About
Vision
An inclusive community where everyone is valued, diversity is a strength and all live with dignity.
Mission
We foster personal journeys — as a provider of innovative programs and services, a credible voice for change and a trusted facilitator of success.
Guiding Principles - CLASS Believes in:
Accountability: In being accountable to one another, to the people we support and to our community. We take responsibility for all that we say, do and advocate.
Diversity: In the strength and value of diversity in all its facets — that diversity is a cornerstone cultural competency underlying and informing everything we do.
Inclusion: In the fundamental importance of being inclusive — of creating and upholding a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging and embraces differences. We are committed to fairness, equity and opportunity.
Dignity: In the dignity of people as being essential to all of our interactions — and that everyone is deserving of kindness, compassion and respect.
Resilience: In a resilience built on unity — a shared sense of purpose, perspective and passion that is complemented by the courage to be adaptable.
Self-Determination: In self-determination and people’s right to exercise choice in shaping one’s personal destiny and quality
of life.
Our History
Community Living Association for South Simcoe (CLASS) supports people with a developmental disability. CLASS is a non-profit, charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The agency was established in 1962 by a group of parents who wanted services in their own community for their children who had a diagnosis of a developmental disability.
2024
The Buchanan resident is now home to two permanent people supported.
CLASS receives $35,000 donation from the County of Simcoe to help support the Community Fridge Program.
Accreditation – CLASS has embarked on an accreditation process with CQL – The Council on Quality and Leadership, read more about it here.
2023
CLASS opened a new home as part of our Innovative Housing Strategy at Buchanan Drive in Alliston. Buchanan is currently being used as a temporary residence, but work is already well underway to determine who will be living there permanently.
CLASS receives $50,000 pledge over 5 years towards passages program to help support those in the community that may require funding to participate.
2022
CLASS develops new Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles.
2021
May – new accommodation purchased: Maple Lane, Alliston
HONDA Canada donates a Van to CLASS!
CLASS completes 3 year strategic plan 2021-2024.
CLASS receives $100,000 Donation from Alan and Brenda Lundy for summer respite programs and purchase of lounge chairs for group homes in honour and memory of Alan’s brother Neil.
2020
March – CLASS along with the rest of world observes the Covid-19 Pandemic and strategizes how to continue supports for all locations. Annual Golf Tournament and other fundraising efforts placed on hold.
July – Andrew Walker begins his role as Executive Director.
2019
The Beach House property in Wasaga Beach was sold.
2018
The new “ET” (Everett Two) residence.
2017
The Beach House was opened for use in May after renovations were complete.
December 31, CLASS no longer manages Preschool Resource Services.
2016
The new Tioga home officially opened on March 21, with its first resident. A new vacation home in Wasaga Beach was bought. People supported by CLASS and staff will be able to rent it out after renovations are completed.
2015
The new Hilltop home opened on February 17.
On September 2, a new home (Tioga) was bought outside of Everett on Tioga Boulevard.
2014
A new home (Hilltop) was bought outside of Alliston on Adjala-Tecumseth Townline on September 30.
2009
In July, the Tottenham home was opened.
2008
A property was bought for the SIL program; people supported moved into the home at 75 Church Street North, Alliston, in October.
The property at 233 Church Street South, Alliston, was bought to facilitate programs for children to 19 years of age. Preschool Resource Service had moved to that location in 2007.
2007
CLASS purchased two houses; one home in Bradford, 70 Mills Court, was purchased in July, and the home in Tottenham, at 6164 4th Line, was purchased in October. These houses were bought as part of the organizations closing initiative.
2006
In January, CLASS purchased a house on Barrie Street, Bradford, to house the Bradford Community Program; as well, a house in Colgan was purchased in July for individuals transitioning from HRC.
The Colgan Residence opened on November 22.
2005
CLASS built a home on Church Street to serve multi-handicapped people and individuals from Oak Street moved in the month of June. Residents from the former McMulkin home relocated to Oak Street after renovations were completed. A house on East Avenue, Alliston, was purchased and three E-SIL individuals moved into their new home in July.
2001
A new day program for adults began in Bradford.
The FYI After-School Programs and Summer Camps for teenagers are started at both Alliston and Bradford locations.
CLASS launched the Foundations Program to provide transitional support for young adults in both the Alliston and Bradford areas.
2000
Mary Munnoch was nominated for the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship award; she was awarded the Good Citizenship award.
1999
John Milne was nominated by Town of New Tecumseth for his volunteering and work within the community; John won the nomination of Senior of the Year Award.
1997
The Association purchased a house in Bradford (2 Imperial Crescent), and also purchased a residence on the 6th line of Essa, which was named Cumberland House. As well, another residence was opened (King #5) on King Street for individuals.
1996
Cumberland House, 108 Queen Street East, Alliston, was sold, and a residence at 133 Albert Street, Alliston, was opened.
1995
On December 1, CLASS moved into the new Head Office added to the Resource Centre.
The Preschool Resource Service, as well as the Infant Development Program and Catulpa Tamarac, moved to the new facilities.
1994
Unit #2, King Street opened in May for people ready for semi-independent living.
In June, three people moved into a home on Beattie Avenue, Alliston, where they receive Supported Independent Living supports.
Due to Ministry of Community and Social Services’ directions, the Respite Care Program and the Special Services at Home Program (SSAH) were divested to Catulpa Tamarac Inc. Major renovations were completed to the ADTEC Building.
The focus and name was changed to the Resource Centre. At the same time, an addition for Administration was added.
