Grandview Kids

Every Child And Youth Living Life At Their Full Potential

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Grandview Kids and Sloane’s House formalize emerging partnership to enhance support for children and youth with complex medical needs and their families

Events

February 07, 2025

AJAX, ONT. – Emerging community partners Grandview Kids and Sloane’s House are celebrating their shared commitment to providing family-centred care to children and youth with communication, physical and developmental needs in Durham Region through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Grandview Kids, Durham Region’s only Children’s Treatment Centre, provides specialized paediatric rehabilitation care and services to children and youth with communication, physical and developmental needs, as well as support to parents and caregivers. The organization, which delivers programs like the Durham Complex Care Program, has direct experience supporting children and youth with complex medical needs in accessing vital care closer to home. Through this involvement, Grandview Kids deeply understands the need to develop and enhance accessible, supportive programming for families caring for children or youth with complex medical needs.

A paediatric respite and hospice care centre to be created in the Durham Region, Sloane’s House aims to become a place where families of children up to twenty-one years old with complex medical needs can join their team of caring professionals and supportive community of parents and caregivers to receive respite, palliative and end-of-life care. Sloane’s House will demonstrate leading practices, innovation and a high level of skill, training and compassion in its care, upholding the dignity and respect of each client and their family.

Signed during a ceremony on February 4, 2025, the MOU outlines the shared objective of Grandview Kids and Sloane’s House to support children and youth with complex medical needs, along with their families, in accessing much-needed respite programming and specialized training opportunities focused on grief and bereavement supports. The MOU will enable the development of programs through the counsel of clients, caregivers and Grandview Kids staff, provide resources for families navigating the various stages of grief, facilitate therapy opportunities and events and enhance access to services dedicated to children and youth with complex medical needs and their families.

Through the generous support of donors, Sloane’s House plans to build a dedicated paediatric respite and hospice care centre in Whitby, Ontario. The agreement enables Sloane’s House staff to utilize Grandview Kids’ physical spaces to host meetings and events as they plan their next steps to fund and build a dedicated centre.

The MOU signifies both organizations’ shared commitment to increasing the availability of support for parents and caregivers and their children with high health needs. This partnership also recognizes the importance of providing respite services and grief and bereavement support to parents and caregivers who deliver care with limited access to programming and resources tailored to their needs.

Quotes

Tom McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, Grandview Kids:

“Grandview Kids and Sloane’s House are uniquely positioned to develop programs that provide not only practical care but also emotional and cultural support for families in need. This Memorandum of Understanding formalizes the next step in our shared vision. It will allow us to develop more accessible programming, offer grief and bereavement support, and, most importantly, create spaces where caregivers can recharge. By working together, we aim to help families navigate the complexities of care with dignity, compassion and the resources they need.”

Brenda Slomka, Executive Director, Sloane’s House:

“Grandview Kids is a special place within our community, and we acknowledge the incredible ways they impact so many. This MOU is an exemplary model of how collaboration is foundational to providing the highest level of care and support for our clients and families on their health journeys. The MOU portrays how organizations with varied capacities and skills, focused on the same vision, caring for the children and youth in our communities, can intentionally come together to provide this high level of care and see the most vulnerable amongst us flourishing.”

  • From left to right: Erin Watson, Vice-Chair, Grandview Kids Board of Directors; Neil Pasher, Founder/Board Member, Sloane’s House; Tom McHugh, CEO, Grandview Kids; Brenda Slomka, Executive Director, Sloane’s House; Jason Hunt, Chair, Sloane’s House Board of Directors
  • Grandview Kids CEO, Tom McHugh, and Sloane’s House Executive Director, Brenda Slomka
  • Grandview Kids CEO, Tom McHugh, and Sloane’s House Executive Director, Brenda Slomka, signing the MOU

About Grandview Kids

Founded in 1953, Grandview Kids is a family-centred, independently operated non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs. Through specialized programs, rehabilitation services and outpatient clinical therapies, Grandview Kids supports children and youth to live life at their full potential. Learn more at grandviewkids.ca.

About Sloane’s House

Sloane’s House will be available for those living across Durham Region and the surrounding underserved communities. A rejuvenating place for respite stays offering engaging programming for the child or youth while parents and other caregivers take a much-needed break. For those children and youth on their end-of-life journey, specialized care will be provided in an environment where quality of life will be the focus for however many days remain. Learn more at sloaneshouse.org.

