Community Living Hamilton supports 1,400 people with developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome and Autism. We are the largest service provider in Hamilton for these individuals and their families, and we are one of the largest not-for-profits and registered charities in our community.

With 330 staff members, 100 volunteers and valued community partners, we empower people with developmental disabilities to fully participate and contribute to their community. Together, we help build great lives. We encourage full inclusion through person-directed planning…. and promote independence and personal choice, so our clients can lead the lives they want.

Whether it’s living independently or in a group setting, working in competitive employment, or sharing in community activities, we are here to help people achieve their full potential and dreams.

Community Living Hamilton began when a group of mothers came together in a church basement to explore how they could support each other and their sons and daughters with special needs. More than 60 years later, their determination, spirit and support are reflected in our wealth of programs and services that help build great lives. These include:

• Community day programs where people with developmental disabilities can plan and participate in social, recreational and skills development activities.
• Fee-for-service options such as weekly social gatherings and skills-building sessions.
• Essential respite care that eases the burden on caregivers and provides a safe, enjoyable experience for kids and adults.
• Residential care through group homes, family homes and support for independent living.
• Resource teachers and facilitators who support the inclusion of kids in licensed childcare settings.
• Valuable employment services, supports and more.

Mission

Dedicated to providing opportunities and support to help people with special needs build great lives.

Vision

All people with special needs achieve their full potential and are included in our community.

G-R-E-A-T Values

Growth that exceeds expectations

Respect for all

Excellence and safety in everything we do

Abilities first

Trust and integrity

Advocacy for the Individual

Our services are built on personalized planning that aims to tailor activities to the wants and needs of the person we are supporting. We help individuals identify goals that are meaningful to them – such as education, vocation, recreation and personal fulfillment – then work with them to create plans to achieve their goals. Our advocacy includes such things as helping our clients find a job, obtain accommodation, enroll in recreational activities, manage their personal finances and navigate the various systems to ensure they have access to all available supports.

Advocacy in the Community

We work with various partners in the community so that people with developmental disabilities are included in all aspects of life. This may include working with employers to adapt practices to better suit people with disabilities, or working with the educational system and childcare sector to build capacity for more inclusive practices. It also involves partner consultations, on-site support, training and, above all, sharing knowledge within our community.

Advocacy in the Sector

We are members of provincial groups that strive to raise awareness of developmental disabilities and advocate for full inclusion of people with disabilities, such as Community Living Ontario and the Ontario Agencies Supporting Individuals with Special Needs (OASIS). These groups work with government ministries and elected officials to improve legislation and to enhance the funding and resources that support individuals with developmental disabilities. These groups also influence communities to be inclusive of everyone.

Board of Directors

Community Living Hamilton is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Joe Obermeyer
Chair
Joe was elected to the Board in 2008 and has been serving as President since 2018. He is a Plant Manager with Sun Chemical in Burlington, a member of the Business Community, very supportive of inclusive employment and experienced with Community Living Hamilton’s Employment Access service.

Maggie Gallagher
Treasurer
Maggie Gallagher was elected to the Board of Directors in 2020. Maggie holds designations as both a Certified General Accountant and Chartered Professional Accountant and brings with her approximately 30 years of financial expertise in the non-profit sector. She previously served as Comptroller of the McMaster Student Union and Finance Officer at the Mohawk Student Association. In addition to her work experience, she also serves on the board of Victoria Park Community Homes for the past 6 years, including a three-year term as Treasurer.

Peter Jones
Secretary
Peter has been serving on the Board of Directors since 2001. He recently retired as Human Resources Specialist at ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. Peter has also volunteered as coach for the Special Olympics.

Brad Pugh
Director
Brad Pugh was elected to the Board of Directors in 2020.  He is an experienced Clinical Operations Manager with a strong healthcare services background and many years of experience working in the biotechnology industry.

Sylvia D’Intino
Executive Director
Community Living Hamilton

We are always pleased to receive applications from people who want to join our Board of Directors. If you are interested, call our main office at 905-528-0281.

When you ‘shop’ or ‘drop’ off items you are helping to build great lives for people with special needs right in your community.

Drop ‘n’ Shop is a thrift store operated by Community Living Hamilton, in partnership with the City of Hamilton. We accept a wide variety of pre-owned and gently used items for sale, including kitchenware, books, jewelry, toys, furniture, clothing and other goods. All money generated from the sales at the Drop ‘n’ Shop are reinvested in Community Living Hamilton programs and services. For people with diverse abilities, these programs are life changing.

Hours of Operation

The store is located at the Community Recycling Centre on the East Mountain, 37 Kilbride Road (Upper Ottawa & Rymal Road) in Hamilton. Telephone: 905-385-3434.

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED

Although we truly appreciate you donating your gently used items to Community Living Hamilton, unfortunately there are some items that we cannot accept:

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