Phil Lanzarotta Board Chair
Nancy Kula Executive Director
Dear Community Members:
It is our privilege to present this annual report on behalf of Community Living York South, an organization founded on the values of People, Team and Community As leaders in this organization, we are reminded daily of the remarkable work of our teams in creating inclusive communities, and empowering people to live their best lives possible. As we reflect on this year and look forward to both the challenges and opportunities ahead, we are proud of our accomplishments and excited about the future.
A Year of Resilience and Progress
2024/25 has been a year that demonstrated our community’s strength and adaptability As we continue to navigate ongoing challenges arising from changing social, economic, and health environments, CLYS has not only met many challenges but has also seized opportunities to innovate, grow, and deepen our impact. We have worked hard to advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals we support and their families, ensuring that their voices shape the direction of our programs and services Through the collective efforts of employees, volunteers, funders, donors, and community partners, we have been able to expand our reach and improve the quality of support we provide
We have invested in training and development of our teams across the organization in areas of care planning, goal development, leadership, evidence-based approached to support, and many other areas to ensure we are providing the best quality of support and achieving the best possible outcomes
A Strategic Plan Focused on Growth and Impact
Our 2024-27 Strategic Plan provides exciting direction for the future, focusing on four strategic areas:
· Strengthening our Foundation
· Building on our Culture of Quality
· Rejuvenating our Exceptional Workplace
Designing a Property Master Plan for a Sustainable Future
In our first year of implementation, we made significant progress in all the above areas including a deepening of our culture and work in the area of quality and quality improvement, investment in our quality infrastructure, building sustainable capacity to support people to age in place in our homes and communities, designing an organizational structure that will support our growth and development and implementing priority components of our sustainable property strategy. Year 2 of our plan promises to offer even more depth in our work and measurable impacts to those we support.
Designing a Sustainable Housing Strategy
Developing sustainable housing remains a high priority for CLYS, ensuring we can meet the needs of both current and future individuals requiring support. Over the last year, we have worked to acquire properties that meet our future needs and to dispose of properties that are obsolete, while formulating a longer-term strategy for the future We have developed enhanced internal capacity to develop social purpose real estate, built additional partnerships with funders and other stakeholders and accessed new resources to help with our journey Over the coming year, we will engage across the organization and our community to design a vision for housing that meets both the needs and wishes of those we support.
Building Community, Building Partnerships
Building a society where everyone belongs is not just our vision, it is who we are as an organization The last year has included important work on creating community, enhancing choice and inclusion, designing innovative solutions and helping to improve the quality of life for those we support and their families. New and enhanced community programming, new partnerships within and across sectors and enhanced networks have all helped to provide more supports and services. Our family networks continue to grow, undertaking meaningful work, including education, training and planning, that will improve the lives of many We also broadened our outreach, connecting with underrepresented communities to build capacity and leverage available resources
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
None of our achievements would be possible without the dedication and commitment of our employees, our volunteers and our supporters We have an incredible team at CLYS and thank everyone for all that you do Above all, thank you to those we support and family members for your trust, your passion, and your unwavering belief in our shared mission Together, we are building an inclusive community where everyone is seen, heard, and empowered to live the lives they wish.
L E A R N
Samir’s passion for swimming is truly inspiring. Every single day after work and even on weekends he could be found at the pool, swimming lap after lap with unwavering dedication. Determined to turn his dream into reality, Samir set an ambitious goal to complete all the requirements to become a certified lifeguard.
Step by step, with the support of his community support coordinator Sabrina, he worked his way through the rigorous process, earning his Bronze Medallion, then his Standard First Aid and CPR C certifications, followed by his Bronze Cross, the challenging National Lifeguard course, and finally the required Airway Management training. The journey was far from easy, and Samir faced many challenges along the way. But through perseverance, resilience, and an unshakable belief in himself, he refused to let anything stand in his way. Now, almost 2 years later, Samir has achieved his dream and is officially a fully certified lifeguard. He is currently pursuing job opportunities with the City of Markham to put his skills and passion into action. Congratulations, Samir. You are proof that hard work and determination can achieve anything.
Meet Billy!
