Lumacare Annual Report, 2011-12
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Caring for Our Communities<br />
since 1974<br />
Quality Integrity Respect Innovation Dignity Inclusion
Respect, Inclusion<br />
and Dignity x<br />
Respectful of<br />
all persons and<br />
appreciating their<br />
differences, sharing<br />
resources with<br />
partners, facilitating<br />
positive, affirming<br />
relationships amongst<br />
the staff and Board<br />
and with each other,<br />
recognizing the work<br />
of staff and volunteers.<br />
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Page <strong>12</strong><br />
Contents<br />
Catchment Area<br />
DSS Mission, Vision, Values & Bill of Rights<br />
Message from the Board of Directors Chairperson and the<br />
Executive Director<br />
Board of Directors/Our Partners<br />
Numbers/Statistics<br />
Tina and Leonard’s Stories<br />
Events: Niagara Falls, St. Patrick’s Day, Staff Wellness Day,<br />
Staff Halloween Party<br />
Events: <strong>Annual</strong> Open House, Valentine’s Day, Premier Dalton<br />
McGuinty visit, Dr. Sloan at AGM/Community Conversation<br />
Events: Downsview Walking Club with Donovan Bailey,<br />
Bangladesh Day, Holiday Party – Northwood Community<br />
Centre<br />
Events: African Cultural Day, Beating the Winter Blues,<br />
Yoga and Zumba Classes, Client Outing<br />
United Way Leadership Award, New Transportation Van<br />
for Clients<br />
Catchment area<br />
DSS serves a geographic area that is<br />
bounded by Bathurst Street to the East,<br />
Lawrence Avenue (approximately) to<br />
the South, Humber River to the West and<br />
Steeles Avenue to the North. This area<br />
includes North York West and parts of<br />
North York Central -- areas of Toronto<br />
that are challenged in significant ways.<br />
Central LHIN’s 2008 Health Service<br />
Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis<br />
(SNAGA) project identified the long-term<br />
health needs in the LHIN. According to<br />
that study, almost 17% of North York<br />
Central residents are over the age of<br />
65 and there is a significant percentage<br />
(<strong>12</strong>.94%) of low income families.<br />
North York West has the second oldest<br />
population (after North York Central)<br />
in the Central LHIN, with 14.8% of<br />
the residents over the age of 65. This<br />
planning area also has the highest<br />
percentage of low income families in the<br />
Central LHIN at 20.47%.<br />
Weston Rd.<br />
1<br />
2<br />
3<br />
4<br />
400<br />
Jane St.<br />
7<br />
7<br />
Steeles Ave. W.<br />
5<br />
Finch Ave. W.<br />
2<br />
Sheppard Ave. W.<br />
Wilson Ave.<br />
Main Office<br />
BOOST / Northwood<br />
Arleta<br />
Valleyview<br />
3<br />
Lawrence Ave. W.<br />
Keele St.<br />
Dufferin St.<br />
407<br />
401<br />
Bathurst St.<br />
DSS Catchment with High Needs Areas Highlighted<br />
5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
7<br />
6<br />
Shoreham<br />
Walking Program<br />
Services to Seniors Apt.<br />
Services to Seniors Apt<br />
1<br />
4<br />
2<br />
Quality Integrity<br />
Respect
Downsview Services for Seniors –<br />
Revised Client Bill of Rights<br />
This policy complies with the Home Care and<br />
Community Services Act, 1994. Refer to the Act<br />
for further details [1994, c. 26, s. 3 (1)].<br />
1. A person receiving a community service<br />
has the right to be dealt with by Downsview<br />
Services for Seniors (“DSS”) in a courteous<br />
and respectful manner, and to be free from<br />
psychological, physical, financial, sexual and<br />
systemic abuse by DSS.<br />
2. A person receiving a community service has<br />
the right to be dealt with by DSS in a manner<br />
that respects the person’s dignity and privacy<br />
and that promotes the person’s autonomy.<br />
3. A person receiving a community service has<br />
the right to be dealt with by DSS in a manner<br />
that recognises the person’s individuality and<br />
that is sensitive to and responds to the person’s<br />
