Linda Jeffrey, Former Mayor of Brampton, Former Minister of Housing, Joins the Jake’s House Team as Director of Housing
TORONTO, August 29, 2019: Jake’s House is proud to announce the arrival of Linda Jeffrey, in the role of Director of Housing. In this new role, Jeffrey will lead the launch our new Housing Initiative, using her experience to drive creative and innovative solutions to address the growing housing gap in the autism community.
In her role as Minister of Housing, Jeffrey developed an outstanding track record of building coalitions and aligning stakeholders; this will help Jake’s House continue to partner with parents and a variety of top autism organizations to address the emerging public health issue of aging with autism and to provide long-term inclusive living solutions, offering a range of supports that will increase the well-being and quality of life for aging adults on the spectrum.
“We are thrilled to welcome Linda Jeffrey to our team to lead this important housing initiative,” said Jennifer Joseph, Jake’s House CEO. “With an aging autism population, the demand for housing increases on an annual basis. Housing is a critical issue within the autism community.”
“Delivering housing is something I’m proud to have worked on for most of my career; working with the team at Jake’s House allows me to deliver a new model and bring more stakeholders together to help more families and individuals with autism across Ontario,” said Linda Jeffrey, Jake’s House, Director of Housing.
Jeffrey has an established track record in public service, both at the municipal and provincial levels. During her 27-year tenure in public life, she served as a Brampton City Councillor for four consecutive terms. Subsequently she was elected to the Ontario Legislative Assembly for three consecutive terms. While at the Province, Linda served as Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Labour, Minister Responsible for Seniors, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and as Chair of Cabinet.
Jeffrey returned to her municipal roots in 2014 and served as Mayor of Brampton until 2018, now officially working as the Director of Housing at Jake’s House.
About Jake’s House
Founded in 2004, Jake’s House is a Provincially and Federally funded Canadian charity with a mission to provide meaningful support to families living with autism across the country. Recognizing that more than any other single issue, families dealing with autism need a community, Jake’s House is committed to growing a strong network of people who understand and care–a family that is determined to provide tangible solutions.
Jake’s House supports individuals on the spectrum throughout their lifespans through four core initiatives: 1) Jake’s House Annual Holiday Parties, a 15-year tradition of bringing families together for a welcoming, fun and festive celebration; 2) Legends Mentoring Program, themed group mentoring workshops that provide youth with opportunities to learn skills, socialize and make friends; 3) Jake’s House Employment Mentoring, a program that supports the integration of young adults into the workforce; and 4) inclusive housing solutions, designed to address the growing housing gap in the autism community, giving more aging adults a place to call home.
Media contact
Mary Anne Terry, Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships
maryanneterry@jakeshouse.ca | 416-939-3021