Ada L. is a Deli Associate at Whole Foods known for her strong work ethic and initiative. She prepares fresh food, keeps her workspace clean, and carefully tracks items that need restocking Ada has grown in her communication skills and continues to build great hygiene habits on the job Her favorite task? “I love making the stir-fry. It’s fun and it smells so good!”
Billy D. is a Cart Attendant at Costco, known for being polite, punctual, and reliable. He collects carts, keeps the parking lot safe, and helps customers load heavy items. Billy has grown in understanding workplace boundaries and is a valued team member His favorite part of the job?
“I like helping customers, especially when they’re nice to me!”
Community Living York South is thrilled to announce that ree‑year Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium
This transformative funding will help expand our Achieving Community Transitions (ACT) Initiative, a vital program that promotes skill development and creates pathways to meaningful employment for individuals aged 15 to 50 with an intellectual disability across York Region.
Meet Ada!
P A R T I C I P A T E
Picnics, People, and Plenty of Sunshine
Summer 2024 brought more than warm weather, it gave us four unforgettable CLYS picnics. We gathered in Richmond Hill in June, Stouffville in July, Markham in August, and returned to Stouffville in September. Each event offered a chance to enjoy the outdoors, reconnect with friends, and strengthen our community ties.
Laughter, conversation, and the smell of shared meals filled the air, with the ice cream truck quickly becoming a favourite stop. Some enjoyed quiet chats under shady trees, while others joined lively games on the grass. These picnics reminded us how important it is to pause, gather, and enjoy each other’s presence ents fostered connection and belonging, a lasting reminder that munity spirit carries far beyond summer.
Did you Know?
The Community Support Program hosted 102 workshops with 1,023 participants and collaborated with over 10 partner organizations.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N A
C H A R T
30-Year Awards
Jan Mason
Marilyn A Northe
Cheryl L. Loder
10-Year Award
Yvonne Phung
Kathy Lu
Amy Madhavan
25-Year Awards
Avrel Morrison
Paul Harrison
On April 24, we held our Gratitude gathering. It was a wonderful evening to connect, reflect, and celebrate the people who make Community Living York South a meaningful place to work and grow. We celebrated the incredible staff who make Community Living York South a meaningful place to work and grow A highlight was recognizing milestone achievements at our Service Awards thank you for your dedication and impact!
Year Awards
Gylly E. Guangco
bina Khakiani
enny Randall
On April 24, at the gratitude gathering, The Wilkinson Gift of the Heart Awards, were presented to individuals nominated by peers for going above and beyond and modeling heart centered values in their support of others. These stories were truly moving, and the following recipients were selected by our nomination review committee:
Wilkinson Gift of the Heart Award Winners
Debbie Lewis (2023) Dee Manikam (2024) Hilary Campbell (2024)
In addition to our winners, we celebrate and thank all the incredible nominees whose actions inspired their peers:
Wilkinson Nominees:
Anika Als • Tamara Black • Jennifer Boreland • Nubia Coutinho • Lissa Dwyer • Judy Gentles • Sandra Henderson • Winny Ho • Sasha Hurry • Stina Li • Yvonne Phung • Lindsey Pritchard • Kerry Anne Smith • Sabrina Sousa • Tracy Vlaming • Gabi Timleck
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
300
FEE
2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5 R E V E N U E
Government Funding
Fees for Service
Other Revenue and Public Support
2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5
Staff Salaries & Benefits
Program Support
Occupancy-related Costs
Other Expenses
CONDENSED AND CONSOLIDATES STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
$17,313,221 $960,423 $1,625,492 $21,440,037 $19,899,136
EXPENDITURES
expenses $13,962,603 $13,048,760 $1,825,142 $1,765,533 $3,763,411 $3,819,683 $1,284,486 $946,992 $20,835,642 $19,580,968
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mary Anderson. Her presence brought joy and light to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She never missed an opportunity to remember a birthday or call to wish you “Happy Friday.” A true fashion enthusiast, she always looked her best and had a passion for shopping. Mary was kind, thoughtful, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Gone too soon, she leaves behind a lasting impression of warmth and generosity that will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace, and may your memory bring comfort to all who had the privilege of knowing you. You will be dearly missed by Hagerman’s staffs/ community, “Chapter 21” Day program peers, family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing you.
MARY LYNN ANDERSON
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Daniel (Danny) Shannon.