Media contacts

Adrian Polidano

Acting Director of Communications and External Relations

Grandview Kids

Adrian.Polidano@grandviewkids.ca

Brenda Slomka

Executive Director

Sloane’s House

Brenda.Slomka@sloaneshouse.com

Our Family Engagement Team (FET) is comprised of caregivers to Grandview Kids clients and former clients (grads), who use their lived experience and specialized training to support other parents, caregivers and clients in their journey. Caring for a child or youth with physical, communication or developmental needs can leave some caregivers feeling isolated and alone. By offering peer support, mentoring and education from individuals who have first-hand, personal experiences, we are cultivating an authentic, non-judgmental environment where families feel empowered, understood and supported. 

Grandview Kids is a leader in Family Engagement, building the premier program within Ontario’s Children’s Treatment Centre (CTC) sector, which has garnered national and international recognition. We are one of few programs of this kind in Canada.

A photo of Grandview Kids' family engagement team standing beside each other.
Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement Team.

The Family Engagement Team is integrated into the multidisciplinary care approach at Grandview Kids, supporting our Complex Care Program, Ontario Autism Program and Adolescent Transition Program. We also offer Family Engagement services through Online Parent Support (OPS) pages, help with filling out paperwork and funding applications, caregiver education sessions and coffee chats, and our lending ‘Resource Library.’

In addition, our Family Leader Program – comprised of all those who serve as Grandview Kids ambassadors, advisors and advocates – is overseen by our Family Engagement Team; this includes our Family Advisory Council (YAC), Youth Advisory Council (YAC), Working Groups and Ambassador Program.

One key thing the Family Engagement Team does is host events and networking activities throughout the year to support Grandview Kids clients and caregivers. Popular ones include accessible Trick-or-Treating, Sensory Santa, Resource Fair, Park Playdates and Youth Meetups. These events provide amazing opportunities for parents, siblings, clients, family members and others to meet people who share similar experiences. Connections are made that inspire fun, friendship, learning and advocacy. Here are highlights from a few hosted this summer!

Adolescent Transition Launch Event

We officially launched our Adolescent Transition Program on August 3! Thanks to TD Bank Group for its support to get this program up and running.

For a long time, Grandview Kids has witnessed the gap in support and resources that occurs when our clients transition from our care (as kids and adolescents) to adult care. Teens and their caregivers consistently tell us it feels like “falling off a cliff” when their paediatric support system is no longer accessible. Grandview Kids knew we had to bridge this gap, and help prepare families for the uncertainties that lay ahead.

Our new Adolescent Transition Program will provide the much-needed support to families that are aging out of services at Grandview Kids. It was co-designed by Parent Advocates, Youth Advocates, as well as members of Grandview Kids’ Family Engagement, Clinical and Client Services, and Medical teams. This integrated approach puts the family voice at the centre of program development.

Our August 3 launch event included remarks from Grandview Kids CEO Tom McHugh, reflecting on his own family’s experience moving from paediatric to adult developmental services. Attendees participated in fun games like axe throwing (the safe kind!), while others sat down to get a custom, Grandview Kids tattoo (the fake kind!). Our new Transition Checklist was revealed. But all around, we heard from many older clients and their caregivers… the sense of relief that we were re-focusing on supports for adolescents during this critical, and sometimes overwhelming, period of their lives.

We look forward to hosting more Adolescent Transition education sessions, youth hang-outs and workshops in the fall. Stay tuned!

Complex Care Program Networking Event

We are pleased to report on the successful launch of our first ever Complex Care Family Engagement event, held on July 27. This event resonated deeply with caregivers, parents, siblings and grandparents, providing an avenue for meaningful interactions and shared experiences.

The occasion comprised a range of engaging activities, each contributing to the overall sense of enjoyment and relaxation. Family Engagement Program Coordinator Natasha’s artistic touch adorned faces with beautiful and creative face painting. The generosity of Station Gallery in Whitby – who provided the art supplies, and the creativity of Kerry and Jessica – who were extra patient and caring with the children, brought forth a world of amazing artwork by some children. Volunteers, Akash and Shayaan, arranged recreational games, creating an atmosphere of joy and fun for the children. Siblings were seen interacting and making new friendships.

The heart of the event was the informative session on self-care, facilitated by Peer Navigator Jacki. Caregivers absorbed valuable insight in recognizing and acknowledging the importance of attending to their own well-being amid their demanding responsibilities with their children who have complex medical needs.

A few parents expressed the necessity of such gatherings on a regular basis. These moments of connection provided the platform to share stories, support one another, and discover a network of empathy and understanding.

Adding an enchanting touch, Tulip the mini therapy horse arrived, bringing an abundance of smiles, hugs and warmth. Peer Navigator Sujay, who has exceptional photography skills, took awesome photos of everyone having fun with silly props. The pictures captured how much fun families had together.

