CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES

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DSO SERVICES

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PASSPORT
FUNDING PROGRAM

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Our Commitment to Diversity and Anti-Racism

Contact Hamilton welcomes you. Here, you are safe. We will listen and learn from you.

We promise you respect and understanding.

We know that many people we work with experience ongoing injustices.

We are actively learning about racism and the ways it impacts people.

We value when you let us know how we are doing.

Contact Hamilton Board of Directors Statement Regarding Anti-Racism / Déclaration du Conseil d'administration sur la lutte contre le racisme

Child and Youth Services System Committee Statement Regarding Anti-Black Racism

EDI Policy Statement for Consumers and Stakeholders OC-00-53, 2024-09-04/ French version coming soon (version française à venir)!

Consumer and Stakeholder Code of Conduct OC-00-22a, 2024-08-22/ French version coming soon (version française à venir)!

About Us

Contact Hamilton for Children’s and Developmental Services administers 3 programs:

Children and Youth Services
Developmental Services Ontario Hamilton Niagara Region (DSO HNR)
Passport Funding Program, Hamilton-Niagara

Children and Youth Services

Our Children and Youth Services program helps children, youth, and their caregivers in the following ways:

Connect to the FASD and/or developmental services that they need. (Access Program)
We help children and youth aged birth to school exit who have multiple and complex needs, and their caregivers, coordinate their multiple services. (Coordinated Service Planning)
We help families of children and youth with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder) or possible FASD access services in the community. We work closely with the Hamilton FASD Collaborative, and help families get connected to the services that they provide: case conferencing, training/education, and caregiver support. (FASD Service)

DSO HNR Services

Our DSO HNR program helps people aged 16+ years with a developmental disability looking for adult developmental services, in the following ways:

We confirm a person’s eligibility for adult developmental services that are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
We help eligible people apply for adult developmental services by completing the provincial Developmental Services application
For people aged 18+ years, we make referrals to adult developmental services

For more information, please visit www.dsontario.ca

Passport Funding Program, Hamilton-Niagara

Our Passport Funding Program provides funding to adults with a confirmed developmental disability for community participation supports, respite and skill development. Referrals come through the DSO. If you are interested in applying for Passport funding, please connect with the DSO.

Vision, Mission, and Service Principles and Values

Our Vision
Thriving children and youth, empowered adults, strong families, inclusive communities.

Our Mission
To enhance quality of life by providing access to information and available services and supports

Service Principles and Values
Contact Hamilton is a values and principles-based organization and strives to adhere to these through its work and conduct.

To this end, Contact Hamilton’s central I.D.E.A. is:

Integrity
Contact Hamilton board, staff and volunteers will be trustworthy, honest, responsible and will treat people with dignity and respect

Diversity
Contact Hamilton board, staff and volunteers will be inclusive, fair, equitable, welcoming and provide a safe place to request and receive service

Empathy
Contact Hamilton board, staff and volunteers will act with compassion, patience and will provide support and guidance

Accountability
Contact Hamilton board, staff and volunteers will be transparent, responsive and strive for service excellence

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Board of Directors

Jaime Slack

Chair

Jaime was born and raised in Hamilton. In 2018, she completed a BA Honours Specialization in Psychology and Minor in Criminal Justice from the University of Western Ontario. She attended the Brescia campus which is Canada’s only all female University, and is a proud Alumni. Jaime currently works for BGC Hamilton-Halton as Director of Programs. Jaime has a passion for creating equitable programs for all ages that break down barriers, provide opportunity and create safe and inclusive environments for all. Jaime is a true believer that opportunity changes everything!

Kudzanai Chasosa

Vice-Chair

Kudzie lives in Hamilton and works as a Service Delivery Manager for a software company. He has lived and worked in Zimbabwe, the United States of America and Canada.
Kudzie has over 20 years’ experience in Accounting and Finance, spanning over different industries from non-profit, financial services, consultancy and tech. He has a Masters degree in Professional Accountancy from Indiana University, USA and several accounting certifications from Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Kudzie is committed to offering his knowledge, expertise and passion to his community.

Daniel Jovanic

Director

Daniel was born & raised in Hamilton, now residing in Niagara region. His volunteer history has involved social services and economic empowerment in the Hamilton area. Through different organizations he has focused on youth diversion and lifestyle intervention. He is a Mohawk College graduate in the electrical engineering discipline with a combined experience of industrial sales and wholesale distribution leadership. Daniel's strong affinity for supporting his community and providing equitable outcomes drives his passion for promoting operational excellence in the community organizations that serve us.

Surbhi Batra

Director

Surbhi lives in Hamilton and works as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Surbhi has over 10 years of experience in Human Resources. Surbhi believes that everyone has a purpose in life and her purpose is to support the community. Surbhi has over 20 years of experience in supporting various not-for-profit organizations. Her first volunteering experience was teaching under-privileged kids when she was 12 years old. Since then, she knew that she would continue to make a difference in their lives. She is passionate towards working for the overall development of kids and youth of the society as
they are the future. She is committed to providing her time and expertise and is dedicated to bringing a positive change.

Dino Di Marcantonio

Director

Dino lives in the Niagara region and works as Director of Logistics & DC Operations for a National retailer. He has over three decades of retail and food experience and has sat on six not for profit boards and committees. He is passionate about helping and improving access to youth in his community. He has an B Sc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario.

