TORONTO, ON, January 14, 2016 – VHA Home HealthCare is pleased to announce it has received a grant from the Durham Community Foundation for its Extreme Cleaning Social Support Volunteer Program. These funds will help to support services that keep vulnerable individuals safe and their homes clean, including recruitment, training and support for program volunteers.

The Extreme Cleaning Social Support Volunteer Program provides socially isolated individuals—many of whom are living with mental or physical health challenges—with weekly visits from a volunteer to help them reconnect with their communities and social activities. Individuals receiving support will have recently completed the Durham Extreme Cleaning Program which helps people avoid impending eviction due to the unsanitary living conditions of their homes.

“What we know is that, people who complete our Durham Extreme Cleaning Program learn the needed skills to maintain their home but are often still socially isolated,” says Theresa Bowler, New Program Development Lead. “Our Social Support Volunteer Program helps clients decide on and work towards socialization goals with a volunteer—things like joining a library group or inviting a friend over for coffee.”

VHA’s Durham Extreme Cleaning program is a vital service helping individuals avoid eviction or institutionalization. The volunteer component of the program builds on this by addressing social barriers so participants feel better prepared to reconnect with their communities and neighbors.

For more information about this program, please contact Theresa Bowler, New Program Development Lead at 1-888-314-6622 ext. 4370.

About VHA Home HealthCare

VHA Home HealthCare — a not-for-profit, charity — has inspired Ontarians to create possibilities for more independence since 1925. VHA’s professional team of over 2,000 caring, compassionate people support clients and their families in eight Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) regions. We’re proudly:

• Accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada.
• An RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization designate.
• A founding member agency of United Way Toronto.

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Media Contact: 

Pam Stoikopoulos, Sr. Communications and Public Relations Manager
VHA Home HealthCare 1-888-314-6622 Ext. 4344
pstoik@vha.ca