About CLH DSS
Who We Are And What We Do
CLH Developmental Support Services was charted in 1960 and incorporated as a charitable non-profit organization in 1966. For over 60 years, CLH has developed a long-standing history within the local North Simcoe community, then more recently, branching out into all of Simcoe County. Through this growth and expansion, CLH has created and maintained strong ties to the community and is a supporter of local community partners. CLH has also become a partner of other neighbouring Developmental Services organizations and has proven to be a leader in change, growth, and development across the sector. CLH is governed by a 9-member volunteer Board of Directors and has the mandate to provide programs and support to the children, youth, and adults with developmental support needs and their families.
CLH maintains a high level of programming and supports in part through receiving funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the County of Simcoe. CLH also receives support from CLH Foundation by way of fundraising campaigns. The funds raised are utilized to provide opportunities for the people supported by CLH, such as fully funding the Summer Teen Camp, recreational activities, specialized transportation, and necessary medical needs that are not covered by other avenues. As the adult population we serve continues to age, their support needs continue to become more complex with no increase to the funding they receive, which is where CLH Foundation comes in with Commitment to Care. Commitment to Care is a campaign powered by CLH Foundation that raises funds to support the medical needs/supplies for the aging population, at no additional cost to them.
CLH is a significant employer in the Simcoe County area with a workforce of over 330 employees.
Our Vision, Mission, Values & Guiding Principles
VISION
All people will live with dignity and respect, share in every element of living and participate as valued members of the community.
MISSION
CLH Developmental Support Services is a partnership of caring people working together to provide specialized services to children, youth and adults who have developmental support needs. We create an environment of acceptance, encouragement, and life-long learning, together with our network of dedicated community partners.
VALUES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Person-Directed
We believe that person-directed planning is foundational to individual success in community living. We listen in order to understand what each individual wants in his/her life. We focus on the development of relationships and help individuals build their future based on dreams, strengths and capabilities. We believe in self-determination, inclusion, citizenship, contribution and participation. We encourage each individual to use their gifts and talents to contribute to life in their community.
Inclusion
We provide inspiration, encouragement and opportunity for each individual to achieve new milestones toward a meaningful life in the community. We empower individuals to experience inclusion through educational, vocational, social/leisure, supported living and employment opportunities.
Innovation
We create innovative and effective programming, based on evidence and best practices. We are problem-solvers, coordinators, facilitators and navigators, and we have the courage to assist those in need, even in the most challenging situations.
Respect
We are respectful in all of our interactions and treat all persons with dignity. We value the needs, aspirations and abilities of others, creating a supportive and courteous environment.
Empowerment
We believe in full inclusion. We empower each individual to make informed choices for themselves in all aspects of their daily lives, and to live and work to their full potential. We enable individuals with developmental support needs to recognize and use the resources available to them, and to become stronger, more confident and independent.
Family-Centred
We encourage the involvement of the family in all aspects of the life of the individuals we support. We put what is best for the individuals who need developmental supports and their families as our top priority for decision-making. We use a personal touch, striving to create just the right programs and opportunities for each individual.
Safety
Our culture is safety-focused, and our employees are meaningfully engaged in safety improvement. We provide a safe environment for learning, working, volunteering, and participating in recreation and leisure activities.
Caring and Compassion
We are a highly responsive, caring and dedicated team of staff and volunteers. We are passionate about our work and we interact with empathy and understanding. We demonstrate steadfast commitment to create a better future for every individual needing developmental supports. We remind families touched by disability that they are not alone and that they are part of a vibrant and supportive community.
Quality
We measure our success and promote continuous improvement, ensuring quality in all aspects of our work. We have high standards for program delivery and focus on best practices in all we do.
Open Communication
We are committed to transparent communications with each other and with our partners in order to build trust, to create a positive, environment, and to be unified in achieving our Vision and Mission. We communicate effectively with the individuals we support, providing them with the ability and opportunity to make informed choices.
Integrity & Accountability
We uphold the trust we have built over our 60-year history, ensuring that we conduct ourselves with honesty, integrity and transparency. We are accountable to our funders and donors. We measure our success, and we operate with cost-effectiveness for all programming.
Partnership & Collaboration
We find strength in a multitude of ideas and perspectives and achieve our goals through effective collaboration. We are united as a group in our purpose and social cause and support each other to achieve collective outcomes. We develop and nurture collaborative, positive relationships with each other and with our partners, and work together to enhance the quality of life of the individuals we support and their families.
Lifelong Learning
We believe that individuals should have continuous learning opportunities to fulfill their aspirations, to contribute to society and to create meaning at every stage of their life.
Persistence
We patiently work with each individual and family to creatively solve issues. We allow time for setbacks and keep a positive attitude at all times.
Responsibility
We believe in providing individuals with a variety of life experiences that teach the person to accept responsibility.
Diversity & Accessibility
We promote a vision of society that is inclusive and that supports the rights of all persons. We are welcoming and inclusive, and a role model for diversity and accessibility. We demonstrate, through our partnerships and community involvement, that people with developmental support needs are citizens who have contributions to make to society.
CLH Foundation
CLH Foundation supports the work of CLH Developmental Support Services, with our focus firmly fixed on the quality of life and provision of opportunities for CLH-supported individuals. We are committed to ensuring that each one has the programs and support they need to thrive and achieve their personal goals.
We do this by identifying, with the input and leadership of CLH DSS, where our support is needed most and can have the greatest impact.
Join Our Team!
This is your opportunity to be an advocate for choice and inclusion and to build a community of belonging. Live your purpose and have a career that matters.
