Hearts were not only happy, but bursting with joy at the celebration for Community Living Central York’s new expanded location in Newmarket.
“This is certainly a great day for Community Living,” said Catherine Callaghan, chair of the Happy Hearts capital building campaign that raised more than $5 million to create a new and improved central location on Penrose Street to meet the demand for the agency's services in the community.
“It’s still hard to believe that we were able to ignite a community that rallied around us at every turn and provided Community Living with its much-needed support, both financial and otherwise, but I think they sensed our passion … and unwavering belief in what we were doing,” she said to excited shouts and clapping at Wednesday’s event attended by Community Living clients, families, volunteers, donors, staff, dignitaries and community supporters.
The spacious, accessible and light-filled two-storey building is the “dignified and respectful space” they envisioned would “accommodate further growth in our day programs and above all … would allow those we support an opportunity to explore their possibilities,” Callaghan said.
Community Living Central York serves individuals with a developmental disability and their families in Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, King and Whitchurch-Stouffville.
York Region’s rapid growth has seen the waitlist for the day support programs balloon to more than 2,300 individuals — or a wait of three to eight years for most people.
The expansion triples the space available for the day program and employment services program, which increases support to more than 1,000 individuals weekly and reduces the waitlist by 25 per cent.
Peter van Schaik, honorary chair of the Happy Hearts campaign, brushed aside accolades regarding his instrumental role in inspiring and achieving the fundraising goal to instead thank the many donors and volunteers.
“And what an appropriate name for a campaign, Happy Hearts,” he said. “I see a lot of happy hearts here today. When we look at the people we serve here, and the staff who provide all the love and care, it goes without saying, this is a wonderful thing we have done. I have done quite a bit of fundraising… but nothing has been more gratifying, really, than this campaign,” he said.
The joy of the day was best expressed by Stuart Parker, who read a speech from the podium to enthusiastic applause from his friends, family and guests: “I love coming here every day. It is like a second home. My friends, the staff and me are very happy here. We will never forget what you did for us. Thank you very much.”
A “humbled” and “joyful” Colleen Zakoor, executive director of Community Living Central York, said, “This has been the journey of a lifetime, we’ve reached heights that we never have before. Our vision, commitment and dedication kept us going.”
The event celebrated many of the people who made the dream a reality.
“At Community Living Central York, we believe in a community where everyone belongs. And today’s celebration brings together everyone: the people we support, the staff who do such fantastic work, our many donors who made this dream possible, as well as the people who built this facility,” said Karen Richards, president of the Community Living Central York board of directors.
Richards, who is also supervisor of special events with York Regional Police, acknowledged York Regional Police Chief Eric Jolliffe for making the first donation to the campaign.
The York police service also made a donation that has been recognized with the naming of two classrooms in honour of two officers who lost their lives in service to the community, Det.-Const. Rob Plunkett and Const. Garrett Styles.
The Carrick family, Jane, John, Kathy, Kelly and Sarah, were recognized for their significant support of the campaign.
Jane Carrick said the cause is “dear to our hearts”, with their brother, Danny, who had developmental challenges and passed away at 19, in their thoughts.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor sent his congratulations on behalf of council by video, saying, “We are so lucky to have this in our community. This is a facility that speaks to what we should be as a community, which is caring and inclusive.”
