Community Living Toronto receives $100,000 from CIBC and CIBC Mellon to support innovative LIGHTS housing program for people with special needs

TORONTO, May 23, 2012 /CNW/ - Community Living Toronto is pleased to announce that CIBC and CIBC Mellon have committed $100,000 to support the LIGHTS housing program.  LIGHTS brings together individuals with intellectual disabilities, families, community members and Community Living Toronto to 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.

"Community Living Toronto needs support from generous corporate partners and donors like CIBC and CIBC Mellon to help us support Torontonians with intellectual disabilities in finding meaningful ways to live in our community," said Angela Bradley, Director, Public Relations and Fundraising, Community Living Toronto.  "I applaud these corporate citizens for helping us provide people with intellectual disabilities with better choices for learning, living and working"

"LIGHTS is an exceptional program that empowers people with intellectual disabilities and their families, to seek solutions to long-term housing requirements," said Renae Addis, Senior Manager, Community Investment, CIBC.  "We are proud to support Community Living Toronto and the outstanding team at LIGHTS."

CIBC Mellon - a joint venture between CIBC and BNY Mellon - has employed Jenny, a LIGHTS resident, in its Office Services department since 2007.

"CIBC Mellon has shown Jenny what it means to go to work every day and participate in a greater community,' said Mary Pat Armstrong, Founder of Lights, Chair, LIGHTS Advisory Board and a member of the Community Living Toronto Patron's Council. "She loves it."

"Our entire team really enjoys working with Jenny," said Heather Watt, Manager, Office Services, CIBC Mellon. "You are sure of a smile when she is around and her laughter is contagious!"

"We are pleased to support LIGHTS' exceptional work on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities and proud to employ one of their residents," said Ryan Silva, Chair of CIBC Mellon's Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. "Supporting organizations that make a positive difference is part of our commitment to the communities in which we live and work."

About Community Living Toronto
For over 60 years, Community Living Toronto has been a source of support for thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families searching for accessible and meaningful, community-based lifestyles. We strive to change the lives of people with an intellectual disability by giving them a voice and supporting their choices where they live, learn, work and play.

Learn more at www.communitylivingtoronto.ca

About LIGHTS
Inspired by the parents of a child with an intellectual disability, and joined by a team of community leaders and experts in providing support to people with an intellectual disability, LIGHTS expands available residential options and choices; enables families to network, apply their resources and have the capacity to create alternative living arrangements; and provides families with experienced, knowledgeable planning and supports to establish stable living situations for their loved one.

For more about LIGHTS, visit http://www.lights.to

Karen Bell, Manager of Public Relations, Community Living Toronto, 647-729-1179, [email protected]