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Annual Report

Get in Touch

We would love to hear from you.
Use the form below to share your questions, thoughts and comments.

Address
39 Fraser Court, Barrie ON L4N 5J5
Phone
1 (705) 726-9082
Mail
website@empowersimcoe.ca

Contact Form

Copyright 2022 Empower Simcoe All Rights Reserved.

Donors & Sponsors

Champions Club of Recurring Donors

We extend a special thank-you to our Champions Club of monthly donors, including the Empower Simcoe employees whose voluntary payroll deductions show their extra dedication to the people we support. Please consider joining the club with a monthly donation. We always have room for more champions!

Andrea Dickins
Anna Rinaldi
Daniel and Ann Johnston
Empower Simcoe Employee Giving Program
Jessica Skinner
Kelly Houston
Ron Ptasiuk
Rose Mary and Thomas King
Victoria Ptasiuk

Our thanks to all of our supporters!  Your donations and event sponsorship mean the Empower Simcoe Foundation is always able the help the people and families who need it most.

Alectra Inc.Don HoyKatharine WallisRBC - Victoria Ptasiuk
Alissa ShanahanDonald MathesonKeller Williams Experience RealtyRBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities
Alvin MooreDoris MooreKim BennerRE/MAX Orillia Realty (1996) Ltd.
Angela ValyearDoug Shipley MPKim Taitt-MeikleRetired Teachers of Ontario District 17
Ann De ShalitDr. Lea BabcockKiwanis Club of BarrieRoad Readie Paving
Anne SmithDr. Mitchell and Lilian WhyneKrista MoloneyRobyn Latchman
Audrey HummelenElizabeth and Brian KeatleyLake Country Office Solutions Inc.Ron Ptasiuk
Barbara DoreyEnbridge Inc.Linda ForrestRose Mary and Thomas King
Barbara WoodrowEquitable Life of CanadaLinda LavaléeRoyal LePage First Contact Realty
Barrie Huronia Probus ClubEssa PaintingLonelm ConstructionRuth Douglas
Beth and Barry FryerFlora HuttonLothar and Brigitte ThiemannRuth Harrington
Betty L. CarrForest Hill Real Estate Inc. Brokerage (Kathy Malinowski)Love Your Life to DeathSally Elston
Bob Torella Plumbing and HeatingFrances M. SuttonLynn SevilleSheldon C Barris
Bonnie MartinoGale ReynoldsMarc McQuillenSherry Smith
CanadaHelpsGeorge Lunan FoundationMarg WoodsShirley Hutchinson
Cari WhyneGilda Ann WhyneMargaret GoodSilver Birch Contracting Ltd.
Caroline HoodGlen and Aldene McLintonMargaret KerbySurelock Homes
Cathy TorellaGreg SmithMary EtheringtonTamara Hopkins
Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty Inc.Harvey GarrawayMary MacDonaldTeri Morrison
Charles HofleyHeather MacDonaldMatthew MalinowskiThe Elston Charitable Foundation
Cheryl DillonHelen ThompsonMaureen OliverThe Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation
Chris BattlerHuronia Alarm & Fire SecurityMDRT Foundation CanadaThe Outcome Network
Chris McMillanHydro One Networks Inc.Michael E. Reed Professional CorporationTheresa Skinner
Christine LovattIODE West Gwillimbury ChapterMike GreerTim Berry
Chuck and Dorothy McIlraveyJ PlumbingMike TaylorTom Hopper
CL & F ConsultingJ.P. Bickell FoundationMillion Dollar Round Table FoundationTom Richardson Electric (Stroud) Ltd.
Claudine CousinsJames S. DeitchMitchell CurtisTrish Van Bolderen
Colette MooresJean BidwellMuriel FlynnValerie Scott
Compu-SOLVE Technologies Inc.Jennifer RousseauMurray Mechanical Systems Ltd.Vicki Howard
Cowan Insurance GroupJessica MacDonald Architect Inc.Natalie JamisonVictoria Ptasiuk
Daniel and Ann JohnstonJessica SkinnerNorine HutchinsonVipond Inc.
Danielle DoyleJoan CrozierOptimist Club of BarrieWall-Armstrong & Green
Dave BlowJohn JiangOrillia District Chamber of CommerceWater Depot Essa
Dave Blow TruckingJosephine RacioppoOro District Lioness ClubWawanesa Mutual Insurance Company
David and Julia ElliottJoye CanningPamela WagnerWendy Stephens
Debbie NorwoodJulia ThomasPatricia GreenlawWilliam Johnston
Deborah Wall-ArmstrongJuliet FotheringhamPaul CrosslandWinmar Barrie/Orillia
Debra RutkowskiJust JunkPayPal Giving Fund CanadaYinka Aiyede
Desjardins InsuranceKarl and Susan CaderaPearl GuthrieYorkton Contracting Ltd.

