Inside the Circle – August 12, 2026

Our differences help make our workplace stronger. We all come from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, beliefs, and experiences, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Creating an inclusive workplace is a shared responsibility. By listening, learning, and respecting one another, we can help ensure everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported.

Learn more by reading our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and our Discrimination Policy.

If you are away from work due to illness or injury for four (4) or more consecutive days, you must provide a medical note.

Your medical note should confirm:

• You are under the care of a healthcare provider
• You are unable to work
• Your expected return-to-work date

Ways to submit your medical note:

• Email: HRDept@circleofcare.com
• Fax: 416-635-1692

Reminder: If you are calling in sick, please call 416-635-2860 and speak directly to someone to report your absence.

Questions? Please email HRDept@circleofcare.com.

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).

Ontario Honda Dealers Indy

• When: August 12 – 18
• Details: Markham – Surrounding roads near the Unionville GO Station area will be closed and restricted during this event.

Line 1 Subway Closure

• When: August 15 – 16
• Details: There will be no subway service between Sheppard West and St Clair West stations. Shuttle buses will run. (Glencairn Station will be closed.) 

Taste of Manila

• When: August 15 – 16
• Details: Bathurst Street will be fully closed to all vehicle traffic from Wilson Avenue north to Laurelcrest Avenue.

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

• When: August 21 – September 7
• Details: Lots of traffic on Lake Shore Blvd W, Dufferin St, Strachan Ave, and the Gardiner Expressway. A lot of people will be on the 509/511 streetcars and Exhibition GO. 

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.”

Health Care Connect can help connect you with a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is accepting new patients.

How to register:

• Call 811 or 1-800-445-1822
• Register online through Health Care Connect
• To register, you NEED a valid Ontario health card and an up-to-date address on file for your health card.

Read the information sheet for full program details and registration information.

Personal safety is important when working in the community. Explore these self-defense resources to learn practical skills and strategies that can help you feel more confident and prepared.

Learn more:

• Online courses: Alison Self-Defense Courses (you need to make an account)
• In-person workshops: The 519 Self-Defense Workshops (Location: 519 Church Street)
• Online training: Women’s Self-Defense SEPS

Taking care of others is important, but so is taking care of yourself. If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or in need of support, free and confidential help is available through the Health Care Worker Assist Program.

Support is available for:

• Managing stress
• Speaking with a trained mental health professional
• Connecting with additional supports and services

Ways to get support:

• Call: 1-877-767-9642
• Email: CentralizedReferral@ontarioshores.ca
• Sign up online

The CNE will happen from August 21 – September 7, and if you’re planning a visit this summer, you can save up to 41% on tickets through our discount program.

Discount Prices:

• Admission Pass: $22
• Ride All Day Pass: $50

Having trouble with the ticket link? We apologize that the link did not work in previous weeks of your newsletter. If the link does not open, please scan the QR code above with your personal phone to access the CNE discount tickets website.

Please welcome the following new PSWs to Circle of Care: 

• Khadija Ahmed
• Elizabeth Alexander
• Somita Mahrajan
• Naa Adjeley Okang
• Michelle Reid
• Vijin William
• Ashna Grace
• Jeramie Desderio
• Catherine Ng’uni
• Ashley-Anne Alexander
• Stella Ossai
• Astred Batoto
• Reena Koshy
• Haben Mehreteab
• Bolatito Olatundun
• Jaybid Jubstice Ofosu-Appiah
• Jay Jahau
• Sintsawe Zewide
• Aminat Olawunmi Adeogun
• Rubama Mustapha
• Nigel Charles
• Binta Conteh
• Azeezat Raheem
• Pooja Tikhatari
• Umulkher Mohamed

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 August 9 – 15.

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

August 9

• 21 Years: Monica Lozada

August 10

• 11 Years: Irina Apollonina, Maria Reyes, Pauline Leslie, Sherry Thomas

August 11

• 12 Years: Chona Gill, Yuli Gu
• 19 Years: Maria Panganiban

August 12

• 13 Years: Cristina Doblon, Elma Dela Cruz, Ina Ilyenkova, Jeniffer Simon

August 13

• 32 Years: Marcia Smikle

August 14

• 1 Year: Amriya Khanal, Delia Johnson, Fadekemi Babalola, Irene Gitau, Jennifer Aguh, Maria Venezuela, Mary Mirembe, Ranjita Shrestha, Sumaya Namirembe
• 3 Years: Adwoa Eshun, Keni Patel
• 9 Years: Ayrin Taguiam, Josephine Hernandez, Maria Ablao, Marta Gebremeskel, Sherlyn Raboy, Sita Tamang, Tamara Babin
• 17 Years: Carole Hood

August 15

• 2 Years: Ebere Echehum, Khushbu Patel, Mujidat Adeyinka, Nkechi Egede, Sushila Thapa G C
• 4 Years: Marissa Lall

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.

A High Five for PSW Paula Smith

I just want to say that Paula is an amazing person and a great PSW. She is so amazing, and we love her very much. – Client’s daughter

High Five for PSW Prakriti Gurung

I was so grateful to have Prakriti back. – Client

High Five for PSW Ayushi Parmar

Thank you for assigning Ayushi. She is excellent, kind, patient, and truly respected. – Client

High Five for PSW Juana Isidro

Juana stayed calm and professional during a difficult situation. Her quick actions prevented a much more serious situation, and we’re so grateful for her kindness and support. – Client’s Spouse

High Five for PSW John Carlo Perez

I’m very satisfied with the care John Carlo provided. He’s a very nice person. – 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.

Why are we not informed if our coordinator no longer works at Circle of Care? I went on a one-week vacation, and when I returned, I had issues with my schedule, and my clients weren’t added back in. I called the office several times, and the issue continues 3 weeks later. My clients never requested a new PSW. I am not even sure who my coordinator is. I have been leaving voicemails, and no one is returning my calls.

If there are ever any changes with coordinators for specific caseloads, a voicemail message is sent out to the PSWs who work with that coordinator, letting them know about the change. If there is a change in coordinator, the extension for the caseload should not change, so you should be able to reach the new coordinator using the same extension that you were using for the previous coordinator.

Please know that schedules can shift due to a variety of factors, such as client needs, PSW availability, and changing service demands in different areas. If you are not receiving a response from your Service Coordinator, you can always reach out to your CSS to discuss any challenges you are experiencing with client assignments.

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.

If you experience violence, harassment, discrimination, or hate at work or during working hours, please report it to your Supervisor or Human Resources.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can submit a report using the Anonymous Incident Reporting Form by clicking the button below.

You may choose to include your name to help with the investigation, but it is not required. Anonymous reports will still be reviewed and investigated.