Reflecting on the journey to the New Grandview Kids

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’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!”