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Struggle, Survival, and Transformation Connections

My name is G, and I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. Looking back, my academic journey was far more challenging than I expected. I moved to Canada from Guangzhou on my own and didn’t realize how deeply the transition would affect me. I arrived just before the COVID‑19 pandemic, and found myself isolated, unable to attend classes in person or form a social network.

Back home, I was always an exceptional student, and I carried those expectations into university. But I struggled in ways I never had before. My confidence disappeared as my grades slipped, and the stress grew until getting out of bed felt impossible. I experienced overwhelming depression and anxiety. In 2023, at one of my lowest points, I considered suicide. Scared, I went to the University’s Health and Wellness Centre and was connected with a

Your Spring Community Update

psychotherapist, who later referred me to LOFT’s Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) program.

At LOFT, I met Jessica, my first case manager. She helped me find ways to manage anxiety, plan my weeks, and break my coursework into smaller steps, so it didn’t feel impossible. To read G’s full story, visit www.loftcs.org/gtransformation.

Throughout our work together, G demonstrated remarkable determination and perseverance, especially facing obstacles. She managed an intense academic path while handling educational and mental health challenges, staying focused and motivated. I deeply admire her strength, dedication, and curiosity, which will continue to support her growth.” – Harsema, G’s TAY Case Manager.

“G”

Lunar New Year Brings

Warmth,

Music, and Community to College View

For the team at Assisted Living College View, Lunar New Year is fondly described as the residents’ “Super Bowl” — the biggest event of the year. The festivities began with seniors cheerfully greeting one another with “gong xi fa cai” and other wishes for health, prosperity, and good luck. Like any home preparing for Lunar New Year, College View was decorated with red lanterns and Chinese couplets featuring residents’ calligraphy.

of the prize, but because of the joyful memories I had with others during the party.” Together, College View enjoyed a special lunch and lively singing and dance performances by the Ontario Chinese Seniors Association and Silver Star Art Troupe. Life Enrichment Worker, Olivia Xiao, who also emceed the event, graced the stage herself to play songs on the guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument.

“ The warmth of the environment, and the fun, made me feel like I am home again.”

– Xue Zhen

NEOC Award Celebrating Staff Excellence

This year, LOFT was honoured to have Councillor Chris Moise join in on the celebration, exchanging red envelopes and raffling off gifts. Xue Zhen, who won the day’s biggest prize, shared, “I’m not just happy because

LOFT is proud to be one of 18 organizations that met the program criteria for recognition as a Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ (NEOC), based on results from an employee survey launched in November 2025.

The Award examines how an organization leads, supports its people and listens to employee feedback. Most importantly, the employee survey results help to provide LOFT leaders with a pulse on areas where we can improve how we are addressing employee experiences.

Meeting People Where They Are — with Care and Respect

McEwan House has a history firmly rooted in the community. The House is named in honour of Billy McEwan (adoptive name), an Indigenous youth who faced homelessness and contracted HIV after relocating to Toronto in the 1980s.

Billy was well known to LOFT staff through his interactions with them at Street Outreach Services. When his life story was shared with the Board of Directors, they were moved to open a residence dedicated to individuals who were HIV-positive or living with AIDS. After acquiring and renovating two residential properties in downtown Toronto, close to services, clinics, and hospitals, LOFT named the new space McEwan House. Billy passed away on February 12, 1990. McEwan House welcomed its first resident in March 1991.

Initially a 10-bed palliative home offering an innovative alternative to the HIV palliative

services available at the time, McEwan House evolved to address the significant challenges faced by those affected by HIV and AIDS. These challenges included social stigma, mental health issues, and isolation from family and support networks. This evolution prompted McEwan to transform the ways it supported the community, including through its case management program.

Today, McEwan House hosts two programs - an Assisted Living program that provides much-needed respite and 24-hour supported housing for 10 residents, and a Case Management program in which Case Managers work collaboratively with clients to assess their individual needs, develop tailored support plans, and coordinate appropriate services. To learn more about McEwan House please visit www.loftcs.org/mcewan

The Hockey Helps the Homeless (HHTH) Toronto and GTA Women’s events was a tremendous success, exceeding its $400,000 fundraising target by raising over $610,000 to support housing and homelessness programs, shared equally among LOFT Community Services, Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, and Sojourn House. The events united 26 dedicated teams and 343 participants, garnering 3,043 donations and showcasing community strength. Notably, Team Precise Parklink ranked among the top five fundraising teams, while LOFT’s Robb Bowker secured an impressive second place in individual fundraising. Together, these highlights reflect the generosity, teamwork, and dedication that made this year’s tournaments so impactful.

Your Legacy. Their Future.

A planned gift is a meaningful way to carry forward your values and continue supporting those most in need. Legacy gifts, such as wills, insurance policies, RRSPs, and beneficiary designations, enable you to extend your compassion beyond your lifetime, helping individuals find hope, stability, and dignity.

Our Planned Giving team is here to help you arrange simple legacy gifts that create a lasting impact for those in need—thank you for considering this enduring act of kindness.

Scan the QR code for more information or contact Robb Bowker, Director, Development at rbowker@loftcs.org or 416-700-9329

HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS

AN UPDATE FROM DAVID FRY, CEO

A Milestone for Bradford House—and for Our Community

As LOFT’s fiscal year came to a close, we were proud to share some exciting news. On March 26, the Ontario Provincial Government referenced funding to support LOFT’s new Bradford House during the 2026–2027 Budget Reading.

