Community Knowledge Centre - Toronto Community Foundation

About this organization

Mission

Community Living Toronto changes the lives of people with an intellectual disability by giving them a voice and supporting their choices where they live, learn, work and play.

Community Living Toronto is a leading social service agency offering a full range of personalized supports and services to people with an intellectual disability and their families. We set the benchmark for excellence, innovation and accountability in the developmental services sector. Our vision for society is one where everyone belongs and where we help each other reach for our dreams.

Community Living Toronto is there to provide meaningful and accessible ways for people who have an intellectual disability to participate in their community at every age group: children, youth and adults, as well as families. We support individuals from as early as pre-birth counseling for parents up to and throughout the individual’s senior years, from being welcomed at daycare, to academics, daily living skills, finding a job and housing.

History of Organization

Community Living Toronto was founded in 1948, in response to a letter written to the Toronto Star. The letter appealed to readers to find alternatives to sending people with an intellectual disability away to live in institutions, and instead to seek schooling and a more typical way of life for them in their own homes and communities. It was the beginning of a movement for dignity, inclusion and community living.

Since its inception, Community Living Toronto has been a force for change in the Developmental Services Sector, evolving to be one of the largest organizations of its kind in North America, and a recognized leader in its field. Today, in response to the needs of people who have an intellectual disability, we employ over 1300 staff, at more than 75 locations across the City of Toronto, in support of more than 6,000 people and their families.

Accolades and Accomplishments

• Equal rights - as advocates for people with an intellectual disability we helped ensure people with a disability have the same rights and freedoms as those afforded to every Canadian.
• Youth 2 Work - supporting young people in the transition from school to work for over 10 years, this innovative program has been replicated across Canada.
• ConnectABILITY.ca - a virtual community dedicated to lifelong learning and support for people who have an intellectual disability, their families and support networks. Each month, the site receives over 4,000 unique visitors.
• Spinclusion – our board game promotes acceptance and respect for people with special needs and different abilities. The game is currently used in classrooms with children between the grades of 1-12.

Programs

>LIGHTS
>Youth 2 Work
>Creative Village Studio

Community Living Toronto contributes to the planning and identification of needs in the Developmental Services Sector through our memberships to organizations such as Disability Services Toronto (DSTO) and the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities (OADD). We are also a member of Community Living Ontario and the Canadian Association for Community Living. Through these memberships we are active participants in identifying key issues and community needs.

Person-Directed Planning: Community Living Toronto programs are Person-Directed. We recognize that each individual is unique with distinct needs and provide programs and services to match. Through person-directed planning, people can explore resources in their community, try new activities, gain experience and form relationships. By giving people the opportunity to participate in choosing the services and supports they need in this manner, customized supports can be created. Whether it is help at home, at school or in the community, we facilitate access to the programs and services that maximize an individual’s development.

Community Living Toronto provides more than 20 personalized services and supports including:

• Early Childhood Services - collaborates with the family and other professionals to plan for services which address the developmental needs of the child
• Adult Development Program - provides training in basic work related and life skills for adults with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities who require extensive support
• Creative Village Studio - a studio space where artists can explore a variety of media including painting, photography, drawing and textiles
• United Way Community Hub (Flemingdon Park - Victoria Village) - working together with other agencies to provide localized supports and services in a dedicated ‘hub’ in a United Way identified ‘priority’ neighbourhood
• Foster Drop-In Centre - a place to socialize, meet new friends, play pool, watch a movie or attend an activity organized by Club members
• Bridging Diversity - working with Settlement Agencies across Toronto to educate workers and newcomers on the services available to people with an intellectual disability; goal: to ensure that all people with an intellectual disability and their families have equal knowledge and access to the services and supports available in the Developmental Services Sector

LIGHTS

Housing for People with Special Needs

LIGHTS is a pioneering initiative created by community leaders in partnership with Community Living Toronto to address the shortage of independent and appropriate housing for people with an intellectual disability in Toronto. This unique program, for adults 18 and over, works directly with families to provide residential solutions specific to their requirements. Its goal is to enable new housing opportunities to flourish for the intellectually disabled, and to share this blueprint for success with other communities across the country.

Mission of LIGHTS: LIGHTS brings together individuals with intellectual disabilities, families, community members and Community Living Toronto in a unique synergy that will facilitate the establishment of residential solutions for the intellectually disabled, and provide interim funding to overcome financial obstacles in the establishment of a place to call home.

Vision of LIGHTS: All individuals with intellectual disabilities in Toronto will have access to long-term housing appropriate to their needs, and thus attain greater inclusion in their community, independence, respect and security.

