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Strategies for Employment [webcast]

Finding, keeping, and growing in a job or career can be an important part of our lives. It helps us build relationships and connections, gain self-confidence, and support financial security. When it comes to increasing the chances that a child with a disability will be employed as an adult, there are many steps families can take that can make a difference.

Join us for our upcoming webcast, Strategies for Employment, on January 27th at 7pm EST to learn about how to navigate the employment supports system in Ontario, and what steps job seekers can take to prepare for employment or expand their employment goals.

What’s in it for you:

  • Strategies for navigating the new Employment Ontario program
  • Key considerations for setting goals and managing expectations
  • Tips on preparing for and navigating the job-seeking process
  • Understanding of the role of a job developer and employment agency
  • A live Q&A session to address your questions

Panelists:

Frank Fagan

Frank is Assistant National Director of Ready Willing & Able (RWA), and comes from an extensive background in non-profit management and the arts. He has led provincial and regional cultural organizations in the development of major initiatives, including the development of the Cultural Policy framework, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Keenan Wellar

Keenan has served as Co-Leader and Director of Communications for charitable organization LiveWorkPlay since 1997. He has a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and also holds degrees in History and Education with Ontario Teacher Certification. Keenan engages in a variety of advocacy initiatives related to community inclusion, housing, and employment. 

A live Q&A will follow the webcast.

Register now

March Break Camp at Mindshift

A March Break That Builds Confidence and Life Skills 

WHEN: March 16 – 20 | 9am – 4pm

Cooking and Culinary Classes

Hands-on cooking sessions, teaching fun recipes and shared meals are included.

Art and Creative Crafts 

Guided painting, collages, jewelry making, or group projects for self-expression and emotional growth. 

Outdoor & Community Adventures 

Bowling, Community tours, Movies, Mini Golf Putting. Physical Activities, Swimming, Hiking, Arts and Crafts and Nature-Based Activities. 

See flyer for more details

themindshiftacademy.ca | 416 – 562 – 5442 | info@themindshiftacademy.ca 

Relationship and Sexual Health Program at Lumenus

Relationship and Sexual Education program dates have changed. We are now starting January 30th

Relationship and Sexual Education:  (time/date change)

  • Remote/Virtual sessions (10 sessions)
  • Dates: Fridays, January 30th to April 10th, 2026
  • Time: 10am to 11am
  • Cost: Free

Lifeskills

  • Dates: February 9th to April 13th, 2026
  • Cost: Free
  • 8 weeks

Mondays: 11am to 2pm at the Finch Location

  • Healthy Relationships
  • Cyber Safety
  • Budgeting

Tuesdays: 11am to 12:30 pm at the Hartsdale Location (New location)

  • Healthy Relationships
  • Social Skills (NEW)

Thursdays: 1pm to 4pm at our Finch location

  • Nutrition and Wellness
  • Cooking

Independence

  • Dates: February 9th to April 13th, 2026
  • Cost: Free
  • 8 weeks

Mondays: 11am to 2pm at the Finch Location

  • Cooking

Tuesdays:  11am to 2pm at the Hartsdale Location

  • Cyber Safety
  • Financial Literacy
  • Employment Readiness

Fridays: 1pm to 4pm at our Hartsdale location

  • Cooking

Finch Location: 1124 Finch Avenue West.  Unit 1.
Hartsdale Location: 65 Hartsdale Drive

See flyer for more information

Random Draw for New Affordable Homes Coming to West Square Parkview

New affordable rental homes are coming to West Square Parkview at 15 Gibbs Rd. in June 2026. West Square Parkview will offer modern, affordable living in a fast-growing neighbourhood. On-site amenities include a multi-purpose social lounge, laundry room, and a co-working space with library.

A portion of the 217 affordable homes will be available through a random selection process coordinated by Greenwin Corp. on behalf of KingSett Affordable Housing Fund. These homes include studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. Monthly rental rates for these homes will range from $1,106 to $2,361, depending on the unit. Annual rent increases will apply based on the provincial Rent Increase Guideline.