Empower Simcoe

Milestone Service Awards

Congratulations to our 2021-2022 Service Award winners!

Years of ServiceStaff NameTitle
35Richard PickCommunity Support Worker
35Linda GavinAccommodations Support Worker
30Alma AndrewsAccommodations Support Worker
30Roberta LemayCommunity Support Worker
30Sunny Ighani-LightfootAccommodations Support Worker
30Jackie GivensSupports and Services Supervisor
30Jacquie McKnightQuality and Innovation Manager
30Clare ZangariAccommodations Support Worker
30Dena WilsonInformation Technology Support Specialist
30Christine RobinsonAccommodations Support Worker
25Andria HoweSupports and Services Supervisor
25Catherine LittleAccommodations Support Worker
25Tracy LaughlinSupported Independent Living Worker
25Marlene BrooksCommunity Support Worker
25Jennifer RobertsonAccommodations Support Worker
25Doug HopkinsAccommodations Support Worker
20Sandra BurtAccommodations Support Worker
20Cheryl-Lynne BibbingsAccommodations Support Worker
20Stacey HeeleyAccommodations Support Worker
20Lisa SpringallSupported Independent Living Worker
20Maureen McPeake-FerrarinAccommodations Support Worker
20Tanya Van VoorstAccommodations Support Worker
20Kim StephensHuman Resources Director
20Dawn WindrossCommunity Support Worker
20Patricia McCullaghEarlyON Program Facilitator
20Christine LaChapelleInnovation and Independence Activator
20April FawdryAccommodations Support Worker
15Danielle NewbyAccommodations Support Worker
15Kari MihillsAccommodations Support Worker
15Melissa StewartAccommodations Support Worker
15Jennifer LynchAccommodations Support Worker
15Beth RedwoodAccommodations Support Worker
15Kirsten GoodmanFamily Support Worker
15Samantha Umney-GrayAccommodations Support Worker
15Lori-Ann McFarlaneSupports and Services Supervisor
15Melanie SutherlandAccommodations Support Worker
15Brian NicolAccommodations Support Worker
15Candace CrooksCommunity Support Worker
15Tina LoshawAccommodations Support Worker
15April CoombsAccommodations Support Worker
15Betty VanniAccommodations Support Worker
15Kacey NobleFamily Support Worker
15Iyabo AkandeAccommodations Support Worker
15Rod DameryAccommodations Support Worker
15Kevin NadonProperty Maintenance Supervisor
15David WilliamsAccommodations Support Worker
15Heather MillsAccommodations Support Worker
15Amanda RomitaSenior Financial Analyst
15Sandra StevensonAccommodations Support Worker
15Jennifer MacKaySupported Independent Living Worker
10Sarah BerryAdministrative Associate
10Angela ValyearSupports and Services Supervisor
10Diane DaleAccommodations Support Worker
10Gina PohlandAccommodations Support Worker
10Catherine ShawAccommodations Support Worker
10Linda CareySupported Independent Living Worker
10Erika MasonAccommodations Support Worker
10Cindy ObdamAccommodations Support Worker
10Tammy HazlettAccommodations Support Worker
10Russ BaileySupports and Services Supervisor
10Jovier ChampagneAccommodations Support Worker
5Michelle HannAdministrative Associate
5Joan CrozierAdministrative Associate
5Terry OramAdministrative Associate
5Masha BukshtinovichAccommodations Support Worker
5Krissy SturleyAccommodations Support Worker
5Kerri ScharfCommunity Support Worker
5Kendra RobertsonAccommodations Support Worker
5Vanessa EllertonAdministrative Associate
5Kirstie O’LearyAccommodations Support Worker
5Anna McNuttAccommodations Support Worker
5Jim HanniganProperty Maintenance Technician
5Donna KivellAdministrative Associate
5Brittany DonnellyHousing First Case Manager
5Tracey HoeyAccommodations Support Worker
5Tarryn ReinekeSupported Independent Living Worker
5Chandrapalan SeenithambyAccommodations Support Worker

Congratulations on reaching these milestones, and thank you for your continued efforts to empower people to lead a meaningful and inclusive life.

logo
My Place Adult Services Inc

FOUNDATION

Legacy Gifts

Our deepest thanks to the families behind My Place Adult Services Inc. After 20 years of fundraising in Orillia, the families were looking for a charity that could fulfill their goal of residential services for adults with disabilities, and they chose the Empower Simcoe Foundation. The legacy of their fundraising will be a new home or facility in Orillia, to be announced by Empower Simcoe in the near future.

