Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)

At Applegrove, our goal is to build an organization where every team member feels like they belong. We are committed to building a diverse team, equitable systems, and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging for all. As an organization, we strive to approach this work with open minds, open hearts and a willingness to learn and change. It is a shared and ongoing journey in which there are no quick fixes, that takes time, and that relies on commitment and buy-in at all levels of the organization, especially among leadership.

In 2021 Applegrove examined its operations, culture, policies and practices from the perspective of diversity, equity and inclusion. An organizational audit was done with Lunaria Solutions to better understand the perceptions, behaviours, and culture that shaped the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Applegrove. It resulted in the creation of a DEI Plan in 2022, focused on the priorities of communication, culture, inclusive leadership, talent recruitment and development and sustainability.

The Staff-Board DEIB Committee was set up in 2023 to guide DEI work at Applegrove. Among it’s first moves was to add a “B” in order to emphasize how important it is that people feel that they belong, are accepted and can authentically be themselves at Applegrove. Check out our first annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Report to provide a summary of what has been done to date. DEIB is not a project that ends – it is a way of thinking, being and working that is ongoing. We are all committed to continuing to learn, grow and do what we can as we move forward on this important journey.

2024 DEIB Report

East End Music Fest

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the inaugural East End Music Fest! What an evening! Check back soon for details on next year’s event! Follow us on social media @applegrovecc or join our newsletter for photos, updates and information on this event and others.

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors and Donors:
Sponsors: Context, Barnyard’s Roofing, Carolina Reis, Westcourt Capital.
Donors: Honest Impact Initiative, Dashwood & Dashwood, Lisa Herrera, Ron Loranger, Marnie Brunton, Heidi Burkhardt, Kat Palmer, Susan Horley.

Interested in sponsoring, playing in or donating art for next year’s event? Contact us at [email protected]

Don Summerville Revitalization

In partnership with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), Applegrove has taken on a leadership role in engaging tenants on issues related to the revitalization of the TCHC Don Summerville site at 1555 and 1575 Queen Street East.  Tenants are engaged in all aspects of the revitalization process, which aims to transform this aging social housing complex into a vibrant integrated, mixed use and mixed income community. 

The physical redevelopment of Don Summerville is accompanied by social transformation. In January 2020, a community benefits program was launched. The program supports social and economic development for tenants through a $100,000 scholarship fund, a $250,000 economic/social development fund, and TCHC tenant job opportunities valued at a minimum of $500,000. In addition, a community action plan supports social cohesion and connectivity for tenants and the community as a whole.  

Learn more about Don Summerville Revitalization:

Scholarship Program

Toronto Community Housing, its development partners Context Developments Inc. and RioCan Living, and Applegrove work together to deliver the Don Summerville Scholarship Program. This program supports tenants to pursue post-secondary education in college, university, career academy and/or a trade school and recognizes the commitment of tenants to contributing to their community, bettering the world around them and cultivating change in their career field of interest. 

Scholarship Eligibility

The program is available to all Toronto TCHC tenants who meet all the following:

  • Able to demonstrate community involvement and / or leadership.
  • The scholarship is available to relocated Don Summerville tenants of any age who aim to achieve any of the following to build up or excel in their careers: 
  • Current or relocated (due to ongoing revitalization) TCHC tenant of the Don Summerville community.
  • 17 years old and up.
  • Tenant in good standing with respect to rent payments.
  • Entering or currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution (college, university) or taking training courses from acredible training or academic institution (college, career academy, trade school, etc.) on either a fulltime or part-time basis.
  • Able to demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

Key Information

  • Scholarship awards are valued at up to $3,000 and cover tuition fees for any program at a post-secondary institute or an accredited Canadian educational/training institute.
  • A $500 bursary is available to cover expenses such as textbooks, childcare, transportation, and other related costs.

Virtual Information Sessions

  • Thursday, March 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Email Jade Shulist for the meeting link

How to Apply

  • Apply online (external link)
  • You can pick up the physical application package from Applegrove Community Complex at 60 Woodfield Road, Toronto ON M4L 2W6 starting Monday, March 17 at 10 a.m. Call Applegrove 416-461-8143 to enter their office through Duke of Connaught school from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Applications close Thursday, May 1 at 4 p.m. for in-person drop off. Online applicants have until Friday, May 2 at 11:59 p.m. Please make sure to include all of the required documents with your application.

2025 Scholarship FAQ

Have more questions?

Contact Jade Shulist if you have questions, need a paper copy, a translation, or any other accommodation to complete the application.

Phone: 437-922-3303
Email: [email protected]

Community Action Plan (CAP)

Revitalization is not just about new buildings. It is also about people and facilitating a positive neighbourhood for all. The CAP is a living document created by tenants, TCHC and community partners. It provides a road map for building community engagement, social inclusion and economic empowerment into the revitalization process.

The first pillar in the CAP is celebrating heritage. TCHC, RioCan, Context Development Inc. and Applegrove worked with East End Arts to support a community-driven heritage project based on gathering and sharing stories and photos of Don Summerville tenants.

Additional information on the plan will be posted as it becomes available.

Employment Program

As part of revitalization, TCHC, RioCan, Context Development Inc. and Applegrove are collaborating with WoodGreen Employment Services and TDSB Next Steps Employment Centre to connect TCHC tenants with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Some but not all opportunities are associated with the revitalization project itself, for example in construction and the trades. Applegrove is also committed to providing seasonal employment opportunities to youth from Don Summerville.

For more information contact Jade Shulist at [email protected]