Funding and Program Partners

LIGHTS is community-based initiative and a true partnership between families, Community Living Toronto and philanthropists. LIGHTS has received Government of Ontario funding for one facilitator over a two year period. Aside from this, LIGHTS is reliant on the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations to carry out its objectives.

The Armstrong Family Challenge: LIGHTS is generously supported by The Armstrong Family - long time supporters of Community Living Toronto and the visionaries behind LIGHTS.

The Armstrong’s have committed to match every dollar raised by LIGHTS with 50 cents, to a maximum of $2 million raised, plus $1 million from the Armstrong Family Challenge Fund. This stunning gift gives early momentum to the vision of LIGHTS.

Program Impact

Over 2,000 people with an intellectual disability in Toronto are on waiting lists for residential support and are waiting on average over seven years to obtain the support they require. LIGHTS offers a beacon of hope for those that are ready to embark on independent living while creating significant capacity to close the gap:

• Today, over 30 families are at various stages of their personal journey towards independence
• Six families have been granted LIGHTS funding
• Five young adults are now living independently
• Families are inquiring about LIGHTS, and for the first time are beginning to envisage the possibility of independent living for their family member
• LIGHTS is receiving inquiries from agencies across Toronto and beyond, wanting to know about our services for the families they support

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

 “Adequate and affordable housing is directly linked to individual health, social cohesion and equality, and economic prosperity.”

(Toronto’s Vital Signs® 2011) 

Everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in their community. Living in one’s own home, choosing where and with whom you live and forming social relationships are fundamental to this sense of belonging.

Participant Vignette

Mary Pat Armstrong: Jenny’s story

Our daughter, Jenny, is like a butterfly – always happy and always making others happy. She was born thirty-five years ago, and as she grew into her twenties, my husband and I began to hope that one day she could live independently of us, as we knew our other daughters would.

We wanted her to have her own home so that she could begin to feel what it was like to live without our daily presence and supervision; we wanted her to get that wonderful feeling of independence and control over her own life.

Gradually, over the course of almost three years we traveled together on a journey of house hunting, housemate hunting, caregiver searching, and furniture buying until we were all ready to make the move.

In September, 2003 Jenny moved into her own home with two friends. While driving her up to her house one day, Jenny asked, “Mum, is this forever?” I paused, and answered, “Yes. Is that OK?” To my great relief, I heard “Yes” in return.

As you can imagine my husband and I are thrilled for our daughter. We have witnessed her new-found freedom, watching her take the opportunity to be who she is. What more could a parent ask for?

Jenny’s self-confidence has grown from doing typical everyday chores such as cooking and shopping, and she is thriving, participating in her own community, making new friends, and exploring her neighborhood (shops, parks, restaurants). Jenny’s life has changed. She is really learning to be who she is.

Youth 2 Work

Helping youth transition from school to work

This project engages youth with an intellectual disability while they are still in high school to help them prepare for life after graduation while giving teachers and families the tools and resources to help support their youth in the transition.

Youth 2 Work also reaches out into the community to those aged 18-28 who have already left school, are unemployed or not involved in employment related activities.

Like all of our supports and services, Youth 2 Work is geared towards each person’s unique interests and goals.

Why Youth 2 Work?

For individuals who have an intellectual disability the transition from education to employment is especially challenging. Numerous barriers to entry exist for a person who has an intellectual disability in acquiring a good, suitable job:

Statistics Canada’s 2006 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey indicated that 73% of people with an intellectual disability are not working; with 76.7% of participants with an intellectual disability reporting that they were not working because of one or more barriers: lack of accessible transportation, inadequate training, discrimination, jobs not adapted or modified to meet individual needs and concern about being isolated by other workers.

Youth 2 Work eliminates these barriers through guidance and mentorship, providing vital employment related skills (work experience, resume writing and interview skills) and by developing the necessary community networks to help raise an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, so they are ready for the world of work.

Funding and Program Partners

The entire Youth 2 Work program is made up of a variety of funding sources including: Provincial Government, United Way Toronto, Private Foundations, Corporations and individual donations.

There are currently 82 individuals enrolled thanks to the following:

Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) Foundations funding – 59

Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) Passport funding – 15

United Way Toronto funding - 8

Program Impact

Since 1999 Youth 2 Work has assisted over 120 youth in finding meaningful employment opportunities and/or community placements. In fact Youth 2 Work has been so successful that the model has been replicated throughout the Developmental Services Sector across Canada.

Through Youth 2 Work’s person-directed career development process participants can chose their own direction in life, emerging equipped with a sustainable plan for the future and the chance to lead a more fulfilled life in their community.

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

“The connection between low income and poor health is well established.” (Toronto's Vital Signs®, 2011)

Each year, approximately 100 young people with an intellectual disability graduate from school programs in Toronto without a plan to facilitate their transition into employment. As many training programs are filled and with long waiting lists, these youth risk losing the valuable skills acquired at school and spend their days idle. This in turn can lead to isolation, depression and reduced feelings of self worth.

