Highlights from this week
- April is Neurodiversity Awareness Month
- Free Support for Healthcare Workers
- Upcoming Mask Fit and CPR Sessions
- What Does a Healthy Plate Look Like?
- Healthy Meals on a Budget
- Understanding and Using “I” Language
- Take a Break with a Rejuvenating Massage
- Discount Shoes (and More)
- Free Webinars for Health Care Workers
- Slips Trips and Falls eLearning
- Eid Mubarak!
- Welcome New Staff!
- High Five
April is Neurodiversity Awareness Month
At Circle of Care, we celebrate neurodiversity as a vital part of an inclusive and innovative workplace. We recognize that diverse thinking styles bring unique strengths and perspectives to our team. Our commitment goes beyond awareness – we strive to foster an environment where everyone can thrive by providing equitable support, embracing different ways of working, and ensuring all voices are valued.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in how people think, process information, and experience the world. It includes conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette Syndrome, and more. Just like diversity in culture and background, neurodiversity enriches the workplace by bringing different perspectives, problem-solving styles, and strengths.
Why Does Neurodiversity Matter at Work?
In an inclusive workplace, neurodivergent employees can thrive, leading to increased innovation, productivity, and engagement. When organizations embrace neurodiversity, they gain:
- Unique problem-solving and creativity
- Improved team collaboration and diverse thinking
- A more inclusive and supportive work environment
Are you neurodivergent? We’d love to hear your story! Reach out to HRDept@circleofcare.com to share your experiences with us.
Reminders and Announcements
Lost & Found at Reception
Health and Safety
Need to Talk? There’s a Free Support Program for You
The work you do isn’t always easy. You’re out there supporting clients every day giving your time, your energy, and often your heart. And while it’s meaningful work, it can also be tiring, stressful, and emotionally heavy.
At Circle of Care, we want you to know you are not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or just not quite yourself, support is available and it’s free and confidential.
The Health Care Worker Assist Program is made just for healthcare workers like you. It’s free, it’s private, and it’s here to help when you’re feeling stressed, tired, or just need someone to talk to. You don’t have to wait for things to get really bad. Help is here for the small moments too.
- Talk to a trained professional
- Learn ways to manage stress and feel better
- Access support in many languages
- Get help finding other services if needed
How to access the Health Care Worker Assist Program:
- Call: 1-877-767-9642
- Email: CentralizedReferral@ontarioshores.ca
- Website: https://www.ontarioshores.ca/health-care-worker-assist-program
Learn more about Circle of Care’s Policies and Procedures:
Upcoming Mask Fit and CPR Sessions
Have you had your mask fit tested and CPR training?
Circle of Care requires all PSWs and Homemakers to be certified with valid and current CPR training and properly fitted for N95 masks.
Upcoming sessions:
CPR Training
- North York: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 9am or 1pm.
The Career Foundation, Lawrence Allen Centre, 700 Lawrence Ave W. Room 440.
Important reminders:
- Arrive 15 minutes before the CPR training or mask fit session begins.
- Try to book a date/time where you do not have client visits scheduled. If you need to make any scheduling arrangements after you have booked your session, speak to your Service Coordinator.
- Your schedule will be blocked as ‘unavailable’ for you to attend the session. You do not need to use your phone to sign into the training.
- You will be paid a total of 4 hours for the training (CPR) and 1 hour for mask fit. These hours will be added to your schedule and paid out 1-2 weeks after the session has been completed. They will appear on your paystub as ‘Miscellaneous’.
- Manage your bookings or cancellations through the online portal.
- You will receive a confirmation email/text notification when you book your session and a session reminder.
Book your CPR training and mask fit sessions through First Aid Care today!
You can also book by calling 905-272-9214
New! Dedicated Text Line for CPR Registration
To make the registration process easier, First Aid Care has introduced a dedicated text line for those who may have difficulty booking online.
Text 647-496-5189 with the following details:
- Your full name
- Your email address
- Preferred location
- Preferred training session time
Wellness at Work
What Does a Healthy Plate Look Like?
Canada’s Food Guide shows us a simple way to build a balanced and nourishing plate. This visual is a great starting point for creating meals that are balanced, satisfying, and good for you!
- Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits.
- Include whole grain foods.
- Add a variety of protein foods.
- Make water your drink of choice.
