What started as an idea by a small group of parents has grown to become an organization supporting more than 750 individuals and their families.
Community Living Central York is celebrating 70 years in the community assisting people with developmental disabilities and their families.
“It is a testament to our direct support professionals and our staff across the organization,” said Andrew Fagan, chief executive officer. “I think we currently employ over 200 staff now and it’s a testament to their hard work. They do amazing work supporting people with intellectual disabilities across central York region.”
The ambassador for the signature event is former Newmarket mayor and councillor Tom Taylor.
“I am pleased to have been asked to be the honorary ambassador for Community Living’s 70th anniversary year,” said Taylor. “My work with Community Living began in the 1950s.”
The organization was founded in 1954. It hosts day, evening, and weekend programs, respite for families, community living support at 16 homes, support independent living for 40 individuals, and associate family programs for those who reside in Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Taylor watched the organization grow over the years. He was with it when it was previously named Fairmead School and even had family members who attended.
“I have seen firsthand the incredible work Community Living Central York does for members of our community with developmental disabilities and their families,” said Taylor.
“My dear niece, Gwen Vander Kooij, resided in their association family program for over 40 years. Gwen was also a longtime active member of Community Living day support and employment program where she was a valued employee of Tim Hortons. Gwen promoted and attended annual events especially the Voices of Joy Choir concerts, where her genuine personality and infectious smile filled the room with love. We miss Gwen dearly.”
The organization will celebrate the milestone with a Jeans and Gems signature event at the Stouffville Barn at 13414 Hwy 48 on Sept. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. Individual tickets for the event cost $150, while a group of 10 tickets is $1,350. Proceeds from the event will directly support individuals with developmental disabilities with quality programs, support, and vital access to mental health resources. Click here to purchase tickets.
The signature event will feature live music performances, gourmet food experiences, silent and live auctions, and a dance floor. Music will be provided by Marc Joseph Band, who will cover a blend of pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, country, and today’s hits and Telltale Sounds will perform songs from the '70s to hits of today.
A significant milestone for the organization was the Happy Hearts campaign that raised $5 million in 2019 for a new facility on Penrose in Newmarket, which features a spacious, accessible, and light-filled two-story building that tripled the space available for the day program and employment services program.
According to Community Living Ontario, the former building in Newmarket consisted of a house hosting about 30 people.
The idea with the Newmarket building was that staff would provide more attention to each resident with smaller numbers. After a 1966 Housing Act, seven community residences were in the planning stages and 25 other associations indicated interest.
Residences built throughout the late ’60s and early ’70s were designed largely on the same model as the one used in Newmarket. Residences of between 15 and 35 people were common and considered small at the time and they were when set beside the much larger government-operated facilities.
The smaller facilities, however, did not work as congregated settings built on the outskirts of communities helped perpetuate the perception that people with an intellectual disability were different from other citizens and needed to remain apart from society.
Laura Soroka's brother, Adam, has attended the facility for over 15 years. They were enjoying a cooking class together with other clients recently.
“I think they do amazing things for the community,” said Soroka. “I think it is a hub for social development, it’s a hub of opportunity where people who would otherwise have a harder time being accepted into society, have a wonderful place to go.”
Soroka said her brother has gained new skills while attending programs at Community Living.
“Adam by nature is a shy individual,” said Soroka. “He thrives here. Everybody speaks highly of him, how polite and helpful he is and he has broadened his social horizons. Instead of being someone that stays to himself, he looks forward to coming here and seeing his friends.”
The organization has also partnered with more than 40 employers in York Region, providing employment skills training to individuals to prepare them for the workforce.
“Our organization continues to grow and provides more programming for more individuals who are vulnerable in our communities,” said Fagan. “The wait lists are extremely long and it’s critical that we continue to receive donations to be able to grow our programs and help more individuals and families.”
The organization has been recognized for its efforts in the community. Central York Chamber of Commerce announced it was a finalist for not profit of the year at this year’s business excellence awards.
It also participated in a campaign, Five to Survive, by Community Living groups calling for the province to increase funding by five per cent.
