Skip to main content

About Us

Seniors Life Enhancement Centres (SLEC) is an Adult Day Program offering high quality social, recreational and health services to our clients. This offers caregivers respite during the program hours, to attend to their needs, work or even rest.

Our History

An Idea Is Born
Canon David Long, the Minister at St. Hilary’s, recognized the need for respite care as he witnessed the stress and frustrations of a neighbour struggling to cope with a husband who had Alzheimer’s Disease. At that time, there was very little support in the community of Mississauga for caregivers. A community coalition was established by members of St. Hilary’s Church and other community agencies. This coalition came to a consensus that there was a need in the community for a project designed to meet the needs of frail and cognitively impaired seniors who were “housebound” and lived within the City of Mississauga. Since St. Hilary’s provided a day program for children, Canon Long looked at the idea of providing a day program for seniors who are physically and/or memory impaired.
St. Hilary’s Day Centre
St. Hilary’s Day Centre opened its doors two days a week in the lower level of Westminster United Church at 4094 Tomken Road. The day program offered social and recreational activities for seniors who were physically and/or mentally impaired, thus providing respite care for the caregivers.
Name Change
The Centre changed its name to The Seniors Day Centre to avoid confusion with St. Hilary’s Church location. At this time due to increased demand for their services, The Seniors Day Centre began offering programs four days each week, necessitating an increase in staff. Caregiver support workshops were also initiated. The next few years were busy with plans of expansion.
Doors Open
St. Hilary’s Day Centre opened its doors two days a week in the lower level of Westminster United Church at 4094 Tomken Road. The day program offered social and recreational activities for seniors who were physically and/or mentally impaired, thus providing respite care for the caregivers of such individuals
Second Location Opens
In April 1998, a second facility opened at 2041 Cliff Road, in the Cliffway Plaza. Initially, the new Centre operated two days a week, but quickly expanded to three days in October, four days in February 1999. The initial location expanded to five days of service each week. With the opening of the second centre, The Seniors Day Centre re-incorporated and was re-named Seniors Life Enhancement Centres. In the summer of 1998, Seniors Life Enhancement Centres disassociated from St. Hilary’s Community Care Centres. The newest Centre located on Cliff Road focused on providing services for seniors with physical disabilities, while the original Centre focused on seniors with physically and/or memory impairments.
Expanded Hours Introduced
The second location expanded to five days of service each week to respond to the demand.
Hours Expanded Again
Introduced Super Saturdays and extended hours to better meet the needs of the clients and their caregivers.
Drop In Participants
Closed Saturday Program due to lack of participants.
Tomken Location Closes
The Tomken Road location closed and the services housed there moved to the Cliff Road site. New services were added including a spa service. Number of clients per day increased to 37 serving 170 clients per year.
Official Re-Opening
April 9, 2009 the official reopening of the combined programs was held, “Good beginnings grow great things”. Seniors Life Enhancement chose CARF as their Accreditation Organization and began the process. Survey date is planned for January/February 2011.
Our First CARF Accredidation

CARF surveyors were on site March 7 & 8, 2011. On April 6, 2011 Seniors Life Enhancement Centres was awarded a three year Accreditation, until March 31, 2014.

Additional Funding Awarded

November 2012 Seniors Life Enhancement Centres received funding from the MH LHIN and the Caregiver First Strategy to offer extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and services two weekends per month. We additionally received funding to offer a community bathing program.

Hours & Service Expands Again!
Extended hours opened for clients in January 2013. The bathing program began in February 2013 in partnership with Peel Senior Link. On October 1, 2013 Seniors Life Enhancement Centres relocated to 2030 Bristol Circle in Oakville, ON. The new facility provides programming to residents of Mississauga and Halton in a large, open space with floor to ceiling windows and open and inviting programming areas.
SLEC Moves Location

Seniors Life Enhancement Centres moved the alternating Saturday and Sunday programs to every Saturday to meet with program trends for demand. CARF surveyors were on site February 3rd and 4th to resurvey the programs. A second three (3) year accreditation was awarded. April 24, 2014 Seniors Life Enhancement Centres celebrated the new facility by hosting a “New Location Celebration” inviting members of the public and other agencies to tour the new location.

