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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 />

Page 2<br />

Page 3<br />

Page 4<br />

Page 5<br />

Page 6<br />

Page 7<br />

Page 8<br />

Page 9<br />

Page 10<br />

Page 11<br />

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

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