1993
Original Printables, a screen print operation, was closed in March in accordance with Ministry of Community and Social Services’ guidelines.
Service delivery management positions were eliminated in March in response to pressures of the Social Contract, the Expenditure Control Plan, and the move to restructuring guidelines from the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
Programs were amalgamated and managed by the Supervisors and Executive Director.
A storefront office at 119 Victoria Street West, Alliston, was opened in May to provide Supported Employment and Lifeskills services in the community.
The residents of Victoria House moved into a new home at 172 Bowerman Boulevard, Alliston. At the same time, extensive renovations were taking place at the Alliston and District Training and Employment Centre. The Adult Developmental Program/Lifeskills moved from 169 Dufferin Street, Units 7 and 8, into the renovated area.
ADTEC had now become the Resource Centre.
1992
Bradford Supported Employment/Lifeskills began to utilize Christian Horizon facilities to jointly provide service to people in the Bradford area.
1991
The goal of integrating the nursery school program into the community was accomplished on April 1, 1992, when the Alliston and District Children’s Centre (Nursery School Program) integrated with a community-based operation, the Alliston and District Children’s Resource Centre.
1 Saunders Street, Cookstown, a seniors’ home, was opened in March 1991. Seniors moved in from Victoria House.
Previn Court, 209 Bowerman Boulevard, Alliston, a home for people with multi-disabilities, was opened in June.
Four women from the Good Samaritan Nursing Home became residents in the new home.
1990
The relocation of programs took place.
The Adult Developmental Program moved from the Highway `89′ location to 169 Dufferin Street South, Units 7 and 8, Alliston, and the Supported Employment, Supported Independent Living, and the Life Skills programs joined them. Everyone enjoyed the improvement of their environment.
The Administration office moved from 146 Victoria Street West to Units 25 and 26, 169 Dufferin Street South, Alliston, making support services wheelchair accessible, in one area, and on one floor.
1989
The name of the Association changed from the Alliston and District Association for the Mentally Retarded (ADAMR) to the Community Living Association for South Simcoe (CLASS). Services were divided into three separate areas Residential Life Services (residential homes and Supported Independent Living); Community Resource Services (vocational programs, Supported Employment Program, Life Skills, the Adult Developmental Program, Seniors’ Day Program, Life Skills, Preschool Resource, and Respite Care); and Support Services (Finance, Human Resources, Property, and Administration).
The Bradford Training and Employment Centre (BRADTEC) were closed and the program changed from a sheltered workshop to Supported Employment and Lifeskills.
The program moved to a storefront office on Holland Street and became known as the Bradford Supported Employment/Lifeskills program.
1988
Services at Victoria House and Cumberland House became the responsibility of CLASS.
King Street #4 was closed due to fire damage and the residents were moved into other lodgings.
Residential Services began construction on the Downey Street home for people with multi-disabilities and opened Oak Street home for people with multi-disabilities.
Following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Community and Social Services publication, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES, Vocational Services began the Supported Employment Program in the Alliston and Bradford areas.
1987
A separate adult training centre, the Bradford Training and Employment Centre (BRADTEC), was opened in Bradford.
The Adult Developmental Program became part of CLASS’ operations and provides day programming, assessment, and care for individuals with multi disabilities. In addition, the program moved from the Good Samaritan Nursing Home to a new location on Highway 89 West.
Residential Services opened another townhouse home on King Street, Unit #4.
1986
Residential Services secured funding for the Supported Independent Living Program (SIL). This program supports individuals who were living and working independently in the community.
1985
The Association, along with three provincial ministries (Tri-Ministry Program), initiated the Adult Developmental Program (ADP) at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home.
1983
King Street, Unit #1, a townhouse residence for adults, was opened by the Association.
1982
Victoria House, a home for seniors, was opened and operated by Kaera Homes Inc. of Barrie at 97 Victoria Street East, Alliston.
1981
The opening of the Association’s Alliston and District Training and Employment Centre (ADTEC), followed by the Alliston and District Children’s Centre (ADCC) which were located on adjacent properties at 125 Dufferin Street South, Alliston.
1980
To assist families in the area, a Parent Relief Program was started which provided respite services and quality care for handicapped youths and their families.
1978
Community integration received a further boost with the opening of Cumberland House at 108 Queen Street by Kaera Homes Inc. of Barrie, allowing the Association to provide a residence for adults with handicaps in Alliston.
1973
An adult vocational training program, the Alliston and District Training and Employment Centre (ADTEC), was started at the Burns Public School in Essa Township.
1971
As services expanded to include preschool, young adults, and other disabled people, the Association became the Alliston and District Association for the Mentally Retarded (ADAMR), and received its charter. At this time, the Association became a member of the Ontario Association for the Mentally Retarded (OAMR).
1970
It became apparent there was a need for services for preschool children and the Victoria Nursery School was opened with three children in attendance.
1968
The school-aged children were then relocated to the Willa Ireland School property, where the local School Board took over operating the program.
1965
Ministry of Education assumed responsibility for operating facilities to train children with developmental disabilities and a new impetus was felt throughout the province.
1963
The class for Trainable Mentally Retarded (TMR) was opened at the Knox Presbyterian Church, Alliston – site of Pat’s Sewing Centre.
1962
Four mothers of school-age children with developmental disabilities recognized a need for services and became affiliated with the Ontario Association for Retarded Children (OAMR). This was the start of the Alliston and District Association for Retarded Children.