Roop Grewal

Director

Raised in Hamilton. His professional journey includes roles at CAAT Pension Plan and LAWPRO, where he served as a Senior Business Development Specialist and TitlePLUS Sales Consultant. His responsibilities involved nurturing B2B relationships, generating leads, and providing strategic
insights for growth. Furthermore, his involvement with LAWPRO's Pension Committee reinforced his dedication to sound governance practices. His financial sector experience spans positions at RBC and TD Waterhouse, where he focused on securities borrowing, lending, and managing market risk. Beyond his professional life, he’s actively engaged in coaching youth basketball within our city. He holds a Master's degree in Finance from Queen's University, a Bachelor's degree in Economics from McMaster University, and the CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) designation. Roop is committed to assisting Contact Hamilton in fulfilling its vital role in our community.

Gloria Huh

Director

Gloria lives and works in Hamilton. She has practiced as a lawyer in the criminal justice system for the last 9 years and has seen how access to mental health services and the justice system can overlap. While knowing there are no easy answers, Gloria is thankful for the opportunity to work towards greater access to meaningful mental health supports with Contact Hamilton.

Antarjot Kaur

Director

Antarjot Kaur is a dedicated Hamilton resident with over 13 years of experience as a Software Product Manager and consultant, working with leading multinational companies and firms. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s in Technology in Computer Science and Engineering, and a Diploma in Tourism Studies. Antarjot’s extensive international travels have enriched her with a deep multicultural understanding and the lived experience of adapting to diverse cultures, aligning well with Contact Hamilton's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

As a multilingual professional fluent in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, Antarjot brings a unique perspective to her work and volunteerism, fostering connections across diverse communities. Her commitment to public service is deep-rooted, having started volunteering in high school, and continues through her active involvement in causes centered on development, social justice, and policy advocacy. Antarjot has held advisory roles in nonprofits and is actively engaged in shaping policy issues in Canada, bringing her unique blend of lived experience, cultural competence, and professional expertise. Antarjot’s advisory roles in nonprofits and active engagement in Canadian policy issues reflect her alignment with Contact Hamilton’s values of collaboration, integrity, diversity and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those serv

Chassis Meier

Director

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, with an educational background in Social Service Work, Chassis has dedicated the majority of her time in social services engaging in front line support with Hamilton community members experiencing addictions, homelessness, and/or mental and physical health disabilities in locating and securing adequate, affordable, and appropriate housing, and connecting individuals with additional external service supports for greater long-term success and housing outcomes. Chassis has a passion for prevention and early intervention focused social service practices working with social support systems to assist local youth and their families in creating best success for transitions into adulthood.

Jeannie Sherry

Director

Jeannie is a Mohawk from the Turtle Clan and grew up on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. With nearly 20 years of experience and education, Jeannie has dedicated herself to assisting families within her community who are often at their most vulnerable. a passion for empathetic social
service delivery started and continues through continually accountability. Jeannie brings her experience working on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory as a frontline child protection worker since 2010, having served agency as acting team lead. Jeannie is proud of her heritage and
traditions and hopes to offer cultural teachings in aiming to bridge the gap in diversity. It is with a grateful heart I accept this role and look forward to collaborating with the board and community of Hamilton.

Christina Smith

Director

Christina was born and raised in the Niagara Region and currently resides in Fort Erie. She has over 20 years of experience in social services, specializing in children’s mental health, dual diagnosis, and the adult developmental sector. Her career encompasses roles in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including 15 years in management, where she led teams and developed programs. Christina is a dedicated community member, having served on the board of Young Caregivers Association and as an RPAC committee member at Contact Niagara. She currently volunteers as a Public Educator and peer supporter with the Fort Erie Fire Department and is excited about the opportunity to serve on the board.

Lusine Unanyan

Director

Lusine lives in Hamilton. She has undergraduate degrees in political science and social work from McMaster University and a Master's degree in social work from the University of Windsor. Lusine has worked in diverse roles in areas like child welfare, support services for victims and witnesses of crime, anti-human trafficking, family court and child custody assessments, and the Canadian refugee system. She is looking forward to contributing her knowledge and experience to Contact Hamilton's mission and work in the community.

Emily Van Looyen

Director

Emily lives in Hamilton and for the past five years has been a lawyer practicing exclusively in the areas of family law and child protection law. She loves exploring the Hamilton community with her partner and young son. Emily looks forward to working with the Board. She is committed to ensuring that children, youth and families receive the supports needed to thrive.

Mary Zawadzki

Director

Mary lives in Hamilton and works in the Health Care industry as a Manager of Community Programs and Resources with a focus on melanoma and skin cancer. Mary has 10 years experience in the not for profit sector. Throughout her social support practice she engages in counselling clients at various stages of their healing journeys from a trauma informed lens.

Contact Hamilton is governed by a voluntary board of directors, operating under a policy governance model. Board meetings occur monthly and are open to the public to observe.

For further information about the meeting dates or to enquire about attending a meeting, please call Dayna Setzkorn at 905-522-3304 ext. 229 or 1-877-376-4674 ext 229 or e-mail dayna.setzkorn@contacthamilton.ca.

If you are interested in becoming a board member, please open (English / Français) for more information and then complete the application package.

Board Strategic Priorities

In 2017 and 2018, the Board of Directors undertook a review of the organization's Vision, Mission and Service Values and Principles. To support this process, they engaged stakeholders (consumers, families, staff, agency partners and funders). Revisions were made to the Vision, Mission and Service Principles and new Board Priorities were identified.

Governance Priorities

To be a well informed Board
To be a well governed Board
To be a collaborative Board

Last Revised July 25th, 2024