Participation House

What Participation House does

Participation House Markham (PHM) is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1972 that provides residential and community-based services for adults with physical and developmental disabilities in York Region, Ontario. The organization operates three group homes offering 24-hour skilled nursing and Personal Support Worker (PSW) support, and four assisted living rental locations where residents receive daily care assistance and Life Skills Coordinator support. Beyond housing, PHM delivers Adult Day Services (arts, pool therapy, recreation, community outings), an Adult Literacy Program covering numeracy, literacy, communication, and life skills, and an accessible Transportation Service for individuals with mobility challenges in York Region, priced at $30 per one-way trip.

PHM's revenue model is funded primarily through the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) via the Passport Program, with residents accessed through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) as the regulated gateway. Supplemental revenue comes from charitable donations processed through CanadaHelps and modest fee-for-service transportation income. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operates as a Broader Public Sector (BPS) entity under the Public Sector Accountability Act 2010, with Charitable Registration #118848738 RR0001. In November 2025, Ross Ste-Croix was appointed Executive Director following a three-year interim period.

The organization serves more than 100 adults across its seven locations and is recognized as one of Canada's top organizations in residential and day services for adults with disabilities. Its go-to-market is community-led: referrals are routed through DSO and MCCSS, while donor engagement, volunteer recruitment, and annual events such as the Run for the Residents drive fundraising. Technology is not a material component of the service delivery model, with care delivered through skilled human labor rather than software or automation platforms.

Name

Participation House

Legal name

Participation House Markham

Website

https://participationhouse.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Participation House Markham is a registered Canadian charity providing residential, assisted living, day services, literacy, and accessible transportation for 100+ adults with disabilities across York Region, Ontario.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Developmental Disability Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (623210), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Other Residential Care Facilities (623990)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK)

Keywords

• Disability residential services
• Assisted living support
• Adult day programs
• Accessible transportation services
• Specialized nursing care

Headquarters

HQ city

Markham

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Charitable Donations: PHM is a registered charity (Charitable Registration #118848738 RR0001) that accepts online donations through CanadaHelps. The organization relies on community donations and fundraising events such as the annual Run for the Residents to support operations.
2. Government Funding: PHM receives funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through the Passport Program, which provides funding for adults with developmental disabilities. The organization also works with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) and the Central Local Health Integration Network.
3. Transportation Service Fees: PHM operates a transportation service at $30/trip (one-way) for individuals with disabilities in York Region. This generates modest revenue to supplement accessible transportation services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Participation House Markham operates as a registered charity providing residential and community services for adults with physical and developmental disabilities in York Region, Ontario. The organization runs three group homes with 24-hour skilled nursing and Personal Support Worker (PSW) support, four assisted living rental locations, adult day services, an adult literacy program (with virtual learning since 2020), and an accessible transportation service at $30 per one-way trip. Funding comes from Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, charitable donations, and modest service fees.

Product overview

Participation House Markham operates as a registered charity providing a comprehensive suite of residential and community services for adults with physical and developmental disabilities in York Region. The organization offers three core service pillars: Residential Services (comprising Group Home Living with 24-hour skilled nursing support and Assisted Living in four rental locations), Adult Day Services (providing engaging activities including arts, therapy, and community outings), and Adult Literacy/ skills programs. Additional services include a Transportation Service for accessible mobility and support with the Ontario Passport Program. The organization serves more than 100 adults across three group homes and four assisted living locations, all focused on individualized care, community involvement, and respect for human dignity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Residential Services - Group Home Living Group homes offering a caring environment with 24-hour support from skilled nursing staff and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) for adults with physical and developmental disabilities across three group home locations in York Region.
• Residential Services - Assisted Living Support for independent living with assistance in four rental buildings, including PSW assistance with daily care and a Life Skills Coordinator providing support with budgeting, meal planning, and accessing community resources.
• Adult Day Services Engaging activities for residents of group and assisted living homes as well as community members, including arts and crafts, pool therapy, recreational activities, gym programs, games, live entertainment, music activities, and community outings.
• Adult Literacy Program Educational program helping students enhance numeracy, literacy, communication, computer skills, job skills, independent living skills, world knowledge, and socialization skills. Virtual learning has been offered since 2020.
• Accessible Transportation Service Accessible transportation service for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges in York Region, provided by certified PSW drivers trained in safely securing and transporting individuals with disabilities. Priced at $30 per one-way trip.
• Passport Program Coordination Coordination of the Ontario government-funded Passport Program supporting adults 18+ with developmental disabilities to engage in their communities and build skills for independent living, providing funding for community classes, work skills, support workers, and caregiver respite.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 100+ adults with disabilities across 7 locations in York Region

