About Luso

Luso is a charitable organization that provides a safe, supportive and caring environment for individuals & families living with physical and/or developmental disabilities.

We started out recognizing a community need
and have been growing ever since.

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Our
Mission

We nurture and empower individuals living with disabilities to reach their potential.

Our
Vision

By leading our community in becoming the most inclusive, accessible and welcoming place possible.

Our
Actions

In everything we do, we Nurture, Empower and Celebrate.

Guiding Principles

Our Guiding Principles encompass our beliefs and values and guide our
organization in all circumstances. Learn more about them here.

History / Timeline

July 2003
Our organization began as ‘The Society of Portuguese Disabled Persons of Ontario’, with its roots in our local community.
June 2007
Our Support Centre in Toronto opens, expanding our reach and services to the GTA.
October 2012
Luso celebrated the grand opening of our Hamilton Support Centre.
October 2012
Respite Care program offering overnight support for families launches in Toronto.
May 2015
Volta, a community driven Walk / Run / Cycle / Ride fundraiser event launches.
July 2017
Our third Support Centre opens in Mississauga, serving the greater Peel community.
July 2017
Luso establishes a head office in Peel to oversee the organization’s strategy and growth.
August 2019
Our Residential Project kicks off, with a goal of building residential housing for aging adults with disabilities, as an alternative to assisted-living facilities.
August 2020
Luso hosts its first ever Virtual Fundraiser, in response to pandemic constraints and the need for support.

Board of Directors

We thank past and present Members of the Board of Directors for their personal commitment, hard work and the incredible value brought to our organization.

LCSS Board of Directors

  • President
    Jack A. Prazeres
  • Vice President
    Joe Botelho
  • Treasurer
    Manuel A. Alves (Tino)
  • Secretary
    Dante DiGiovanni
  • Director
    Alfredo Pita
  • Director
    Bernardino Ferreira
  • Director
    Cesar Bras
  • Director
    Christine Rodrigues
  • Director
    Cristina Marques
  • Director
    Erminio Oliveri
  • Director
    Filipe Morgado
  • Director
    Fortunato Manvati
  • Director
    Frank Melo
  • Director
    Julio DeJesus
  • Director
    Mario Nunes
  • Director
    Nelson Cidade
  • Director
    Otilia Prazeres
  • Director
    Rui Ramos

GTA Board of Directors

  • President
    David Mare
  • Vice President
    Jack Da Silva
  • Secretary / Treasurer
    Chantel Nascimento
  • Director
    Antonio Nunes
  • Director
    Jack A. Prazeres
  • Director
    Melanie Da Silva

Hamilton Board of Directors

  • President
    Joe Botelho
  • Vice President
    Fátima Custódio
  • Secretary
    Isabel Rodrigues
  • Treasurer
    John Carvalho
  • Hon. President
    Helena Medeiros

Honorary Presidents

  • Andrew Aideira Fonseca
  • Charles Sousa
  • Dra. Maria Amélia Paiva
  • Dra. Manuela Aguiar
  • Dra. Maria de Jesus Barroso
  • Dra. Ana Maria Teodoro Jorge
  • Frank S. Alvarez
  • Hon. Peter Fonseca
  • Jack Oliveira
  • Matthew Pinto
  • Sandra & Paula Almeida
  • Silverio Araujo
  • Matthew Pinto

Honorary Directors

  • Antonio Dionisio
  • John Dias
  • John Goncalves

Become a Sponsor

Are you interested in sponsoring an event or program?

learn more

Accessibility

Luso Canadian Charitable Society is committed to meeting its current and ongoing obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code respecting non-discrimination and understands its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

Its accessibility standards and commitment to this excellence do not substitute or limit its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code or obligations to people with disabilities under any other law. Accessible customer service policies are consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.

see accessibility policy