Adrian Polidano

Join Grandview Kids’ growing team of volunteers!

We are looking for regular weekly volunteer support at our new Ajax-based headquarters (1461 Harwood Ave. N.) and our Dwyer site (590 Rossland Rd. W., Oshawa). Read more below about the types of volunteer roles we are recruiting for.

“Meet and Greet” Volunteer

Locations available: Ajax Headquarters and Dwyer

Located at our Welcome Centre/Front Desk, and also referred to as the “Director of First Impressions,” the “Meet and Greet” volunteer role provides a warm welcome to clients, families and visitors entering our sites. Volunteers in this role answer general questions, support wayfinding and assist with reminder calls for upcoming appointments. They may also assist in answering an overflow of incoming calls and support administrative tasks from administrative and clinical teams.

Café Volunteer

Location available: Ajax Headquarters

Fulfilling drink and snack orders from families, visitors and staff, maintaining clean operations, ensuring inventory is stocked and operating and taking payment via a point-of-sale device. No food preparation is required as all food items available in the café will be prepackaged. Only cashless payment options will be available at the café.

Weekly shifts will be Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. It is anticipated that 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. shifts and Saturday shifts will be added in 2025 based on appointment volumes.

Other roles you may perform as a volunteer

Volunteers are also considered for more hands-on volunteering opportunities when new ones come up. Some more recent opportunities include assisting with groups during March Break and Summer Camps, Recreation Therapy programs and services, special events in the community, assisting clinicians with workshops, working with our Research Team, etc.

How to apply

If you are interested in and able to commit to being an engaged volunteer for at least four months on a regular volunteer shift, please visit our Volunteer webpage to learn more and complete an application.

Grandview Kids parent and Board member, Leisa Ackerblade, reflects on the Parent Task Force’s advocacy to construct the New Grandview Kids

Read Leisa’s remarks below, which she shared at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Grandview Kids’ new Ajax Headquarters – The Jerry Coughlan Building.

Leisa speaking at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in front of a podium that reads "Building Ontario." — Leisa speaking at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.

Leisa’s remarks

My name is Leisa Ackerblade; I’m a member of the Board of Trustees and a proud Grandview parent.

I was honoured to be a part of the Grandview Parent Task Force, a group that began in 2014 with the goal of advocating for a new headquarters for Grandview Kids.

Fast forward, 10 years later, it’s here. This is a surreal moment for us – many of the Task Force parents are in this room. We can’t believe that what was once a dream, has turned into a reality.

We are so proud, and we know this facility will have a profound impact on children, youth, and families – now and for generations to come.

Thanks, Tom and Avori, for asking me to speak on behalf of parents and families today. But you know, sometimes, us parents go a little rogue. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to say a few thank yous—on behalf of parents and families.

To our elected officials and friends in government, particularly the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, thank you for not only hearing us but for listening.

We knew you heard us – because let’s face it… we got kind of loud. But you went beyond that. Thank you for listening to our stories and for understanding why this facility was so critical to kids in Durham Region. Thank you for continuing to listen, and for walking this journey with us.

To Team Grandview. And when I say Team Grandview, I mean TEAM GRANDVIEW. From the Board to Senior Leadership, to every staff member from every discipline, volunteers, our friends at the Foundation, donors, partners. Thank you.

I’m not sure you quite know the impact that you make.

Thank you for believing in the potential of our kids.

Thank you for delivering exceptional care and creating welcoming, safe and inclusive spaces for our children to learn and grow – at their own pace, in their own time.

You cheer for our kids as loud as we do – and bring your own pom poms to work every day. You show the same dedication, passion and care whether we are your first appointment of the day, or your last appointment of the day.

You never falter.

We see you. We appreciate you. We thank you.

And finally – to our kids. The very special people who inspired us to act.

Thank you.

Thank you for showing us determination.

Thank you for showing us strength.

Thank you for never losing faith.

We are so proud to be your parents.

You are miracles, you are marvels and you are magic.

This building is your legacy too.

And to the future generation of Grandview kids who will experience amazing ‘firsts’ within these walls. I hope that seeing this massive project become a reality shows you, that if you can dream it, you can do it.

Grandview …. is for the dreamers.

