Empower Simcoe

Empower Simcoe is proud to be one of the many local non‑profit organizations supported through the Barrie Firefighters Boot Drive. Your generosity helps strengthen our community in meaningful ways. Thank you, Barrie Fire Fighters, for your dedication, and commitment to our community.

We’re counting down - under two weeks until the 2026 Empower Simcoe Foundation Golf Tournament at Hawk Ridge Golf and Country Club.

Our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing presenting sponsor New Phase Staffing, and our generous Birdie Sponsors: Barrie Firefighters Community Projects, VOX Mental Health, Cowan Insurance Group, Drury Well Drilling, Special Needs Planning with Spectrum Financial Strategies Inc, and WolfeCorp.

Don’t miss your chance to join us for a fun and meaningful day of golf in support of programs and services for people of all abilities in our community.

Secure your foursome today at https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/foundation/golf-tournament/

Early in 2024, Michael expressed a desire to deepen his faith and attend church regularly. Empower Simcoe Support Worker Gagan Gill recognized the importance of this goal and supported Michael in building a meaningful spiritual routine.

As they attended church together, Gagan asked if Michael wanted to learn more about his faith. Michael’s enthusiasm sparked a shared journey - one that now includes both Christian services and visits to Gagan’s Sikh temple.

Their experience highlights the strength of community, the value of understanding different beliefs, and the power of unity. In a time when division is common, Michael and Gagan demonstrate that acceptance and compassion bring people together.

24K magic in the air! Brandon and Empower Simcoe Support Worker Uzorchi are concert ready for Bruno Mars to hit the stage at Rogers Stadium! How cool was this show?!

A heartfelt thank‑you to the May Court Club of Barrie for their generous donation, gratefully accepted by Empower Simcoe Supports and Services Manager Michele Kapteyn. This gift will make a meaningful impact by supporting our Summer Campership Program for children and youth of all abilities. Thank you, May Court Club of Barrie, for helping make this summer unforgettable for the children and families we support!

Pictured (l–r): Lenore Hamley, May Court Club RRC Convenor; Empower Simcoe’s Michele Kapteyn; and Val Carson, President, May Court Club of Barrie.

An absolutely perfect day for Dave and Ed to visit Barrie's beautiful waterfront. Does it feel like summer is just around the corner? Looking good, guys!

Congratulations to Debbie Osborn, Employment Support Services Coordinator at Empower Simcoe, on an outstanding 35 years of dedicated service!

Debbie began her journey with Empower Simcoe as a student mediator, providing one-on-one support to children with special needs. From her beginnings in our Community Support Services program to her many years as an Employment Support Services Coordinator, Debbie has remained deeply committed to helping people lead meaningful and inclusive lives.

"My greatest joy is witnessing someone’s employment journey unfold - especially someone who has struggled to find work,” says Debbie. “Seeing them secure a job, gain independence, and truly enjoy what they do is incredibly rewarding. Watching people achieve those important life goals is what makes the work so meaningful.”

Debbie, your compassion, commitment, and dedication has impacted countless lives. Thank you for 35 years of inspiring service and for making such a meaningful difference in our community!

A big thank you to Seneca Polytechnic for hosting their Summer 2026 Career Fair! 🎉

We loved connecting with students and faculty, answering questions, and sharing information about all the meaningful opportunities available at Empower Simcoe.

Shoutout to the amazing team at Seneca Polytechnic for putting together such a welcoming event! Thank you for having us! 🙌

Join us in celebrating National AccessAbility Week from May 31 to June 6! This year's theme is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada". Let's continue to work together to build a country where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html