Participant Vignette

For Kheng, Youth 2 Work was the perfect fit!

“I am very proud of myself. I feel good that I can achieve my goals.”

When Kheng finished high school there weren't any plans in place to help him figure out what came next. Afraid to go by himself because he didn't know how to take the transit, Kheng spent a lot of time watching movies at home. “I was a couch potato” he admits. “That was okay for a little while but then I got bored.”

However thanks to an increase in funding, additional spaces opened up in Community Living Toronto’s Youth 2 Work program. This opportunity was perfect for Kheng and literally changed his life!

With the support of Youth 2 Work, somebody was finally there to ask the question: What are your goals?

From that day on, Kheng set goal after goal for himself and with the help of his support worker reached each and every one: He learned to ride the TTC by himself, enrolled in a literacy program and developed friendships in the community. He even started working (three days a week!) – finding a placement in not just one job, but two, proudly working at Boston Pizza and Community Living Toronto’s own Coffee Den. “I feel proud that I can do stuff and I’m more satisfied with my life” he says.

Imagine what achieving these goals did for Kheng’s self-esteem. With each goal met, Kheng’s independence soared, his confidence grew and soon there was no sign of the timid young “couch potato” who was so afraid to leave the house.

“I feel proud of myself that I can take the transit in Toronto. I feel proud that I can work at a job by myself. It feels goods to meet new people in the community, at work and at school.”

Kheng needed one thing to unlock all the dreams in his heart. He needed a partner to help him identify and achieve his goals – someone to take him by the hand and ask about his goals and dreams.

Community Living Toronto and Youth 2 Work is that partner - supporting individuals to succeed on whatever path they choose.

As you read this story, Kheng might be working at Boston Pizza, at his literacy class or enjoying a social activity with his new friends. Wherever he is, one thing is sure: Kheng is having the time of his life.

Creative Village Studio

Creative Village Studio is an all-inclusive, interactive, community based art studio and gallery designed to support artists with intellectual disabilities while engaging the surrounding community.

The Studio offers a variety of art classes, photography lessons, and a drop-in studio time for all ages.

The Studio's vision is to provide a supportive space for artists of all abilities, enriching lives through creative expression by helping them learn how to express themselves artistically.

Funding and Program Partners

One full time staff Support Worker/Facilitator exists at Creative Village Studio, this position is funded via the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

Community Living Toronto has a number of programs and services – including Youth 2 Work, Employment Training Services, and Supported Independent Living. Core funding of these initiatives enables the organization to place people we support (as staff members) at Creative Village Studio.  

All classes are offered at $80 for a 12 week term to cover costs. The sale of artwork and greeting cards, and income from drop-in helps generate additional revenue to reinvest in supplies. Popular amongst corporation buyers are the framed triptychs, which are often used for gifts and awards.

Program Impact

Creative Village Studio speaks volumes about the therapeutic nature of art for those who created them - artists who sometimes struggle to articulate their innermost feelings otherwise.

Creative Village Studio has made inroads in to the artistic community through gallery showings, festivals, outdoor markets, competitions and educational outreach.

This impact on our artists has been pivotal to personal growth, self esteem and skill building, giving individuals the confidence to reach for their dreams through creative expression.

Participants in our art programs have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity for creating stunning works of art. 

If you were to ask the participants at our Studio what they do for a living, they would proudly exclaim that they are ‘artists’. 

Toronto's Vital Signs® indicator(s) addressed by Program

"Almost all Ontarians polled in 2010 (95%) believe that the arts enrich the quality of life".

(Toronto's Vital Signs® 2011)

Creative Village Studio really does make a remarkable difference to the people it supports. By learning to express themselves through art, clients benefit from a great sense of fulfillment and pride – sometimes while earning a wage too!

Participant Vignette

Donna began painting 5 years ago. She moved to Creative Village Studio two years ago, where she had the opportunity to be introduced to a wider audience.

Donna was one of the featured artists at Lakeshore Arts and the Ottawa School of Art. She has participated in many outdoor art showings and conferences. She goes to many galleries and libraries around the city studying different artists. Her favourite artist and influence is Picasso.

Donna says: "I have developed my own style of painting. I love all people and bright colours. I am going to be a famous Artist!"

Donna has sold scores of artwork and has a following of admirers. She has had a waiting list for paintings over the past couple of years. Her artwork has been purchased even before it has dried!

At Community Rocks, Donna sold out of all sizes of paintings before intermission.

Donna is a hardworking, dedicated and passionate painter – she is a true Artist.

 Donna Worotynec was this past summer's featured artist at Creative Village Studio.