We can’t wait to watch you discover your full potential.

You got this.

To quote the great Dr. Suess….who should be quoted to conclude all parent speeches –

“You’re off to great places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”

Written by Grandview Kids Social Worker, Mandy

Healthy boundaries are evident when people feel comfortable and safe. Boundaries are an important part of any relationship, personal or professional, for individuals to feel respected and to be respectful to others. They recognize that interactions include emotional, physical, use of time, intellectual, material (i.e., loaning money), relationship, professional and digital or online.

A graphic depicting a cartoon woman drawing a circular boundary around her in a lush landscape.

Healthy boundaries are:

A safeguard to overextending yourself
A self-care practice
A way of defining roles in a relationship
Strategies to communicate acceptable and unacceptable behaviours
Perimeters for knowing what to expect in relationships
How we can express our own needs

Boundaries are based on values and are individual to each of us. What is comfortable for one may not be for another. As important as it is to set your own boundaries, it is just as important to recognize and respect the boundaries of others.

However, this is sometimes a difficult feat. If this is a challenge for you, know that you are not alone. Our life experiences define our boundaries, and others can influence us until we identify the need to define them ourselves.

Consider a time that you felt uncomfortable or unsafe with someone. For example, you feel that you cannot express your own opinion in a family discussion for fear of being ridiculed. That is usually indicative of a pattern in the family dynamics. Replay that same scenario in your head, but imagine you are using confident body language and assertive communication.

“I can see where you are coming from. However, my experience with this is…”

If the person you are interacting with becomes disrespectful towards you, you can say “no.” Everyone always has the right to say no, whether it’s a friend asking for favours or someone threatening your personal safety.

“I’m not comfortable with this…”
“Please don’t do that…”
“I’ve decided not to…”

An explanation isn’t required, but use ‘I’ statements if you want to.

“I feel that you are taking advantage of me when you ask me to…”
“I feel disrespected when you speak to me like that…”

On the flip side is respecting the boundaries of others. Remember that these are all individual. You may be someone who likes to hug but physical touch could be triggering for some people.

“Is it ok if I give you a hug?”
“I would prefer if you didn’t.”
“Ok, I’ll remember that from now on.”

Hot topics, such as politics and religion, can be uncomfortable conversations for some. You can start a respectful conversation by explaining your own boundaries.

“I am very thoughtful about the election. Can we discuss that?”
“I am also very thoughtful about it but am uncomfortable discussing politics.”
“That’s understandable. What would you like to talk about?”

A healthy interaction is a give-and-take activity. If you start to feel unheard, disrespected or uncomfortable, that means that you are giving too much of yourself in that scenario, and it’s a good time to bring out your boundaries. If you notice someone you are speaking with seems uncomfortable or angry, consider that you might be taking too much in that conversation and need to respect other’s boundaries.

Remember that your self-care is top priority!

In December and January, we acknowledge Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Orthodox Christmas. Read more about each holiday below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Hanukkah: December 25 to January 2, 2025

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, originates from a historical conflict in 175 B.C., when King Antiochus prohibited Judaism in Judea, resulting in the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem. The subsequent rebellion, led by Judah the Maccabee, culminated in victory around 164 B.C. The unique aspect of Hanukkah lies in the miraculous event involving a single jar of oil found upon the Maccabees’ return to the Temple. Initially sufficient for one day, this oil inexplicably burned for eight days, providing ample time for the victorious Maccabees to secure additional sacred oil. This extraordinary occurrence is commemorated through Hanukkah’s eight nights of celebration.

Today, the festival’s commencement varies in the Gregorian calendar, with the 2024 celebration spanning from December 25, 2024, to January 2, 2025. Traditional practices include lighting a menorah, adding one candle each night, reciting blessings and exchanging gifts. The festival also features festive foods like sufganiyot and latkes, symbolizing the enduring lamp oil. Families partake in spinning a dreidel for chocolate gelt, adding to the rich traditions of Hanukkah.

Christmas: December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is celebrated globally to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed by both Christians and non-Christians as a religious and cultural holiday. Though the exact date of Jesus’s birth is not recorded in the Bible, December 25 corresponds with the traditional date of the winter solstice on the Roman calendar.

