Building inclusive communities where everyone Belongs and Thrives.
Since 1953, Empower Simcoe has been a cornerstone of support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, driven by a passionate volunteer Board of Directors. Founded by visionary parents as a compassionate alternative to institutional care, our nonprofit organization has evolved into a dynamic network of services that empower lives across the region. From early childhood programs to community living and comprehensive housing support, Empower Simcoe is committed to fostering inclusion, independence, and meaningful connections for all we serve.
Empower Simcoe responds to community needs through inclusive supports and services that enhance the quality of all lives.
As an organization dedicated to service, we work mindfully to empower individual goals, while treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Our mission is to empower people to lead a full and inclusive life, by providing the highest quality of services. We are a welcoming organization that provides everyone with the opportunity to Be, Belong, and Thrive.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a self-fulfilling life.
DRIVEN: We strive to constantly move forward, while celebrating successes.
ACCOUNTABLE: We work mindfully to empower every individual’s goals.
RESPECT: We treat everyone with dignity, deserving of our full attention and commitment.
COMMUNITY: We are accepting of all people and give each a voice.
Accredited Care that Exceeds Standards and Celebrates Personal Growth
Focused on continuous quality improvement, Empower Simcoe adheres to standards set by the Child and Family Service Act, the Ministry of Community and Social Services, and the Council on Quality and Leadership.
The agency is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to personalized care, marked by its third four-year accreditation with the Council of Quality and Leadership, highlighting achievements in community integration and personal outcomes.
- Accredited Excellence: Celebrating our third four-year accreditation with the Council on Quality and Leadership.
- Comprehensive Care: Tailored services meeting rigorous standards set by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.
- Community Integration: Committed to enhancing personal outcomes and fostering inclusive communities.
“Empower Simcoe is truly an elite organization that embodies the very best in human services,” states Mary Kay Rizzolo, CQL President and CEO.
“They have deeply-rooted person-centered philosophies that carry out into their actual practices. It’s having a demonstrable impact on people’s lives.”
Funding Impact
The Empower Simcoe Foundation, established in 1998, raises funds to support these vital programs where traditional funding falls short.
Empower Simcoe, serving Barrie, Orillia, Bradford, and nearby areas, is a significant local employer with over 550 staff across six administrative and 43 residential sites.
The organization’s funding comes from various sources including the Ministry of Community and Social Services, the County of Simcoe, the United Way, and generous donations.”
Empower Simcoe (the Agency) is designated as a broader public sector organization and, as such, complies with the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act and related directives. This includes making its rules and practices regarding expenses and perquisites available to the public on its public website.
Expense Rules
- Members of the Associate’s volunteer Board of Directors may be renumbered only for reasonable expenses they incur in the performance of their duties.
- Agency employees will be paid/reimbursed for expenses that: are related to business, modest and appropriate, balance economy and efficiency of operations with a healthy and safe workplace, supported by acceptable documentation and properly authorized in accordance with internal policies.
- Hospitality (i.e. food, beverages, accommodation, transportation and volunteer/member/staff recognition) is extended as economically as possible. Unless otherwise designated, hospitality expenses are not charged to the public or donated funds.
- All business expenses are subject to internal and external audit.
Perquisites
Empower Simcoe will only grant perquisites in limited and exceptional circumstances. The provision of a perquisite must be approved by the CEO and/or the President of the Board of Directors. All approved perquisites will be documented. Empower Simcoe perquisite standard of practice is in full alignment with the Broader Public Sector Perquisites Directive.
If you have questions regarding the Agency’s policies and practices related to expenses and perquisites please contact:
John Jiang, Director Finance & Operations
Empower Simcoe
39 Fraser Court, Barrie, ON 705-726-9082 Ext. 5282
jjiang@empowersimcoe.ca
Goal: To ensure an ethical, professional and accountable BPS supply chain.
I. Personal Integrity and Professionalism Individuals involved with Supply Chain Activities must act, and be seen to act, with integrity and professionalism. Honesty, care and due diligence must be integral to all Supply Chain Activities within and between BPS organizations, suppliers and other stakeholders. Respect must be demonstrated for each other and for the environment. Confidential information must be safeguarded. Participants must not engage in any activity that may create, or appear to create, a conflict of interest, such as accepting gifts or favours, providing preferential treatment, or publicly endorsing suppliers or products.
II. Accountability and Transparency Supply Chain Activities must be open and accountable. In particular, contracting and purchasing activities must be fair, transparent and conducted with a view to obtaining the best value for public money. All participants must ensure that public sector resources are used in a responsible, efficient and effective manner.
III. Compliance and Continuous Improvement Individuals involved with purchasing or other Supply Chain Activities must comply with this Code of Ethics and the laws of Canada and Ontario. Individuals should continuously work to improve supply chain policies and procedures, to improve their supply chain knowledge and skill levels, and to share leading practices.
