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Our Family Engagement team is also teaming up with our Social Work team to offer an Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) Caregiver Group. This program helps parents and caregivers manage stress, build coping skills and focus on what matters most. If you feel overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving, I encourage you to learn more about this new program for Grandview Kids parents and caregivers below.
Speaking of family engagement, the family voice helps guide our work. For National Disability Independence Day, former Grandview Kids client and current Peer Navigator on the Family Engagement Team, Brad, shares how his lived experiences help him support our children, youth and families. His story reminds us that independence looks different for everyone and the right support can make an impact. Watch the inspiring video below to see Brad’s story in action.
| | Grandview Kids Peer Navigator and Youth Advisory Council leader, Brad | | |
To catch you up on our recent events, in June, we welcomed clients, families, staff and community partners to our 2025-26 Annual Celebration of Excellence. We celebrated Team Grandview’s achievements, honoured our Power of One Award recipient, Physiotherapist Salima N., and shared our Video Annual Report. Our keynote speaker, Mitchell Daniels, also highlighted the importance of Ability Acceptance and how small actions can make a difference.
Advocacy, too, can make a real difference. We see this through the voices of young people on our Youth Advisory Council (YAC). To celebrate International Youth Day, YAC members share their experiences in this issue of Gather and explain why it is important for youth to make their ideas known to help shape the future of Grandview Kids. We deeply value the meaningful perspectives our YAC offers us. Read their article below to learn more about their impact.
As summer comes to an end, thank you for your continued support and connection. Gather will return to its regular schedule on Tuesday, September 1, with more stories, updates and opportunities to stay connected.
Sincerely,
Tom McHugh
CEO, Grandview Kids
| | "Grandview will always have my heart": Brad’s story | | |
Watch as former Grandview Kids client and now Team Grandview member Brad shares his journey from client to Peer Navigator and Youth Advisory Council leader. Using his lived experience, Brad supports children, youth and families while helping others find their voice, build confidence and recognize their strengths. His story is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, opportunities and community, every child and youth can reach their full potential.
Read more on our blog >
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Living beyond expectations: Haylee's journey with SMA Type 1
Haylee’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and possibilities that can come from family support, advocacy and community care. Haylee is the longest-living child with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 in Ontario, inspiring families through her determination and joy. Her story highlights the importance of listening to families, embracing possibilities and providing the right supports.
Read more on our blog >
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Celebrating International
Youth Day!
Youth have the power to shape the future and create meaningful change. This International Youth Day, we celebrate our Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and the important role they play in sharing their perspectives and providing feedback on topics that impact our clients. Through the YAC, youth have the opportunity to connect, make a difference and gain valuable volunteer experience.
Read more on our blog >
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2025-26 Grandview Kids Annual Celebration
of Excellence
| | On Thursday, June 18, we hosted our Annual Celebration of Excellence (ACE) at The Jerry Coughlan Building. It was an evening of reflection and celebration. We received a keynote presentation on Ability Acceptance, honoured Team Grandview's achievements and shared our Video Annual Report. | At our ACE, we received an incredible keynote presentation from our Ability Acceptance Presenter, Mitchell Daniels. In his presentation, Mitchell shared what it takes to be an “Inclusion Ally,” including the importance of combatting stigma and overcoming ableism to foster inclusion at home, work and in the community. | | |
Mitchell was joined by co-presenters with lived experiences as Grandview Kids clients, parents and siblings, who spoke about how small actions and advocacy champion change for Grandview Kids and their families.
What’s more, we honoured Grandview Kids Physiotherapist Salima N. as our 2026 Power of One Award winner and all staff who were nominated. Introduced in our May 2026 edition of Gather, the peer-nominated Power of One Award is given to one member of Team Grandview each year. The award recognizes those on Team Grandview who have meaningfully impacted our clients’ and families’ lives. We were proud to celebrate our staff in front of our clients and families, peers and community partners.
