Hundreds of not-for-profit organizations across Ontario, like PACE, have been supporting people with disabilities and seniors all year – this month, we’re looking to increase awareness of the important services we provide.
October is Community Support month, an opportunity to celebrate community care services which help nearly one million Ontarians each year to live independently in their own homes. In addition to Attendant Services (Supportive housing and Attendant Outreach), there are over 25 different community support services, including Meals on Wheels, Alzheimer and adult day programs, transportation to medical appointments, caregiver support, hospice and palliative care services, and much more.
Important facts about the Community Support Services sector:
• The service delivery model is successful because clients prefer to live in their own homes and communities, and supporting them to do so reduces costs to other parts of the health care system. As Ontario’s population ages, community support services will become even more important.
• The sector employs over 20,000 people and engages up to 100,000 volunteers. Each year, they deliver nearly 3 million meals, provide 2 million rides to medical appointments, and serve 40,000 Ontarians in adult day programs and 25,000 with assisted living services.
• Agencies receive partial government funding, but are also supported by community foundations, individual donations, and thousands of dedicated volunteers.
Important facts about PACE:
• In Toronto, PACE Independent Living has been serving the community for over thirty nine years in delivering support services to adults with disabilities who chose to live independent lives.
• PACE serves more than 226 individuals who have a variety of disabilities including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, acquired brain injuries, muscular dystrophy and Huntington disease. A big thank you to all PACE team members during this time of celebration for the incredible work that each of you do every day to deliver excellent support services to people with disabilities so they can live their lives.