Healthy Meals on a Budget
You asked, we’ve answered! Check out these websites for simple tips for eating well on a budget. These websites offer recipes and advice for healthy lunches, snacks, and budget-friendly meals you can make in no time!
- Health Canada: Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget
- Heart and Stroke Canada: Healthy Eating on a Budget (includes tips and recipes)
- Unlock Food: Quick and Easy Meal Ideas from Dieticians of Canada
- CTV: Eating Well on a Budget: Affordable and Nutritious Meal Ideas
Keep your eye out for the crowd-sourced recipe book from our March Nutrition Challenge!
Understanding and Using ‘I Language’
Have you ever wanted to express your feelings but struggled to find the right words? Or been on the receiving end of criticism that left you feeling defensive or misunderstood?
Using ‘I language’ can foster understanding and respect in your relationships by helping you to take ownership of your emotions and express them without blaming others.
In this video, you’ll explore the basics of ‘I language,’ including what it is, how to use it effectively, and some helpful tips for incorporating it into your interactions.
Take a Break with a Rejuvenating Massage!
We’re bringing back our relaxing massage session! Enjoy a 15-minute massage from a registered massage therapist and take some time to unwind.
Sign up for a free session between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 in Boardroom A.
Discount Shoes (and more) with Perkopolis
Circle of Care is committed to making safety accessible to all!
You already know that proper footwear is an investment in your safety and well-being. But did you know that Perkopolis offers exclusive discounts on footwear?
Take advantage of these discounts today to help prevent slip, trip, and fall (STF) incidents. Follow the link below for more information and instructions on how to access these exclusive discounts.
Learning in Action
Free Webinars for Health Care Workers
We’ve partnered with Your Health Space (YHS) to bring you these free learning sessions created just for healthcare workers. Drop in to learn practical strategies and more!
Moral Distress
- Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Zoom Meeting ID: 811 7100 2297 – Passcode: 181347
Dealing with Grief & Loss
- Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Zoom Meeting ID: 865 8503 7264 – Passcode: 601924
Traumatic Stress
- Wednesday, June 11, 2025 – 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Zoom Meeting ID: 872 3195 9752 – Passcode: 976900
Slips, Trips, and Falls (STF) Prevention eLearning
Slips, trips, and falls (STF) are among the most common causes of workplace injuries.
To help everyone stay informed, prevent injuries, and reinforce key safety practices, all employees who have not yet completed the Slips, Trips, & Falls Prevention eLearning module should do so by April 2025. If you already completed the module in 2024, this is a great chance to review and refresh your knowledge.
To access the module:
- Log into Dayforce
- Go to the ‘Learning’ tab
- Select ‘Courses Catalogue’ at the top
- Enroll in the STF Prevention module
Community Corner
Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!
We wish all our colleagues, clients, and partners a joyous and peaceful Eid!
At Circle of Care, we recognize and celebrate the diversity of our team! Eid is a significant celebration for Muslims around the world, marking the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr). It is a time of gratitude, togetherness, and generosity, often celebrated with prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity.
How can I support my colleagues?
- Acknowledge: If you have colleagues celebrating Eid, consider extending a warm “Eid Mubarak” as a gesture of respect and inclusion.
- Learn: Take a moment to understand the significance of Eid and its cultural traditions.
- Support: If your teammates are taking time off, offer support where needed.
Welcome New Staff!
Circle of Care welcomes our newest PSWs!
- Esther Ogiemwonyi
- Catherine Ako
- Beatrice Owallah
- Aria Culzac
- Aishat Oseni
- Omowunmi Omolade Fasheyi
- Tanya Dixon
- Anthonia Nwaokenyebulor
- Wendy Katherine Buitrago Mora
- Elizabeth Oladipupo
- Fathia Owuye
- Naimot Bakare
- Renu Pathak
- Prossy Nankabirwa
- Kehinde Aladelusi
- Anita Iyonsi
- Anisha Dhanda
- Helen Kariuki
- Faith Iyamu
- Sangita Bhandari
- Jocelyn Acheampong
- Ayisha Afzal
High Five!
A Hig Five for Katherine Rouse
She is one of the best live agents, always in a good mood and always willing to help with whatever problems you call her with.. It’s always an absolute pleasure when I call the live agent line and she answer. I just want to say I really appreciate her and the work she does. Thank you.
Allison Clarke
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.
Ask Us Anything
If you have concerns about a client/situation or questions about your role, we encourage you to contact your Client Services Supervisor.
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.