Home About Us • Our History • Board and Staff • Administrative Volunteers • Corporate Partners • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer About Epilepsy Programs & Services Resources & Links Events How Can I Help? Contact Us Site Map About Us: Our History OUR HISTORY Epilepsy York Region was established in 1988 as an information and support agency of Epilepsy Ontario. Two women in Markham who were living with epilepsy felt that people needed to know more about their condition and hoped to receive support from peers within the community. Monthly community meetings were held in Markham, and later Thornhill, while adults and parent support groups were formed. The first fundraising and awareness initiative for our agency was GLAD days; a provincial flower campaign. Later the group rented a part time space in a Markham neighbourhood Support Centre, and weekly bingo events became a financial foundation. In 1991 was the beginning of a roller coaster ride for our agency. With the help of Epilepsy Ontario, the Board of Directors applied for a three year Trillium grant to establish a small, one-room office in a more central location in Richmond Hill. Soon after, with the expansion of office space, the Epilepsy Family Resource Centre was established. With an increased amount of hours brought in by the Executive Director, fundraising initiatives and services began along with a social worker to develop and maintain the programs. Due to the instability of funding and grants throughout the years, the agency was forced to rethink goals and objectives. New fundraising initiatives were needed in order to continue providing services and resources for the community. With a new Executive Director in 2007, Epilepsy York Region has evolved and began to expand its services and programs through efforts in facilitating support groups and providing the general public with information and even referrals to other social services. We currently have grown with our outreach services through providing presentations to all age groups and to various communities such as professional and workplace settings, schools, and service clubs. This is achieved by the efforts of our dedicated volunteers who also share the same values of providing supportive environments and objectives of encouraging public awareness.   Epilepsy York Region exists to provide social services and programs to support those living with or affected by epilepsy. Through the understanding of the condition, the community can assist in enhancing the health and well-being of those living with the disorder. Click here for a printable version of this page