Inside the Circle – December 23, 2025

As the year comes to a close, we want to thank you, our Personal Support Workers, for everything that you have done in 2025.

Every day, you bring care, kindness, and professionalism into the homes of our clients. You make sure their needs are met and that they feel supported and valued. Through busy and challenging moments, you offer companionship, reassurance, and a human connection to our clients. These are simple acts that make a meaningful difference.

Your dedication showcases the heart of Circle of Care. Every visit, every thoughtful gesture, and every act of patience has built a foundation of trust and care that our clients rely on.

As we move into the holiday season, we hope you can take a moment to recognize the impact of your work over the past year, and to find small moments of warmth, connection, and reflection for yourself. Thank you for everything you do. Your compassion and commitment have truly made this year brighter for so many.

This is a friendly reminder that your safety—and the safety of our clients—is always a top priority. Please use your best judgment and consider the client’s condition, the task, the environment, and whether you have the right support or equipment before continuing.

If you are unsure about how to complete a task safely (for example, bathing vs. a bed bath, walking with a client, transfers, etc.), do not hesitate to pause and contact your CSS for guidance. It’s always better to ask questions than to take unnecessary risks.

For more information, please review our policy below.

Southbound Off-ramp of the DVP Closed to Richmond Street

• When: Until Spring 2026
• TTC/Traffic Changes: The southbound off-ramp of the DVP to Richmond Street remains closed until spring 2026.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Global Workforce Survey. This is your chance to share your thoughts about your workplace anonymously. Your feedback helps us learn what’s going well and what we can make even better for you.

Note that the survey is anonymous (your name will not be shared). Thank you in advance for your participation!

Please complete the survey as soon as possible.

We are committed to the prevention of workplace violence and harassment, and we strive to ensure you feel safe at work. Our Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) has determined that you are at a “medium risk” for the hazard of workplace violence and harassment.

Our JHSC also tracks and follows up on reports of workplace violence and harassment. In the past 3 months, there have been 36 reported incidents, mostly involving incidents between clients and employees. We are committed to sharing these numbers with you on a quarterly basis.

We also encourage you to review our JHSC meeting minutes to learn more about incidents and corrective actions related to workplace violence and harassment:

We’ve made every effort to identify possible sources of violence and implement procedures to control the risks. This is a reminder that any act of violence, whether committed by or against an individual, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. You are expected to follow this policy at all times, so we can work together to prevent workplace violence.

If you encounter any situation where you are experiencing violence or harassment, whether in the community or at a client’s home, please get yourself to safety, and call the office/your CSS to report the incident.

Please use the buttons below to review our programs, policies and procedures:

While the holiday season invites moments of joy, connection, and reflection, you may also feel stressed and pressured during this time. Caring for your mental health isn’t about avoiding the celebrations—it’s about moving through them with awareness, gentleness, and intention.

By setting realistic expectations, keeping your boundaries, and creating time for self-care, you give yourself the space to experience the season in a balanced and meaningful way. Remember, you are allowed to step back, slow down, and choose what feels right for your emotional well-being.

Watch the video to learn more, and tap below to review all our current wellness resources for you.

High Five for PSW Brenda Richard

“Brenda is very good and attentive.” – Client

High Five for PSWs Maria Concepcion Sumibcay & Leonora Apelado

“Both Maria and Leonora are amazing with my spouse and we hope to have them as regular workers.” – Client’s spouse

High Five for PSW Ernestina Asiedu

“Ernestina is wonderful, upbeat, and a lovely person.” – Client’s mother

High Five for PSW Yogita Gurung

“I’m very happy with the care Yogita provides.” – Client

High Five for PSW Edith Brown-Hinds

“Edith is a wonderful worker and I would like to have her as often as possible.” – Client

High Five for PSW Evelyn De Guzman

Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!

The High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter.

To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.

Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.

Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!

Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.