More information about these affordable rental homes, as well as the random selection process and eligibility criteria is available on the project website: https://www.westsquareparkview.ca/

To be entered into the random selection process, interested and eligible residents can apply by completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the project website: https://www.westsquareparkview.ca/#eoi

The deadline to apply is February 17 at 5 p.m.

Holland Bloorview – Recreation, Respite & Life Skills Fair

WHEN: Saturday January 24rth, 10am – 2pm

  • Learn about recreation, respite and life skills programs across the GTA. 
  • Talk to representatives from community programs. 
  • Find the right program and services to fit your needs. 
  • Connect with with Holland Bloorview Family and Youth Leaders and Mentors 
  • Register for summer and seasonal programs and services

All attendees MUST pre-register for free

See flyer for more details

Register now

Wills and Estate Planning [webcast]

WHEN: January 21st 7pm EST 

If you’re supporting a family member with a disability, one of the most important steps you can take to help secure their future is to have a will and estate plan in place.

Join us on January 21st 7pm EST for the Wills and Estate Planning webcast, as our guest panelist, Brendon Pooran of Pooran Law, discusses estate planning considerations families must be aware of when caring for a family member with a disability.

What’s in it for you:

  • An understanding of the fundamental elements of an estate plan;
  • An overview of how to get started in setting up a will;
  • A breakdown of different types of trusts people typically include in a will;
  • An overview of the two types of Power of Attorney; 
  • An opportunity to connect with other families in our Virtual Discussion Groups;
  • A digital workbook filled with free legal resources, worksheets and practical next steps that will support you in taking action.

Panelist

Brendon Pooran

Brendon has been involved with various disability organizations as a member, volunteer, employee or director for most of his life. He created PooranLaw to provide support to this community and to influence disability law and policy throughout Canada.

In addition to practising law, Brendon teaches Critical Disability Law at York University, is the Past-President of Community Living York South and is a founding director of both PLAN Toronto (now Partners for Planning) and Microboards Ontario. He is also a former Senior Lawyer Member on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board.

A live Q&A will follow the webcast. Register using the link below – we look forward to having you there!

Register now

Exploring Affordable Rental Options in Toronto (webinar)

Join the DSO Housing Navigator for Toronto Region for a free virtual presentation on various types of affordable and rent geared to income housing options in Toronto, available to individuals with low to moderate income.

Topics covered will include:

  • The difference between rent geared to income (RGI) and affordable rental housing
  • How to apply and maintain your application for RGI
  • The Canada Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
  • Indigenous affordable housing programs

Open to people with a developmental disability, their family members and/or support networks, and developmental service professionals interested in affordable housing options in Toronto.

When: Thursday January 29th 10am – 11am EST

Where: Online – Microsoft Teams

Register here

Life Skills with Lumenus

The Lifeskills and the Independence with Lumenus programs now have sessions being offered at both sites, Finch and Hartsdale.

The Lifeskills with Lumenus program is geared to individuals learning key skills and enjoy working in a group setting.

The Independence with Lumenus offers more complex topics and enhances fundamental skills already developed.

COST/FEE: FREE
PROGRAM LENGTH: 8 weeks
ELIGIBILITY: Individuals who are 18+ and live in the Toronto area.
LOCATIONS: 1124 Finch Ave. W., Unit 1 & 65 Hartsdale Drive
REGISTER: Email Rakayla at rbenjamin@lumenus.ca for inquiries or for registration.
Register by January 24, 2026

Relationship and Sexual Health Education at Lumenus

Join our group to ask our facilitators questions and learn with peers more about sex education, dating, consent, healthy relationships, sexuality and the law, social media safety and other topics.

Cost/Fee: FREE
Eligibility: This program is designed for adults (18+) with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
When: Starts January 6, 2026
Length of Program: 6 weeks (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Location: The winter session will be offered remotely.
Register: Email Rakayla at rbenjamin@lumenus.ca for inquiries or to request the registration package.

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