As recounted in the Bible’s New Testament, the Christmas narrative aligns with messianic prophecies told in the Old Testament. It was said that Jesus’s mother, Mary, would conceive through immaculate conception and that He would be born in a manager in Bethlehem. Mary and her husband Joseph, though originally from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, were on a journey to Bethlehem to fulfill census requirements decreed by Caesar Augustus. Once in Bethlehem, there was no room for them at the inn, only finding respite in a stable where Jesus would be born. The angels proclaimed the good news of the promised Saviour’s birth to lowly shepherds who then spread the word.

For many people, Christmas is not celebrated as a religious holiday but rather as a cultural holiday full of traditional celebrations with friends and family.

Many traditions accompany the Christmas holiday, such as giving presents, frequently associated with a figure named Santa Claus. Other traditions include the sending of cards to family and friends, parties with good food and drink, and the singing of carols and other songs.

On behalf of the IDEA Committee, Merry Christmas to all celebrating! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:14 ESV). 

Kwanzaa: December 26 to January 1, 2025

Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday that is embraced in Canada and across the globe. The holiday is dedicated to celebrating African family, community and culture. Dr. Maulana Karenga, the founder of Kwanzaa and a member of the organization Us, established the holiday in 1966–67 as a response to race riots in Los Angeles, aiming to affirm African American culture and foster unity.

Celebrated from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa derives its name from Swahili, meaning “first fruits,” and is characterized by a seven-day observance aligning with the seven principles of Nguzo Saba: umoja (unity), kujichagulia (self-determination), ujima (collective work and responsibility), ujamaa (co-operative economics), nia (purpose), kuumba (creativity), and imani (faith). Symbolism during Kwanzaa includes seven community values represented by symbols such as a straw mat, fruits, vegetables, corn, a cup, a kinara with seven candles and homemade gifts. Kwanzaa, spanning seven days, culminates in a vibrant December 31 celebration marked by gatherings in colourful African attire, a festive feast called karamu, and lively music, dance and singing, while the final day, January 1, is quieter and allows reflection on personal goals and aspirations for the upcoming year.

Orthodox Christmas: January 7, 2025

Orthodox Christmas is observed on January 7 by Eastern Orthodox Christians, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s observed as per the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. This holiday is considered one of the most important in the Orthodox Christian calendar, marked by sacred rites, holy liturgies, and family gatherings. The tradition of observing Orthodox Christmas was carried over to Canada by immigrants from Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, and Greece, amongst others. It continues to thrive in diverse, multicultural Canadian society today.

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Olivia J.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids?

I have been a volunteer at Grandview kids for 8 months.

Has anything interesting happened to you while you were volunteering at Grandview Kids?

While volunteering with one of the recreation therapy groups, a child communicated their enthusiasm about an activity using an expression that was new to them. Although it was said quietly, the recreation therapists quickly noticed and celebrated this new skill and were excited to share the news with the child’s parents. It was a really sweet moment to witness and also a reminder of how important it is to get to know the children we work with so that we always recognize their achievements.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering at Grandview Kids?

I would encourage anyone considering volunteering at Grandview kids to do so – it’s a really rewarding opportunity to get to know some of the wonderful families and children in the community while learning from and helping support the knowledgeable and dedicated clinicians and staff.

What is the best part of volunteering at Grandview Kids for you?

One of the best parts about volunteering at Grandview kids is greeting families as they come in for their appointments. Often, children will proudly show me things they’ve brought with them, tell me something about their day, smile, wave, or peek inquisitively over the desk. They are all so sweet and I love welcoming them to the centre.

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

I am inspired by the collaborative efforts of everyone who works together to help children reach their potential – parents, extended families, and dedicated professionals at Grandview kids and within the community. 

The Grandview Kids Jerry Coughlan Building will serve 6,000 children and youth with communication, physical and developmental needs.

Media Release – Friday, November 22, 2024

AJAX, ONT. — Grandview Kids officially opened its new Ajax headquarters, known as The Jerry Coughlan Building, on November 14. The new, fully accessible, state-of-the-art children’s treatment centre will serve more than 6,000 children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs in the Durham Region. To celebrate this monumental milestone, Grandview Kids hosted a series of opening events, including a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 15 and a Municipal Welcome Event on November 22. These events recognized the federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments’ investment into this project.