needs and preferences, including preferences<br />
based on ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, familial and<br />
cultural factors.<br />
4. A person receiving a community service has<br />
the right to information about the community<br />
services provided to him or her and to be<br />
told who would be providing the community<br />
services.<br />
5. A person applying for a community service<br />
has the right to participate in DSS’ assessment<br />
of his or her requirements and a person who<br />
is determined under the Act to be eligible<br />
for a community service has the right to<br />
participate in DSS’ development of the person’s<br />
plan of service, DSS’ review of the person’s<br />
requirements and DSS’ evaluation and revision<br />
of the person’s plan of service.<br />
6. A person has the right to give or refuse<br />
consent to the provision of any community<br />
service. If consent is refused, service will not be<br />
provided.<br />
7. A person receiving a community service<br />
has the right to raise concerns or recommend<br />
changes in connection with the community<br />
service provided to him or her and in<br />
connection with policies and decisions that<br />
affect his or her interest, to DSS, government<br />
officials or any other person, without fear<br />
of interference, coercion, discrimination or<br />
reprisal.<br />
8. A person receiving a community service has<br />
the right to be informed of the laws, rules and<br />
policies affecting the operation of DSS and to<br />
be informed in writing of the procedures for<br />
initiating complaints about DSS.<br />
9. A person receiving a community service<br />
has the right to have his or her records kept<br />
confidential in accordance with the law.<br />
misSion<br />
DSS aspires to meet the needs of older adults and their<br />
caregivers in our diverse community by providing equitable,<br />
accessible, high quality services to support and foster<br />
independent living.<br />
vision<br />
We will be life changing and make a difference to both<br />
individuals and the community we serve. We will recognize<br />
“the tipping points” of older adults and caregivers in our<br />
community and help put supports in place so they are able<br />
to live well at home. We will champion the needs of older<br />
adults and caregivers, and develop partnerships in our diverse<br />
community that capitalize on our strengths and those of others<br />
to do even more.<br />
values<br />
Compassion<br />
Genuine concern and attention giving older adults and<br />
caregivers whatever support they need and striving to help<br />
regardless of obstacles.<br />
Integrity<br />
Being honest, doing what we say we are going to do, and being<br />
accountable.<br />
Respect, Inclusion and Dignity<br />
Respectful of all persons and appreciating their differences,<br />
sharing resources with partners, facilitating positive, affirming<br />
relationships amongst the staff and Board and with each other,<br />
recognizing the work of staff and volunteers.<br />
Person Focused<br />
Putting the older adult and caregiver first, taking a “whole<br />
person” approach to our care and support, supporting and<br />
fostering their quality of life, honouring preferences and<br />
the clients’ knowledge of what works best for them, also<br />
recognizing the “whole person” in our staff and volunteers.<br />
Quality<br />
Being the best we can be, valuing the ability to listen, learning<br />
from each other and continuously improving, aiming to meet<br />
and exceed standards, recognizing that safety is a necessary<br />
foundation of quality.<br />
Innovation<br />
Welcoming change and new ways of doing things, having the<br />
courage to try new things.<br />
Innovation Dignity Inclusion<br />
3
Sharing our Values<br />
Message from the Board of Directors<br />
Chairperson and the Executive Director<br />
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to view our<br />
<strong>2011</strong>-20<strong>12</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>. It is our pleasure to share<br />
