Inside the Circle – July 29, 2026

Congratulations to Lorna Opena on her retirement after 11 years with Circle of Care!

Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to supporting our clients. Your kindness and care have made a meaningful difference, and you will be greatly missed. Wishing you all the best in this exciting new chapter!

Need help but not sure who to ask?

The Office Contact List has been updated with the latest contact information for payroll, Human Resources, CSSs, supplies, and other supports.

Use this list to find the right person to contact when you need help or have a question.

Pine Valley Drive Closure

• When: July 3-August 3
• Details: Pine Valley Drive from Rutherford Road to Major Mackenzie Drive West (Vaughan), will be closed.

Toronto Caribbean Festival

• When: July 30-August 3
• Details: Lake Shore Boulevard West will be closed to all vehicular traffic from Fort York Boulevard to Colborne Lodge Drive. Expect extreme traffic along the downtown waterfront and lots of passengers on TTC Line 1/Line 2 and GO Transit (Exhibition Station).

VELD Music Festival 

• When: July 31-August 2
• Details: Lots of traffic and heavy foot traffic along Keele St, Sheppard Ave W, and Carl Hall Rd. Expect heavy crowding at Downsview Park TTC & GO Stations.

National Bank Open

• When: August 1 – 13
• Details: Traffic delays on Steeles Ave West, Keele St, and Murray Ross Pkwy, and more TTC riders on Line 1 Yonge-University subway stations (Pioneer Village and York University).

Jane Street Closure 

• When: August 7 (7 pm) – August 10 (7 am)
• Details: Jane Street will be closed between King Road and King-Vaughan Road.

When a conversation is difficult, it can be helpful to share your feelings without blaming others.

Using phrases like “I feel…” or “I need…” can help you explain your thoughts, listen to others, and have more respectful conversations.

Watch this short video to learn how to share your feelings in a respectful way.

To support your safety and meet requirements, Circle of Care provides free CPR training and free N95 Mask Fit testing through our vendor.

Your CPR certificate is valid for 3 years, and your Mask Fit must be renewed every 2 years.

How to Register

Text 647-496-5189 with:

• Full name

• Email

• Training location

• Preferred time

or call 905-272-9214 or register online using the button below.

Registration closes 7 business days before the session.

Important Reminders

• Arrive 15 minutes early.

• After booking, tell your Service Coordinator if you need schedule changes.

• Choose a time when you do not have client visits.

• Your schedule will be blocked as Unavailable for the training.

• You will be paid after completion:
  • CPR: 3 hours
  • Mask Fit: 1 hour

• Payment appears on your paystub as “Miscellaneous.”

Just a reminder that our GoodLife Fitness Corporate Membership is still available! You can enjoy a 25% discount on any GoodLife Fitness membership with $0 enrollment fee. You can also add 2 family members to your plan!

When you are ready to register, make sure you have your employee ID. Your employee ID number (not your voicemail or badge number) can be found in your Dayforce profile or at the top of your paystub. If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to our HR team HRDept@circleofcare.com for help.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Rewards & Contests for GoodLife Fitness Members

Caring for others can be rewarding, but it can also feel stressful or overwhelming at times.

Frontline Wellness is a free and confidential program that supports health-care workers in Ontario. You can talk with a professional, learn coping strategies, or join group sessions to connect with others and build new skills.

Getting started is easy. Complete a self-referral and choose a time that works for you.

Questions? Please contact:

• frontlinewellness@waypointcentre.ca
• (705) 549-5144 | 1-877-341-4729 x 5000

Looking for easy ways to manage your money? The Credit Counselling Society offers free online courses to help you:

• Make a budget
• Track your savings
• Learn about debt repayment options
• Set financial goals

Try them out by using the button below!

Supporting a client does not mean having all the answers. Sometimes, taking the time to listen, show kindness, and let someone know you care can make a big difference.

Learn how to have supportive conversations that help build trust, connection, and understanding with clients.

Summer is a great time to focus on your health and well-being.

Spending time in the sunshine helps your body get vitamin D, which supports your mood and immune system. Remember to enjoy the sun safely and take care of yourself by staying hydrated, eating well, and making time for self-care.

Check out the button below to learn more summer health tips!

Taking time to relax can support your mental health.

Calm music and nature sounds can help create a peaceful environment.

Enjoy the playlist below whenever you need a quiet moment to unwind.

Please welcome the following new PSWs to Circle of Care:

• Michelle Oboho
• Grace Oluwoyo
• Lakshmi Erranatu Gopi
• Subarna Yasmin
• Nana Nyarko
• Fatimo Oyindamola Ahmed
• Terra Mercer
• Immaculata Ezealor
• Kafayat Oduntan
• Oluwakemi Funke Benson
• Maryrose Ikeson
• Cecilia Antwi
• Sumi Jose
• Nirali Chauhan
• Anusha Vinodkumar
• Nseobong Edem
• Sheilah Momanyi
• Vernel Ruth Williams
• Jane Otojareri
• Comfort Adejumo
• Umul Khair Alhassan
• Michelle O’Quinn
• Jenese Anderson

Each week, we’re proud to recognize the PSWs who are celebrating their work anniversaries. Every anniversary—no matter the number of years—represents the dedication, compassion, and commitment you bring to supporting our clients and community. Thank you for the important role you play at Circle of Care. This week’s list includes PSWs celebrating work anniversaries between July 26 – August 1.

Congratulations to the following PSWs on their years of service with Circle of Care:

July 31

• 1 Year: Dimple Reyes, Kemisola Ekeh, Kimberly Rivas, Rafiat Sholola
• 3 Years: Angela Iammarino, Celina Canto, Ethelle Ramos, Sonia Cayat, Francis Ddembe
• 20 Years (MILESTONE!): Janna Dzubanchyn

August 1

• 2 Years: Aprilyn Bolusan, Carol Baker, Lilibeth Roque, Sheina Mae Fernandez, Shirley Puno

Individuals celebrating milestone anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years) will receive a one-time cash award to their pay cheque at the end of the quarter. Payment amount will depend on service length.

High Five for PSW Larisa Beletsky

Larisa has built a wonderful relationship with both my parents. We really appreciate her care. – Client’s Daughter

High Five for PSW Erenstina Asiedu

Erenstina is amazing. I’m extremely happy with the care I receive. – Client

High Five for PSW Jeany Galapon

Jeany always goes above and beyond. There aren’t enough words to express how much we appreciate everything she does. – Client’s Spouse

High Five for PSW Emiliana Galdez

Emiliana is so sweet and patient. We really appreciate her care and would love to have more visits with her. – Client and Client’s Son

High Five for PSW Karen Soon

Karen stayed calm and professional when I lost my balance and fell. I’m very grateful for her support. – Client

High Five for PSW Marion Tungpalan

Marion is considerate and personable. He supports me with my exercise program and assists me with my grooming. – Client

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.