Developmental Services Sector Agencies Partner to Receive Employment and Modernization Fund

TORONTO, March 12, 2015 /CNW/ - Christian Horizons, Community Living Toronto, Corbrook, Meta Centre, Kerry's Place Autism Services, Reena, and Vita Community Living Services & Mens Sana Families for Mental Health has received an $800,250 grant from the Ministry of Community and Social Services' Employment and Modernization Fund to fund a collaborative online Fee-for-Service Hub that will be used by 37 agencies across the developmental services sector.

The government's investment of $800,250 over a two year period will allow the seven organizations to work together to:

• Create a collaborative model to build capacity for real time, individualized, fee for service options by not-for-profit agencies
• Create a go-to, central point of contact for families and individuals to find and register for options
• Strengthen the existing support resources that exist at www.connectABILITY.ca for all stakeholders
• Provide agencies the tools and supports to enhance or start offering fee for service options

"This project reflects a collective and shared vision of community service agencies to support access and choice for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families while protecting the quality of service," says Bryan Keshen, President and CEO, Reena "Reena is pleased to be part of a pilot team developing a model that will enable a province wide approach to improving access to quality programs for individuals and families."

"We are thrilled to be working on this collaborative effort with our sector partners," says Garry Pruden, CEO, Community Living Toronto "We're confident this innovative fee-for-service hub will provide individuals and their families easier access and greater choice to find the high quality supports and services to meet their needs and wants"

This fund is part of the Ontario government's $810 million investment strategy for community and developmental services. It will support the ongoing transformation of the developmental services sector towards greater inclusion and independence for individuals, and to encourage agencies in identifying and providing new approaches and innovative services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.

To read more about the Employment and Modernization Fund click here: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/developmental/emf/index.aspx

About Christian Horizons
Christian Horizons is a non-profit, faith-based charitable organization serving nearly 1,500 people with developmental disabilities and their families in Ontario. With more than 200 residences as well as respite care and retreat facilities, Christian Horizons offer programs and services that can be tailored to meet a wide variety of needs.

About Community Living Toronto
Since 1948 Community Living Toronto has been a grassroots leader in developing community-based services and supports for people with an intellectual disability and their family. One of the largest organizations of its kind in Canada, Community Living Toronto provides services and support to over 6,000 people and their families across Toronto. Our mission is 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.

About Corbrook
As a community-based service organization, Corbrook has been making an important contribution to the lives of people with physical and developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years. Corbrook provides a wide range of unique training opportunities, employment services and supported community activities geared to helping people become more independent, build self-esteem and enjoy a higher quality of life. Corbrook embraces a person-directed philosophy and approach, supporting people to make informed decisions and personal choices that will help them achieve their goals. 

About Meta Centre
Founded in 1986, Meta Centre provides socially inclusive services (including residential, community participation, supported independent living and respite services) to adults with special needs and respite services to youth. Services are tailored to respect and meet the individualized choices of people with developmental disabilities including those persons with dual diagnoses and multiple disabilities. 

About Kerry's Place Autism Services
On an annual basis, Kerry's Place supports over 8,000 people via community and residential services making us Canada's largest Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) supports and services provider to individuals of all ages and their families. Our Vision is people with ASD are accepted as full and equal members of their communities. Our Mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with ASD by being leaders in developing and providing evidence-based support; and building capacity by sharing our knowledge and expertise.

About Reena
Established in 1973, Reena is a non-profit social agency dedicated to helping children, adults and senior citizens with developmental disabilities to realize their full potential and to become integrate into the mainstream of society. Reena strives to create and maintain an environment that respects and promotes dignity, individuality, independence and freedom of choice within a framework of Jewish culture and values.

About Vita Community Living Services & Mens Sana Families for Mental Health
Vita Community Living Services & Mens Sana Families for Mental Health is a non-profit charitable organization providing residential supports, respite programs, and community participation programs, as well as clinical and educational services to individuals with developmental disabilities and dual diagnosis.

SOURCE Community Living Toronto

Karolina Kluska, Communications Coordinator, Community Living Toronto, phone: [phone], mobile: [phone], [email protected]