Social Media Launch
The organization launched their Twitter and Facebook accounts, using social media to promote activities and share information with the community, including a monthly blog feature.
Governance Re-Evaluation
As part of its governanceevaluation, the Board determined that its charitable corporate “object” was outdated and pursued a path to reset it along with a new vision, core values and mission statement. After consulting with its staff first, the Board engaged in refining and finalizing these elements.
Another CARF accreditation!
CARF surveyors were on site in February to resurvey the programs. A third three year accreditation was awarded, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to service excellence.
25th Anniversary
In February, SLEC celebrates their 25th year of service, kicking off the celebrations with a gala dinner and dance . Throughout the year clients completed 25 Good Deeds benefiting the community. SLEC participated in the Grand Parade, a national fundraising walk to raise funds for organizations who support seniors across Canada.
The Pandemic Pivot

CARF surveyors were on site in January to resurvey the programs. A fourth three (3) year accreditation was awarded, with no recommendations, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to service excellence.   

  • In March 2020 SLEC in-person services were suspended and all services were provided virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In April 2020 SLEC launched our Virtual Program Platform to support clients and caregivers throughout the course of the Pandemic.
  • From September 2020 to May 2021 SLEC distributed Activity Kits to isolated seniors in the community to help keep them active and engaged during the pandemic. 

Phased in Reopening

SLEC in person services resumed in the summer of 2021 with a limited capacity, under continued precautions due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Reopening continues in a phased approach with input from local health officials.

Virtual Day Care Services
  • In Collaboration with the Adult Day Services Committee SLEC was funded to lead a Virtual Adult Day Services Platform.
  • The Virtual Rec Connect Pilot launched in June 2022.
30th Anniversary
  • We were successful in receiving a fifth three (3) year Accreditation with CARF. We achieved exemplary conformance for our Virtual Services.
  • SLEC celebrated our 30th anniversary
Central Registry Partnership

Partnered with Central Registry and other Adult Day Service (ADS) programs in the region to create a central intake and waitlist management program for ADS Started a Drop-In pilot program (Just in Time) with Central Registry to offer individuals on the wait list service days when there are temporary spaces available.

Our Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Priorities

Our Mission
Providing caregiver respite by promoting and enriching the lives of adults with physical and/or cognitive challenges through health ans recreational services personalized to the needs of our clients and their families
Our Vision
Transforming lives through purposeful living.
Our Values

Our values guide us in our interactions with each other, clients, their families, and all other stakeholders: 
Believe: We inspire and enable people because we hold an “anything is possible” mindset
Love: We relate to each other through compassion, empathy and genuine caring
Excellence: We strive to create a dynamic, joyful, and positive environment with a focus on leading best practices, accountability and growth

Our Strategic Priorities

Client and Caregiver Satisfaction- To provide a service that is client-centred and driven with a high level of satisfaction and to maintain client independence through health and recreational services.

Safety - To provide a service which is safe.

Employee Satisfaction - To have a high-performing staff team and general employee satisfaction.

Partnership and Collaboration - To work with partners to create a seamless healthcare system for our clients and their families.

Use of Funds and Compliance - To achieve the mandates set out by the Funder and provide quality service that makes effective and efficient use of funds.

Statement of
Client Rights

Respectful and courteous treatment that respects privacy, dignity and autonomy

Input to and information about the Centres’ policies and your individual plan of service

Give feedback, express concerns or  complain without fear of reprisal

Help and encouragement while respecting and maintaining the highest degree of independence

Treatment that recognizes the ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, family, cultural, dietary and other preferences

Safe, clean, and welcoming environment

Our Team

The staff at Seniors Life Enhancement Centres consists of a supportive team of dedicated professionals who have specialized training and experience to respond with care to the unique needs of our clients and their caregivers

Employment Opportutunities
Organizational Chart

Our Volunteers

Everyday our dedicated team of volunteers contribute to the quality of life of our clients. Seniors Life Enhancement Centres enjoy the assistance of volunteers in a variety of positions including:

  • Program Assistants
  • Fundraising
  • Servery Assistants
  • Entertainers
  • Clerical Assistants
  • Board Members
  • Marketing
Volunteer Application

Our Board of Directors

Seniors Life Enhancement Centres (SLEC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1989. Our strategic priorities are:

  • Quality and Safety
  • Expansion of Clients Services
  • Partnership and Collaboration

Governance Structure
SLEC is overseen by a 10-member community volunteer Board of Directors that is elected in accordance with its bylaws.   Board members are selected based on their skills, expertise and desire to support the work of the organization.   The Board provides leadership, sets the strategic direction and priorities for SLEC.

The Board is accountable to its clients, funders, the community and donors.  It is accountable for appointing the Executive Director (ED) to achieve SLEC’s goals.  The Board oversees SLEC’s strategic direction and the performance of the ED, who in turn is responsible for implementing the strategic direction and daily operations.