We also express our heartfelt gratitude to the Estates of Barbara Warne and Dorothy Wieder. Their legacy gifts first sustained their adult children within the care of Empower Simcoe until the end of their children’s lives. Then, from the balance remaining, each of these thoughtful donors also supported the Empower Simcoe Foundation with a gift in her will.

Consider Your Legacy

Naming the Empower Simcoe Foundation in your will is one of many thoughtful legacy gifts you could make. These include gift options that can help reduce your tax burden now. Whatever option you choose, your gift could help Simcoe County residents lead meaningful and inclusive lives for generations to come. Legacy gifts also provide seed funding for innovative housing projects like Lakeshore Ridge. You have the flexibility when planning your estate to ensure your family is taken care of while also supporting the charities that matter to you most. Click the button below to find out more.

Legacy Gifts

Milestone Service Awards

Congratulations to our 2021-2022 Service Award winners

Years of ServiceStaff NameTitle
35Richard PickCommunity Support Worker
35Linda GavinAccommodations Support Worker
30Alma AndrewsAccommodations Support Worker
30Roberta LemayCommunity Support Worker
30Sunny Ighani-LightfootAccommodations Support Worker
30Jackie GivensSupports and Services Supervisor
30Jacquie McKnightQuality and Innovation Manager
30Clare ZangariAccommodations Support Worker
30Dena WilsonInformation Technology Support Specialist
30Christine RobinsonAccommodations Support Worker
25Andria HoweSupports and Services Supervisor
25Catherine LittleAccommodations Support Worker
25Tracy LaughlinSupported Independent Living Worker
25Marlene BrooksCommunity Support Worker
25Jennifer RobertsonAccommodations Support Worker
25Doug HopkinsAccommodations Support Worker
20Sandra BurtAccommodations Support Worker
20Cheryl-Lynne BibbingsAccommodations Support Worker
20Stacey HeeleyAccommodations Support Worker
20Lisa SpringallSupported Independent Living Worker
20Maureen McPeake-FerrarinAccommodations Support Worker
20Tanya Van VoorstAccommodations Support Worker
20Kim StephensHuman Resources Director
20Dawn WindrossCommunity Support Worker
20Patricia McCullaghEarlyON Program Facilitator
20Christine LaChapelleInnovation and Independence Activator
20April FawdryAccommodations Support Worker
15Danielle NewbyAccommodations Support Worker
15Kari MihillsAccommodations Support Worker
15Melissa StewartAccommodations Support Worker
15Jennifer LynchAccommodations Support Worker
15Beth RedwoodAccommodations Support Worker
15Kirsten GoodmanFamily Support Worker
15Samantha Umney-GrayAccommodations Support Worker
15Lori-Ann McFarlaneSupports and Services Supervisor
15Melanie SutherlandAccommodations Support Worker
15Brian NicolAccommodations Support Worker
15Candace CrooksCommunity Support Worker
15Tina LoshawAccommodations Support Worker
15April CoombsAccommodations Support Worker
15Betty VanniAccommodations Support Worker
15Kacey NobleFamily Support Worker
15Iyabo AkandeAccommodations Support Worker
15Rod DameryAccommodations Support Worker
15Kevin NadonProperty Maintenance Supervisor
15David WilliamsAccommodations Support Worker
15Heather MillsAccommodations Support Worker
15Amanda RomitaSenior Financial Analyst
15Sandra StevensonAccommodations Support Worker
15Jennifer MacKaySupported Independent Living Worker
10Sarah BerryAdministrative Associate
10Angela ValyearSupports and Services Supervisor
10Diane DaleAccommodations Support Worker
10Gina PohlandAccommodations Support Worker
10Catherine ShawAccommodations Support Worker
10Linda CareySupported Independent Living Worker
10Erika MasonAccommodations Support Worker
10Cindy ObdamAccommodations Support Worker
10Tammy HazlettAccommodations Support Worker
10Russ BaileySupports and Services Supervisor
10Jovier ChampagneAccommodations Support Worker
5Michelle HannAdministrative Associate
5Joan CrozierAdministrative Associate
5Terry OramAdministrative Associate
5Masha BukshtinovichAccommodations Support Worker
5Krissy SturleyAccommodations Support Worker
5Kerri ScharfCommunity Support Worker
5Kendra RobertsonAccommodations Support Worker
5Vanessa EllertonAdministrative Associate
5Kirstie O’LearyAccommodations Support Worker
5Anna McNuttAccommodations Support Worker
5Jim HanniganProperty Maintenance Technician
5Donna KivellAdministrative Associate
5Brittany DonnellyHousing First Case Manager
5Tracey HoeyAccommodations Support Worker
5Tarryn ReinekeSupported Independent Living Worker
5Chandrapalan SeenithambyAccommodations Support Worker

