Canopy Support Services is thrilled to announce its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of impactful community service for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Since its inception in 1974, Canopy has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for those it serves across their lifespan.
“The 50th anniversary is a proud milestone for Canopy Support Services,” said Himanshu Shah, CEO. “Canopy has proven to be a leader in providing services and support to empower people to grow and belong. We have forged strong partnerships with those we support, their families, and the communities we serve. I want to thank all past and present staff and volunteers for their commitment, passion, and incredible talent over these 50 years of empowering individuals and enhancing support.”
Although Canopy was originally launched as two separate entities – the Adult Protective
Services program in 1974 and the Peterborough Project for Developmentally
Handicapped Children in 1975 – the vision and mission of helping individuals build skills, navigate challenges, and overcome barriers to achieve their best quality of life have always been at the core. These collaborative initiatives continued until 1998 when they amalgamated to form Tri-County Community Support Services. In 2020, the organization rebranded as Canopy Support Services to better reflect its mission and expanded offerings.
On November 7, 2024, Canopy operates six offices and two clinics, employing 120 staff members who provide vital services to approximately 6,500 individuals annually across 16 unique programs. These programs cover a broad spectrum of support needs, including case management and coordination, trustee support, skill building, healthy relationship training, caregiver training, clinical support for challenging behaviors, urgent response services for at-risk children and adults, social work, mental health counseling, and financial reimbursement programs to facilitate community participation.
“As Board Chair, I am incredibly proud to celebrate Canopy Support Services’ 50th anniversary. This milestone represents five decades of unwavering dedication and a deep commitment to those we support. The work Canopy has done to empower individuals and foster a sense of belonging is truly remarkable,” said Si Grobler, Board Chair. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the staff, volunteers, and community partners—past and present—whose contributions have made Canopy a trusted leader in this field. Together, we look forward to continuing this vital work for many years to come.” With a focus on innovation, safety, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence, Canopy Support Services remains a FOCUS accredited centre of excellence dedicated to the highest standards of care and support.
“Canopy’s incredible milestone of over half a century of providing supports and services to the most vulnerable has changed countless lives and positively impacted our communities in HKPR and Durham Region,” said Jenn Girard, Program Manager and longest-standing employee. “As a staff member of 31 years, I am proud and privileged to be part of an organization that holds true to its values and mission. The selfless dedication and respect for the people and families we support is extraordinary.”
As Canopy Support Services celebrates this remarkable achievement, it looks forward to continuing its legacy of empowering individuals and fostering inclusive communities for many years to come.
For more information about Canopy Support Services, please check out our website or contact our Central Navigation Team at 1-888-616-3456.
About Canopy Support Services: Canopy Support Services is a Centre of Excellence providing specialized supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and FASD across Northumberland, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, and Haliburton. With over 50 years of leadership in the sector, Canopy is committed to helping individuals build skills, navigate challenges, and overcome barriers to achieve their best quality of life.
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