History

  • 2020’s

     

    2021
    • Partnered with several community hospitals (Scarborough Health Network, North York General Hospital and Markham Stouffville Hospital) and York Region Public Health for delivery of both stationary (at Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Services Centre) and pop- up vaccination clinics in Scarborough, North York and Markham with Carefirst’s medical health unit (MHU).
    • Awarded new service contract of Integrated Dialysis Care (IDC) from the Unity Health Network (St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph Health Centre, and Providence Health Centre).
    • Soft launch of Carefirst Campus of Care Capital Project.

    2020
    • Surfing the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: Wave 1: Provided Community Emergency Program for the vulnerable individuals;
    • Waves 2, 3: Appointed by Central Ontario Health as lead agency to work with 24 local service providers for “High Priority Communities Program” (HPCP) for south east Markham (a hot zone hardest-hit by COVID-19).
    • Approved by Ministry of Long-Term Care to develop Carefirst Campus of Care with a 120-bed long-term care home, a medical centre, a social community hub and a gymnasium in Richmond Hill.

  • 2010’s

     

    2019

    		 The Connecting Care Act, 2019 lays out the foundation to transform and strengthen the public health care system, e.g. through the establishment of Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). Carefirst became core members in several OHTs: Eastern York Region North Durham OHT, North York Toronto Health Partners, Scarborough OHT, and West York Region OHT in 2020

    2018
    • Partnered with Alzheimer Society of Durham Region and Seniors Care Network to set up a Memory Clinic in Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Service Centre.
    • Partnership with Ontario Shores to develop a psychotherapy clinic in Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Service Centre.

    2017
    • Achieved Accreditation Exemplary Standard from Accreditation Canada
    • Pioneered the development of a Medical Health Unit (MHU)
    • Partnered with Scarborough Health Network on the new Integrated Care for assisted Peritoneal Dialysis Patients at home

    2016
    • Received Health and Wellness Award from 2016 European Healthcare Design Congress for the innovative architectural design of Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Services Centre.
    • 2016 Minister’s Medal Honouring Excellence in Health Quality & Safety Program –Honour Roll
    • Ontario Community Support Association OCSA – Commitment to Leadership Award – Helen Leung

    2015

    		 Completed construction of capital project and operating from Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Services Centre.

    2014

    		 Opened another Adult Day Program in Scarborough, a total of 3 Adult Day Program Centres (2 in Scarborough and 1 in Richmond Hill).

    2013

    		 Received approval of $12 million loan from Infrastructure Ontario for construction of the Carefirst One-Stop Multi-Services Centre. Held Ground Breaking Ceremony for the building of the Centre for tomorrow.

    2012

    		 Study Tour to On Lok Lifeways, San Francisco, U.S. and adoption of the On Lok PACE Model of Care at Carefirst.

    2011

    		 Received $500,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation – Community Capital Fund towards the building of the One Stop Access Multi-Services Center in Scarborough.

    2010

    		 Approved license by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for the operation of the Carefirst Vocational Training Centre.

  • 2000’s

     

    2009

    		 Won 2009 Health Innovation Finalist Award from the Ministry of Long-Term Care for the innovative project: Chronic Kidney Disease Early Identification and Outreach Program, jointly launched with the Scarborough Regional Renal Dialysis Program.

    2007

    		 Funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for the operation of Carefirst Family Health Team (Richmond Hill site) and opened the Carefirst York Region Specialist Consultation Service Centre in Richmond Hill.

    2006

    		 Launched the Stanford Model Chronic Disease Self-Management Program.

    2005

    		 Extended services to Mississauga and was approved as a member agency of United Way of Peel Region.

    2004

    		 Achieved the first 3-year accreditation for 2004-2007 by the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation (presently known as Accreditation Canada). Launched the only Chinese Elder Abuse Helpline in Toronto.

    2002

    		 Extended services to Mississauga and was approved as a member agency of United Way of Peel Region.

    2001

    		 Collaborated with the Scarborough Hospital’s Regional Dialysis Center to pioneer the Peritoneal Dialysis Social Day Centre for the chronic renal patients at Carefirst.

    2000

    		 Launched an agency renaming campaign and adopted a new agency name as Carefirst Seniors & Community Services Association.

  • 1990’s

     

    1999

    		 Opened the York Region Community Service Center and Adult Day Care Centre in Richmond Hill; approved as a member agency of United Way of York Region.

    1997

    		 Opened the second Supportive Housing Service in Tam O’Shanter Seniors’ Apartments and started an Adult Day Service in Scarborough.

    1995

    		 Started the first Supporting Housing Services in the Alexandra Park Seniors’ Apartments at 91 Augusta Ave. in Toronto.

    1992

    		 Renames as the Chinese Seniors Support Services Association to reflect the expanding service scope and geographic coverage.

  • 1970’s and 1980’s

     

    1989

    		 Opened the Scarborough Branch Office to serve the City of Scarborough.

    1986

    		 Approved as a member of the United Way of Greater Toronto (presently known as United Way of Toronto); adopted the new agency name Toronto Chinese Seniors Home Support Services Association.

    1985

    		 Incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization.

    1980

    		 Changed to Chinese Seniors Home Support Services Association, services grew from single meals-on-wheels service to a range of home support services.

    1976

    		 Started Chinese meals-on-wheels service in Chinatown, Toronto with a $1,000 operating budget. In 1978 we founded the Chinese Meals-on-Wheels and Mutual Aid Association.