Congratulations on reaching these milestones, and thank you for your continued efforts to empower people to lead a meaningful and inclusive life.

Risk Identification Mitigating actions/controls (currently in place)
Labour shortage of employees in various departments and programs and at all levels
Ongoing recruiting drive. Ensuring competitive wages and benefits. Advocate for cost of living funding increase. Seek Employee feedback on how to improve work conditions.
Lack of cost of living funding increases resulting in the erosion of quality and capacity of service delivery over time.
Consistent dialogue and advocacy with funders. Reliance on fundraising to supplement government funding shortfalls. Invest in efforts to improve efficiency and productivity.
Labour disruption
Union negotiations with the support of labour relations lawyer. Work stoppage/contingency plan.
Cyber Security Breach
Employee cyber security training. Invest in up-to-date cyber security technology and best practises. Off-site backups. IT audits.
Temporary or permanent loss of funding from main funders.
Consistent dialogue and advocacy with funders. Maintain contingency fund. Maintain fundraising efforts.
Major disruption to operating environment due to natural disasters, pandemics, war, terrorism and other catastrophic events.
Pandemic planning, business continuity planning, insurance, contingency fund.
man with air fryer
It's lunchtime with Chef Paul!

47 +

Phones, Tablets & Smart Devices

15

iRobot Cleaning Technology

83 +

Health & Safety Technology

83

Kitchen Technology      

CORE VALUES • RESPECT

INNOVATION & INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Empower Simcoe developed the Innovation and Independence Activator position to create an environment within our supports and services that fosters continuous growth and confidence in living a more independent life for those we support. Over the past year, this was accomplished by utilizing the most relevant resources that promote independence in multiple environments; where a person lives, works, or accesses their community. Empower Simcoe’s person-centred approach focuses on a person’s wishes for the future, including supports around health, safety, finances, and daily living.

For Paul Callan, being able to prepare his meals to his preferences has been a game changer. Recognizing his goals of independence at home, an air fryer purchased with support from the Empower Simcoe Innovation and Independence Activator, has given Paul added self-reliance and confidence in the kitchen. “Being able to make my lunch makes me feel good,” says Paul. “It was so easy.“

Home security systems, auto shut-offs for stoves, automated medicine dispensers, and smoke detectors with strobe lights for people who are hearing and visually impaired are examples of some of the other technology purchased to assist in a safe and healthy environment at home while promoting personal growth and increased independence for the people we support. Empower Simcoe’s Innovation and Independence Activator works closely with a person’s support team to determine resources to support people in a more meaningful and respectful way, challenging the traditional methods of supporting people through assessment, research, and coordination of the use of technology.

Accommodations Services
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day
Forest Walk Smudging Ceremony
Forest Walk Smudging Ceremony
Every Child Matters 2022
Every Child Matters 2022

CORE VALUES • COMMUNITY

A WALK IN THE FOREST

In front of a serene, wooded pathway leading into the Simcoe County Forest, Empower Simcoe EarlyON Indigenous Coordinator Angelia Brooks invites eager children, parents and caregivers to participate in a traditional smudging ceremony to release, cleanse and remove negative energy. Smudging grounds everyone and sets their intentions for the walk. Next, those gathered place a small offering of tobacco under nearby trees as a sign of gratitude for all things the Creator has provided for us. Another EarlyON Indigenous Forest Walk is about to begin.

