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Catulpa Community Support Services celebrates 50 years

Founded in 1973, the agency has a mission to improve the lives of individuals and families with special or unique needs
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Newmarket's Ward 3 Councillor Jane Twinney, director of services Vicky Schenk and communications manager Stephanie Rumball at gathering celebrating Catulpa's 50th anniversary.

An agency that has delivered transformative support to the community since the 1970s is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week.

To commemorate the milestone, Catulpa Community Support Services is hosting four celebratory events in locations across its service delivery area.

The first event took place at the Barrie Rotunda on Tuesday, followed the next day by a more intimate ceremony at the agency’s Newmarket location on Leslie Street.

Founded in 1973, Catulpa has been a beacon of hope, inclusivity, and empowerment, with a mission to improve the lives of individuals and families with special or unique needs by engaging and advocating for essential community services and supports, the agency said in a news release.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate Catulpa’s 50th anniversary and to reflect on the collective achievements of our staff, our trusted community partners, and those we have the privilege to serve,” executive director Karen Hirstwood said.

“What makes Catulpa truly exceptional is that we are not an organization defined by property or fleets of cars. Our strength lies in our human resources," Hirstwood said. 

"We are fortunate to have a remarkable team of like-minded individuals who are skilled, compassionate, and deeply committed to the work they do, along with an outstanding network of community partners who share in our vision of a future where everyone is recognized as a valuable and contributing member of their community."

Hirstwood said  Catulpa is also grateful to its funders who have believed in Catulpa’s mission and have invested in its vision.

Their support and confidence in the organization's efforts have been the lifeblood of Catulpa Community Support Services, providing the financial resources necessary to bring programs and services to life, she said.

“As an agency working collaboratively with so many integral partners, we are thankful that we are able to uphold the founding value that we, as staff, have the privilege of working with the individuals and families we serve. This sentiment has always remained at the core of what we do,” Hirstwood said.

Catulpa’s 50th anniversary events continue this week in Orillia and Collingwood.

The events are bringing together dedicated staff, representatives from the agency’s board of directors, community partners, local dignitaries, and individuals and families served by Catulpa.

More information about Catulpa Community Support Services can be found at https://catulpa.on.ca/.