some of the exciting developments at Downsview Services<br />
for Seniors (DSS) from this past year.<br />
It has been a truly outstanding year for our organization.<br />
We have begun the important process of preparing for<br />
our first Accreditation Survey, and therefore have been<br />
directing our attention to the detail of what we do, how<br />
we do it and most importantly, who we do it for. Already<br />
we are realizing how this process will bring us together<br />
as an organization and how it will help us focus on<br />
serving the needs of our clients more effectively. The<br />
Survey itself will occur in late June 20<strong>12</strong>.<br />
As you will see in the coming pages, we are a very<br />
active and engaged organization. Our many programs<br />
celebrate the older adults of our community as we foster<br />
an environment that promotes the self-worth and dignity<br />
of those whom we serve. Our mission is to assist these<br />
older adults in their areas of need and to help them live<br />
rewarding and substantive lives from their homes for as<br />
long as possible.<br />
We verbalized our values a few years ago as we prepared<br />
for the development of our Strategic Plan <strong>2011</strong>-2014 and<br />
now we face them squarely in front of us as the process of<br />
Accreditation asks us to name them and to live them. Our<br />
values are as follows:<br />
It is our pledge to meet or exceed this<br />
standard in all that we do.<br />
We know that there will be challenges ahead as we<br />
endeavour to establish these advancements. At times we<br />
will be called upon to have the courage and faith that the<br />
decisions we make are the correct ones. However, after<br />
37 years of service we feel fully prepared to advance this<br />
organization towards an even higher standard of care<br />
for our clients. The coming year will be an exciting one<br />
for us.<br />
Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to the<br />
whole DSS family, including clients, Board of Directors,<br />
volunteers, staff, funders and partners. Without the<br />
synergistic operation of all levels of this organization, we<br />
would not be able to function as we do.<br />
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, to YOU who help us<br />
fulfill our mission, move closer to our vision, promote our<br />
values and assist us in attaining our Strategic Goals and<br />
Objectives. It is only with your help that we improve the<br />
quality of life of the older adults and their caregivers of<br />
our community.<br />
Sincerely Yours,<br />
Person-focused, quality, dignity, integrity,<br />
respect, compassion, innovation and<br />
inclusion.<br />
They speak to our mission of providing the older adults<br />
in our diverse community with equitable, accessible and<br />
high quality service; our values also provide guidance<br />
to the way people are expected to treat all people. You<br />
will see our values listed frequently in this report as<br />
we remind our clients, stakeholders, supporters and<br />
ourselves of the standard that we have created for this<br />
organization.<br />
Gavin F. McIntosh – Board Chair<br />
Joanne M. Jasper – Executive Director<br />
4<br />
Quality Integrity<br />
Respect
Board Members<br />
[<strong>2011</strong> - 20<strong>12</strong>]<br />
Gavin McIntosh (Chair)<br />
Marcel Beals (Vice Chair)<br />
Alex Remedios (Treasurer)<br />
Marie Bova<br />
Frances Chapkin<br />
Marissa Colalillo<br />
Gabriella Fasciani<br />
Ricki Grushcow<br />
Alexandra Harris<br />
Beverley McClelland<br />
Ashley Melo<br />
David Mousavi<br />
Lorne Shapiro<br />
Board member Frances Chapkin dancing with her husband<br />
at Art in the Park client-caregiver social event<br />
[<br />
OUR<br />
[<br />
PARTNERS<br />
Downsview Services for Seniors believes that in our rapidly evolving healthcare environment,<br />
effective partnerships build the biggest win-wins for person-centred care.<br />
Altruvest<br />
