Good morning. Thank you for the invitation to appear today.
My name is Kevin Spafford. I'm the vice-president of strategic initiatives at Kerry's Place Autism Services. I'm joined by my colleague Nicole Larocque, the manager of HR operations and total rewards.
We're headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, and we primarily serve the greater Toronto area and Hastings County in eastern Ontario. We'd like to acknowledge and recognize that we are on the traditional territories of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee and Anishinabe peoples, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work on this land.
Since 1974, Kerry's Place has been providing evidence-based supports and services that enhance the quality of life for those with autism across Ontario. Our vision is that all people with autism are full and equal members of their communities. We are Canada's largest service provider to children, youth and adults with autism, serving more than 8,000 individuals each year. We provide services to children, youth and their families through the Ontario autism program, as well as many community services and supports. Our supported living and semi-independent living programs—the largest in Canada—support autistic adults at over 80 properties across Ontario.
We're very pleased to participate in the Canada summer jobs program to help employ young people and support our mission. In particular, I would like to thank our MP, Mr. Van Bynen, for his support and advocacy.
I'll turn over the rest of the time to my colleague Nicole Larocque.