Today's Homes York December 11, 2014

YORK REGION NEW HOME BUILDERS & TODAY’S HOMES & CONDOSWorking Together to Make a Difference In Our Community

Nobody can doeverything,

but everyone can do something.

- Author Unknown

HOMES CONDOS&HOMES&HOMES & CONDOS&CONDOST O D AY ’ S

NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE SERVING TORONTO & YORK REGIONDECEMBER 11, 2014

something.

Nobody can do

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STORY...STORY...Ryan’s

Ryan is a young father who despite the odds, reached for his long-time goal of pursuing a career in Fire� ghting. Living with a learning disability, he wanted post-secondary education, but was apprehensive about how he could handle the workload. Here is his story.

“Though I was a business owner of my own, and was happy doing that – I wanted to go back to school. But I didn’t know how to go about doing that because of my learning disability,” Ryan begins.

He longed to continue his education, but fears and anxiety held him back.“I’m dyslexic, and I have dysgraphia, and attention de� cient,” Ryan adds. “As a kid, I

remember kids always laughing in the background. I hated going to school. It was a horror to me.”

After selling his pizza franchise and joining staff as regional supervisor at the company’s headquarters, Ryan’s dream of continuing his education and being a Fire� ghter was sparked

up once again. Understanding he needed someone to help him facilitate a process with his learning disability, he searched for an organization on his computer, and the Learning Disabilities Association of York Region (LDAYR) popped up. Ryan picked up the phone and called them.

“Through that conversation, I was able to build up the courage to go and just do it. People who knew me, knew I wasn’t going to go to school (post-secondary). But the fact is, I’m doing it now,” adds Ryan.

Currently, Ryan is balancing family life, work and school, as he is enrolled in his last year of the � re� ghting program at Seneca. Ryan still visits LDAYR every so often for support, resources, and encouragement. Recently, he acted as an of� cial spokesperson for United Way of York Region, sharing his story for an article that was featured in the Toronto Star, and making an appearance on Rogers TV daytime York Region.

“Without the Learning Disabilities Association of York Region, and United Way having the ability to fund a program like that, I wouldn’t be able to be doing what I am doing today. I’m happy,” Ryan states.

Without the Learning Disabilities Association ofYork Region, and United Way having the ability tofund a program like that, I wouldn’t be able to be

doing what I am doing today.

UNITED WAYYORK REGION?

Why I Give toWHY UNITED WAY?

“Great Gulf has been building communities for 4 decades in Canada and the U.S. with a focus on Corporate and Community Social Responsibility providing over forty

thousand families with well made, well designed homes. We are committed to helping the most vulnerable people in the communities we serve in order to build a stronger society.

Thanks to the United Way and its far reaching programs and initiatives, the lives of many have been improved with the gift

of hope and positive change.”

Christopher WeinPresident Great Gulf Residential

YORK REGION?

“Being in the real estate industry, my work goes beyond the tangible things. I help clients secure - a home, a place of business - to the important things that impact people in a more profound way - a sense of community and a good

quality of life. This is why the work of United Way York Region is so important. In Every Neighbourhood will strengthen

neighbourhoods most impacted by growth and poverty, laying the foundation so that everyone in York Region can access

supports where and when they need them - close to home. As a long-time community leader and someone who cares deeply about our neighbourhoods, I am asking you to join me as we

work to move people from crisis to a better life.”

Vivian RisiBroker, President, Royal LePage Your Community Realty

Major Individual Giving Donor & Volunteer

“For over 20 years, Empire Communities has been creating communities throughout Southwestern Ontario with a strong

presence in York Region. As builders of these communities we take pride in supporting the United Way of York Region whose

commitment is to assist the community through tackling homelessness, youth issues as well as offering programs to

assist those with a myriad of health issues. Without the United Way and its many agencies, thousands of people would be without the assistance they so desperately need. Empire’s

philosophy has always been to support the communities of which we have become a part.”

