UniversalCare Canada Inc. invests in the future of mental health care in York Region

Newmarket, ON – Yesterday, UniversalCare Canada Inc. made a significant investment of $50,000 to support the York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre (The Centre). The Centre's goal is to provide a community solution for crisis care, with a mission to ensure that someone's first mental health crisis is their last. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) – York Region South Simcoe is collaborating with people with lived and living experience, family members, and diverse communities—including donors invested in The Centre’s mission—throughout the design and delivery process.

Joseph Gulizia, President & CEO of UniversalCare Canada Inc. says, “Supporting York Region Mental Health Community Care Centre was a natural extension of our values at UniversalCare. We believe that timely, compassionate crisis intervention can change the entire course of someone’s life. By helping ensure that a first mental health crisis can also be the last, we’re investing in dignity, healing, and hope for our entire community.”

The Centre, set to open in 2027, will be more than a building—it’s a place where individuals will be able to receive mental health and addictions care with dignity and respect. It will be open 24/7 for walk-ins or referrals for individuals ages 12 plus. Most importantly, it will eliminate the harmful cycle of navigating a fragmented system by delivering immediate, compassionate care under one roof and supporting connections in the community.  

“We’re grateful for this donation from UniversalCare. When speaking to Joseph, his unwavering commitment to people is evident. UniversalCare designs services for people and there are so many lessons we can learn from their fifteen years of providing care to seniors in our community,” said Rebecca Shields, CEO of CMHA York Region South Simcoe. “Thanks to their generous gift and partnership, The Centre will be better equipped to support our community with mental health and/or addictions challenges, including the many seniors who require care for mental illness or face mental health crises.”  

Once open, UniversalCare will have the honour of naming the nursing room and the meeting/consult room for inpatients in The Centre.

For more information about The Centre and to stay up to date on its progress, visit https://www.thecentre-yr.ca/.

About UniversalCare Canada Inc.

Founded in 2010 by Joseph Gulizia, UniversalCare Canada Inc. was created with a vision to transform senior care in Ontario. From the opening of its first residence, the organization has grown steadily, now operating 29 residences and caring for over 1,500 residents across the province.

UniversalCare brings deep expertise in managing Long-Term Care (LTC) and Retirement Homes, offering a range of specialized services including Interim LTC beds, Transitional Care Units, Hemodialysis LTC beds (a unique offering in Ontario), and Memory Care Units.

Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and subject matter experts, UniversalCare truly goes Beyond Care, providing both management and clinical consulting services designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of healthcare facilities. The organization works closely with government agencies, partners, and stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of care and services delivered to residents.

Demonstrating its commitment to excellence in resident care, UniversalCare partnered with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and, in September 2021, became the first-ever Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) Host in the world dedicated to the Long-Term Care Specialty.

About Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established, most extensive community mental health federation in Canada. Through a presence in more than 330 communities across every province and the Yukon, CMHA provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.

CMHA York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) is one of the fastest-growing branches of CMHA, supporting over 22,000 individuals last year alone. CMHA-YRSS' mission is to deliver quality mental health and addictions services that promote recovery and health, and end stigma. With more than 30 programs across the region, the organization is a leader in health care delivery and an active partner in research. Learn more at www.cmha-yr.on.ca.

‍

-30-

Media contact:
Ketzia Barron
Communications Advisor
Canadian Mental Health Association York Region South Simcoe
Kbarron@cmha-yr.on.ca  

‍