Lastly, we introduced our 2025-26 Video Annual Report at our ACE. The video captures our collective achievements in the last year. Learn more about our progress and watch the Video Annual Report below.
| | 2026 Power of One Award winner, Grandview Kids Physiotherapist, Salima N. | | When you become a monthly donor to Grandview Kids, you're helping children and families access essential programs, therapies and support close to home. Your ongoing support provides reliable funding that makes a meaningful difference, helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and achieve important milestones. | | | Introducing our 2025-26 Video Annual Report | | |
Guided by our Powering Potential Strategic Plan, we made meaningful progress over the past fiscal year, turning vision into action where it matters most.
We enhanced the experiences and outcomes of the clients and caregivers we serve, improving access and introducing innovative programs.
We strengthened Team Grandview, investing in learning, development and the tools our people need to thrive. That commitment to excellence was proudly recognized with Exemplary Standing from Accreditation Canada during our Fall Survey.
We also deepened our partnerships across Durham Region, working together to amplify our impact and better support our community.
To summarize some of our achievements, we are pleased to share our 2025–2026 Video Annual Report.
| | Upcoming events in August | |
Did you know?
The Calendar on Grandview Kids’ website gives you easy access to all events, workshops and purchased services we host each month. You can hover over each event to learn more and click a link to register (if applicable).
Check this page regularly to stay on top of all our exciting activities at Grandview Kids!
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Siblings by Siblings
Led by Peer Navigators who are Grandview siblings, this event offers a fun, supportive space to share, connect and build community, sibling-style. The evening is all about connection, laughter and being surrounded by people who understand the unique experience of growing up as a sibling of a Grandview Kids client.
Click here to register >
Date: Thurdays, August 6
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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Goal-Setting Workshop
Join us for a supportive and engaging virtual workshop designed to help caregivers set meaningful goals for their child. Learn practical strategies, hear real-life experiences and gain tools you can use right away to support your child’s growth and development. Join us to connect, reflect and get tools you can use right away.
Click here to register >
Date: Thursday, August 13
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
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Disco Fever Fun and Dance (Adolescent Transition Program)
Join us for music, dancing, Makey Makey and lots of fun and laughter as we come together to celebrate and enjoy disco tunes!
This event is for youth aged 15+.
Click here to register >
Date: Monday, August 17
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, L1T 0R3)
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New Diagnosis Chat
A relaxed, caregiver-led session focused on navigating a new autism diagnosis. This is a safe, judgment-free space to ask questions, share experiences and connect with others on a similar journey. Together, we will explore helpful resources, funding options and next steps to support your family.
Click here to register >
Date: Thursday, August 20
Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
| | For youth: End of Summer Party | | | | |
Join us for our Beyond the Walls: End of Summer Party on Thursday, August 27, at The Jerry Coughlan Building!
This one-time event for neurodivergent youth promotes the development of social relationship skills through inclusive leisure activities. Participants will have opportunities to initiate friendships, engage in positive interactions with peers, practice good sportsmanship and discover shared interests in a group setting.
Participants can also expect a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar, great music, games in our gym, colouring, board games and more!
| | Program Spotlight: Acceptance and Commitment Caregiver Training Group | | Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving? Have you spent so much time caring for others that your own needs have taken a back seat? When was the last time you made time for your own well-being? Consider joining our new Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) Caregiver Group led by Grandview Kids' Social Work and Family Engagement teams. | | How the ACT approach works: | | |
The ACT Caregiver Group Orientation is on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants can attend the Orientation either in person at The Jerry Coughlan Building or virtually.
Following the Orientation, participants will join the ACT Caregiver Group through 6 weekly virtual sessions every Thursday from October 1 to November 5, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Only Grandview Kids parents and caregivers are eligible for the ACT Caregiver Group.
To register, contact Hayley McLean by phone at 1-437-738-0116 or by email at hayley.mclean@grandviewkids.ca.
| | | Development at Grandview Kids | |
Gift announcement:
Herman Kassinger Foundation
Grandview Kids is proud to announce a generous gift of $100,000 from the Herman Kassinger Foundation to establish the Herman Kassinger Foundation Endowment Fund. As long-time donors and dedicated supporters, they continue to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to making a lasting difference in our community.
This meaningful investment will help grow and sustain critical programs at Grandview Kids. It will support children and families by reducing financial barriers and increasing access to essential therapies, equipment and resources that help them reach their fullest potential. The impact of this endowment will be felt for years to come, supporting families today and into the future.