Alzheimer Society of York Region<br />
Bathurst-Finch Network<br />
Bernard Betel<br />
Better Living Health and Community<br />
Services<br />
Black Creek Community Health Centre<br />
Canada Summer Jobs Program (Service<br />
Canada)<br />
Canadian Research Network for Care in<br />
the Community<br />
Canadian Red Cross<br />
CANES<br />
Carefirst Seniors and Community<br />
Services Association<br />
Central Community Care Access Centre<br />
(CCAC)<br />
Central Local Health Integration<br />
Network (LHIN)<br />
CHATS – Community and Home<br />
Assistance to Seniors<br />
Christian Horizons<br />
Circle of Care<br />
City of Toronto:<br />
• Social Development, Finance and<br />
Administration<br />
• Employment & Social Services<br />
• Forestry, Parks and Recreation<br />
Community Living Toronto<br />
Community Police Liaison<br />
Committee-32 Division<br />
Community Support Services (CSS)<br />
Network<br />
Downsview Park Sports Operations<br />
Etobicoke Support Services<br />
George Brown College<br />
Grant Thornton<br />
Greater Toronto Civic Action Alliance<br />
Home Instead Senior Care<br />
Humber River Regional Hospital – Church<br />
Street, Finch Avenue and Keele Street sites<br />
Human Endeavour Organization<br />
International Federation on Aging<br />
Jamaican Canadian Association<br />
Jane-Finch Community and Family Services<br />
Kerry’s Place<br />
Kristus Darzs<br />
LOFT Community Services<br />
Maytree Foundation<br />
Meals on Wheels and More<br />
Meta Centre<br />
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration<br />
Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport<br />
Montage Support Services<br />
North York Elder Abuse Network<br />
North York General Hospital<br />
North York Healthy Aging Network<br />
North York Senior Games<br />
North York Seniors Centre<br />
Older Women’s Network<br />
Ontario Association of Coalition of Adult<br />
Centre (OACAO)<br />
Ontario Community Support Association<br />
Ontario Gerontology Association<br />
Organization of the Seniors Coalition of<br />
Ontario<br />
PEACH<br />
The Regional Municipality of York<br />
Ryerson University Department of Politics<br />
and Public Administration<br />
St. Clair West Services for Seniors<br />
St. Johns Rehabilitation Hospital<br />
Streetsport<br />
Toronto Community Housing Corporation<br />
Toronto Council on Aging Toronto District<br />
School Board (via intergenerational<br />
walking club partnership)<br />
Toronto Elderly Persons Centre Network<br />
Toronto Public Health (via Toronto Falls<br />
Prevention Community Consultants<br />
Committee)<br />
Toronto West Stroke Network<br />
Transcare<br />
Unionville Home Society<br />
Unison Health Care – Bathurst Finch Hub<br />
United Way Toronto:<br />
• Community Advisory Committee<br />
• Speakers Bureau<br />
University of Toronto:<br />
• Faculty of Health Policy, Management &<br />
Evaluation, Faculty of Medicine<br />
Villa Colombo<br />
Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care –<br />
Markham<br />
York University<br />
• Faculty of Health<br />
• Faculty of Social Work<br />
York West Active Living Centres<br />
Innovation Dignity Inclusion<br />
5
DSS Client Service Data<br />
our services<br />
our services<br />
clients served<br />
Service Units<br />
2010/11 <strong>2011</strong>/<strong>12</strong> 2010/11 <strong>2011</strong>/<strong>12</strong><br />
Homemaking<br />
168<br />
195<br />
Homemaking (HOURS OF CARE)<br />
11,564<br />
8,779<br />
Respite Care<br />
7<br />
11<br />
Respite Care (NUMBER OF HOURS)<br />
4.453<br />
3,1<strong>12</strong><br />
Personal Care<br />
27<br />
20<br />
Personal Care (HOURS OF CARE)<br />
3,318<br />
1,460<br />
Client Intervention & Support<br />
319<br />
255<br />
Client Intervention & Support (VISITS)<br />
794<br />
588<br />
Transportation<br />
347<br />
306<br />
Transportation (CLIENT RIDES)<br />
8,070<br />
<strong>12</strong>,049<br />
Meals on Wheels<br />
370<br />
358<br />
Meals on Wheels (MEALS DELIVERED)<br />
39,067<br />
36,047<br />
