About Community Living Tillsonburg
About Community Living Tillsonburg
What is Community Living?
Most of us experience community living as part of our daily lives. We live in communities; work with our peers; are involved with various activities; and share our lives with our friends and families.
Community Living Tillsonburg is a non-profit organization that works with people with intellectual disabilities to ensure they are included in their community and enjoy active and productive lives.
A Community for Everyone
How can you help?
Our vision, our goals, our dreams can only be realized through continual effective leadership, communication and with a supportive, progressive caring community.
Vision & Mission
Our Mission
Building Inclusive Communities by Promoting Acceptance.
Our Vision
A Community Where Everyone is Included.
Our History
How we started
Tillsonburg District Association for Retarded Children was originally formed in 1955. At that time the association operated a school for developmentally disabled children and promoted public awareness.
Our name changed in 1970 to Tillsonburg and District Association for the Mentally Retarded and expanded our services to include residential and vocational programs.
1998 marked a third name change to Tillsonburg and District Association for Community Living. For individuals today, community living is more then being cared for in a community based setting. Community living means being a valued member of a neighbourhood, being with family and friends and neighbours, earning a living or taking part in meaningful activities of daily living.
Where We Are Now
Officially named Community Living Tillsonburg in 2000, our agency focus has moved towards a more individualized approach to service delivery, empowering and supporting individuals to make informed choices from a range of options.
We support over 300 people with developmental disabilities. We are the largest service provider in Tillsonburg for these individuals and their families, and we are one of the largest no-for-profit and registered charities in our community.
Community Living Tillsonburg is led by a skilled and dedicated Board of Directors, that work to advocate for people who have an intellectual disability for inclusion in their lives and in the community.
Doug Cooper - President

- Former Director at Large with Community Living Ontario
- Chair of the Conference Committee
- Co-Chair of the Awards Committee
- Chair of the Anne Stafford Bursary committee
- Past member of the Communication Strategies, Presidents, and Government Relations Committees
- Former Vice-President with Community Living Ontario
- Advisor with People First of Ontario
- Special Advisor for People First Tillsonburg
- Coach in the Tillsonburg Minor Hockey system
- Former Director with the Norwich Merchants Jr. “C” hockey club
- Former Equipment Manager and Trainer with the Norwich Merchants hockey club
- Ontario Hockey Association Intermediate Level coach and Level III trainer
- Baseball Golf and basketball coach for Special Olympics, Tillsonburg
- Operations Manager at Country 107 3/Easy 101 Radio, Tillsonburg
- Graduate of Radio Broadcasting Arts course, Fanshawe College, London
- Graduate of Crisis Intervention Worker course, Fanshawe College, London
General Manager of the Port Stanley Jr. C hockey club
Hockey coach of Men’s and Women’s extramural teams at Conestoga College
Patrick Benoit

Patrick has resided in the Tillsonburg area for over 35 years. He has operated his own agricultural service business for over 25 years in the surrounding area.
He has been involved with Special Olympics as a coach and general volunteer for many years.
Patrick also serves on other boards including his church.
Over the years, he has participated in many volunteer organizations.
Rosemary Couture

Rosemary was born, raised and married in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Husband Serge, daughter Siobhan. She was employed at Premier Tech Home and Garden – Shipping – LTL Co-ordination. She worked in the Home and Garden sector for 35 years.
Volunteered positions:
- Represented Community Living Oxford on the London Catholic Special Advisory Committee for eighteen years
- Children’s Committee – part of Community Living Tillsonburg
- Executive Committee for the South Western Aquatic Swim Team Tillsonburg
- Treasurer and member of the Tillsonburg Kiwanis Sport Club
- President, Vice-President of the Kiwanis Club of Tillsonburg
- Currently treasurer for Special Olympics Tillsonburg
Robert Verhoeve