Paul Golini Jr.Executive Vice President, Industry Relations

Empire Communities

Major Individual Giving Donor & Volunteer

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At Geranium Homes we take great pride in giving back to the communities and

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variety of groups, charities and initiatives, our role as a strong community partner and

good neighbour plays an equally important part in our continued success.

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HOMES CONDOSYOUR NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE&HOMES&HOMES & CONDOS&CONDOS

T O D AY ’ SPUBLISHER:

Ian Proudfoot905-853-8888

[email protected]

REGIONAL MANAGER:Jennifer Kopacz

416-774-2298 [email protected]

REGIONAL DIRECTOR:Gord Paolucci

905-853-8888 [email protected]

SPECIAL FEATURES EDITOR:

Dorothea Helms905-852-9294

[email protected]

Today’s Homes & Condos and its advertisers are not responsible forerrors made in advertisements oreditorial. All prices are correct atpress time, however, due to the lead time required to publish Today’s Homes & Condos, prices and other conditions may have changed. Please note prices and conditions are subject to change without notice.

AD COORDINATOR/DIGITAL CONSULTANT:

Ryan [email protected]

Monika Madden [email protected]

905-717-0382

Shelley [email protected]

416-500-5982

To advertise contact one of our ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES:

BUILDING A GREATER GTABuilding Industry and Land Development Association

Members of B.I.L.D.

Visit their website at: www.bildgta.ca

WHY UNITED WAY?

Long seen as a big city problem, youth homelessness is as real in suburban York Region as in Toronto. The re-

cently released report “Leaving Home:

Youth Homelessness in York Region” draws on research conducted with 60 young people who have experienced homeless-ness in York Region, as well as interviews

with service agencies. The conclusion is that the solution demands a coordinated, systemic response.

It is part of a joint project by United Way

GROWING HOMELESSNESSIN YORK REGION YOUTH

DID YOU KNOWTHaT In YoRk RegIon:• 1 in 8 people live in a low-income

household;• Blue Door Shelters turned away

5,845 people due to lack of available beds;

• Last year, more than 52,800 people were fed by food banks, and that 41 percent of those were children;

• 21 percent of residents work in precarious jobs, the highest rate in the gTa; and

• On average, a youth will wait 270 days to access mental health supporters?

York Region, the Canadian observatory on Homelessness, and the knowledge Mobilization (kMb) Unit at York University, focused on finding new ways to respond collaboratively to address homelessness among youth in the sprawling region north of Toronto.

With more than one million residents in nine municipalities, York Region has a range of public, non-profit and chari-table programs, systems and services for low-income and homeless individuals and families. However, in spite of some excellent programming for young people, many youths who are homeless are forced to leave because they and their families are not getting the supports they need, the study found.

“When young people leave their com-munities and move to Toronto or some other big city, they become even more at risk of victimization or exploitation, and their health declines,” says York University professor Stephen Gaetz, director of the Canadian observatory on Homelessness. “our research shows there were multiple missed opportunities for intervention. Some youth needed more family support to address conflict or abuse, some needed more support from school and others needed better access to mental health services and addictions treatment.”

Daniele Zanotti, CEO of York Region United Way, said it is critical to provide a network of services in every neighbour-hood, so young people can access support where and when they need it.

“We have many excellent service agen-cies and frontline programs. We need an integrated system approach − to prevent youth from becoming homeless, stop the flow of young people from institu-tional care into homelessness, and inter-vene early to help them remain in their communities,” said Zanotti. “By working together, we can make York Region a national leader in the prevention of youth homelessness.”

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VISIT YORK.UNITEDWAY.CA & START HELPING TO FILL THE GAPS TODAY!

IN EVERY NEIGHBOURHOOD$30 MILLION IN 3 YEARS

Because of these growing gaps, we’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $30 million in 3 years to help build a social infrastructure that continues to support children, youth, families and seniors – and to provide services close to home. With supply currently outpacing demand, our goal is to help move 325,000 people from crisis to a better life. To-date, one year into our campaign we’ve already helped over 120,000 York Region residents. But much more needs to be done.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

United Way York Region is providing unparalleled and visionary leadership in the non-pro� t sector in

providing a helping hand where needed, and in building strong, connected and caring communities.

