Grandview Kids

Every Child And Youth Living Life At Their Full Potential

Posted

Volunteer Spotlight – Ravetta R.

Volunteering

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Ravetta R.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids? 

I have been volunteering at Grandview Kids for over two years. 

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

Volunteering at bike camps over the summer was so much fun! We spent half a day running around helping kids learn how to ride their bikes. It was such a fun and rewarding experience.  

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

If you want a positive, welcoming environment to volunteer some time, go for it! The staff, clients and family are always a joy, and the community is very welcoming.

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

 It is fantastic to feel like you are contributing to creating a positive space. Also, as an aspiring health care professional, the best part is seeing the work of the Grandview Kids staff. Seeing the difference it makes in kids’ lives is truly inspiring. 

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

My family is my biggest inspiration for volunteering. I have witnessed selfless acts of service from my family members throughout my life, and it is what inspires me to volunteer in my community. 

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Grow with Grandview Kids as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors

Grandview Kids is currently recruiting four individuals to join our Board of Directors and three individuals to join Board Committees* as Community Representatives.

*Learn more about the roles of each Grandview Kids’ Board Committees here.

Grandview Kids – founded in 1953 – is an independently operated not-for-profit organization. We are the only Children’s Treatment Centre in Durham Region, providing specialized programs, outpatient clinical treatment and support to thousands of children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs and their families.

What we do:

  • Assess, diagnose, prescribe and provide clinical treatment, specialized programs and therapies, and specialized equipment for children and youth with communication, physical or developmental needs;
  • Provide access to specialists, consultation and support for families;
  • Build capacity in the community through information, knowledge exchange and consultation with professionals and other organizations;
  • Participate in research activities and teaching in the field of children’s rehabilitation.

To learn more about our programs and services, click here to access our general fact sheet.

Who are we looking for?

Located in one of the fastest-growing regions in Ontario, Grandview Kids seeks individuals who want to support our organization’s development and growth to meet the need in our community and who are aligned with our vision, mission and values.

As we continue to enact our 2024-27 Strategic Plan, Powering Potential, and we remain focused on maximizing our impact in Durham Region through the delivery of high-quality care at our new, state-of-the-art headquarters based in Ajax and our four satellite locations in Bowmanville, Oshawa, Port Perry and Whitby.

To support us in achieving our goals and maximizing our impact in the Durham Region, we are seeking individuals with demonstrated experience in:

  • Information Technology
  • Accounting
  • Risk Management

Eligibility criteria

In order to be eligible to stand for election as a Director, each nominee must:

  • Be a resident of Durham Region or in the opinion of the Board maintain a direct and substantial interest in Durham Region, or, in the opinion of the Board, have the potential to make a significant contribution to the Corporation, and
  • Support and promote the purposes and objectives of the Corporation.

In order to be eligible to join as a Community Representative, each individual must support and promote the purpose and objectives of Grandview.

Interested in joining? Contact us.

If you are well-positioned to join Grandview Kids’ Board of Directors or Board Committees, please express your interest to Rachel.Bandele@grandviewkids.ca by Friday, May 9, 2025, and include copies of your resume and cover letter.

Other areas of expertise Grandview Kids is looking for in prospective Board members include:

  • Strategic Thinking – Ability to set long-term goals and develop strategies to achieve them. 
  • Financial Acumen – Proficiency in financial management, budgeting and financial reporting. Ability to analyze financial statements and understand key financial metrics. This could replace ‘accountant’ and ‘finance/banking’.
  • Governance and Compliance – Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices. Understanding of legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the organization.  This could incorporate ‘legal’ knowledge, too.
  • Leadership and Management – Experience in managing teams and driving organizational performance.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Effective communication skills to articulate ideas and build consensus. Ability to work collaboratively with other board members and stakeholders.
  • Ethics and Integrity – Commitment to ethical behaviour and integrity. Ability to uphold and promote the organization’s values and standards.
  • Innovation and Change Management  – Ability to foster innovation and drive change within the organization. Experience in managing organizational transformation and adapting to new trends.
  • Diversity and Inclusion – Understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion in governance, and able to promote diverse perspectives and support an inclusive board culture.
  • Crisis Management – Experience in handling crises and navigating an organization through challenging times, and able to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
  • Technology and Digital Literacy– Understanding of digital trends and technology’s impact on the organization (e.g., cyber liability) and an ability to leverage technology for strategic advantage and operational efficiency.

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Ella E.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids? 

I have been volunteering at Grandview Kids since May 2024. I started volunteering at the Dwyer Site with the Recreation therapists, and I took on the Screener/Greeter Role. Currently, I am volunteering at the new Grandview Kids Café. This has been a great experience, and I look forward to my weekly shifts. 

