Podcast
Community Chats
Hosted by Community Living Toronto · EN
Welcome to "Community Chats," bringing you stories and insights from the heart of Community Living Toronto. From frontline champions, advocates, and volunteers to the people we support, their families and friends, together we explore the different experiences, celebrate success stories, share memorable moments, discuss pressing challenges and new developments in the sector.
New Episodes will be available on 15th and 30th of each month on Buzzsprout, Spotify, Audible, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.
Host: Community Living Toronto - Instagram (@cltoronto), Facebook (@CLToronto), Twitter (@CLToronto), LinkedIn (@CLToronto)
Learn more about Community Living Toronto at https://cltoronto.ca/
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Independence Built on Trust
2w ago00:34:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Community Chats, Linda and Ken join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation about their family's journey with their son, Ian.From Ian's early years to moving into supported independent living more than 25 years ago, Linda and Ken share the moments that shaped his path to independence. They talk about preparing for life's next steps, learning to let go as parents, and how trusted relationships have helped Ian and his roommate, Philip, build a life filled with confidence, connection, and belonging. They reflect on overcoming fears, embracing new opportunities, and the lasting impact of having the right supports through every stage of the journey.Their story is a reminder that independence doesn't happen all at once. It grows through encouragement, confidence, community, and believing in what people can achieve.
Transcribe →The Future of Inclusive Communities
4w ago00:34:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Community Chats, David Renfrew, Senior Director of Real Estate and Project Management, and Jonathan Bradshaw, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Partnership at Community Living Toronto join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a conversation on housing and the future of inclusive communities. Together, they explore Community Living Toronto’s evolving approach to housing through inclusive vertical communities, and how partnerships with developers and the government are helping create more flexible, accessible, and person-centred living options across the city. They also discuss the realities of Ontario’s housing pressures, what it takes to build inclusive neighbourhoods at scale, and how policy innovation like the Power of Place green paper is shaping the next chapter of advocacy. David and Jonathan also highlight both the complexity and the opportunity in rethinking how people with intellectual disabilities live, belong, and thrive in urban communities.
Transcribe →The Communities We Create
May 3000:34:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Community Chats, Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, is joined by Sherri Kroll, Executive Director, Middlesex Community Living, for a conversation about creating inclusive communities where belonging is not just an idea, but something visible in everyday life.Sherri talks about her journey and how both her professional and personal experiences have shaped her understanding of inclusion. The conversation explores how communities can move beyond good intentions to real, practical inclusion, and how belonging is built through everyday actions, relationships, and shared responsibility. As we conclude Community Living Month this May, Sherri also reflects on their Welcoming Community initiative, which encourages local businesses and organizations to create spaces that foster accessibility, inclusion, and belonging for all.
Transcribe →Belonging Without Exceptions
May 1500:37:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Community Chats, David Lepofsky, Chair of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Alliance, joins Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for the first conversation in our new Belonging series. This six-episode series is part of our #WeAllBelong campaign celebrations for Community Living Month.David shares his reflections on what belonging means through lived experience, advocacy, and decades of work advancing disability rights in Canada. He talks about the importance of inclusion in schools, the evolution of disability rights under the Charter, and why real progress depends not only on legislation, but on action and accountability in everyday systems. From personal stories to landmark advocacy moments, David explores how belonging is built intentionally, and not by chance.Tune in for an insightful conversation about belonging, advocacy, and what it takes to build communities where everyone is seen, valued, and able to fully participate.
Transcribe →The Women Behind The Impact
Feb 2800:34:25Tap to summarizeIn our last episode of Community Chats Season 3, Deanna Strazzella, Senior Director, Specialized Services and Mita Hans, Support Worker, join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a special conversation on leadership, authenticity, and the impact of women in the developmental services sector. Deanna and Mita reflect on their journeys and the early experiences that have shaped how they show up as colleagues and leaders, and what it means to work in this sector. Their conversation explores creating space for people to be themselves at work, the changing nature of caregiving, and the importance of inclusive environments in strengthening the support we provide to people and families. They also share personal insights for young women and remind us that leadership is not defined by titles, but by actions, empathy, and the willingness to lift others along the way.Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on belonging, changing roles and the everyday leadership we celebrate this International Women’s Day.
