Dignity, inclusion, hope: everyone is special

As ShareLife marks its 50th anniversary, one of its enduring commitments remains upholding the dignity and inclusion of people with special needs — agencies like Mary Centre, which has helped adults with developmental disabilities and their families build lives rooted in community, belonging and faith for nearly 40 years. 

Mary Centre has provided a wide range of residential and community connection support services across Toronto, Peel and York Regions, welcoming people of all faiths while priding itself on reflecting Catholic values. 

Executive director Denise Tremblett spoke to its roots, which began with Catholic families concerned about adult children with developmental disabilities. 

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“These families were thinking, ‘If something happens to us, what would happen to our children?’ This was something formed within the local Catholic Church, highlighted by early figures like Msgr. Sam Bianco, who asked questions about what kind of support systems would need to be for (those children’s) future,” said Tremblett. 

In 1988, Mary Centre was incorporated and focused on long-term housing solutions and overall community inclusion.

Starting small, it was not long before Mary Centre built itself into the hub of support it is today. It began expanding and offering group homes sites, supported independent living, respite beds and extended its parish outreach. Initially focused on aging adults, Mary Centre now supports people 18 and older throughout their lifespan.

“We now have seven community group living sites that support 30 people, with the idea that it will be their long-term home. We also now have 31 people who we support with independent living,” Tremblett said.

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“We’ve also begun supporting people who have a developmental disability who are parents in their own apartments and with their own families. Combined with our day program offerings and out-of-home respite through our beds at St. Bernard’s Residence, we tried to create a safe and caring environment across every need.”  

Tremblett has been with Mary Centre since 1992 and can’t remember when ShareLife has not been involved. Funding the centre’s two key programs in the out-of-home respite and parish and faith outreach, she said ShareLife’s support has enabled growth and sustainability of both offerings. Additionally, what it has provided in addition to mere funding is what Tremblett and the team remain ever thankful for. 

“ShareLife’s goal is to share the Gospel, and I think that is something we do every day. The opportunity for agencies to go out and talk at ShareLife presentations, share our agency’s mission and connect with people in the parishes has been immensely valuable.”  

It is that visibility ShareLife provides, where stories about the agency’s impact can be felt directly. While there is no shortage, one in particular stands out to Tremblett. 

“We support two individuals who have lived together as part of the same family, whom we had come to know about shortly after their parents had passed away. We were able to get the funding to provide 12 hours of support a day, and were able to maintain their stay in their home for 20 years,” she said. “Having since aged, we have taken it upon ourselves to move them to our respite program while requesting a three-bedroom apartment that is currently being built as we continue to plan for them and support them in an apartment... When we start working with someone, it truly is for life.” 

ShareLife supports other programs for people with special needs, such as Toronto’s St. Michael’s Homes, SE Health, St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre and Silent Voice Canada, understanding firsthand how vital such services have become. 

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Hubs like these have managed to help address a critical gap in services for adults with developmental disabilities and their families across the GTA, as many permanent placements go through Developmental Services Ontario’s long waiting list. 

“People with developmental disabilities have talents and skills and, like anyone else, they are contributing members to the community. It has always been important to us that the whole community, including our parishes, see and understand that,” Tremblett said. 

A version of this article appeared in the September 27, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Dignity, inclusion, hope: everyone is special".