Established in 2000, Common Ground Co-operative (CGC) is a non-profit co-operative service organization that works to promote the establishment of self-employment initiatives for adults with developmental disabilities who we call Partners. Partners work at one of the following social purpose enterprises: a catering company called Lemon & Allspice, coffee kiosks called the Coffee Shed, and a toy sanitation company called CleanABLE. Job Coaches provided by CGC work alongside Partners at these locations to help them build transferable personal and professional skills, and to help maintain and increase business. Job Coaches also deliver a number of educational workshops Partners can take part in such as Self-Awareness, Math and Money Skills, Customer Service, Fitness and Nutrition and more.

Veronica Peake was a shining example of how persons with developmental disabilities can not only break down the barriers that challenge them every day but can also thrive in doing so. As a Partner at the Coffee Shed at Surrey Place Centre, Veronica was crucial to the success of the business using her meticulous business sense to serve as a tireless fundraiser and valuable team member.

Though she passed away in 2009, Veronica’s memory and hard work live on through the Veronica Peake Memorial Fund that will serve to improve and expand the valuable services CGC provides to her peers and other adults with developmental disabilities in the Toronto area.

 

To enable the Donor Advisor to properly recognize donors for their contributions, Toronto Foundation will share your contact information and donation amount with the Donor Advisor unless you have checked the anonymous box on the donation form.