that has passed, the network has grown to 47 families united with 20 sponsors, special members, and over 10 partner organizations. In August 2025, with support from CLYS, the network successfully utilized their Family Engagement Grant from CLO to host their first Family Retreat. The event offered fun activities for families to enjoy together, while parents and caregivers also had the chance to learn about wellness and self-care. For more information, please contact: Hwa-joo Kim at 416-985-2286 or tmlhjk@hotmail.com
Family Support Networks
Connected Families of York South Connected Families of York South Connected Families of York South
Families came together for a fun-filled day of bowling, laughter, and connection. Thank you to Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) for the funding and everyone who joined and made it such a special event!
For more information, please contact: Rosina Mano at (647) 239- 6023
With the funding from OCO, this newly launched Family Network began on a high note, marked by a warm welcome and a shared potluck meal. It was a wonderful start to fostering community, connection, and mutual support. For more information, please join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1WVWNhzSK F/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Family Support Networks
Care Connect extends heartfelt thanks to the OCO for its generous funding support. With this contribution, Care Connect will continue facilitating workshops and organizing activities designed to meet the needs of parents and caregivers. For more information, please contact: Doris Leung at 416-302-7090 or todorisleung@yahoo.com
https://communitylivingyorksouth.ca/programs/familyInitiatives
Marketplace Programs (Fall)
Marketplace Programs (Fall)
DAYPROGRAMS
Tristan Thetsombandith Residential Supervisor at Centre for Belonging
Centre for Belonging’s participants have the opportunity to socialize with peers while engaging in “in house” recreation & leisure programs. There are also opportunities to volunteer and participate in community based recreation and leisure based activities .
Vision quest is a Cantonese speaking day program located in Markham. This program explores local attractions, practices English, yoga, music, math, and more!
Markham Learning Academy
1/2 cup granulated sugar
5 egg yolks
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cinnamon stick
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1 vanilla bean
3/4 cup. pumpkin purée
4 tsp superfine sugar reserved for top of brûlée
Pumpkin Crème Brûlée Ingredients Directions
Preheatovento325degrees.Inaheatproofbowl,whisktogetherthesugarandeggyolks.Combine thecream,cinnamonstick,nutmegandvanillabean(de-seeded)inasaucepot,andbringtoa simmer.
Slowlywhiskthehotcreammixtureintotheyolkmixturethroughafine-meshedsieve.Whiskin thepumpkinpurée.
Dividethemixtureamongfour8-oz.ramekinsandplaceinalargebakingpan.Addboilingwaterto fillthepanhalfwayupthesidesoftheramekins.Coverthepanlooselywithaluminumfoilandbake untilthecustardsarejustset(about30minutes).
Transfertheramekinstoawirerackandletcooltoroomtemperature.Refrigerateforatleast4 hoursorupto3days.
Justbeforeserving,sprinkle1tsp.superfinesugarevenlyoverthesurfaceofeachcustard.Usinga kitchentorch,movetheflamecontinuouslyoverthesurfaceuntilthesugarmeltsandlightly browns.
Source:https://cupofjo.com/2012/10/31/the-best-pumpkin-creme-brulee-youll-ever-have/
Resources
The directory includes virtual and online workshops, mental health, virtual attractions, activities, social, and education resources. Urgent and basic needs. You will find links and information on food banks, prepared meal delivery services, crisis support, and financial information.
Access to our member portal that provides extensive information and resources
Discounts on Respite Services and Camps
Invitations to complimentary workshops, information nights, and events
Information on Opportunities available in your community
Receipt of our quarterly Access Newsletter
Voting rights at the Annual General Meeting
A copy of our Annual Report.
