19 GHP Mental Health Awards 2025 a trusted, board-certified behavioural therapist and a music therapist, as well as increased staffing to further enrich the diversity of our collective experience to best support clients.” In fact, it is an acute awareness of the state of the developmental and elder care sectors today – and a desire to improve them – that has resulted in Solicitude Support Services announcing its new Extended Care Support Services, with these being designed to further support the needs of those accessing these services in its home of Simcoe County, Ontario. More details on this initiative, which is set to run alongside a like-minded pledge to support the community’s increasing homeless population, are set to be released shortly. “Throughout 2024, we saw an explosion in our community’s homeless population, with the development of multiple ‘tent cities’ within our own city”, said Janet. “With the combination of a mental health crisis and economic crisis increasing these numbers exponentially, we have been doing our part to contribute in a meaningful way. Our homes, both residents and staff alike, have been creating healthy, nutritional meals to deliver to those who are in tremendous need of a hot meal to combat the bitter cold of our winters outside.” Ultimately, this initiative, as well as all of the services delivered by this team across Simcoe County, reflects the ambition of Solicitude Support Services, Inc. to benefit all in these trying times. In closing, Janet poignantly stated: “Mental health challenges not only exist; they are growing more prevalent from one year to the next. It’s time to look beyond stigma, beyond ‘labels’, and validate without judgement, so that hope once again becomes a possibility.” Contact: Janet Kelly Company: Solicitude Support Services, Inc. Because identity and worth transcend labels and are found deep under the surface in a person’s soul and character, Solicitude Support Services strives to give those without a voice a chance to be heard, ensuring their diverse health and wellbeing needs are not only listened to but understood by those around them. Solicitude Support Services embraces the importance of living in a home-like setting – a space where they are valued as individuals, given the freedom to make informed choices, and cared for by a kind-hearted team who respects them providing them with the resources they require to support them and their unique needs. “At Solicitude Support Services, we believe with all our heart and soul that ALL lives have meaning.” The commitment Solicitude Support Services has to making sure the differently abled are afforded all the resources they need for their circumstances is embodied through Janet Kelly herself, with her two decades of experience working with developmentally challenged adults and children alike underpinning the company’s holistic ethos. Moreover, given her previous collaborations with the likes of the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services, Janet is well versed in sourcing the right support from the right providers. Joining Janet on this noble mission is Solicitude Support Services’ impressive team, with their combined expertise spanning everything from autism spectrum disorders and ADHD to OCD, schizophrenia, Fragile X syndrome, and foetal alcohol syndrome. Janet told us: “I believe the quality of our team and our unparalleled commitment to the Solicitude philosophy not only enable us to succeed, but help us to thrive and excel, all while raising the bar with respect to the support, care, dignity, and respect of those individuals entrusted to us.” Touching on the philosophy mentioned above, Janet indicates that Solicitude Support Services’ strong foundation is built on a vital “good fit” tenet thus paving a path to success across its homes. Essentially, this sees individuals matched based on interests, routine, activity levels, and other such criteria. It is a consistent approach such as this that has led to an increased sense of empathy among peers, blossoming friendships, and a more cohesive group dynamic. On its journey to achieving this ambitious goal, the company has encountered an abundance of challenges, largely around a lack of psychiatric care. Some organisations may have been put off by this, but not Solicitude Support Services, which has continued to adapt. As Janet then explained: “We have further utilised the services of Solicitude Support Services, Inc. was established more than eight years ago in Barrie, Ontario, by Janet Kelly. Recognising the need for enhanced support services to see that the needs of differently abled individuals and their families are taken care of within the local community, the company has scaled impressive heights and is today changing the face of developmental care across Canada. On the back of these awards, we caught up with Janet to learn more about her organisation’s great work. Homelessness Support Champions of the Year 2025 – Canada & GHP News Mental Health Care & Compassion Excellence Award 2025 Solicitude Support Services, Inc.
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