Phyllis Santone named 2022 Ward 3 Civic Hero

June 7, 2022 7:30 p.m.
​Vaughan resident recognized for her advocacy to support adults with developmental disabilities

 

During today's Committee of the Whole (Public Meeting), Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Ward 3 Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca and Members of Council recognized Phyllis Santone as the 2022 Ward 3 Civic Hero. The award was presented to Phyllis in Council Chambers at Vaughan City Hall with her daughter Rita in attendance.

Phyllis is a passionate community advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. More than 20 years ago, she started a small grassroots organization in her basement, which has since grown into one that helps support countless families in Vaughan. Creating Alternatives is a day program for adults aged 21 and older who are living with a developmental disability in the Greater Toronto Area. It provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can socialize, learn, adapt and develop literacy and work skills to aid in the transition to adulthood. Phyllis’ journey began because she could not find any suitable day programming for her daughter, Rita. Her parent-driven approach has changed hundreds of lives in the past two decades.

To further her mission of removing barriers in the community and providing meaningful employment to individuals with developmental disabilities, Phyllis went on to create Chocolate Concepts Inc. The company offers life and job-skills training to the young adults of the Creating Alternatives program with a portion of all revenues covering the operational expenses.

QUOTES

"I am pleased to recognize Phyllis Santone as the 2022 Ward 3 Civic Hero. Phyllis is a well-known and passionate advocate for individuals with cognitive challenges. She has been devoted to fostering inclusivity since the late 1990s, when she created a company to help provide opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities gain meaningful life skills and practical work experience. She personifies our shared mission of moving our city forward without leaving anyone behind.  Phyllis has touched the lives of so many in our community – I am confident the impact of her work will be felt for generations to come. She began this journey to create a legacy for her daughter Rita, and she's achieved that and more. Phyllis is well-deserving of this award, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations to her.”

 - Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

"On behalf of the residents of Ward 3, it is a pleasure to present the 2022 Ward 3 Civic Hero Award to Phyllis Santone. These annual awards were created to recognize the contributions of exceptional members of our community, whose commitment, passion and leadership have made a real difference in Vaughan. Phyllis' vigour for this cause is beyond inspiring. She saw a need, and she rolled up her sleeves to get the job done. Congratulations to you, Phyllis, and your beautiful daughter, Rita, on everything you do to make our community more inclusive and welcoming for everyone."

-  Councillor Rosanna DeFrancesca, Ward 3

QUICK FACTS

  • Mayor and Members of Council presented Phyllis Santone with the 2022 Ward 3 Civic Hero Award during a special ceremonial presentation at the Tuesday, June 7 Committee of the Whole (Public Meeting).
  • Vaughan's Civic Hero Awards are presented annually to one resident from each of the City's five wards.
  • Recipients are nominated by their local Ward Councillor and acknowledged by Vaughan Council.
  • The awards began in 2005 to recognize outstanding achievement and individual contributions to the community.

LEARN MORE

City of Vaughan Civic Hero Award

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