Dear valued clients, families and partners,

As we welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey we've shared in 2023. The pace at which time moves doesn’t seem to slow down, but what truly captivates my heart is the remarkable progress and achievements of our clients and their families, as well as our employees. Your resilience, dedication, and unwavering spirit are the very essence of what drives our mission at Lake Ridge Community Support Services.

This past year we saw continued growth and development. We have continued our commitment to supporting children, youth, and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities in the Durham Region and beyond. Our efforts, grounded in the science of behaviour, have been fortified by the strategic updates to our Mission, Vision, and Values. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with these guiding principles here.

The passion in our work is to create an inclusive community - a place where everyone can thrive. This guiding principle allows us to continually align our actions with our core values, ensuring that every step we take connects with our overarching mission.

Throughout 2023, we welcomed both familiar and new faces into our programs. Our commitment to enhancing our service delivery led us to refine our processes, ensuring that we follow our commitment to meeting the unique needs of each client and their family.

OAP Highlights:

Our collaboration with the Ontario Autism Program remains robust. We are dedicated to serving our children and youth through initiatives like the Caregiver Mediated Early Years and Entry to School programs, alongside the Foundational Family Services Program.

This year, we introduced several innovative programs, including the S.A.F.E. Hub—a dedicated space nurturing autonomy and crucial life skills. Additionally, our new Foundational Family Services, such as SibChat and the Caregiver Coffee Club, have fostered continued connections and mutual support.

ABAforAll Campaign:

The momentum of our ABAforAll campaign has been nothing short of inspiring. Events like the Autism Fun Fair, Golf Tournament, and the Stone Soup ABA Conference empowered us to raise over $35,000. Together, we're not just building awareness but creating tangible change.

Looking Forward to 2024:

We are excited for the year ahead. We're gearing up for more fundraising initiatives and are eager to collaborate with local businesses to amplify our impact.  Our Family Engagement Committee will start early in the new year to help contribute to our growth and development.

Furthermore, come July, a new regulatory framework for Behavior Analysts will be implemented in Ontario under the College of Psychologists of Ontario. I want to assure you that our team's dedication to excellence remains unwavering. We are already in the process of ensuring all our professionals and employees transition seamlessly to meet the new requirements.

In closing, as we stand on the threshold of a new year, I am filled with hope and excitement for all that lies ahead. Together, as a community united in purpose, 2024 will be a year of unparalleled growth, connection, and achievement.

Warm regards,

Sandie Hoskin
Executive Director, Lake Ridge Community Support Services