Diner’s Club<br />
181<br />
140<br />
Diner’s Club (ATTENDANCE DAYS)<br />
6,140<br />
5,300<br />
Healthier Living Centre<br />
271<br />
280<br />
Healthier Living Centre (ATTENDANCE DAYS)<br />
5,833<br />
6,798<br />
Branson Place<br />
86<br />
75<br />
Branson Place (ATTENDANCE DAYS)<br />
3,926<br />
5,018<br />
Interlude Program<br />
16<br />
34<br />
Interlude Program (RESIDENCE DAYS)<br />
200<br />
834<br />
BOOST<br />
84<br />
74<br />
BOOST (ATTENDANCE DAYS)<br />
4,279<br />
4,193<br />
Home at LasT<br />
1625<br />
1558<br />
Home at LasT (HOURS OF CARE)<br />
3,890<br />
3,806<br />
valleyview<br />
79<br />
94<br />
valleyview (ATTENDANCE DAYS)<br />
4,035<br />
4,487<br />
BALANCE OF CARE<br />
110<br />
116<br />
BALANCE OF CARE<br />
16,831<br />
17,054<br />
<strong>2011</strong>-20<strong>12</strong> actual revenueS / expenses<br />
Donation<br />
$14,364<br />
revenues $5,857,242 expenses $5,845,749<br />
Supportive Housing<br />
$889,047<br />
CCAC<br />
$1,<strong>12</strong>8,375<br />
Senior Care-clients fees<br />
$739,893<br />
Supportive Housing<br />
$869,018<br />
Central LHIN<br />
$2,321,403<br />
United Way<br />
$107,578<br />
Volunteer Services<br />
$70,317<br />
Other<br />
$40,865<br />
General Administration<br />
$858,959<br />
Healthier Living Centre<br />
$192,727<br />
Senior Care<br />
$3,793,734<br />
Ministry of Health and LTC<br />
$85,400<br />
Other<br />
$513,891<br />
City of Toronto<br />
$77,320<br />
6<br />
Quality Integrity<br />
Respect
My name is Tina. I am 56 years<br />
old. A few months ago, after a<br />
scary visit to my doctor, I was<br />
advised that my blood pressure<br />
was on the rise and, at times, was<br />
spiking. After researching the<br />
internet regarding the dangers<br />
of high blood pressure, and on<br />
doctor’s orders, I decided it was<br />
time to make some changes in my<br />
lifestyle.<br />
TESTIMONIALS<br />
I heard through neighbours that<br />
Downsview Services for Seniors<br />
provide classes to seniors 55 plus<br />
(with age related conditions) at a<br />
nearby Community Centre. I immediately checked out the program<br />
and started attending the classes the following day.<br />
On my first day I was immediately greeted and welcomed by<br />
DSS staff. Within the first week of attending the classes I had<br />
approximately 10 new friends and a whole new network of<br />
acquaintances.<br />
The instructors are very professional, knowledgeable, enthusiastic<br />
and attentive to individual’s needs. There is line dancing on<br />
Mondays with Joe; Yoga and Zumba on Tuesdays with Miriam;<br />
Wednesdays and Thursdays walking club with Jody; and Latin<br />
dancing with Juanita and fun workouts on Fridays with Michelle<br />
who always tries to provide a challenge and encourages us to go<br />
that “extra mile.”<br />
I enjoy all the classes equally. Each class provides a different<br />
challenge for me whether it’s a new dancing step, extra push-ups<br />
or the will to pick up heavier weights.<br />
This program not only provides excellent physical exercises for the<br />
community, but it has an atmosphere that promotes the “social<br />
aspect”. The recent success of our Christmas Party was testimonial<br />
to the closeness of this group. We are now planning a Niagara<br />
Falls/Casino trip for January 20<strong>12</strong>!!!<br />
As stated previously, during my first week of attending the<br />
program I made 10 new friends. Two months later... I now have<br />
at least 40 new friends!!!!!!!!!!<br />
This program is so much fun, I enjoy it immensely and attending<br />
the classes has now become part of my day-to-day activities.<br />
I would highly recommend it to anyone.<br />
I would like to thank Jeff (Jeff Gruchy) and Meghan (Meghan<br />
Lipp) for making this program so successful. Meghan is<br />
always available to gather feedback, provide us with the latest<br />
information on trips and activities and most and foremost is our<br />
number one cheerleader. By the way, I am feeling so much better<br />