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Big Yellow BagminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2026PHM partnership announced for 2026 gardening season - Big Yellow Bag will provide gardening materials/support for PHM residents and community programs.
• Pest B Gone Inc.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 October 2025Title Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDSO is the gateway to adult developmental services funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. PHM works with DSO to help individuals access MCCSS-funded supports and services.
• Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHM receives government funding through MCCSS for services supporting adults with developmental disabilities. PHM also complies with Broader Public Sector Accountability Act requirements.
• Central Local Health Integration Network (Central LHIN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPHM is part of a network of services supporting individuals and families in the Central LHIN region of Ontario.
• Respite ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing respite services information and resources for families of individuals with disabilities.
• PooranLawminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegal partner providing events and resources for the disability services community.
• Services de l'Ontario pour les personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle (SOPDI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench-language partner organization for intellectual disability services in Ontario.
• Nemeth Financial ServicesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRefreshments Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Benefits DivisionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRefreshments Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Samfiru Tumarkin LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSwag Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• MotionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEntertainment Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• GallagherminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Markham Property ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• CareRxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Nestico Architect Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• BDO Canada LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Barb Gosse, The Osborne GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• geekspeak CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• guardliiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Rouge River Brewing CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCheckpoint Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Made 2 Measure SignworksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn-Kind Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• GoodLife FitnessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn-Kind Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
• Markham Sunrise Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIn-Kind Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Vita Community Living Services: Vita is a Toronto-area nonprofit providing residential, day, and community-based services for adults with developmental disabilities. Comparable in service model and Ontario government funding structure to PHM.
• Ongwanada: Ongwanada is a Kingston-based nonprofit providing residential, clinical, and community services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Comparable in service scope, mission, and Ontario government funding model.
• Community Living York South: Community Living York South supports individuals with intellectual disabilities in the same York Region geography as PHM through residential, employment, and family support services. A direct local peer with overlapping customer base and funding sources.
• Kerry's Place Autism Services: Kerry's Place is one of Ontario's largest autism services charities, operating residential homes, day programs, and community participation services across the province. Closely comparable to PHM in service mix and Passport Program funding model.
• Reena: Reena is a registered charity providing residential, day program, and community support services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the Greater Toronto Area, including York Region. Directly comparable to PHM in mission, service model, and government funding streams.
• Bethesda: Bethesda is a long-standing Ontario nonprofit offering residential care, life skills programs, and community support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Directly comparable in service offering and charitable/government funding mix.
• Community Living Toronto: Large Toronto-area nonprofit providing housing, day services, and community participation for adults with developmental disabilities. Closely comparable in service model and Ontario government funding streams.
• Christian Horizons (Lifeserves): Christian Horizons (now operating as Lifeserves) operates residential and community support services for people with developmental disabilities across Ontario. Closely comparable in scale, service model, and Passport Program funding.
• Participation House Brant: Sister organization under the broader Participation House network serving adults with physical and developmental disabilities in Brant, Ontario. Highly comparable in service model, mission, and funding structure.

Broad incumbents

• Community Living Ontario: Provincial federation supporting a network of 100+ local Community Living agencies across Ontario that serve people with intellectual disabilities. A broader incumbent that touches PHM's operating model and supports its advocacy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ParticipationHouse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/participation-house-markham

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Participation House