St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Brantford has been named the recipient of the 2025 AdvantAge Ontario Community Connections Award in recognition of its outstanding leadership and impact as the host organization of Project SEARCH Brantford.
This province-wide honour, generously sponsored by Maxwell Management Group Ltd., celebrates organizations that champion inclusive, community-based partnerships that improve lives and build stronger communities.
A proud member of St. Joseph’s Health System, St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre is the largest not-for-profit long-term care home in Brantford and Brant County, caring for 205 residents. Located at 99 Wayne Gretzky Parkway, the Lifecare Centre offers a warm, compassionate environment that prioritizes the comfort, dignity, and quality of life of every resident.
For the past three years St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre has proudly served as the host business for Project SEARCH Brantford, a transformative workforce development initiative designed to prepare young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for meaningful, competitive employment. The program is delivered in collaboration with two key community partners:
- Community Living Brant, a local organization that has been helping individuals achieve their employment goals for over 30 years through on-the-job coaching, skill-building, and personalized support.
- Grand Erie District School Board, whose inclusive philosophy fosters learning environments where every student, regardless of ability, can lead, learn, and inspire.
Together, this powerful triad has created a hands-on program that includes three internships and over 700 hours of immersive work experience, giving students the tools, confidence, and experience to transition from the classroom to the workforce.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this award from AdvantAge Ontario,” said Sandra Ramelli, Vice President, People and Strategy at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre Brantford. “At the heart of Project SEARCH is a belief in potential, potential that’s unlocked when we offer opportunity, mentorship, and a welcoming place to grow. We are proud to work alongside our partners at the Grand Erie District School Board and Community Living Brant to make this possible. This program has changed lives, not just for the students, but for our staff, residents and families.”
The success of Project SEARCH Brantford reflects St. Joseph’s broader commitment to inclusion, equity, and building a caring community where everyone, regardless of background or ability, has the opportunity to thrive. It also underscores the importance of employer-led innovation in supporting youth with disabilities in the transition to adulthood and employment.
Maxwell Management Group Ltd., one of Canada’s leading executive search firms in healthcare and seniors’ living, proudly sponsors this award as part of their mission to spotlight partnerships that transform lives and create lasting social impact.
“It’s partnerships like these that truly redefine what inclusive employment and community support can look like,” said Heather Maxwell, President and CEO of Maxwell Management Group. “We’re thrilled to support an award that celebrates innovation, compassion, and collaboration.”
Parent Scott Golden said, “Project SEARCH was like giving my son Jeremiah a mentor who taught him what a job really means, and how to succeed at one. Two years ago, thinking about him entering the working world was overwhelming. Now, I’m confident he’ll thrive”.