When you partner with United Way York Region, you invest in your local community and

help to create positive, lasting change across our region. We encourage you to make United Way York Region your turnkey solution to give back to your community.

Investing in United Way York Region means delivering results in your neighbourhood!

For 38 years, United Way York Region has engaged in trusted community work, offering a “big picture” advantage that enables us to target support where it’s needed most. Our Meeting House series connects us to local issues and shapes our investment, research and policy work. Our Board Leadership series improves the effectiveness of social service providers in York Region, allowing non-pro� t leaders and organizations to do more, better. Our research on youth homelessness brings together a cross-sector team of experts and community champions to address this critical challenge in York Region.

We work with over 250 corporate partners and 14,000 donors. Our 2,000 volunteers and our access to donated services make us a lean and highly effective organization and a leader in the charity sector. As a member of the Human Services Planning Board, United Way York Region partners with The Regional Municipality of York to address the increase in the number of working poor across our region and lack of affordable housing. United Way York Region and York University have a long-

standing community-university partnership. We leverage academic research to inform our community work and develop innovative solutions to tackle complex social issues.

UNITED WAY YORK REGIONTAKES ACTION

Across our communities, United Way York Region is working to address these issues in the face of ever-changing demographics by identifying needs and making more opportunities available. We have in-depth knowledge about York Region’s neighbourhoods, diverse expertise among staff and strong community partnerships, all based on transparency and accountability.

Next to government, United Way is the largest funder of social services in York Region.

million in critical frontline programs and agencies across York Region

$305,000 to 12 projects through Strength

Investments, funding that invests in residents, community groups, businesses and agencies to solve local issues. This initial seed funding has leveraged over $2 million in new revenue and has led to partnerships with York Regional Police and York Region school boards

series, …more than roads, sewers, stores and schools, brought together over 250 residents, community groups, local businesses and labour partners from the region’s � ve high-growth communities to discuss getting ahead of pressing social issues.

a seven-part learning series titled “Responding to Youth Homelessness: A Systems Approach” with over 150 participants f rom d i f fe rent sectors. As the Community Entity for the federal government’s Homelessness Partnership

Strategy, United Way York Region has administered $530,374 in frontline programs that support our region’s most vulnerable residents

PROVIDING HELP CLOSER TO HOME

How many times have we heard about people in need who “fell through the cracks” in our social system? York Region is a great place to live, unless you happen to be caught up in the growing gaps between rich and poor and are struggling to make ends meet.

___________________________________ ___________ / __________

_____________________________ _________________________

Donations of $25 or more will be receipted automatically. Receipts for other amounts available on request.

__________________________________________________

___________________________________ __________________ _______

_______________ ___________________ ___________________

Yes! In Every Neighbourhood

Buck slip1_2014.indd 1 03/12/2014 11:00:28 AM

Approximately 9,500 students in schools across York Region participated in mental health workshops. This program

teaches students how to examine their own mental health, recognize their strengths, develop positive coping strategies,

and increase their sense of self esteem.

A single mother on social assistance receives under $1,000 a month, and diapers alone can cost $200

a month. By offsetting some of these costs, United Way York Region makes it possible for mothers to use their limited

income to pay their rent and other basic needs.

Last year, over 400 single mothers and their children accessed food,

clothing and other basic needs.

United Way York Region’s HomelessnessPartnership Strategy has administered

$530,374 in frontline programs that supportour region’s most vulnerable residents

keeping them safely housed.

WHY UNITED WAY?

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This is the story of a newly immigrated woman, Aneta.

“There are challenges and barriers you constantly face as an immigrant. I thought life here would be easier,” Aneta states.