Building on the exceptional talent and skillset of Team Grandview’s physicians, leadership, clinicians, administrative and support staff, the new, larger facility will enable Grandview Kids to expand and enhance existing services and introduce new ones, better meeting the rapidly growing demand of the Durham Region community.

Grandview Kids’ new headquarters offers rehabilitation services, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology, recreation therapy, audiology, infant hearing, blind-low vision and social work. In addition, Grandview Kids will continue to offer its Ontario Autism Program (OAP) services, Preschool Outreach Program (POP), School-Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS), Extensive Needs Service and Family Engagement Program. Six developmental paediatricians also work on-site, providing medical services and overseeing multiple clinics. The Grandview School, Grandview Kids education partner, is also located within the building.

Funding for Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and the Government of Canada. Through the Grandview Kids Foundation’s Believe Campaign, Grandview Kids received two lead gifts: $5,000,000 from the late Mr. Jerry Coughlan (for whom the building is named after) and $5,035,000 from the Regional Municipality of Durham. In addition, the Town of Ajax has donated a five-acre parcel of land upon which the Centre is built. Tribute Communities also donated one-acre of land. Grandview Kids will continue to operate satellite locations in Bowmanville (Bowmanville Health Centre), Port Perry (SA Cawker), Whitby (Abilities Centres) and Oshawa (Dwyer). This ensures high-quality care is accessible close to home for families across the Durham Region.

Quick Facts

Grandview Kids is Durham Region’s Children’s Treatment Centre, serving more than 10,000 children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs each year.
Grandview Kids – The Jerry Coughlan Building is a 100,306 square foot, open, welcoming and inclusive community-based paediatric facility, offering an integrated mix of rehabilitation, medical and clinical services, as well as research activities.
The building is spread across four storeys, featuring a welcome playground, sunken garden, two gymnasiums to be used for both therapy and play, therapy pool, outdoor terrace, Family Resource Centre (with an express branch of the Ajax Public Library), café and outdoor sensory trail.
The entire facility and surrounding area are fully accessible.
The building has been designed for a LEED Silver designation.
Due to the size and scope of this project, Grandview Kids entered into a public-private partnership (P3) with Infrastructure Ontario (IO). In April 2022, the Children First Consortium was selected as the preferred proponent to design, build and finance the project.

Quotes

“Grandview Kids has long-awaited the day we would open our new, state-of-the-art headquarters. After years of steadfast advocacy – campaigning for a new facility that could better respond to our community’s growing needs – we are proud to have achieved this monumental milestone. We are grateful to our government partners for their ongoing support and investment in this project. The New Grandview Kids is a beacon of hope, excellence, belonging and discovery. This new space will enable Grandview Kids to enhance and expand existing services and introduce new ones, serving children and youth with communication, physical and developmental needs throughout the Durham Region for generations to come.” – Tom McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Kids

“It’s amazing to see years of planning, effort and dedication come to fruition with the opening of the new Grandview Kids in Ajax. Ajax Council donated 5-acres of land on Harwood Avenue North for this facility in 2015, and Ajax staff have worked closely with the Grandview team to support the development. I’m also incredibly proud of the $300,000 donated to Grandview through the Ajax Mayor’s Gala since 2022 for the building’s construction and operations. This project is a prime example of municipalities and organizations coming together to create meaningful change for the greater good, and I thank everyone involved.” – Mayor Shaun Collier, Town of Ajax

Infrastructure Ontario is proud to celebrate the opening of the New Grandview Kids alongside our partners at Grandview Kids and Children’s First Consortium. The new facility, which will provide family-centred care for children, youth, and their families in Durham Region for years to come, is a testament to IO’s success in helping deliver critical healthcare projects across Ontario. The projects we work on are more than just buildings. They are about creating spaces that bring essential services and provide the foundation for communities to thrive. The opening of the New Grandview Kids is a moment for us to reflect on the value of public infrastructure in shaping healthier, more resilient communities and to celebrate how successful partnerships can bring projects like this to life. Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this incredible milestone. – Michael Lindsay, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario