Become a Family Leader

• Be a:
  • adult family member or caregiver of a current or former Holland Bloorview client OR
  • former client of Holland Bloorview (age 18+) OR
  • adult caregiver of someone with a disability/developmental difference who participated in research done by the Bloorview Research Institute
• Be interested in sharing your lived experience with childhood disability and partnering with staff, students, researchers, and other family leaders to enhance the work done at the hospital and research institute
• Work well with others, respect diversity and differing opinions
• Maintain respect for privacy (confidentiality)
• Be prepared to complete the training and adhere to the policies for hospital volunteers

The Family Leader application process includes the following steps.

1. Complete the online application profile and submit two confidential references.
2. Attend a virtual group information session. The session covers the different roles Family Leaders can have. These sessions are offered a few times a year.
3. Participate in a virtual interview with program staff. This is an opportunity for staff to learn about your experiences and the type of Family Leader roles you are interested in.
4. Complete and submit all documentation and training required by Volunteer Resources.

Holland Bloorview is committed to inclusive and accessible volunteer practices. Should an applicant require accommodation during any stage in the application process, please contact the Family Leadership Program team by email at familypartner@hollandbloorview.ca.

Online application profile

The online application profile is submitted through the MyImpact platform and can be accessed on desktop or mobile/tablet. Click here to access the desktop version. Click here to access the mobile/tablet-friendly version. 

If you do not already have a MyImpact account, you will be prompted to make a username and password. If you already have a MyImpact account, you can log in with your existing username and password.

Please note: The system will automatically log you out after 30 minutes. This application must be completed in one session – you cannot save your progress and return later, the application will not save.

Confidential references

We require two (2) confidential references using the below fillable PDF. Please ensure the individuals send the references with subject line "Confidential Reference - [Applicant's First and Last Name]" to familypartner@hollandbloorview.ca within two weeks of making the application profile.

We accept references from: 

• employers or co-workers
• volunteer supervisors
• teachers
• community leaders
• non-family/friend
• up to one Holland Bloorview staff member can provide a reference

Family Leaders have:

• Free parking while volunteering onsite
• Free childcare (ages 2.5 years and older) available in the onsite Ronald McDonald Playroom while volunteering onsite
• Access to educational materials, ongoing support and training
• Opportunities to attend hospital special events, workshops and presentations
• Opportunities to network with other Holland Bloorview families

Benefits to being a Family Leader:

• Contribute toward making positive and meaningful change at Holland Bloorview and across the system
• Use your lived experience to help other clients and families and improve the care experience
• Build your knowledge and skills
• Model community involvement and leadership

Benefits for health care professionals working with Family Leaders:

• Improves a health care provider's ability to do their job effectively
• Strengthens relationships between families and health care providers
• Gives new ideas for improving services
• Increases understanding and responsiveness to family needs

Benefits for Holland Bloorview:

• Family Leaders provide new ideas and creative solutions
• They contribute toward the improvement and quality of programs and services
• Increased collaboration between health care professionals, clients and families