As we reflect on the event’s impact, family engagement is inspired to continue holding events to promote a supportive network for families facing unique challenges. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, attended and lent their support, making this event an unforgettable success. 

Park Playdates

The FET brought clients, caregivers, siblings and families together every Tuesday this summer, hosting playdates at Grandview Kids’ playground. Despite some rainy weather, each week’s playdate included a themed activity. From creating dinosaur fossils, to tie-dying t-shirts, and even a visit from Tulip the Therapy Horse, FET’s Park Playdates offered something special for all kids and their families.

Our Park Playdates not only provide an opportunity for kids to interact and play together, but also foster a sense of community amongst Grandview Kids parents and caregivers. It’s a place for connection and fun. Throughout the summer, the Park Playdates reached record numbers of attendance, with joyful cheer and excitement filling the atmosphere week-after-week. The playdates organized by FET are a testament to the power of play and peer connections.

To get connected to the Grandview Kids Family Engagement Team, please email familyengagement@grandviewkids.ca.

This past weekend, Ari, our Research Student, had the privilege to represent Grandview Kids at the national Healthy Youth Summit in Toronto hosted by the Canadian Institute of Health Research-Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health. This impactful event took place over one and a half days.

Ari shares her experience below:

“As a youth, I was also invited to the youth dinner the night before, where I was able to meet and connect with youth from all across Canada. It was a nice icebreaker before the main event, as this was my first-ever conference!

Photo of a grey wall with a television that has a screen which says "Welcome to IHDCYH's Healthy Youth Summit.
National Healthy Youth Summit in Toronto hosted by the Canadian Institute of Health Research-Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health

During this interactive event, researchers and youth advocacies from all over the country shared meaningful thoughts and plans on how youth can be better represented in research. Powerful youth speakers spoke about their experiences and shared how stakeholders can help improve our experience in this field.

Photo of a stage with dark blue curtains and 6 white chairs facing the audience.
Set of chairs where the speakers were seated.

We all had a chance to share our own thoughts during the break-out group session, where we spoke about the gaps and opportunities for youth in 6 categories:

  1. Health and Wellness
  2. Leadership and Impact
  3. Innovation, Skills, and Learning
  4. Environment and Climate Action
  5. Truth and Reconciliation
  6. Employment

Breakfast and lunch were provided on both days, and I was delightfully surprised by how good the food was! During meals and breaks, I had the opportunity to connect with other researchers, and I was introduced to ongoing research projects I had never heard of, such as the SickKids CHILD cohort study (13 years in progress)!

I enjoyed hearing about their research and was inspired by all their hard work. As I am relatively new to the research field, it was especially helpful for me as I was able to expand my network and learn about different areas in this field.

Photo of food/breakfast on a table provided for individuals at the conference.
Breakfast provided at the conference.

The key point that I took away from the conference was that “there is no future without supporting our youth.” Creating new opportunities for youth to get involved is essential for teaching them the required skills in order to advance their careers and contribute to the research field. Maintaining a safe and supportive environment where youth are treated as equals is vital. I am grateful to already have these here at Grandview Kids.

Overall, I had an amazing experience and would like to give a huge thank you to Dr. Taryn, who provided me with this opportunity and has continued to support me through my career!”

All participants of the Bridges out of Poverty training sitting at their desks posing for a group photo.
On Monday, November 21, 2022, Team Grandview welcomed Aha! Processing Facilitator Suzie Johnson-Smith to guide our team through the Bridges out of Poverty training.

What is poverty?

For so many of us, we see poverty as a reflection of how much money is in our pockets.

But poverty is so much more.

In the Bridges out of Poverty training, Team Grandview learned that poverty is “the extent to which an individual does without resources.” The word “resources” is more than money. Resources can also include the ability to communicate in the local language, access culturally safe healthcare, and have the skills to cope with daily challenges.

We don’t all follow the same path in life. We each have different needs and access to resources. In some cases, we are born into a family with limited resources and are faced with barriers and biases that prevent us from having the resources we need. These barriers can be systematic – ingrained in the systems that are supposed to support us.

Other times, we find ourselves having steady access to resources. This helps us achieve our goals, feel safe, and connect with others. However, a crisis can send us into ‘situational poverty.’ Suddenly, we are left without the same access to resources as we once had.

When your journey leads you to Grandview Kids, we aim to welcome you, build a relationship with you, and treat you as an equal partner in your child’s care.