Transcribe →Where Authenticity Meets Impact
Feb 1500:39:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Community Chats, Lee Smith, Senior Manager, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Britney Bryan, Fundraising Coordinator, Community Giving, Events, and Stewardship, join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for an honest conversation about leadership, identity, and belonging in the workplace.Lee and Britney reflect on their work at Community Living Toronto and share what itis like being Black women navigating professional spaces. As we mark Black History Month, they speak about responsibility, visibility, barriers that can exist within workplace environments as well as the importance of creating space for authentic participation.The conversation also explores the value of Employee Resource Groups in fostering connection and strengthening community across the organization. From listening with intention to taking personal responsibility for continuous learning, they reflect on how Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts shape day-to-day experiences and influence the quality of supports and services we provide.Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on growth, learning, and creating a culture where people can show up as their true selves at work and beyond.
Transcribe →Innovation in Action: Rethinking Supportive Housing
Jan 3000:35:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Community Chats, Alexandra Shannan, Housing Navigator, Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) and Julie Sommerfreund, Principal, Innovation, SHS Inc., join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, for a forward-looking conversation on housing and innovative approaches emerging to help address one of the sector’s most urgent challenges. Alexandra and Julie share more about Solutions Lab, a collaborative initiative under the National Housing Strategy and discuss how partnerships with families and caregivers, community land trusts, and sector leaders are helping test new models for supportive housing. From creating practical tools to setting realistic expectations, the conversation highlights the importance of transparency, shared responsibility, and thinking beyond traditional pathways. Tune in for an insightful conversation about collaboration, progress and building communities where people can live with dignity, stability, and a true sense of belonging.
Transcribe →Early Support, Lasting Impact
Jan 1500:39:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Arissa and Sarosh, Early Childhood Consultants from Community Living Toronto, share insights from their work supporting children, families, and childcare teams to create inclusive learning environments. They talk about why early, responsive support matters, particularly for children who may benefit from extra support - often before a formal diagnosis. The conversation explores the impact of early intervention, working closely with families and community partners and what belonging looks like when it is done well in child care settings. Tune into the episode as Arissa and Sarosh join Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, to discuss the role we all play in helping children and families feel a sense of belonging.
Transcribe →United for Impact
Dec 3000:38:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Community Chats podcast, Heather McDonald, President and CEO, United Way Greater Toronto, reflects on her journey from nearly two decades at LOFT Community Services to leading one of Canada’s largest charities. Heather shares how her background in person-centered care and social work informs her leadership today, and why she embraced the challenge of stepping into United Way’s top role. She discusses the importance of ambitious civic goals, United Way’s impact in addressing pressing social issues from mental health and homelessness to job readiness and food security and the generosity that drives support for charities and nonprofits across the province. Tune into the conversation as Heather McDonald and Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto, talk about the impact of United Way’s network, the meaning of belonging, and how building community lies at the heart of both fundraising and inclusion.
Transcribe →The Lasting Impact of Public Service
Dec 1500:31:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Community Chats podcast, John Tory, Chair of Community Living Toronto's Patron's Council, joins us to reflect on his journey of leadership, service, and connection to the developmental services sector. He shares the personal influences that shaped his decades-long commitment to public service, the importance of volunteering, and the role of organizations like Community Living Toronto in supporting people with intellectual disabilities. Together, we look back on caregiving during Covid, celebrate the progress made, and explore his vision for an inclusive Ontario. Tune into this conversation with John Tory and Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto as they talk about lessons learned from leadership and the lasting impact of community service.
Transcribe →