EMPOWERING LIVES, BUILDING COMMUNITY
At Community Living Ajax Pickering and Whitby, we provide a full spectrum of support and opportunities for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities—from residential programs and employment support to community engagement and volunteer experiences. Our mission is to help every person thrive, grow, and feel a true sense of belonging.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Residential Services provides a supportive living environment with 24-hour care, designed to promote the mental, physical, emotional, and social development of adults with developmental disabilities, helping each individual reach their maximum growth and potential within our community.
Supported Independent Living Program (S.I.L.)
The Supported Independent Living (SIL) Program is designed to assist adults who can live with limited or minimal support in independent community settings. It also supports adults living with their families who wish to develop the skills needed to transition to independent living. The program focuses on maintaining and enhancing the skills necessary for participants to fully engage in community life. Click for more information about S.I.L.
Host Family Arrangement
The Host Family Program provides an opportunity for an individual with a developmental disability or dual diagnosis to live with a host or family that is not their biological family. The host family offers accommodation and support to the individual and receives reimbursement for their role. The program is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) through individualized funding.
Learn more about Host Family Arrangements
DUAL DIAGNOSIS RESOURCE
Forest View Specialized Treatment Home
Forest View is a Central East Region Dual Diagnosis Resource that provides short-term residential treatment for individuals with a developmental disability and mental health disorder and/or challenging behaviour. Access is available through referral to the Ontario Networks of Specialized Care, and individuals may also access the Mobile Resource Team and specialized beds through the local Case Resolution Process.
The home offers 24-hour support for up to four individuals and one community bed placement. It includes video conferencing for educational, medical, and other appointments. A multidisciplinary team provides assessment and treatment using the Bio-Psycho-Social Model and Person-Directed Planning, with treatment lasting up to one year to help individuals return to their home community with an improved quality of life.
Forest View is part of the Community Networks of Specialized Care, a partnership that provides professional services, consultations, training, education, and research to support adults with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
Click for more information about our Treatment Home
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Community Connections
Community Connections provides recreational and social opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, including those with a dual diagnosis. Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby offers activities that promote personal, social, and emotional growth, with most programs running Monday to Friday. Examples include cooking classes, bowling, drama, literacy, Aktion Club events, and farm activities.
Admission criteria, set by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), require that individuals be 18 or older, meet DSO eligibility, no longer attend school, have their own transportation, have a diagnosed developmental disability, not present high-risk behaviours, be ambulatory, able to bear weight for toileting, and capable of self-feeding. Drop-in participants must attend with a support worker. Program costs are co-shared with MCCSS.
Learn more about Community Connections
Employment Solutions
This program supports individuals in gaining meaningful community-based employment by offering the training and assistance needed to secure and maintain work placements. Its goals are to help individuals become active members of their community, find work experience or competitive employment opportunities, and provide ongoing support to ensure success in the workplace. Click to read more about Employment Solutions
CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Case Management Services support individuals and their families by providing information, advocacy, and assistance in accessing appropriate resources. This includes service coordination, education and health advocacy, help with funding applications, individual and family facilitation, short- and long-term planning, and connecting people to community resources. Learn more about Case Management Services
URGENT RESPONSE MANAGER
Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby receives MCCSS funding to operate the Urgent Response Manager for Durham Region. The Urgent Response process supports individuals and families facing high-risk situations that require immediate, time-limited assistance. The Urgent Response Manager coordinates collaboration among service providers, helping to assess needs, navigate services, and develop short-term plans to address urgent support requirements and reduce risk. Click for more information
INTEGRATED TRANSITION PLANNING
In line with our mission, vision, and values, we support high school students and their families in developing Individual Transition Plans. Our facilitators work with the school board and the student to explore opportunities that support a successful transition from high school to community life, college, or employment. This process is typically initiated by the school board, which then involves our facilitator. Learn more about Transition Planning
VOLUNTEER AND STUDENT PLACEMENT PROGRAM
Our agency’s history is rooted in the dedication of volunteers working to create better lives for their families. Today, we continue that tradition by engaging volunteers and students to support our mission, vision, and values. Volunteers contribute in many ways, including assisting in programs, providing one-to-one support, participating on committees, or helping with fundraising. High school students can also complete Community Service hours with us. All volunteers and students undergo an application and interview process, provide two personal references, and a vulnerable sector police check. They receive valuable training, such as First Aid and Safe Management, while helping our agency expand its vision of enabling people to live inclusive and meaningful lives.