now and my B/P IS GOING DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
Hi my name is Leonard Taylor and I was asked<br />
to write a few words about the Healthier<br />
Living Center.<br />
Well, I started attending class in January <strong>2011</strong><br />
at the “hangar” where I learned about the<br />
classes held at Northwood C.C. I now attend<br />
these classes five days a week. There are<br />
all types of classes from fitness, to zumba,<br />
to line dancing to walking. The instructors<br />
keep the class fun and non- stop for the full<br />
hour. I have made many friends there. These<br />
classes have helped me in so many ways from<br />
health reasons to friendships and a great way<br />
to spend my mornings since my retirement<br />
in Sept 2010. Other services offered that I<br />
have taken advantage of and recommend<br />
highly is the Foot Care Clinic. The nurse does<br />
that little extra to make you feel like you’re<br />
walking on air when she is finished. I would<br />
also like to thank the staff and coordinators<br />
of the Healthier Living Center for all the work<br />
they do and the trips provided – such as the<br />
Niagara Falls Festival of Lights held Jan.19,<br />
20<strong>12</strong> and also the trip to the Dominican<br />
coming in March 20<strong>12</strong>. My congratulations<br />
to all the staff associated with Downsview<br />
Services for Seniors. Well done!<br />
Leonard T. – Participant in all classes.<br />
Tina G.<br />
Innovation Dignity Inclusion<br />
7
Events at Downsview Services for Seniors<br />
St. Patrick’s Day 20<strong>12</strong><br />
Niagara Falls 20<strong>12</strong><br />
On Thursday January 19th 20<strong>12</strong>, 30 clients from The<br />
Healthier Living Centre, Diner’s Club, and B.O.O.S.T<br />
(Building our Strengths Together) programs went on<br />
a full day excursion to Niagara Falls. The trip consisted<br />
of wine tasting, lunch at Betty’s Restaurant, Fallsview<br />
Casino (where everyone was given $10 of playing<br />
money), and it ended with the Festival of Lights tour.<br />
It was a fun-filled day with lots to do and lots to see –<br />
everyone had a fantastic time!<br />
On Thursday, March 15th 20<strong>12</strong> The Healthier Living Centre<br />
and B.O.O.S.T programs came together and celebrated St.<br />
Patrick’s Day. The day consisted of a festive St. Patrick’s Day<br />
meal including a fresh feta salad, chicken cutlet, broccoli,<br />
mashed potatoes and some green beans. For dessert we served<br />
green cake with peppermint ice cream and a green lemonade<br />
punch to drink. The theme of the party was GREEN, where<br />
we asked all guests to dress in green. On top of that we had a<br />
fantastic entertainer that sang Irish songs and also provided the<br />
guests with a sing-a-long sheet. The music was great because<br />
it allowed for all of us to come together to dance, to enjoy the<br />
music and to share in the company of others.<br />
Staff Halloween Gathering <strong>2011</strong><br />
Staff Wellness Day on Toronto Island<br />
In September <strong>2011</strong>, DSS went on a company-wide trip to Toronto<br />
Island. It was so much fun!<br />
We rode the bus to Queen’s Quay and then got on the ferry.<br />
When we reached the picnic spot we played tug of war, bag races,<br />
and volleyball. We had a delicious lunch afterwards. Toronto<br />
Island is very scenic. There are beautiful landscaped gardens with<br />
fountains and a gorgeous beach. Our favourite thing about the trip<br />
was exploring the island on our rented quadricycle.<br />
The trip gave us the opportunity to meet the friends and families of<br />
our co-workers. We can’t wait for our next trip to Toronto Island!<br />
8<br />
Quality Integrity<br />
Respect<br />
Quality x<br />
Being the best we can<br />
be, valuing the ability to<br />
listen, learning from each<br />
other and continuously<br />
improving, aiming to meet<br />
and exceed standards,<br />
recognizing that safety is<br />
a necessary foundation<br />
of quality.