Gifts like this highlight the importance of community support in ensuring that children and youth have access to the care and opportunities they need to thrive. We are incredibly thankful for the Herman Kassinger Foundation’s ongoing generosity and partnership.
Read the full story >
| The Development Department to host Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Networking Event | |
The Grandview Kids Development Department is excited to partner with the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade to host the October 1 "Coffee Connect" at The Jerry Coughlan Building. This member-exclusive networking event provides a relaxed and welcoming space for local business professionals to build connections, exchange ideas and grow their networks in the community.
We look forward to welcoming Board of Trade members to Grandview Kids and sharing more about our work supporting children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs and their families.
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Share your voice:
Help improve rehabilitation therapy for children and youth
We invite families, youth and rehabilitation professionals to help refine a new tool called the "Pediatric Rehabilitation Intervention Measure of Engagement" (PRIME-C). This tool is being developed to better measure child engagement in therapy.
Your experiences and perspectives can help shape the future of paediatric rehabilitation. We would love to hear from you!
For more information about this study, please contact Shantel Mangroo, Program Manager, Research and Innovation, at research@grandviewkids.ca.
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Community Corner
Fundraisers supporting Grandview Kids
Community fundraisers build awareness and foster a shared sense of purpose. By organizing or supporting a Grandview Kids fundraiser, you make a meaningful difference in the lives of Durham Region families.
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2026 Autofest Nationals
Saturday, August 29, to Sunday, August 30, at Elgin Park In Uxbridge
Autofest Nationals is excited to welcome visitors for an unforgettable weekend of automotive excellence. This family-friendly event features an incredible display of more than 1,200 vehicles, including high and low trucks rat rods, hot rods and modern muscle cars. See you there!
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Durham Fashion Week
Sunday, September 13, at Audley Recreation Centre in Ajax
Durham Fashion Week (DFW) is Durham Region's leading fashion event, uniting emerging and established designers on one iconic runway. From model auditions and fashion parades to exclusive showcases, DFW celebrates style, culture and creativity across the community.
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Join us as we celebrate creativity, diversity and the future of fashion in the heart of Durham's vibrant arts district. Proceeds support Grandview Kids, helping to make a meaningful difference for children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs.
Ajax Public Library
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In August, Ajax Public Library plan many engaging activities, including:
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Summer Drop-in Days: Sharks! on Tuesday, August 4. Drop in from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Ajax Public Library Grandview Kids Express Branch.
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Sensory Story Trail: Fairy Forest on Tuesday, August 18. Drop in from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wander down the Grandview Kids Sensory Trail for an outdoor storytime!
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Friday Craft and Movie: Zootopia 2 (rated G) on Friday, August 21. Drop in from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ajax Public Library Grandview Kids Express Branch. Open to all families.
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Adult Summer Book Bingo until August 31. Pickup or print off a bingo card, fill out the squares as you read books, complete a line and enter the draw to win a prize!
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TD Summer Reading Club: Dive into an awesome, adventurous summer with fun and interactive programs at the Ajax Public Library. Join the TD Summer Reading Club to read books, record your reading, collect your points, and get entered into prize draws!
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Back to School Movie & Lunch: GOAT (rated PG) on Friday, September 4. Drop in from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Ajax Public Library Grandview Kids Express Branch
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Play and Learn Kits created in collaboration with Grandview Kids!
Play and Learn Kits help develop fine motor, tactile and awareness skills.
Borrow one today with your Ajax Public Library card.
| | | | For a complete listing of Ajax Public Library-hosted programs and services in August, visit: ajaxlibrary.ca. | | |
Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth
All aboard! Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth is hosting a back-to-school bus experience.
This event is designed for first-time bus riders, as well as current bus riders who have experienced a change in mobility or who use a mobility device. It provides an opportunity to familiarize your child, youth or family with school bus safety and to ask questions.
Dates and locations:
Click here to learn more and register.
| | Summer 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. | | |
This summer, we acknowledge Canada Day, Fragile X Awareness Day, National Disability Independence Day, MedicAlert Awareness Month, Emancipation Day Canada, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, Obon Festival 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.
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