News

As the year draws to a close, PHARA Community Services is reflecting on a year defined by meaningful impact, strong partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to independence, inclusion, and community wellbeing across North Bay and surrounding communities. Throughout the past year, PHARA continued to deliver essential services that support people of all abilities to live independently and with dignity.

PHARA Community Services is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third consecutive year, based on direct feedback from employees through an extensive and independent survey process conducted by Great Place to Work® Canada.

Two respected community organizations, PHARA Community Services and the Rotary Club of North Bay have come together in a unique partnership to raise funds and awareness through the Donate a Car Canada program. This initiative allows individuals to make a meaningful difference by donating their used or unwanted vehicles, with proceeds going directly to support local programs and services offered by each organization.

Near North Crime Stoppers and PHARA Community Services have formed a new partnership focused on crime prevention education and raising awareness about tools available for reporting illegal activity in North Bay and surrounding communities. This collaboration is an important step forward for both organizations and supports new safety measures enacted by the province.

Sometimes good news takes time to come full circle, especially when it’s good news. Last year during Community Support Month, PHARA Community Services invited the public to share messages of thanks and encouragement for the vital frontline workers who are such an important part of our health care system.

Tenants at Westwinds Village, 122 Massey Drive, are facing an uncertain future after receiving N13 eviction notices recently due to needing major repairs, but a policy update passed this week may give them new options for affordable housing.

There are 48 units and 80 tenants at 122 Massey Drive. Forty of those units are still occupied.

However, there’s not enough money to do the $8.4 million worth of necessary repairs caused by long-term water damage, according to Mike Van der Vlist, chief executive officer for PHARA.

PHARA Community Services and the Nipissing Wellness Ontario Health Team (NWOHT) are partnering to deliver a free AI Workshop Series designed specifically for non-profit organizations, health care provider agencies, government agencies, and charities across the North Bay and Nipissing region.

PHARA Community Services is proud to announce that it has once again been recognized as one of the Best Workplaces™ in Government & Social Services for 2025, awarded by Great Place to Work® Canada. This marks the second consecutive year that PHARA has earned this prestigious distinction, further solidifying its commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture.

Amanda is an outgoing 25-year-old woman who enjoys living at home in the community along with her mom. She has challenges with a rare physical disability that affects her ability to be independent without support. Growing up, her mom provided a lot of her care, yet Amanda craved to have further independence.

With affordable housing as one of the top news stories across Canada and a part of the current election, PHARA Community Services (PHARA) remains confident and hopeful that saving the 48-unit affordable housing complex, at 122 Massey Drive, will be a priority for local, provincial, and federal governments.

PHARA's "SAVE MASSEY" campaign, launched in early March, is gaining the attention of key community supporters for both the affordable housing supplied by the residential buildings at 122 Massey Drive, as well as the critical Assisted Living services provided to some residents.