During the time we were gifted to spend with Danny in the last few years, he was a kind and sweet soul with a great sense of humor. He shared his love of the Barenaked Ladies, Boston crème donuts and WWE with us. If he flashed you one of his amazing smiles, it would brighten up any day.
Danny leaves behind his sister, Penny, and his brothers, Dale, and Dwight along with six nephews. Danny was predeceased by his mother, Marion, and father, Doug, and very special friend, Trevor. Danny will be so very missed by the Wethersfield Warriors team, roommates Bill, Reg, Siu Kit, and Annette, and many others who had the pleasure of supporting him over the years.
DANIEL JACK “DANNY” SHANNON
It is with great sadness that we share the sudden passing of Judy Diceman on November 4, 2024. Judy became a cherished member of the CLYS family on April 4, 1987. She was known for her warm smile that could light up any room and her kind, caring nature toward family and friends.
Judy loved spending her time playing solitaire, working on puzzles and word searches, and watching classic TV shows. She also enjoyed bowling, shopping, attending Blue Jays games, and going to plays. With her remarkable memory and willingness to help, Judy touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.
JUDY DICEMAN
Alison’s gentle personality and wonderful sense of humor made her a friend to all who knew her. She held a special place in her heart for her friends at Bates Way and Brillinger Street and was admired for her volunteer work at Markham Stouffville Hospital, where she gave her time selflessly to help others.
Even as she faced the challenges of Dementia, Alison remained joyful and resilient. She loved Shania Twain’s music, enjoyed Rocky movies, and often reminded others to “Be brave, be strong, you have to fight.”
Alison’s kindness, courage, and spirit touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her friends and staff who loved her dearly.
ALISON LEE ARTHUR
L i v i n g O u r V a l u e s
Aga Khan Museum
Air Rider
Allyson Vandervalk
Ambrosia
Amir Geranmayegan
Anita Fellows
ANON
Anne Ewaschuck
Arcadia Earth Toronto
Aveda Salon
Avril Fenley
Bietel Tax Law
Bunch of Fun Play Land
Casaloma
Century 21
Chick Fil A
Christina Cooks
Civello Salon and Spa
David Butt
David Sweeney
Dawna Foulis
Dianne Tremeer
Don Hamilton
Dollarama
DP Lazer Maze
Elaine Waggott
Elizabeth Schlee
Eurus Pan
Farm Boy
Fay Rakoff
Gayle Owler
Grant Clark
Hayato & Denise Mori
Hird Family
Hockey Hall of Fame
Hollard Marsh Wineries
Home Depot
Hub Climbing
Janet Kinkaid
Jean Jackson
Jeff Moore
Karen and Jim Roffey
Katherine L Wilkin
Katherine McQuaid
Ken Watkins
Kenneth Hersh
Khalsa Aid
Kobakayakawa Family
Lenny Tavakolzadeh
Li Family
Lindsay Kotik
Mariana Chu
Marilyn Train
Martin Buckingham
Mary Victoria Henwood
Maureen Wilkinson
Medford & Pam Brown
Michael Stinson
Michael United Way
Morra Caruso Law
Myron Nicholson
New York Rangers
Niagara Parks
Old Firehall Confectionery
Pat Burford
Patlik Brenda
Piper and Barber
Pinots Palette
Pooran Law
Putting Edge
R&W
Rachel Cruwys
Region of Waterloo Museum
Reptilia - Vaughan
Richmond Hill Mobility
Ripley Aquarium
ROM
Ron Ferris
Samuel Kinkaid
Scholastic
Spaghetti FactoryLindt & Sprungli
Stay Home Forever Inc.
Surjit Sachdev
Tabule
Ted Langdon
The Bubble
The Keg
Victoria Kim
Village of Black Creeks
Wilma Brown
William Cresswell
William Howley
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Richmond Hill
101 Edward Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 5E5
Markham
5694 Hwy 7 East, Unit 13, Markham, ON L3P 1B4
Vaughan
275 Woodbridge Ave., Suite A & B, Vaughan, ON L4L 2T1
Woodbine
8920 Woodbine Ave., Suite 404, Markham, ON L3R 9W9
1-877-737-3475 905-737-3284
info@communitylivingyorksouth.ca www.communitylivingyorksouth.ca