Events at Downsview Services for Seniors<br />
Downsview<br />
Services for<br />
Seniors <strong>Annual</strong><br />
Open House<br />
Left to Right:<br />
Gabriella Fasciani (DSS Board member), Tina (DSS client), Councillor Anthony<br />
Perruzza (Ward 8, York West), Tom Rakocevic (assistant to Councillor Perruzza)<br />
In December <strong>2011</strong>, Downsview Services for Seniors joined<br />
with its clients, caregivers, volunteers and staff, at the<br />
Northwood Community Centre for an afternoon of socializing,<br />
celebration at our 16th annual Open House. The attendees<br />
enjoyed sandwiches, cookies, fruits, pastries and lots of festive<br />
foods. There were photos with Santa, artwork and used books<br />
for sale, and an afternoon raffle. Retailer gift cards were<br />
available for purchase to help with fundraising. The event was<br />
the perfect display of the holiday spirit.<br />
Valentine’s<br />
Day at the<br />
Healthier<br />
Living<br />
Centre<br />
On Tuesday February 14th 20<strong>12</strong> the Healthier<br />
Living Centre (HLC) came together and celebrated<br />
Valentine’s Day. The event, “Love is in the Air”<br />
was a great way for loved ones and friends to<br />
come together, wear the colours of love and to<br />
mingle amongst their new found friends. We<br />
had approximately 50 HLC members attend<br />
where snacks, beverages, and great company was<br />
provided. We showed a romantic-comedy film<br />
“When Harry Met Sally”, which was a hit - laughter<br />
was shared by all. The event was a real success!<br />
Premier Dalton<br />
McGuinty at DSS<br />
Left to Right:<br />
Monte Kwinter, MPP (York Centre), Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP (Federal Minister responsible for Seniors), Dalton<br />
McGuinty, MPP (Ontario Premier), Joanne Jasper (Executive Director, Downsview Services for Seniors), Lori Hales<br />
(Branson Place Program Supervisor), David Harvey (Chief Public Policy & Program Initiatives Officer, Alzheimer<br />
Society of Ontario)<br />
Dr. Sloan speaking at the<br />
Downsview Services for Seniors<br />
Community Conversation and<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> General Meeting <strong>2011</strong><br />
Innovation Dignity Inclusion<br />
9
Events at Downsview Services for Seniors<br />
Donovan Bailey and the Ontario Lung Association ask Ontarians “How Old Are Your Lungs?”<br />
Twenty-five Downsview Services for Seniors clients and 15 youths experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity on<br />
November 16, <strong>2011</strong> when they met Canada’s very own 1996 Olympic Games Gold Medal Winner and then holder of title<br />
of Fastest Man in the World - Donovan Bailey.<br />
Donovan hosted a walking clinic at Lawrence Square Mall, followed by a media challenge to help raise awareness of<br />
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A big thank you to Donovan for sharing his time, knowledge and<br />
passion with us!<br />
Bangladesh Day<br />
On February 21, 20<strong>12</strong><br />
Branson Place clients enjoyed<br />
a special Bangladesh Day<br />
presentation by staff member<br />
Tabinda. Clients made special<br />
Bangladeshi crafts, ate an<br />
ethnic meal and snacks,<br />
experienced traditional<br />
henna and everyone got the<br />
opportunity to dress up in<br />
traditional costumes such as<br />
sarees and salwar kameezes.<br />
Holiday Party<br />
at Northwood<br />
Community Centre<br />
Downsview<br />
Walking<br />
Club joins<br />
Donovan<br />
Bailey<br />
On Wednesday December 14th <strong>2011</strong>, Downsview Services for Seniors hosted its<br />
annual Holiday Party at the Northwood Community Centre where clients of the<br />
B.O.O.S.T Program, Diner’s Club and Healthier Living Centre all came together to<br />
celebrate the season. In addition to the clients there were family, friends, volunteers,<br />
students and staff that filled the banquet hall. The hall was alive with 220 guests<br />
enjoying live entertainment with many singing and dancing along to Christmas songs.<br />
