Participation House
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersMarkham, Canada
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
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.
Participation House firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Participation House industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Participation House is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Markham
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices9 records
Markets served
Participation House business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Transportation Service |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
Participation House product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Participation House
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Participation House technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Participation House partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Big Yellow BagminorPHM partnership announced for 2026 gardening season - Big Yellow Bag will provide gardening materials/support for PHM residents and community programs.
- Pest B Gone Inc.minorTitle Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)coreDSO 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)corePHM 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)corePHM is part of a network of services supporting individuals and families in the Central LHIN region of Ontario.
- Respite ServicesminorPartner organization providing respite services information and resources for families of individuals with disabilities.
- PooranLawminorLegal partner providing events and resources for the disability services community.
- Services de l'Ontario pour les personnes ayant une déficience intellectuelle (SOPDI)minorFrench-language partner organization for intellectual disability services in Ontario.
- Nemeth Financial ServicesminorRefreshments Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Benefits DivisionminorRefreshments Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Samfiru Tumarkin LLPminorSwag Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- MotionminorEntertainment Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- GallagherminorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Markham Property ManagementminorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- CareRxminorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Nestico Architect Inc.minorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- BDO Canada LLPminorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Barb Gosse, The Osborne GroupminorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- geekspeak CommerceminorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- guardliiminorCommunity Sponsor for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Rouge River Brewing CompanyminorCheckpoint Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Made 2 Measure SignworksminorIn-Kind Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- GoodLife FitnessminorIn-Kind Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
- Markham Sunrise Rotary ClubminorIn-Kind Partner for the 2026 PHM Run for the Residents event.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Participation House competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
Participation House social profiles
Digital presenceParticipation House compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Participation House financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Participation House leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
Participation House funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Participation House M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Participation House
What does Participation House do?
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.
Is Participation House a public or private company?
Participation House is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Participation House founded?
Participation House was founded in 1972. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Participation House based?
Participation House is headquartered in Markham, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Participation House make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Charitable Donations are the primary driver. The others are government Funding and transportation Service Fees.
Who are Participation House's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Vita Community Living Services, Ongwanada, Community Living York South, Kerry's Place Autism Services, Reena, Bethesda, Community Living Toronto, Christian Horizons (Lifeserves) and Participation House Brant. Community Living Ontario is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Participation House have an API?
No public API is recorded for Participation House.
What industry is Participation House in?
Participation House's product category is Developmental Disability Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGAEAL, Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services. Its NAICS code is 623210 and its SIC code is 8300.