“Being out in the forest allows children to decompress, remain calm, explore and take the time to appreciate what’s around us in nature,” says Angelia. “I have seen decreases in unwanted behaviours. The children learn to appreciate the forest and all that nature has to offer.  And as the keepers of Mother Earth, these little ones will be our future.“

Angelia’s monthly Forest Walks are just one of many important Indigenous teachings offered through programming at Empower Simcoe’s EarlyON Child and Family Centres. Through her knowledge of the medicine wheel teachings, the four sacred medicines, traditional drumming, songs, and crafts, Angelia is making a difference in not only the lives of families attending Empower Simcoe’s EarlyON Child and Family Centres but in the lives of Empower Simcoe employees as well.

As a member of Empower Simcoe’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Advisory Council (EDIAC), Angelia’s voice is essential in helping Empower Simcoe on its journey to advance knowledge and understanding of what our agency can do to recognize, learn and move forward from the mistakes of our ancestors, so we all can be mindful and respectful of the future. Land Acknowledgment statements before every Empower Simcoe meeting and recognition and participation in commemorative dates like Orange Shirt Day and National Indigenous History Month are just the beginning. “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is not about one day or one month,” says Angelia. “Whether it’s Pride Month, National Black History Month, or National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are working towards a culture of diversity and inclusion 365 days of the year.”     

As our agency moves forward to further the Truth and Reconciliation process, Empower Simcoe is proud to equip and empower our employees and the people and families we support so we all can be accepting of all People and give each a voice.

Every person. Every conversation. All the time.

Indigenous EarlyON  
canoes
holding paddle
Previous
Next

44 +

Virtual Activities

each a unique experience

12 +

Community Cohorts

with more added monthly

Community Support  

CORE VALUES • DRIVEN

A Journey To Belonging

Confidently slipping into her life jacket and grabbing a paddle, Sheri Woodhouse smiles as she joyfully waits for her turn to ease into the back of the Empower Simcoe canoe floating dockside. The water sparkles as the late morning sun bounces off the lake at Earl Rowe Provincial Park.  Sheri is eager to hit the water for this Community Support Services Day Program activity along with some of her Empower Simcoe friends. “My favourite thing about canoeing is seeing the turtles, birds, and fish,” says Sheri. “Canoeing with my friends is fun.” 

As outlined in Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services continues to message the importance of belonging for people with disabilities. Ontario’s vision for developmental service reform is one where Sheri and other people with developmental disabilities are able to thrive and participate fully in their communities.

“Our goal is to continue to reduce barriers and improve services to help people with developmental disabilities live more inclusive lives, strengthening the philosophy of Community and Person-Directed Services,” says Empower Simcoe CEO Dr. Claudine Cousins. “It also ensures our Community Support Services program is a community-based option for adults with developmental disabilities.”

Based on a shared interest, in addition to exploring new experiences, Empower Simcoe’s Community Supports Services cohorts (groups of 3-4 people participating in common interests, facilitated by an Empower Simcoe employee) and activities are being created and added every day. Bowling, attending a favourite movie, trips to Canada’s Wonderland, and meaningful volunteering and employment opportunities in the community are just a few examples of experiences that are responsive to people’s needs, supporting greater choice and a sense of belonging in their community.

Man standing with art
Shawn Ladouceur - Art For Sale

CORE VALUES • ACCOUNTABLE

THE WORLD AS HIS CANVAS

Shawn Ladouceur is a prolific landscape and nature artist from Orillia who loves to draw and paint. Over the years, Shawn has produced hundreds of original works of art that have been showcased and sold throughout Simcoe County at venues like the downtown Orillia Summer Block Party and local vendor’s markets. His talents are displayed every summer during Orillia’s living art program, Streets Alive, and on the cover of this year’s Empower Simcoe Thank You card. “Painting makes me feel good,” says Shawn. “I love how calm it makes me feel.”

Through support to participate in many virtual art classes, Shawn is excited to learn more about his craft, from woodburning to oils that further develop his skills. With the world as his canvas, Shawn’s ultimate goal in life is to make art his career and to become a renowned artist in the community.

As an accountable organization, Empower Simcoe continues to reimagine how it can work mindfully to empower Shawn’s and every individual’s goals and dreams.  Together, we’re discovering what is possible so people can live their best lives.

Supported Independent Living