About - Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes

Our History

Concerned about the unmet needs of senior and special needs clients, local resident Valmay Barkey brought together municipal representatives, volunteers and health/social service professionals in Victoria County to explore the possibility of developing Home Support services in 1984.

After researching existing Home Support agencies, the group identified with the concept of Community Care evidenced by its neighbour Durham Community Care and soon committed to community-based home support – providing services within the context of the local community.

Victoria County Community Care (VCCC) was provincially incorporated as a non-profit organization April 26, 1985 and began offering Meals on Wheels and Transportation services. Soon afterward, the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) provided seed funding assistance. Founder and inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Valmay Barkey continued to bring strong and visionary leadership to the organization until 2010.

Four ladies at the CCCKL 25th anniversary quilt unveiling — To commemorate CCCKL’s 25th anniversary, the ladies of the Lindsay Creative Quilter’s Guild made and presented this customized quilt, gratefully accepted by then CEO Valmay Barkey. The beautiful quilt continues to be displayed at one of the CCCKL offices. The partnership between the Guild and CCCKL continues to the present and CCCKL and its clients are the fortunate beneficiaries of hand made holiday placements each year. From left to right: Peggy Long, Joan Ross, Polly Lees and Valmay Barkey.

Organizational Milestones

1992: Introduction of the first wheelchair accessible van for the Specialized Transportation Program

1995: Start-up of Adult Day Programs and Supportive Housing Services

2005: Earned national accreditation as a health services organization

2006: Launch of the Community Care Foundation (Kawartha Lakes)

2007: A new name for the organization: Community Care, City of Kawartha Lakes

2009: Opening of the new Community Care Community Health Centre (CHC) in rented space

2011: Welcomed clients to the new affordable dental clinic

2011: Hospice Kawartha Lakes joins CCCKL

2013: Ministry of Health approves development of plans for a new CHC

2016: CCCKL purchases land on Angeline St., across from Ross Memorial Hospital

2017: Demolition of the OPP Building clears the land for the new CHC

2021: Ministry provides approval and funding (construction only) for the new CHC

2022: Ground is broken on January 13^th and construction begins.