Having come to Canada from Jamaica in 2011, Aneta struggles with issues that many newcomers to this country face. Not only does she handle a busy family, ensuring the kids are off to school on time, homework is complete and meals are made, but also her husband’s long work schedule means that most of the household needs fall on her shoulders. On top of that, she is still learning a new culture, brushing up on skills needed for work, and enhancing her knowledge of

the English language. Aneta is constantly on the go.

“I want a better life for myself and my family,” Aneta states. “My plans are to continue to learn and become a nurse,” she says.

She was introduced to the Literacy Council of York-Simcoe (LCYS). As her life is quite busy, having the opportunity to drop in when the time is convenient for her and her family is bene� cial. As she puts it, “It’s an open-door concept. I’m always welcome. And someone is always there and able to help.”

“Without United Way of York Region, I wouldn’t be able to get a higher education. And because of that, I am forever grateful,” Aneta says.

There are challenges and barriers you constantly face

as an immigrant. I thought life here would be easier.

the English language. Aneta is constantly on the go.There are challenges and

STORY...Aneta’s

WHY UNITED WAY?

UNITED WAYYORK REGION?

Why I Give to

“As builders and developers, we have the opportunity to create fabulous communities. An

important part of any community, is that we help out those that are less fortunate. Brook� eld Residential is

very proud to support the United Way.”

Sid KerriganPresident, Ontario Housing

Brook� eld Residential

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WHY UNITED WAY?

United Way York Region (UWYR) works because of the diverse roster of volunteers who offer their experience, skills and ex-pertise to its cause. Volunteers hail from all areas of life such as business, labour, government and community. Each con-tributes a unique perspective on social and community issues, as well as � nancial

matters. In 2014, Vivian Risi provided lead-ership to UWYR’s Major Individual Giving campaign. Well known in the Region as a Broker and President of Royal LePage Your Community Realty (Canada’s #1 bro-kerage), Vivian is phenomenally busy, but � nds time to help.

“Previously, I served as Chair of Yellow

MAJOR INDIVIDUALGIVING AN INTEGRAL PART

OF UNITED WAY YORK REGION’S 2014 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNBrick House’s Second Shelter, Second Chances capital campaign,” she says, “which offers abused women and children another much-needed place to turn to. We met our goal there, and I became aware of how much more work there is to do in York Region when it comes to helping those in need. I was attracted to United Way be-cause it bene� ts so many agencies that do critical work. UWYR launched its historic In Every Neighbourhood campaign, which is all about providing help close to home and � ts in beautifully with my personal and professional philosophies. I have lived in York Region, and Royal LePage Your Com-munity Realty has of� ces throughout. We like to give back locally to help build strong neighbourhoods and provide support for those who need it.”

The Major Individual Giving campaign is going well, and Vivian says that donors come from all ages, backgrounds and diverse walks of life. “The mix of sup-porters is incredible,” she says. “Among our donors are local businesspeople, blue-collar workers, young couples and mothers, families and newcomers. We also have many long-time supporters who give regularly, often quietly in the background. The consistency of their donations is truly a wonderful foundation for UWYR’s work.”

What all of these donors have in com-mon is to help the organization run its numerous programs across the Region. They know that their donations will help many well-known local charities. “Even small donations help a lot,” Vivian stresses. “The majority of United Way’s individual gifts range from $5 to $500. Even more important, these donors encourage oth-ers, and it gets momentum going. Years ago, I didn’t fully understand the power of United Way; then I kept hearing about the organization’s good work. Now, it’s my passion to spread the word across York Region and beyond.”

As for the success of the 2014 campaign, Vivian says to watch for a big announce-ment in 2015. “I encourage people to visit the website at york.unitedway.ca or call 905-474-9974 to � nd out how they can donate or volunteer. When it comes to helping those in need, time is just as valu-able as dollars. Together we can continue to make great things happen.”

Vivian RisiBroker, President, Royal LePage Your Community RealtyMajor Individual GivingDonor & Volunteer

The mix of supporters is incredible, among our donors are local

businesspeople, blue-collar workers, young couples and

mothers, families and newcomers

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