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Spring is just around the corner, and after such a long, snowy winter, the thought of warmer days feels especially sweet. We’ve watched the snow pile high and felt the chill of frosty mornings, but the cold months only made us appreciate the opportunity to look forward to welcoming the end of winter and the coming of spring.
In February, the CHATS Leadership Team, Board and Committee members met for a refresh of our three-year strategic plan. Now into the last year of this plan, members had the opportunity to check in on how well we are doing with our strategic initiatives, how changes in our external environment have affected our initial plans, and where we may need to adjust our strategic priorities given the opportunities and challenges facing us. It gives us an opportunity to reboot and re-boost our strategic priorities.
At CHATS, we look forward to the coming of March and the transition of the seasons with our clients, by celebrating the many cultural events that symbolize new beginnings, and the return of light, hope and growth.
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The Lunar New Year, Holi, Purim, Maslenitsa, Eid al-Fitr, St. Patrick’s Day and Nowruz are but a few of the occasions that come from the different cultures, religions, and regions represented by our clients. Yet when they are celebrated and shared in CHATS’ programs, they become inspiring opportunities for cultural exchange and inclusion.
Nowruz is being held this month on Friday, March 20, 2026. This marks an ancient tradition that dates back over 3,000 years. The word Nowruz (pronounced no-rooz) translates directly from Persian as “new day.” It is a cultural festival that celebrates the Persian New Year and the official beginning of spring.
| Another special event that CHATS will be celebrating in March is the opening of CIBPA Place, the first not for profit respite care centre for persons with dementia. Located in a fully renovated heritage home in Maple, Ontario, CIBPA Place offers a safe, secure, and engaging environment for overnight respite stays ranging from 2 to 14 nights. This is an exciting and much needed resource for caregivers in York Region, and we’re proud to partner with Care as One to bring this vision to reality. | |
We are also proud to continue important conversations through our Let’s CHAT About Aging in Our Community podcast. Our March podcast episode is now live. I had a conversation with Constable Erin Brown, Community Safety Officer, and Detective, Jeff Bierkester, Financial Crimes Unit, from York Regional Police. We discussed fraud prevention- an essential discussion to help keep seniors safe. I encourage you to listen: Listen Here
In this issue of our newsletter, you will read about several of the other noteworthy events and happenings at CHATS. You can see that our dance card is always filled with new ideas, program enhancements and innovation!
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Thank you for your commitment and support. Stay warm, stay safe and remember that after the winter comes the spring.
With gratitude,
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Christina Bisanz CEO
CHATS – Community & Home Assistance to Seniors
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Program Spotlight: CIBPA Place Opening This Month
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York Region’s First Not-For-Profit Overnight Respite Care Centre Centre
Located in a fully renovated heritage home in Maple, Ontario, CIBPA Place offers overnight respite stays ranging from 2 to 14 nights for adults living with dementia. CIBPA Place is a safe, secure, and engaging environment providing caregivers a much-needed break. CIBPA Place will be opening at the end of March, 2026.
CHATS provides person-centered care in a secure, home-like environment. The program includes 24-hour staffing to assist with personal care and medication management. Guests enjoy nutritious meals and snacks, along with social and recreational activities designed to support well-being.
- Fully renovated heritage home built in 1860, known as Bassingthwaite House
- Supports up to five guests
- A safe, home-like setting
- Private bedroom, shared accessible bathroom and shower
- Delicious home-cooked meals and snacks
For information, visit the read more link below or contact us by email at: seniorshelp@chats.on.ca
| | Raising a Glass: The 12th Annual Better with Age Whisky Tasting | | |
On February 24th, Stonehaven Banquet Hall in Aurora hosted the 12th annual Better with Age Whisky Tasting & Dinner. It was a memorable evening of "spirits" and community, bringing together old and new friends to support CHATS.
An Evening of Discovery
Following a delicious gourmet dinner, curator Keith Scott and the Aurora Whiskey Society led guests through an educational tasting of five intriguing whiskies. The experience included a special surprise video from Cooper Sleeman of Spring Mill Distillery, adding a delightful local touch to the night.
Celebrating Generosity
CHATS CEO Christina Bisanz was proud to present the Home at Heart Award to Paul Bailey of Bazil Developments, recognizing his decade of steadfast support.
The Impact
Thanks to our sponsors, donors, and the enthusiastic participation in our fundraising activities, we raised an incredible $34,937. These vital funds will directly help local seniors combat isolation and loneliness.
Thank you to everyone who made this evening so impactful! Stay tuned for more event photos in the coming weeks.
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Ontario’s health care system is at a breaking point. Essential services like meal deliveries and caregiver respite keep seniors safe at home, yet chronic underfunding is pushing our community safety net to the brink.
Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) recently launched "Community Care is on Life Support", a campaign to urge our government to invest in the Home Care and Community Support Services that keep Ontarians safe, healthy, at home, and out of hospitals.
Click here to use our automated tool to send an urgent letter to your MPP ahead of the 2026 Ontario Budget.
| | | Solara Health Partners Joins CHATS In Supporting Connection and Joy For Seniors | | |
CHATS is proud to announce a new Community Builder partnership with Solara Health Partners, supporting social connection and wellbeing for seniors across York Region and South Simcoe.
Through this partnership, Solara is sponsoring monthly activities within CHATS’ programs, helping older adults remain socially engaged, connected, and supported. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to community-based care and reducing social isolation among seniors.
Learn more at the link below.
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Welcome to "CHAT About Aging In Your Community" Podcast! CHATS' mission is to advocate for and deliver high quality, person-centred home and community services, providing dignity and choice for aging at home.
Through insightful interviews, expert discussions, and real-life stories, we'll empower you to embrace aging with grace and vitality.
| | If you missed our February podcast, we welcomed Constable Erin Brown and Detective Jeff Biersteker, from the York Regional Police. Erin Brown is a Community Safety Officer, and Jeff Biersteker is a Detective with the Financial Crimes Unit. This was a very informative episode, please click on the listen now link below. | |
New Episode Coming Soon in March
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In March's episode of Let’s CHAT About Aging in Our Community, we sit down with Howard Abrams from OpenLab. Our topic of the episode is titled " Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: Strengthening NORCs Across Ontario."
We look forward to you hearing this important episode.
| | Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform and join the conversation about creating communities where everyone can truly thrive. | | Bubbles & Smiles: La Dolce Vita – A Taste of Italy | Register Now For Hoarding Best Practices Day | Upcoming Signature Events | |
Save the Date
Bubbles & Smiles: La Dolce Vita – A Taste of Italy- April 23, 2026 Purchase Tickets Here
Swing For Seniors- July 6, 2026, Lebovic Golf Club
Tim Jones Charity Golf Classic- September 10, 2026, Lebovic Golf Club
The Amazing Adventure- October 18, 2026
Holiday Home Auction- November 25 to December 1, 2026
| Join us for this valuable information session to learn how the CHATS Caregiver Support & Education Program is supporting caregivers in the community, and how easy it is for YOU to connect caregivers to those supports. Scan the QR code to register! | |
CHATS will be offering FREE Caregiver Education Sessions on Zoom through the month of March! Caregiver Resilience- Dementia Education Series aims to help increase the confidence of those who are caring for someone who is living with dementia.
Each session will cover an aspect of common experiences and provide knowledge, insight and tools to strengthen caregiver confidence. Each session will be offered at two convenient times of the day.
Register at the QR code right below on the flyer or email contact on the flyer or email Alexis Gada at agada@chats.on.ca
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