Robert is a lifelong resident of Tillsonburg. He is employed as managing funeral director within his family business, the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes. He is the proud father of Lucas (10) and Eleanor (7), with his wife Kaitlynn.
Robert became involved with the Special Olympics Ontario, Tillsonburg organization in 2006, as an assistant basketball coach, with the goal of attaining high school community volunteer hours. He continues to enjoy coaching basketball.
Robert is a proud community supporter. Volunteering and educational history:
- President, Langton Lions Club
- Member, Knights of Columbus – 3rd Degree (Council 3212) & 4th Degree (Assembly 3854)
- Co-organizer and Player, Tillsonburg Red Sox (Senior Men’s Baseball Club)
- Head Coach, Tillsonburg Minor Baseball Association – U11 Rep Team
- Earned Degree, University of Guelph Sociology BA, with distinction.
- Earned Degree, University of Guelph-Criminal Justice, and Public Policy BAH, with distinction.
- Earned Diploma, Humber College, Funeral Services (Licensed Ontario Funeral Director- Class One), with distinction.
- Past Member, Town of Tillsonburg Parks, Beautification and Cemeteries Committee
- Past Volunteer, University of Guelph Student Foodbank
Deanna Tosto

Deanna (Dee) Tosto and her family moved to Tillsonburg and have quickly become active members of the community. As the owner of Deeify.ca, Dee brings over 30+ years of experience as a Senior Graphic Designer and Production Specialist, specializing in digital, print, and video design and production.
Passionate about fostering inclusion, Dee values the vital role community support plays in promoting health and well-being. She is a Registered Graphic Designer of Ontario (RGD) and serves on the Board of Directors at the Station Arts Centre. She is also a member of the Station Arts Potters Guild and enjoys volunteering at events such as Turtlefest.
Dedicated to giving back, Dee actively contributes her skills to support local organizations and enhance the vibrant community of Tillsonburg. Her husband, Dan, owns Skill Shot Pinball and proudly sponsors the Tillsonburg Thunder.
Victoria Moxam

Victoria Moxam is a dedicated foot care nurse and the proud owner of Gentle Touch Footcare and Wellness. Prior to this, she worked as a home care nurse and served as a PSW supervisor in home care, where she honed her skills in patient care and team leadership. With a commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of her clients, she specializes in providing compassionate and effective foot care services. In addition to her clinical practice, Victoria serves as a board member for Community Living Tillsonburg, currently in her second term, advocating for the needs of individuals in the community. As a mother, she values family time and enjoys spending her spare moments outdoors and travelling, which inspires her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.
Mike Cerna

As a long-time resident of Tillsonburg and a passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility, I am excited about the opportunity to once again contribute to the important work your organization does in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Being a person with a disability and having previously served as a Board Member for Community Living Tillsonburg, I am familiar with your mission, values, and the vital role you play in our community. My past involvement has given me insight into the responsibilities and rewards of board service, and I am eager to bring my experience, dedication, and collaborative spirit back to the table.
My work with organizations such as ARC Industries, the Town of Tillsonburg, and South West Oxford Recycling has strengthened my sense of teamwork, responsibility, and service. In addition, my active roles with the Tillsonburg Accessibility Committee, People First, and the Rotary Club reflect my continued investment in community leadership and advocacy.
Kara Jones

I currently live independently with support from the SIL program, and I stay engaged through my participation in the Special Olympics. These experiences have given me insight into the challenges and goals of individuals in our community, as well as the importance of inclusive policies and practices.
My goals as a board member would be to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to ensure that everyone feels respected, included, and empowered to participate fully in the community. I am passionate about equity, inclusion, and giving a voice to those who may struggle to advocate for themselves.
By joining the board, I hope to work with others, foster community involvement, and support meaningful initiatives. I believe my dedication, advocacy skills, and lived experience will make a positive contribution.
Get Involved
There are many ways you can get involved with Community Living Tillsonburg. Whether you are a family member, a community member, or a business or organization that wants to help make a difference to people’s lives, you can help us achieve our vision throughout the community.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
Email: info@communitylivingtillsonburg.ca
Call Us: 519-842-9008
