who we are

WHO WE ARE

Peaceful Hearts is located in the heart of the Uptown BIA in Georgina, one hour north of Toronto and was founded by Karin Cacciola in June 2017. The Cacciola family’s personal journey helped Karin become more aware of the increased need for support for special needs families’, day and weekend programs, overnight respite and reduced wait lists for services.
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Our Mission

To ensure every individual and family with special needs have an opportunity to experience their personal value in a supportive, caring, fun, life enhancing and skill building environment built on advocacy, community education and partnerships where quality of life is at the core.

Day Program
Day Program
At Peaceful Hearts Georgina Foundation’s Day Program, we are dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and complex care needs through a compassionate and person-centered approach. Our program fosters both cognitive and physical engagement, promoting a deep sense of achievement and purpose for each participant. In addition to enhancing the emotional well-being of both clients and staff, we provide invaluable support to families who rely on our services. Recognized with the Georgina Business Excellence Award for accessibility and non-profit leadership, we remain committed to creating a more inclusive and empowering community for all.
Respite Program
Respite Program
Peaceful Hearts Georgina Foundation is actively exploring the development of a future Respite Program designed to provide essential overnight care for individuals with disabilities, including those over the age of 18. Currently in the research and development phase, this initiative aims to offer families much-needed relief through safe, reliable, and compassionate overnight respite services. A key component of this program will be access to skilled night nursing support, ensuring the highest standard of care for individuals with complex medical and developmental needs. Our vision is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where families can find peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are in capable and caring hands.
Life Balance
Life Balance
As part of our commitment to holistic support and community inclusion, Peaceful Hearts Georgina Foundation is developing a series of life balance programs designed to enrich the lives of individuals with special needs, their families, and the broader community. These programs will include engaging activities such as art workshops, cooking and baking classes, and stress reduction seminars. Our goal is to promote wellness, creativity, and meaningful social interaction while maximizing the use of our facility as a welcoming and inclusive community hub. Through these initiatives, we aim to offer valuable resources that foster personal growth, family connection, and improved quality of life for all participants.

These programs are dependent on the involvement of community members and the pillars of support.

We thank them for their commitment and belief “We are more than our diagnosis.”

OUR TEAM

Catherine King Ward 
Chair Director
Karin Cacciola 
Vice Chair Director
Leah Bauer 
Secretary/Treasurer Director
Mary Furnell 
Appointed Director
Charmaine Klawiter 
Director