OPENING THE
NEW YEAR WITH
APPRECIATION
As we settle into 2026, we are grateful to begin the year on a positive and uplifting note, reflecting on the generosity and support of our amazing community partners.
Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby (CLAPW) would like to thank the partners and local businesses whose generosity made our annual Holiday Party a highlight for the individuals we support, their families, and caregivers.
Your support directly advances our vision of a world where everyone belongs, lives with dignity, and can participate fully in their communities. Thank you for helping make meaningful experiences possible for the people we support!
Special thanks to:
Durham Regional Police Services Board, Pickering Honda, McLellan Contracting, Bongard Collision Centre, Steve & Amanda’s No Frills, HUB International, Jenkins Business Equipment, SP Cleaning Service, Buchwald Services Consulting Inc., Fix Auto Collision Centre, Alliance Collision and Axis Family Footcare
THE STATE OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES IN DURHAM REGION
FEATURE
Developmental Services in Durham Region: Urgent Need for Action
Click the title above to read the full article.
#WAITING TO BELONG
Public Service Announcement, November 2025
CONNECTING FAMILIES WITH SUPPORT WORKERS JUST GOT EASIER:
Try
RespiteNow is a free app that connects individuals and families seeking respite services with local, independent support workers. Recently expanded into the Durham Region, RespiteNow is now available for individuals, families, and workers to create profiles and get started.
Through the app, individuals can list the type and amount of support they need, while workers can outline their experience, training, and interests. The app then uses an algorithm to identify strong matches, and a RespiteNow Coordinator follows up to help facilitate the connection.
Please note: Support workers found through RespiteNow are self-employed. This means they are responsible for arranging work details directly with caregivers, including scheduling, payment, and handling any necessary income tax, EI, or CPP deductions.
To learn more, visit https://respite-now.com, or contact CLAPW Passports Assistant Kaitie Scheuer or RespiteNow Coordinator Tanya Yakeley for support and inquiries.
WE CANDLE INITIATIVE: EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS THROUGH EMPLOYMENT AND COLLABORATION
Community Living Ajax-Pickering & Whitby (CLAPW), Participation House Durham, the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and We Candle have come together to create a meaningful partnership that provides employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment, including intellectual disabilities. This exciting initiative, called the We Candle Initiative, is designed to foster empowerment, skill development, and inclusion within the community.
The Power of Collaboration
The We Candle Initiative is built on the shared goal of creating sustainable, meaningful work opportunities for individuals who face challenges in the workforce. The partnership brings together organizations that are deeply committed to the well-being and success of individuals with intellectual disabilities. By working together, we can provide participants with valuable training and work experience, helping them gain confidence, build skills, and increase their independence.
A Commitment to Employment Accessibility
At the core of this initiative is the commitment to employing people with barriers to employment, including those with intellectual disabilities. We Candle is focused on providing hands-on, real-world work experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. By offering meaningful roles, participants not only contribute to the success of the program but also develop a sense of pride in their work.
Gratitude for the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Support
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing the Seed Grant that helped bring the We Candle initiative to life. Their support has made it possible for us to launch this project, creating new opportunities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to find employment. The grant has enabled us to build the foundation for a program that will continue to grow and positively impact the lives of many.
Looking Ahead
The We Candle initiative is just the beginning. As the program grows, we hope to expand the number of participants and partners involved, creating even more opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and other barriers to employment. Through continued collaboration, support from the community, and ongoing investment in these individuals' futures, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to shine.
We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and excited for the future of the We Candle Initiative. Together, we are lighting the way to a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.