Downsview Services for Seniors Executive Director, Joanne Jasper, presented<br />
Toronto Humber Rotary Club President, Diane Lowe, with a framed client art piece,<br />
recognizing the Rotary’s continued support of this event. A special thank you to all<br />
those who helped to make this special event such a success!<br />
10<br />
Quality Integrity<br />
Respect
Events at Downsview Services for Seniors<br />
Beating the<br />
winter blues<br />
at Downsview<br />
Services for<br />
Seniors<br />
Photo by DAN PEARCE<br />
“Regina P. walks with fellow<br />
seniors at the Downsview<br />
Services for Seniors Beat<br />
the Winter Blues walking<br />
event at Northwood<br />
Community Centre.”<br />
AFRICAN CULTURAL DAY<br />
February is Black History Month.<br />
To kick off the month, our George<br />
Brown Activation student held a special<br />
presentation in association with her<br />
African Cultural Day event. Clients<br />
danced and enjoyed entertainment.<br />
They also learned about the various<br />
African cultures.<br />
The Walking Club at Downsview Services for seniors takes place at the<br />
Northwood Community Centre and The Hangar inside Downsview Park.<br />
It is a very popular way for seniors to ward off those winter blues. A<br />
group of at least 25 older adults meets each Wednesday to get some much<br />
appreciated exercise while being a part of a community of like-minded<br />
individuals.<br />
After a few minutes of light cardio and stretching, the men and women<br />
are off, some walking with the aid of walking poles, others pushing their<br />
walkers. Some race around the gym alone, while others stroll at a leisurely<br />
pace with friends.<br />
It is a great way for older adults to be active and involved during a time of<br />
year when it is difficult to be outdoors and involved.<br />
YOGA AND<br />
ZUMBA CLASSES<br />
Classes offered by the Healthier Living Centre at Northwood Community Centre are<br />
growing. In November, there were 6-10 clients that participated in yoga classes – now<br />
there are 30+!<br />
Integrity x<br />
Being honest, doing what<br />
we say we are going to do,<br />
and being accountable.<br />
Client trip to<br />
the Mandarin<br />
Restaurant<br />
Innovation Dignity Inclusion<br />
11
Caring for Our Communities since 1974<br />
Bhayana Family<br />
Foundation Award<br />
for Leadership <strong>2011</strong><br />
Our very own Susan Doyle,<br />
Assistant Executive Director, wins<br />
the Bhayana Family Foundation<br />
Award for Leadership <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
The Bhayana Family Foundation<br />
Awards recognize extraordinary<br />
contributions made by staff at<br />
United Way Toronto funded<br />
agencies. They are awarded by<br />
United Way Toronto based on<br />
peer nominations received in the<br />
following five categories: Dedication,<br />
Leadership, Team Achievement,<br />
Innovation and Creativity,<br />
Partnership Builder, and selfnomination<br />
for the sixth category,<br />
Community Partnership.<br />
Did you know?<br />
The offices of the Toronto<br />
Council on Aging<br />
are located at the main<br />
office of Downsview<br />
Services for Seniors<br />
TORONTO<br />
Council on Aging<br />
Engaging in leadership and education<br />
New Transportation Van for DSS<br />
We are excited to announce that DSS has introduced a new<br />
vehicle in early 20<strong>12</strong> to our Transportation Department. With<br />
funding from the Central LHIN, we were able to retire and replace<br />
one of our older vehicles. The new one will enhance rider comfort<br />
and increase service efficiency. Keep an eye out for our new<br />
Toyota Sienna on the road!<br />
We would like to thank our many donors who so generously<br />
help support the ongoing needs of our various programs.<br />
Funding support provided by<br />
Charitable No. 10703 4134 RR0001<br />
497 Wilson Avenue, North York, ON M3H 1V1<br />
T: 416.398.5510 F: 416.398.5535<br />
E: caring.matters@downsviewservices.com W: www.downsviewservices.com