About Us

Empower Simcoe, formerly known as Simcoe Community Services, is a charitable, non-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The agency was established in 1953 by parents wishing to offer their children with intellectual disabilities an alternative to institutional placement. Presently, the agency operates a Preschool Services Division, a Community Living Division as well as Regional Housing Support Services.

The Empower Simcoe Foundation was established in 1998. The Foundation raises funds for programs and services offered by Empower Simcoe where regular funding sources do not exist.

Empower Simcoe is a multi-service agency that provides a wide range of programs & services to pre-school children and their families including the EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Barrie, Innisfil and Bradford. The agency also supports children, teens and adults who have an intellectual disability and believes that everyone can contribute to their community.

Services are offered in Barrie, Orillia, Bradford and surrounding townships. Infant programs are offered county-wide.

Empower Simcoe employs over 550 full-time and part-time staff making it one of the larger employers in Simcoe County. There are six administration sites and 41 residential sites.