In addition to plenty of engaging activities and events in store for March, Team Grandview has been busy behind the scenes to introduce game-changing new offerings and share helpful strategies you can put into action today. It is with great pleasure that I share that Grandview Kids has introduced its own Family Support Fund, made possible through a generous seed gift from the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation. This fund enables us to provide short-term, needs-based financial assistance to families of clients who are actively receiving services at Grandview Kids. You can learn more about this incredible new offering below. Additionally, in celebration of National Social Work Month in March, our incredible Social Work Team has prepared an article to underscore the importance of caregivers finding respite and to offer guidance on how to do so. See more in the "Strategies from Grandview Kids clinicians" section below.

The Family Support Fund helps Grandview Kids families access funds to purchase necessary equipment. Pictured: Grandview Kids parent Melecia and her son, Lorenzo. Read their story below under "In this issue."

I also trust you are as eager as I am for the warm summer months. I promise the season is closer than you think. One way to prove this is that our Development Department has opened registration for the 30th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic, taking place on Thursday, May 28! This year’s tournament will be our most memorable yet, featuring expanded sponsorship opportunities, new on-course demonstrations, engaging competitions and a full day of connection and fun at the Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax (right around the corner from our headquarters). I cannot believe this highly-anticipated event is hitting its milestone 30th year. Its longevity shows how impactful and loved it is by our donors, partners, community and Team Grandview. Register today and join me for what promises to be a day to remember.

Before I let you go, I encourage you to check out our "Program Spotlight" this month, focusing on Research and Innovation at Grandview Kids. The Research and Innovation Team celebrates Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Month, detailing how Grandview Kids' participates in the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-NET), a team of clinicians and researchers across Ontario who are dedicated to advancing CP research and improve outcomes and care for children and youth with CP. If your child or youth have CP, you may be eligible to participate in a research study. You can learn more under the Program Spotlight below.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy month ahead and I look forward to seeing you at our sites throughout the Durham Region as we gear up for another month of high-impact activities and connection.

With warm regards, 

Tom McHugh

CEO, Grandview Kids

“Roaring as one:” How a friendship between a Grandview Kids graduate and the York University Lions Women’s Hockey team demonstrates ability acceptance in practice

Grandview Kids Peer Navigator Sam K. shares his experience with ability acceptance firsthand through his bond with the York University Lions Women’s Hockey team. He reflects on how everyday interactions, whether in person or through messages, can carry significant meaning, reinforcing the importance of being seen, heard and accepted.

Read more on our blog >

Melecia’s strength and love for Lorenzo

With advocacy, adaptive parenting and support from Grandview Kids, Lorenzo's confidence continues to grow. Melecia and Lorenzo's story highlights the importance of empowerment, community and tailored care in helping every child and youth live at their full potential.

Read more on our blog >

Home is where the care is: Ayla's journey

Through the experiences of Grandview Kids parents Michelle and Vince, their story highlights how finding a supportive community and specialized treatment can bring hope, stability and belonging. It’s a heartfelt reminder that with the right support, children, youth and families can thrive.

Read more on our blog >

“You don’t know what exists until it’s in front of you": Jaxon's story

From the beginning, Jaxon faced medical complexities and his parents, Julie and Mike, learned to navigate uncertainty. With the support of Grandview Kids, Jaxon continues to make meaningful progress, showing that community and unwavering love can help redefine what is possible.



Read more on our blog >

Project spotlight: Introducing the Grandview Kids Family Support Fund

We are proud to share that the Grandview Kids Family Support Fund has officially launched.

Made possible by a generous seed gift from the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation, the Grandview Kids Family Support Fund provides short-term, needs-based financial assistance to families of clients actively receiving services at Grandview Kids (including School-Based Rehabilitation Services and Purchased Services). Grandview Kids families may apply for up to $2,000 per client over a two-year period. The Family Support Fund exists to help bridge funding gaps for essential, specialized equipment not fully covered by other sources, easing financial pressure so families can focus on their child or youth’s health, inclusion and well-being.

To learn more about the Grandview Kids Family Support Fund, including what it supports, eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions, visit our website and download the fact sheet using the buttons below.

Upcoming programs, workshops and events

Family Engagement

Join Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement Team, comprised of peers with lived experience, for many engaging events in March. If you have any questions about the events shared below, please email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca for more information.

Sips and Tips: Adolescent Transition Program Coffee Chat

Join us for this 2-hour event where you can kick back, sip some coffee or tea, meet others who "get it" and pick up some helpful tips to make caregiving a little easier. Whether you are looking for a friendly chat or some solid advice, this event is all about connection, support and fun!

Click here to register >

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: 1 Mcgrigor St, Oshawa, ON L1H 1X8

Lucky Charms Fun and Dance

Get ready for an unforgettable night of fun, dancing and creativity at our Adolescent Transition Youth Dance! This event is all about celebrating, joy, making connections and self-expression. In addition to music and laughter on the dance floor, our "Makey Makey" invention kit—a hands-on, interactive experience—will make another appearance with many other surprises. This event is ages 15+.

Click here to register >

Date: Monday, March 16, 2026

Time: 6 - 8 p.m.

Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)

March Caregiver Café

Caregiver Café is an informal gathering for parents and caregivers to meet, connect and feel supported. It’s a chance to share everyday wins and challenges with others who understand. Hosted by the Grandview Kids Family Engagement Team, the session includes practical tips, resources and family-focused support aligned with our mission to help children and youth thrive.

Click here to register >

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. - noon

Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)

Development at Grandview Kids

Join us for the 30th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic!

Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax

We are excited to celebrate a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of the Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic! This year’s tournament will be our most memorable yet, featuring expanded sponsorship opportunities, new on-course demonstrations, engaging competitions and a full day of connection and fun on a beautiful championship course.

Explore sponsorship opportunities or purchase your foursome today. Whether you are an avid golfer or brand new to the sport, our tournament welcomes players of all abilities and skill levels. 

Why your support matters 

By joining us as a participant or sponsor, you play a vital role in empowering children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Funds raised directly support Research and Innovation (see the "Program Spotlight" below), the Family Engagement program and the newly launched Grandview Kids Family Support Fund (see the "Project Spotlight" above), providing direct financial assistance to families. Your involvement helps build brighter futures for families across the Durham Region. 

A premier networking event in our community

Each year, more than 160 golfers, including local business leaders, partners and community champions, come together for this signature event. It is a unique opportunity to connect, entertain clients, build relationships and celebrate the life-changing work happening right here at Grandview Kids.

For more information, please contact the Development Department at development@grandviewkids.ca or by phone at 905-9728-1673, Option 6.  

Program spotlight: Research and Innovation

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, a time to support children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families by spreading awareness. CP is a group of conditions that affect how a person moves and keeps their balance. It is the most common motor disability in childhood. In Canada, about one in 400 children has CP. Grandview Kids is a part of research that is helping develop better treatments and therapies to improve the lives of children and youth with CP.

At Grandview Kids, we are proud to be part of this important research. One project we participate in is the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Neuroscience Discovery Network (CP-NET). CP-NET is a team of clinicians and researchers across Ontario who collect information to better understand what causes CP, identify risk factors and develop treatments and interventions to improve outcomes and care for children and youth with CP.

Wearing green during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is a simple way to show support for people with CP and their families. For more information on CP-NET, contact our study team at research@grandviewkids.ca. If your child or youth has CP and you're interested in participating in research, please contact Shantel Mangroo, Program Manager of Research and Innovation, by emailing research@grandviewkids.ca.

Participate in research!

Does your child or youth have Cerebral Palsy? You may be eligible to participate in either or both of the research opportunities below!

Strategies from Grandview Kids clinicians: 

Why finding respite is important, and how to do it

Written by Grandview Kids Social Worker, Mandy D.

Parenting a child or youth with additional needs is more than parenting. You become the caregiver, nurse, teacher, case manager, advocate and so much more. You have different considerations than some other parents or caregivers. You are exhausted, your back hurts and you have not done anything just for you since your child was born.

You need a break, you need respite.

Respite care provides essential, temporary relief for primary caregivers, offering short-term breaks to help prevent burnout, reduce stress and improve overall well-being. It can take different forms and can sometimes be difficult to access. But you need to recharge your own battery, and a little bit is better than none.



Barriers to accessing respite can include cost, not knowing where to find it or finding it but feeling overwhelmed at the idea of someone else caring for your child. But you need a break, or you are going to burn out. You are superhuman, but even superhumans need rest, relaxation and a chance to recharge.

Click here for a list of respite supports you can access >

What if you are still waiting on respite funding?

You still need to recharge your own battery. Sometimes it requires creative ideas, and here are some suggestions:

• Find recreational activities that your child can participate in, and you can rest on the sidelines for an hour. It may not be a lot of time, but it’s time you can sit and let your mind wander to pleasant images like resting on a beach, playing games on your phone, calling a friend or even tuning everyone and everything out for a moment.
• Trade shifts of caregiving with your spouse or other family members or friends to ensure everyone has some time for themselves. This enables you to develop a circle of care comprised of people you trust to help care for you and your child.
• Connect with other Grandview Kids families through our Family Engagement Program, attending their many engaging workshops and events, and creating a plan to support one another with respite.

Click here for options available to access funds for recreational activities >

Remember: Taking care of YOU is also caring for your family.

As we celebrate National Social Work Month in March, we are pleased to share this helpful article prepared by the Grandview Kids Social Work team. For more information about our Social Work program, visit our website and stay tuned to our social media feeds as we celebrate this impactful team and share more tips and strategies with their help!

Community Corner

Ajax Public Library

Check out the Ajax Library’s March Break: Carnival of Curiosity! Events take place from March 13 to 22, 2026, for children, families and teens: ajaxlibrary.ca/MarchBreak. Help us transform the Library into a carnival this March Break with games, experiments, challenges, shows and more fairground fun!

For a complete listing of Ajax Public Library-hosted programs and services in March, visit: ajaxlibrary.ca. 

March Dates of Significance

Every month, members of Team Grandview’s Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee research and share blog posts about holidays, cultural celebrations, awareness days and other dates of significance that are meaningful to staff, clients, caregivers, partners and the community. 

In March, we acknowledge Holi, Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Eid Al-Fitr, Earth Hour, Transgender Day of Visibility, National Indigenous Languages Day and more.

Read more on our blog >

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Content in Gather is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor. Views expressed in posts and resources listed do not signify endorsement by Grandview Kids.