When you are in need of resources outside of what Grandview Kids can offer, we aim to support you and connect you to the programs and services you need. This can include additional funding to support equipment needs, local food banks, or programs that meet your child’s unique needs and interests.

A core value of Grandview Kids is to see the “whole-child and family-centred.” We look forward to learning more about the community we serve and the barriers or biases they may encounter. This work will begin in early 2023 and be guided by the voice of youth, caregivers and parents. We continue to aim to have your voice drive our programs and services.

Poverty is not an individual problem. Addressing poverty is the responsibility of all of us. Grandview Kids commits to continue to work with our community partners in the education, health and social services sectors to help bridge the gap, providing families with the resources they need so that all children and youth have what is needed to live life at their full potential.

For more information about the Bridges out of Poverty training, visit: https://www.peterborough.ca/en/city-services/bridges-out-of-poverty.aspx

References

Payne, R.K., DeVol, P.E., Dreussi-Smith, T. (2022). Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for professionals and communities. (5th EDs).

The holiday season is always a busy time for parents and kids alike, in between looking for the perfect gift for loved ones, planning outdoor activities or baking delicious treats. However, it is especially busy for one couple in particular — Mr. and Mrs. Claus! And despite their jam-packed schedules, Santa and Mrs. Claus were able to take some time to visit Grandview Kids and Campbell Children’s School on December 7.

This year, Santa has been diligently quarantining in the North Pole, ensuring that he would be in good health to bring children the gifts they have been asking for this year. To follow his strict quarantine orders, Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with Grandview Kids and Campbell Children’s School on Zoom. Even Santa is making the most of technology amid the pandemic. He asked the kids to bring milk and cookies, and curl up in front of their tree or holiday decorations, to get into the Christmas spirit!

Little girl holding her stuffed animal close to her, sits in front of her computer on Zoom with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

We joined some of the kids at Campbell Children’s School to see how they enjoyed their visit. Everyone was very excited to speak with and see Santa and Mrs. Claus. When they appeared on screen, all of the kids became overjoyed and it was apparent they could not wait to get their one-on-one time with the famous pair.

Each child, one-by-one, would speak to Santa directly; they shared their Christmas wish list. It became obvious very quickly that anything and everything “Paw Patrol” was at the absolute top of everyone’s list. Santa made sure to let the kids know that the elves are working very hard to make sure those wish lists are checked off on Christmas Day.

The number one question that was asked of Santa this year was, “What’s your favourite cookie?” To which he always replied, “Chocolate chip, of course!” A few kids promised Santa that they would bake fresh chocolate chip cookies for him, and we think that he will hold them to it!

Thank you to all of the families who visited Santa on Zoom this year. We know it may have felt a little different, but 2020 has ushered in many changes for us. We were so pleased Grandview Kids got to see Santa, even if just virtually. It was safe, but also fun. The energy was palpable – even through the screen!. Thanks to our incredibly passionate Family Engagement Team for coordinating another successful visit with the “Man in Red.” Over 360 families got to enjoy his company this year.

From all of us at Grandview Kids, we hope you and your family enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season!

April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

Your family may be participating in a different way this year amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. If you are looking for activities to help make our world a better place, here are a few #TeamGrandview has come up with.

Make a pledge to take action – like a New Year’s resolution, your pledge could be a goal for your family. Whether it be a pledge to turn off the water each time you brush your teeth or to turn off the lights when you leave a room, those little changes will make a difference. My family has pledged to pick up the trash that blows around our neighbourhood after each recycling day.

Make signs for inside your home as a reminder of your pledge – having a visual reminder will help your family stick to their goal!

A child's drawing of a light blub with "Turn off the lights" written in black crayon.

Plant a tree – if your family planned ahead and was able to get some seeds or a tree before stores shutdown, please do go outside, get digging and plant a tree! The Earth Day Network had a goal of planting 7.8 billion trees by 2020.

Pickup trash – with the threat of coronavirus we are going about our cleanup in a different way. We want to ensure everyone stays healthy. Maybe parents and/or caregivers can be the picker-uppers this year and the kids go out on a scavenger hunt for trash to pickup? There is a great app called Litterati (available in the App Store and on Google Play) which asks you to do the follow:

  1. Photograph a piece of litter – find a discarded coffee cup, crushed soda can, candy wrapper, or any other piece of litter & take a picture.
  2. Discard Properly & Tag the Photo – the app automatically geo-tags the image.
  3. Invite or Challenge Others – want to compete with a neighbour, friend or family member to see who can clean up the most? Litterati will help you team up.

Get creative – art projects about Earth Day are great to help your child feel connected to the planet and to help them imagine the world they want to live in.

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