The
Numbers
Each year, Empower Simcoe supports more than 1700 children, youth, and adults of all abilities with an intellectual disability to access a variety of services and supports.
This section highlights the scope of our impact for the year ending March 31, 2025, capturing the people we support, the programs that empower them, and the community connections that make it all possible.
As we wrap up the final year of our three-year strategic plan, we reflect with pride on the meaningful progress we’ve made across our three strategic pillars: Service Excellence, People and Culture, and A Strong Partner. Together, we’ve launched impactful initiatives that have enhanced the lives of the people and families we support, strengthened our workforce, and deepened our relationships with community partners.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to build on this momentum as we begin shaping our next strategic plan for 2025–2030. Together, we will continue to drive our mission forward and create lasting, positive change.
Thank you to every member of our organization for the dedication, compassion, and heart you bring to your work every day. Your efforts truly make a difference in the lives of people of all abilities.
Dr. Claudine Cousins,
Chief Executive Officer
Empower Simcoe
2024 / 2025 Update
Strategic Plan
Total Revenue was $2.8M more than budgeted. Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) provided funding of $1.3M and one time funding of $0.9M to address critical needs. The County of Simcoe provided $0.3M additional funding for the Housing program. Fee for service revenue contributed an additional $0.5M.
Total Expenses exceeded the budget by $2.6M. $1.6M of this was due to unbudgeted cost of living increases and stipends paid to employees; as well as higher benefits premiums. Capital Projects, Vehicles, Equipment and Technology costs were $0.8M more than budget.
Sources of Revenue (In 000's)
Total: 56,812
Expenditures (In 000's)
Total: 56,311
Drawing from her son’s lived experiences, Jackleen turns challenge into advocacy with a story of resilience and love.
Empower Simcoe’s Job Readiness Dining Experience builds real-world employment skills while fostering confidence and connection.
Empower Simcoe’s Respitality program offers caregivers well-deserved breaks through community partnerships, volunteers, and unique “Me Time” experiences.
Through strong partnerships, Empower Simcoe and The Lighthouse helped Bryan and Sky move from homelessness to stability.
Board of Trustees
Many people with intellectual disabilities are living at or below the poverty line and barely have enough money to cover rent, food and basic health expenses. This means recreational activities and specialized equipment that would contribute to a better quality of life are simply out of reach.
With the support of many generous donors, our fundraising campaigns support the purchase of accessibility equipment; cover the cost of specialized housing needs; assist families with respite; provide youth with skills development; offer adults and seniors recreational and leisure activities.
Your donation helps make it possible for people of all abilities to live a meaningful and inclusive life.
Sources of Revenue (In 000's)
Total: 465
Expenditures (in 000's)
Total: 216
For over 35 years, Dr. Mitch Whyne and his family have been committed champions of Empower Simcoe. As an emergency physician at Royal Victoria Hospital, specializing in emergency, addiction, and pain medicine, Dr. Whyne brought not only professional expertise but also deep personal commitment to the organization—first as a volunteer Board member and later as a dedicated member of the Empower Simcoe Foundation Board for the last nine years.
Philanthropy runs deep in the Whyne family. “We’ve always believed in giving back,” says Dr. Whyne. “My mother had a brother with special needs who lived at home until the age of five, before being sent to the Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia. Although my grandmother visited him, he was rarely spoken about, and my mother and her siblings grew up without a real connection to him. It wasn’t until my grandmother passed away that we were reconnected with him as next of kin. Years later, when I moved to Barrie and had a child with special needs, becoming involved with Empower Simcoe felt like a natural and meaningful way to give back.”
What began as a way to contribute professionally has evolved into a multi-generational family legacy. From supporting the organization’s early focus on group living and Early Years programming, to watching it expand into homelessness services and individualized supports, Dr. Whyne has witnessed remarkable growth. “The needs have changed, and Empower Simcoe has adapted,” he shares.
The Whyne family’s support has been truly hands-on. Dr. Whyne’s father, who ran the L. Whyne Agency and helped launch Ports International, donated dresses from international fashion houses for some of the early Empower Simcoe Fashion Shows—many of which were later raffled to raise funds. The family also enthusiastically participates in the annual Empower Simcoe Foundation Golf Tournament, with three generations—Mitch, mother Gilda, son David, sister Cari, nephew Ben, and others—coming together in support of the cause.
“The values of inclusion, and dignity for people of all abilities are what keep us involved,” says Dr. Whyne. “We want to help people find their own way, with the right supports—whether that’s at an Empower Simcoe group living home or living independently in the community.”
To anyone considering supporting Empower Simcoe, Dr. Whyne offers this: “You can make a real difference. You’re helping people have choices—and the opportunity to live more fulfilling, independent lives.”
Empower Simcoe is proud to celebrate the Whyne family’s enduring generosity and visionary commitment to building inclusive communities for generations to come.
For giving selflessly to improve the quality of life for people supported by Empower Simcoe, please join us in congratulating the 2024 Gift of the Heart Award recipients.
- Community Partner
- Employee
- Family
- Self-Advocate
- Volunteer
