For 50 years, SRCHC has grown alongside the communities it serves — responding to changing needs, building relationships, and creating spaces where people can access healthcare, connect with others, and feel a sense of belonging.
To mark this milestone, SRCHC brought together a Community Advisory Committee made up of people with diverse lived experiences and deep connections to our communities.
Their stories reflect the many ways people come to SRCHC, the programs and relationships that keep them connected, and their dreams for what SRCHC can become over the next 50 years and beyond.
Meet the community members helping us celebrate SRCHC’s past while imagining its future.
A stronger connection between SRCHC and the community, with programs that reflect the neighbourhood’s needs.
Millie Ali
Millie discovered SRCHC through word of mouth and has been part of the community for two years, participating in community programs, accessing medical care, and volunteering. She hopes SRCHC can strengthen awareness of what it offers, build greater understanding and trust within the community, and develop more programs for seniors and youth that reflect the neighbourhood’s changing demographics and needs.Elton Campbell
Elton discovered SRCHC soon after moving to East York in 2025 and quickly became involved in community life. He volunteers with the Harmony Hall kitchen and community meal programs and the Harmony Community Food Market. Looking ahead, Elton hopes SRCHC can expand its community programs, welcome even more participants, and create opportunities for youth and seniors to learn from one another — including youth helping seniors build their computer skills.A more connected community, where generations learn from one another.
A vibrant community where seniors and young people have opportunities to connect, contribute, and thrive.
Maria Carrillos
Maria’s relationship with SRCHC stretches back to its Pape Avenue days and has included both personal and professional connections. After retiring in 2010, Maria returned to SRCHC to find opportunities for seniors to stay active and engaged, becoming involved in the Seniors Wellness Group, Ukulele Group, Tai Chi, and Plain Language Group. SRCHC also played an important role in identifying a serious health concern when Maria sought medical care. Looking to the future, Maria hopes SRCHC offers more programs for both seniors and young people, is supported by more volunteers, and continues to build the strong sense of community that has made such a difference over the years.Lea Elcombe
Lea has been part of the SRCHC community for nine years, first coming through a recommendation from her mother. Her connection has included chiropractic rehabilitation, Tai Chi, the Seniors’ program, and facilitating the Plain Language Group. Lea hopes SRCHC continues to be shaped by community needs and grows into an even stronger community healthcare hub that supports the whole person, whatever their needs may be.A community health hub that cares for the whole person.
A future where hepatitis is eliminated — and no one has to face it alone.
Derek McColgan
Derek first came to SRCHC after being diagnosed with hepatitis C and joining a peer support group. What began as a frightening and uncertain experience became a source of treatment, friendship, hope, and belonging. After completing treatment, Derek remained connected through aftercare and peer support. Looking ahead, Derek hopes SRCHC continues to grow its work with under-represented communities around hepatitis testing and treatment, helping make the elimination of hepatitis C a public health reality.Razia Rashed
Razia’s connection with SRCHC began in 2007 and has grown into a more than 20-year, multigenerational relationship involving her parents, parents-in-law, husband, and children. Beyond her family’s experiences with SRCHC’s programs and services, Razia has worked alongside SRCHC staff on community events, outreach, and initiatives responding to local needs. Razia hopes SRCHC remains a welcoming and trusted place where people of all ages, backgrounds, languages, incomes, and circumstances feel heard and supported — and where future generations can continue to experience SRCHC as a true community partner.A trusted community partner that listens, grows and is there through every stage of life.
More people discovering that self-management can build both confidence and community.
Jasmin Simpson
Jasmin began volunteering with SRCHC around 2016 or 2017 after finding a Chronic Pain Peer Leader opportunity that connected with her own experience. Since then, she has facilitated programs including Chronic Disease and Chronic Pain Self-Management, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, the Chronic Disease and Chronic Pain Toolkit, and co-created the social prescribing program Choose Health. Jasmin hopes SRCHC’s self-management programs reach many more people, particularly those from marginalized communities, because they offer not only practical skills but also welcoming spaces to build relationships and reduce social isolation.Amanda Spanish
Amanda first connected with SRCHC around 2012 and found support from community health workers who helped her access healthcare. Over nearly 15 years, SRCHC has remained a safe and supportive place for Amanda and her family, including through women’s breakfasts and drop-in programs that helped foster connection and belonging. A passionate beadwork artist, Amanda sees beading as a source of focus, healing and connection to her culture, and was proud to share her work at SRCHC’s Truth and Reconciliation event. She hopes SRCHC continues creating safe spaces where people — including Indigenous community members — can connect with culture, traditional supports, and one another.Safe, welcoming spaces where people can heal, connect, and be rooted in culture.
Stronger, more empowered communities where everyone can stay connected and thrive.
Rahat Zaman
Rahat came to Canada in 2012 and soon found a community connection through SRCHC’s Seniors Program in Crescent Town. For nearly 14 years, she has been an active participant, serving three terms on the Program Advisory Council and volunteering with the Bengali Seniors Program. Rahat hopes SRCHC continues expanding programs and services that empower newcomers and seniors and help community members access the resources they need, from healthcare services to housing supports.