Being recognized in the provincial Budget is a significant milestone and reflects years of dedicated planning, partnership, and advocacy. More importantly, it signals a growing understanding that deeply affordable, specialized care for adults and seniors living with complex intersecting health challenges is essential to building healthier, stronger communities.

This acknowledgment represents a strong vote of confidence in the long‑term impact Bradford House will have on individuals, families, and the broader community.

We’re also pleased to report that Bradford House is on track for completion this spring, with residents expected to move in later this summer. This progress would not have been possible without the

commitment and generosity of supporters like you. Thank you for helping turn this important vision into reality—together, we have created something truly meaningful.

While our focus on Bradford House remains unwavering—and additional capital funding is still needed—we are also addressing urgent needs across LOFT’s broader real estate portfolio. In the coming fiscal year, LOFT will focus on addressing capital improvements, including:

• Site upgrades such as fences, walkways, and retaining walls

• Exterior repairs, including roofing

• Interior improvements to kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring

• Essential mechanical and electrical work

If you would like to learn more about a particular program area, location, or group of clients—youth, adults, or seniors—that is especially meaningful to you, we would love to connect. Please reach out to Alasdair Hooper, VP of Development and Communications at ahooper@loftcs.org

Thank You to our Generous Donors

David Speakman

David Speakman’s generous donation in honour of his late uncle Peter recognizes the indiscriminate and debilitating nature of schizophrenia, as well as the significant need for services to support individuals with mental illness. His Uncle Peter began staying at John Gibson House in the early 1980s, where he received personalized support and treatment. David’s donation shows appreciation for the care John Gibson House provided to Peter during his stay.

Ballard Foundation

LOFT Community Services extends heartfelt thanks to the Harold E. Ballard Foundation for its generous $250,000 donation. This gift will help renovate two homes in our Transitional Age Youth Program, providing safe, supportive housing for 11 young people. These residences offer more than just shelter—they create a stable environment for youth facing complex mental health challenges and/ or addictions to build independence. Residents have access to LOFT’s dedicated peer support workers, group therapy, employment counselling, and nutrition education.

Mrs. M. Olivia Lee

Mrs. Olivia Lee, a beloved Canadian author of three Christian poetry books, has donated to LOFT for the past 27 years. Insecure housing for youth, adults, and seniors is a cause that is close to her heart. Having first heard about LOFT through the Anglican Church, she decided, “Oh, I would like to give to that.” Asked why she donates, Mrs. Lee said, “I have been privileged to be able to give to charities. So, it was a matter of finding the causes that stirred my heart.”

We are extremely grateful to Mrs. Lee for her many years of commitment to LOFT. Her unrestricted donation has allowed us to direct her gift to the areas of greatest need, positively impacting countless lives throughout her span of generosity. Thank you, Mrs. Lee.

David Speakman (right) with LOFT staff Lindor Uygur and Cathy Inkster

United Way Reaching Home Grants

United Way and Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy are supporting York Region clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

We are deeply grateful to United Way Greater Toronto and Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy for their continued support that addresses homelessness and housing challenges.

The Program Support Grant helps ensure LOFT’s York Region Street Outreach and Services Network mobile team can consistently engage with clients, reconnecting them with community support and helping them access health care, income assistance, and housing services.

Through the Capital Grant , United Way and the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program

andfunded renovations at several housing locations in York Region and improvements to LOFT’s Street Outreach kitchen—enhancing spaces that serve those most in need.

Finally, we are grateful for the Small Capital Grant , which enables LOFT to buy and modify two outreach vehicles. This funding has maintained service continuity by allowing LOFT’s York Region and Street Outreach Network to continue providing outreach every day of the week. The second van will assist with case management and client care by transporting clients to appointments and addressing urgent needs more effectively.

The new Bradford House will open this Spring — thanks to you.

The new Bradford House is on schedule to open this spring, with occupancy beginning in the summer. The transformation inside is inspiring. Custom furniture selections are underway, with pieces that will bring comfort, character, and purpose to every room.

Across the building, flooring and tiling are being installed, creating the foundation for a polished, inviting environment. Walls are going up quickly, and each day brings fresh colour and life as drywall and paint redefine the space. One major milestone: the elevator is now fully installed and operational—an exciting step toward ensuring accessibility for all who will call Bradford House home.

Behind the scenes, final space planning continues as we fine tune room layouts and incorporate the community’s full vision. Client input has been central to the interior design and decorative decisions. We have worked closely with clients to help them select their future rooms, flooring, and essential furnishings—ensuring each space feels personal, welcoming, and uniquely theirs. Every detail brings us closer to opening doors—and it’s all made possible by supporters like you. Become a Monthly Donor — Your generosity is our Superpower

Being a monthly donor means you become part of every life LOFT Community Services helps. Your reliable support gives people facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and isolation stability and hope. Monthly gifts ensure ongoing care, immediate responses in crises, and long‑term change —because someone can count on you every single month. For more information, please email Jessica Ponce at jponce@loftcs.org or call 416-979-1994 ext. 2105 or scan the QR code here