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

Yes! I have had opportunities to assist recreation therapy groups and meet some nice clinicians. In addition, I have been able to work one-on-one with children at the Grandview Kids’ Summer Camp. Currently, every week I get to serve individuals who come in and out of Grandview. These opportunities have helped me grow my communication skills, and I’ve been able to support others. In the future, I hope to pursue a career as an occupational therapist assistant (OTA) or physical therapist assistant (PTA).

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

I would say do it! Volunteering has helped me learn new skills, and I’ve been able to support families in different roles.  Grandview Kids is a great place to volunteer, as you get to be in a friendly environment with lovely clinicians. I have enjoyed my roles at Grandview and helping in giving back to the community.  

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

The best part about volunteering at Grandview Kids is supporting families and clinicians. As a screener/Greeter, I was able to provide Clients and families with general knowledge about Grandview itself, and I enjoyed seeing the kids smile. Currently, I’m enjoying the café because I get to see friendly faces and help answer questions about the new building.  Greeting clients and families is very special because you get to have pleasant interactions. 

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

My inspiration to volunteer at Grandview comes from my willingness to help better serve the community. I want to help people find resources and advocate for children so that they are receiving the proper care and support. Being part of the Grandview Kids’ community has helped me to learn more about services for children. I hope to advocate for various services as a future OTA or PTA.  

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Gloria C.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids? 

I’ve volunteered with Grandview Kids for five months, and it’s been a great experience.

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

So many times during my first two shifts, I got lost trying to find coffee, but the staff was always kind and redirected me!

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

I would encourage them to give it a try! It’s an excellent opportunity to be part of a welcoming community and to make a positive impact. You get to meet great people, learn new things, and be part of something significant.

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

The best part is the connections I make with people, the variety of opportunities presented to me that I can help with and take on, and seeing how happy the children are. It’s a really rewarding experience.

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

I’m inspired by the families that come in every day and the dedicated staff who work so hard to support them. Seeing how much Grandview Kids does for the community motivates me to do my part.

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Meet Grandview Kids Volunteer, Alexis H.!

How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids?

I have been volunteering at Grandview Kids for two years in various roles in summer camp, bicycle skills and safety and Screener/Greeter.

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

Children tend to say things without thinking, which can be funny sometimes. One young girl was reading “the gingerbread man.” She pointed to the characters saying “gma” and “gpa” to the old man and woman in the story but then said “daddy.” I thought she had pointed at the redheaded boy and asked if her dad had red hair, too. She said “no, daddy” and pointed clearly to the gingerbread man. Her mom bursts laughing, catches her breath and says, “Her dad is bald. He’s gonna get a kick out of this when he finds out,” and we all start laughing hysterically—the most memorable moment of my volunteer career. 

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

I can’t recommend it enough! There is an opportunity for people of all abilities to volunteer at Grandview Kids. It is a well-known institution in the Durham Region and beyond that can help develop practical and professional skills applicable to many career paths.  

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

I want to work in health care, and I know how much work Doctors, Nurses, Clinicians, and other staff put into their jobs to provide high-quality services, it feels fulfilling to know I can take small tasks off of their plates.  

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

I have a member of my family who received services at Grandview Kids many, many years ago. The experience was positive, and understanding that when I got to an age where I could offer my time and skills, I jumped at the opportunity to give back to other families benefiting from services.

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

Meet Grandview Kids Occupational Therapist (OT) and former Volunteer, Sarah M.!

Before becoming a Grandview Kids OT, how long had you been volunteering at Grandview Kids?

I volunteered at Grandview Kids since the end of 2023 at the previous Ajax site as a screener/greeter. It had been a great experience, and I always looked forward to my weekly shift.

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

Yes! Many interesting experiences have happened to me while I was a volunteer. I had opportunities as a volunteer to assist in recreation therapy groups, supporting children one-on-one, as well as job shadowing various clinicians. This has been a valuable learning experience because I hope to work with children as part of my professional healthcare career.

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

I would say to a prospective volunteer, “Just go for it!” Volunteering has helped me grow professionally and personally, helping me step outside of my comfort zone. Grandview Kids is a wonderful organization, and I am grateful to be a volunteer here! From the lovely families and clinicians, it is a great community to be a part of making a difference.

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

The best part of volunteering at Grandview Kids is knowing that I am giving back to my community. As a screen/greeter at the front desk, putting a smile on a child’s face and greeting the families walking through the door is a very rewarding experience.

Who inspires you to volunteer or give back? 

My inspiration for volunteering at Grandview Kids comes from seeing the staff and families striving to advocate for their children, providing the best support and services available. I believe this is one of the biggest forms of generational wealth. Knowing that I am part of this wonderful organization makes me happy to be giving back, and I am grateful for these experiences as a volunteer!

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply to become a Grandview Kids volunteer!

You Have Questions

We’d like to help you find the answers…

Contact Us Today