Community Living Toronto

12/18/2025

✨ ✨

65 days ago, we gathered at CIBC Square Square for our annual Patron’s Council Reception, an evening dedicated to connection, reflection, and our shared commitment to building a world where everyone belongs.

The event opened with thoughtful remarks about the impact of strong partnerships and the importance of involvement in meaningful initiatives. We also heard updates on key advocacy efforts, organizational priorities, and the ongoing work to create lasting change. Sam Forbes, member of CLTO Influencers, also shared his experience participating in a recent video collaboration with the CIBC Foundation, offering a meaningful reminder of why our mission matters. 🙌

👉 Follow this link to watch the video: https://youtu.be/MiJ1W08UbKM?si=D7bluinZHUyg4CTD

Thank you to our guests, Patron’s Council members, and the team at CIBC for making this gathering so memorable. Your commitment to supporting our cause helps build a more inclusive society for all. 💙💚

12/17/2025

✨ ✨

One standout moment this year was Community Living Toronto’s feature on AMI’s Our Community on October 23, 2025. The episode shone a spotlight on the work we do and the people we support, sharing stories of advocacy, meaningful employment, and independent living. It was an inspiring celebration of our shared achievements. ✨

👉 If you haven’t seen it yet, you can watch the full episode here: https://www.amiplus.ca/our-community/community-living-toronto?play=1

Thank you to the wonderful team at AMI for bringing this episode to life and helping us share the story. 💙💚

12/16/2025

✨ ✨

We kicked off the spring season with an unforgettable Dance Party on April 7, 2025, at our East Mall location! 💃🕺From those supported in our Community Participation Supports and Supported Living programs to CLTO members, we had over 30 people join the fun. The energy was absolutely electric! 🎶

Once again, we want to say thank you to the Etobicoke-York Council for sponsoring this and many other events and helping make them such a joyful experience. 💙💚

12/15/2025

🎙️ Episode 7 of the Community Chats Podcast is LIVE!

In this episode of the Community Chats podcast, John Tory, Chair of Community Living Toronto's Patron's Council, joins us to reflect on his journey of leadership, service, and connection to the developmental services sector.

He shares the personal influences that shaped his decades-long commitment to public service, the importance of volunteering, and the role of organizations like Community Living Toronto in supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Together, we look back on caregiving during Covid, celebrate the progress made, and explore his vision for an inclusive Ontario.

💬 Tune into this conversation with John Tory and Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto as they talk about lessons learned from leadership and the lasting impact of community service.

👉 Watch on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/OJ8AJuFPkqw
👉 Listen on our podcast platform: https://communitychats.buzzsprout.com/2380081/episodes/18356731-the-lasting-impact-of-public-service

12/15/2025

✨ ✨

Every May, we celebrate Community Living Month, a time to reflect on how far we have come and honour the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities. This year, we marked the celebration with the launch of our campaign for the very first time! 🎉

With this campaign, we celebrated the everyday experiences that bring inclusion to life, highlighting the people, places, and moments that define belonging. We also encouraged everyone to champion inclusion, embrace diversity, and take meaningful steps toward a more equitable society. 🙌

It was incredible to see advocates, volunteers, community partners, allies, and more joining in, sharing their own moments of belonging and helping spread the message far and wide. 💬

We can’t wait to bring back next year and continue celebrating the power of inclusion together! 💙💚

12/15/2025

✨ ✨

One of the highlights that kicked off our year was celebrating the incredible contributions of Joan and Gaston Karout, recipients of the 2024 Community Recognition Award for their outstanding volunteer work with Community Living Toronto and the Etobicoke-York Community Council. 🙌

On January 26, 2025, Joan had the honour of attending the Yvan Baker (MP Etobicoke Centre) New Year’s Levee and Community Recognition Awards ceremony, where their dedication was celebrated alongside other inspiring community leaders.

On behalf of Community Living Toronto, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you once again to Joan and Gaston for their passion, dedication, and the difference they make every day. You inspire us all! 💙💚

12/14/2025

✨ ✨

On March 21, 2025, our community came together for the campaign to raise awareness for Down syndrome and celebrate the incredible people who make our community so vibrant. 🧦💙

Thanks to everyone who participated, shared their energy, and helped highlight the power of inclusion. 🙌 Your support reminded us that even small actions, like wearing a pair of fun socks, can spark meaningful conversations and bring people together.

We captured so many special moments from the day 📸 and are inspired to continue spreading awareness and celebrating inclusion every day! 💫

12/12/2025

✨ ✨

2025 was a year of coming together, reflecting, and planning for the future. Our leadership team met twice to connect, exchange updates, and discuss key developments at Community Living Toronto and the Developmental Services sector. 💬

These meetings were an opportunity to look closely at the challenges our sector faces, and to explore new ways to raise awareness, advocate effectively, and strengthen the supports we provide to people with disabilities.

We are proud of the progress made and energized for the work ahead as we continue our shared mission of building an inclusive and supportive future in 2026 and beyond. 💙💚

12/11/2025

💡 Take the next step in your career journey! Join us for the upcoming Skill Building Workshop designed to help you gain clarity, build resilience, and grow professionally.

In this session, we will explore how to navigate your career path with purpose and direction, and learn strategies to turn challenges into opportunities.

📍 Location: 1122 Finch Ave W, Scarborough, ON, Unit 18
📅 Date: December 15, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
📧 RSVP: biljana.jordanoska@cltoronto.ca

Follow the link to learn more about Employment Services at Community Living Toronto: https://cltoronto.ca/supports-and-services/employment-services/

WCG Services

12/11/2025

✨ ✨

199 days ago, on May 27, 2025, our teams from Community Living Toronto and Community Living Ontario were at Queen’s Park for a day of meaningful dialogue and connection.

We met with MPPs from across the province to express our appreciation for their continued support and to discuss the actions needed to ensure people with intellectual disabilities receive the quality services and supports they deserve. These conversations play an important role in shaping a more inclusive and responsive system for individuals and families.

Looking back on this important day, we remain committed to strengthening our advocacy efforts and advancing our mission of building a more inclusive and supportive future for all. 💙💚

12/10/2025

✨ ✨

This summer, we were honoured to welcome Vassy Kapelos, acclaimed political journalist and national television and radio host, as the newest member of Community Living Toronto’s Patron’s Council.

A respected voice in Canadian journalism, Vassy brought not only deep experience in public affairs but also a long-standing connection to our organization.

"It’s an honour to join Community Living Toronto’s Patron’s Council. I was first introduced to the organization over 20 years ago as a volunteer where we rowed with participants of the youth to work program," said Vassy Kapelos.

We are grateful to have her bring her voice and commitment to our shared mission of building a more inclusive community for everyone. 💙💚

12/09/2025

✨ ✨

Throughout 2025, we continued to host our Family and Friends Update sessions, creating space for families to stay informed about the programs, supports, and services that help improve the lives of the people with disabilities.

We also welcomed caregivers, supporters, self-advocates, and loved ones as guest speakers during our Community Unplugged sessions. Their stories, insights, and lived experiences brought meaningful perspectives that enriched our conversations and reminded us why community voice matters so deeply.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their experiences, or tuned in throughout the year. Your participation continues to inspire and guide our work! 💙💚

👉 Missed a session? Catch up anytime with the full playlist of sessions hosted in 2025:

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world