Growing With Grief: Healing Together Through Connection and Creativity
October 31, 2025
Yorktown Family Services 2024-2025 Community Partnership Awards
November 7, 2025
On October 30, 2025, Yorktown Family Services hosted its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Recognition Night at the West Toronto Youth Wellness Hub. The event brought together staff, board members, funders, community partners, and award recipients for an evening of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration.
This year’s theme, Guided by Our North Star, reflects that at the heart of everything we do are our clients—children, youth, women, and families. They are the North Star that guides Yorktown Family Services. From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, our work was defined by purpose, innovation, and connection.
As CEO Suzette Arruda-Santos reflected, “Our clients are our North Star — they guide every decision we make, every innovation we pursue, and every partnership we build. Together with our clients, our staff, community partners, funders, and volunteers form a collective team whose compassion and commitment continue to light the way forward.”
Reflecting on the Impact of 2024/25
This year, Yorktown advanced its integrated model of care, enhanced Care Navigation services, and deepened our commitment to cultural safety and reconciliation. The launch of the TREAT client information system enabled more responsive, data-informed care across programs.
Our Truth and Reconciliation Committee continued to engage staff in learning and dialogue through partnerships with Indigenous knowledge keepers, while programs like ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) addressed complex social issues with creativity and compassion.
Through every milestone, Yorktown remained focused on what matters most — ensuring that every individual we serve feels supported, respected, and seen.
Honouring Our 2024/25 Award Recipients
Each year, Yorktown Family Services proudly recognizes the individuals and partners whose leadership and compassion strengthen our mission. From long-serving staff and dedicated board members to community collaborators, these recipients embody the
values that define Yorktown.
We’re proud to announce the recipients of this year’s awards:
Staff Award of Excellence
Helen Williams
Community Partnership Awards
The Home Depot Caledonia Road Team
Dan Goldberg Memorial Award
Wayne Dowers
Eleanor Stein Memorial Woman Award
Client Recipient (name protected)
The Karen Hutchinson Memorial Award of Excellence
Jeremy Jor
The Spirit of Giving Award
Thandeka Mangwiro
The Linda Sumner Youth Development Fund
Client Recipient (name protected)
Yorktown recognizes the following employees for their years of service:
5 Years: Ahmed Jama, Kristina Nawrot, Angela Xu, Sara Francavilla
10 Years: Haweia Ahmed
15 Years: Natalie McCalla, Chantal Sénéchal
20 Years: Tania Zupanic, Karina Gonzalez
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the year behind us, we are filled with gratitude for the people who make Yorktown what it is: our clients, staff, volunteers, funders, and partners. Their shared commitment continues to light the path forward as we embrace new challenges and opportunities.
Guided by our North Star, we move ahead with hope, purpose, and the steadfast belief that everyone deserves to feel supported, empowered, and seen.