Corbrook Awakening Abilities and Community Living Toronto are not for profit, charitable organizations dedicated to offering vital support and assistance to adults and youth with developmental disabilities in the Toronto and York Region. Recognizing the impact and success of their collaborative efforts, they have now embarked on a ground-breaking venture together – a social enterprise known as AthariPeople – Global Workforce Solutions (AP).
The inspiration behind the creation of AGWS is twofold.
Firstly, it stems from the passionate desire to extend their support beyond borders and make a meaningful impact in the broader international community. By leveraging their expertise and experience, they aim to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities worldwide and foster a more inclusive society on a global scale.
Secondly, AP seeks to address the pressing issue of the growing labour shortage of Developmental Service Workers in Canada. The need for skilled professionals in this field has never been more critical, and AGWS aims to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive solutions that cater to the demands of both local and international markets.
Through AP, these visionary organizations are combining their resources, knowledge, and networks to create a social enterprise that serves individuals with developmental disabilities while simultaneously tackling a significant challenge faced within the Canadian workforce. Together their efforts will bring positive outcomes, benefiting not only the individuals they directly support but also the communities they touch both at home and abroad. AP is poised to make a profound and lasting difference, exemplifying collaboration, compassion, and social responsibility.
Meet the leaders
Brad Saunders
Chief Executive Officer of Community Living Toronto (CLTO)
Brad Saunders was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Community Living Toronto (CLTO) in November of 2015, after joining the organization in September 2011 as a Regional Executive Director. Brad’s vision and innovation has streamlined CLTO’s supports and services, most recently with the organization’s redesign into three service streams: Supported Living, Community Participation Supports & Respite, and Specialized Services.
Community Living Toronto is a non-profit charitable organization that supports more than 3,600 individuals with an intellectual disability each year through the work and dedication of over 1,300 staff,180 volunteers, and 1,000 members. Brad brings a commitment to community and inclusion, as well as a passion for trying new ideas to create meaningful change.
Brad started his journey in social services when he got a BA in Psychology from York University. Prior to joining CLTO, Brad worked with the Ontario Public Service with the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Bob Rumball Association for the Deaf. Brad was a foster parent for Deaf adolescents
for 7 years.
Brad has held several volunteer positions, including terms on the board of the Halton Children’s Aid Society, and Job Opportunities Information Network (JOIN). He is the current President of OASIS, a provincial organization representing 190 developmental services organizations.
Deepak Soni
Chief Executive Officer of Corbrook Awakening Abilities
Deepak has worked with people with disabilities for 25 years utilizing his skills in the areas of program development, implementation and management.
He started his career in international development but later changed his focus to working and supporting people with disabilities in Canada. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Corbrook Awakening Abilities, where he is passionate about delivering outcome-focused services for people with developmental disabilities. He is also Business Lead of Out of the Box Packaging Inc. (OOTB). Through
his leadership, Deepak has been integral in developing innovative and meaningful programs that are delivered using a person-centered approach.
He is a resourceful and creative leader who brings a strong business focus and methodology to managing not for profit organizations. Under his tutelage, Corbrook has been able to diversify and broaden its funding base by building on Fee for Service options as well as creating successful social enterprises (packaging and selling spices, co-packaging food, produce, home, hardware and gift
merchandise). This diversification has reduced Corbrook’s dependence on the provincial government as its sole funder.
Deepak has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from York University and a Masters Degree in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton.