Photo: Bogdan Roszko, one of the major donors of the new Centre for Aging and Longevity, with his great-granddaughter, Anna © Courtesy of Ivan Franko Homes
At Ivan Franko Homes, every wrinkle tells a story, and every day is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of aging. For over six decades, this beloved organization has provided compassionate, culturally sensitive care for seniors, and as it looks to the future, it’s reimagining what aging looks like.
Founded in 1957 by Toronto’s Ukrainian community, Ivan Franko Homes started in a modest house, but has since become a trusted name in long-term care. Over the years, more than 8,000 elders have called Ivan Franko their home, supported by a dedicated team of over 1,000 staff members, many of whom are immigrants themselves, bringing empathy and cultural understanding to their work.
Now, the organization is preparing to embark on a new chapter with the launch of its Centre for Aging and Longevity in Mississauga, a state-of-the-art, 160-bed long-term care home set to open in 2026. With 10 acres of land to work with, the Centre will blend innovation and compassion to serve older adults requiring 24/7 support. However, its core values will remain the same—dignity, community, and cultural connection are the foundation on which Ivan Franko Homes is built.
“We like to say we are 60 years young and just getting started,” explained CEO Olya Vovnysh. “With the launch of the new Centre, we are starting a new chapter in how Canadians experience long-term care. It’s a community hub designed to help older adults thrive and bring generations together.”
Where Generations Meet
Ivan Franko Homes views aging as an opportunity to create and build a lasting legacy. It’s why their programming emphasizes bringing families and generations together, encouraging them to stay connected rather than stay connected and not isolated. Children and elders come together to roll dough, decorate pysanky eggs, and share traditional songs passed down through the decades.
“Through their stories, our elders pass on lessons that help us see beauty and purpose in every stage of life,” said Olya Vovnysh. “They remind us that aging well isn’t just about growing older. It’s about living fully.”
The organization is proud to care for more than 16 residents who are over 100 years old, each with a story that is full of heart and resilience. Ivan Winniczuk, for example, is now 106 years old! Winniczuk survived the Holodomor and Siberian exile before building a life in Canada filled with faith, family, and service to his community.
Another example, Stepha Lychacz, 101, fled Ukraine during the Second World War and found comfort in helping Canada’s Ukrainian churches and summer camps. And, of course, Bohdan Petyhyrycz, with his positive outlook, and filtered water for his incredible vitality at the age of 103. Bohdan’s wife, Dina, spent her final years at Ivan Franko Homes before her passing in 2025.
Building the Future of Care
As demand for senior services grows, Ivan Franko Homes is rising to meet that need with the upcoming Centre for Aging and Longevity. The Centre will offer advanced health services and serve as a space where families come together to share memories, wisdom, and joy.
“At Ivan Franko Homes, aging is not about limits, it is about legacy,” shared Olya Vovnysh. “We are honoured to walk beside our residents as they continue to write theirs.”
Sixty years in, Ivan Franko Homes is more vibrant, visionary, and vital than ever. With the Centre for Aging and Longevity on the horizon, it’s clear: the best is still to come.
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Ivan Franko Homes were founded in 1957 as a nonprofit, charity seniors’ care organization serving Canadians of Ukrainian descent.