A message from our Chair of the Board of Trustees and our CEO

As we reflect upon this past year with Grandview Kids, we are filled with immense pride for the perseverance and dedication shown by Team Grandview.

A shining moment of our past year occurred with the Centre achieving Exemplary Status from Accreditation Canada. This historic “three-peat” celebrates the third time Grandview Kids has been awarded the highest level of distinction, showcasing the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality, safe and effective care to children and youth. This was made possible by the incredible dedication and ongoing efforts of Team Grandview.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact our community, Team Grandview rigorously adapted their daily practices to hold children, youth, caregivers and our team’s health and safety in the highest regard.

The dedication of Team Grandview to combat COVID-19 was evident with the launch of the Vaccine Clinic. In partnership with the Durham Region Health Department, Grandview Kids’ nurses, physicians, and clinicians provided more than 3,000 vaccines to children, youth, and adults. Two sensory rooms provided a calm, safe space to work through anxieties associated with vaccines, and a fun recovery zone celebrated visitors with goody bags, special treats, and movies. In addition, staff at Grandview quickly achieved 100% compliance with our vaccine mandate. Everyone did their part.

Although services remained disrupted this past year, volunteers happily welcomed clients through the doors, our infection prevention and control team ensured our high-risk setting was safe for all, and physicians and clinicians found fun and innovative ways to help clients achieve their goals. Families receiving a referral to Grandview Kids during the pandemic were welcomed by Service Navigators, supported by our Social Workers and connected to other families through our Family Engagement Team. The Schedulers were busy booking appointments as our community-based, and school-based rehabilitation teams met new children at local licensed child care centres and schools. As in-person programs opened, the halls of Grandview filled with laughter from clients attending Therapeutic Recreation programs, and of course, the Campbell Children’s School students being in person was a welcome return of energy and excitement. Behind the scenes, the Business Office team, Facilities and Maintenance kept the organization operating like a well-oiled machine.

The pages of this report highlight the successes of this talented and diverse team.

Such successes include expanding our school-based rehabilitation services to three neighbourhoods in Scarborough, offering two new early years programs through the Ontario Autism Program with local partners and expanding our physical locations in Oshawa and Clarington. Additionally, we were proud to be announced as an early adopter of a Smart Start Hub, making it easier for families to access the services and support they need as early as possible. And we are an active partner in Durham’s Ontario Health Team, finding ways to support integrated care that is family-driven and evidence-based.

We are also beginning to turn our sights to the building of the NEW Grandview Kids in Ajax. To prepare, Team Grandview will focus on operational readiness. When we walk through the doors of the new facility in the fall of 2024, our operations will continue to be exemplary, efficient and impactful for the children, youth and families we are so honoured to serve.

The final thought is gratitude to the Board of Trustees of Grandview Kids for their foresight and oversight as they govern the organization with excellence. We also thank the Grandview Children’s Foundation for their ongoing friendship and support as they raise funds to ensure access and enrich the services at Grandview Kids.

We look forward to all the possibilities we will continue to achieve together.