Current Board of Directors:

Ray Gilbert

Board Chair

Jeffrey Shain

Treasurer

Theresa Greer

Director

Trivea Isaacs

Director

Priti Patel

Director

Judy Robinson

Secretary

Lorena Smith

Director

Barbara Stuart-Foley

Director

    Reports & Statements

    Board of Directors Application
    2024 Annual Report & Financials
    2023 Annual Report & Financials
    2022 Annual Report & Financials
    Client Bill of Rights
    Multi-Service Accountability Agreement (MSAA)
    MSAA Amending Agreement
    2021 Financials
    2021-2022 Yearbook

    Our Students

    Seniors Life Enhancement Centres accept Student placements from a variety of programs to help enrich the student learning experience. Students are accepted from affiliated, universities, colleges, high schools, and other learning institutions.

    Some programs we have hosted placements from include:

    • Activation Coordinator/Gerontology
    • Community Service Worker
    • Community Social Services Program
    • High School Co-op
    • Recreation Therapy
    • Registered Practical Nursing
    • Personal Support Worker
    • Registered Nurse
    • Social Service Worker Gerontology
    Student Placement Application

    Current partnered schools or institutions include:

    • Toronto Metropolitan University (Ryerson)
    • University of Guelph Humber
    • Humber College
    • Sheridan College
    • University of Toronto
    • Queens College
    • St Clair College

    Fundraising Initiatives

    Support us through a variety of these inititatives:

    Canada Helps

    Donations

    Your support is valued and important to further our mission in providing a nurturing and stimulating setting for our clients. You can support Seniors Life Enhancement Centres with monetary donations or gifts in kind. Tax receipts may be issued upon request for tax deductible cash or cheque donations. Tax receipts will automatically be issued for online donations made through CanadaHelps.org
    Read More

    Grand Parade

    The Grand Parade is a super-fun, family-friendly fundraising walk that celebrates and supports aging Canadians and their families across Canada.

    The money we raise with this initiative will support Seniors Life Enhancement Centres to continue providing valuable services in our community by helping the elderly and their families. SLEC will be enhancing our rate reduction program in order to serve clients who may not be able to attend the program due to financial hardship.

    Read More

    In Memory of Our Friends Donations

    In lieu of flowers upon the passing of our SLEC friends, we welcome donations by family and friends. Please contact our Executive Director, Heidi Yerxa for more information.

    Testimonials

    “SLEC has changed my mom's life. Since she started going she feels more integrated with society and she feels appreciated!”
    “SLEC is the gold standard for Adult Day Service.”
    “The staff at SLEC have been very caring and patient and interested in creating the best experience for my mom.”
    “The Day Program is a life saver for me.” - The caregiver
    “[The client] used to be alone, lonely and depressed. Nowadays she is back to herself, a happy person.”
    “You offer a wonderful caring service for clients and caregivers.”
    “Because the Bathing Program is in a salon setting, my mother feels that she is accessing a personal spa service, which makes her comfortable and happy.”

    Accreditation

    Effective February 28, 2023, Seniors Life Enhancement Centres received the status of a CARF accredited service provider for the fifth time. CARF accredited programs and services have demonstrated that they substantially meet internationally recognized standards. CARF accreditation means that you, the consumer, can be confident that our organization has made a commitment to continually enhance the quality of its services and programs, and its focus is on consumer satisfaction.  Please visit CARF Canada for more information on CARF and the accreditation process and consumer benefits.

    Land and African Ancestral Acknowledgement

    We acknowledge that SLEC is located on lands which have been the site of human activity since time immemorial. We are situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Attawandaron, Haudenosaunee, most recently the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and is home to many Indigenous Nations from across Turtle Island, including the Inuit and the Métis peoples. These lands are steeped in rich Indigenous history, culture, and contributions that have shaped and continue to enrich our community today.

    The Town of Oakville is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, specifically Treaties 14 and 22. We acknowledge and thank the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Treaty holders, for being stewards of this traditional territory. We are all Treaty people. Many of us have come here as settlers, immigrants, newcomers in this generation or generations past. We recognize those who came here involuntarily, particularly those brought to these lands as a result of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery.

    We are mindful of broken covenants and acknowledge the cultural, economic, and psychological harm done to Indigenous communities by colonial practices, discriminatory policies, and institutions. As we acknowledge these histories, we commit ourselves to truth, reconciliation, and healing. We recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and people of African descent. This commitment requires us to listen, learn, and act in solidarity with communities of Indigenous and African descent.