The Future is Bright: Stories from VHA Fathers
At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) and Champlain Rehab Solutions, caregiving and community guide everything we do. We’re proud to support not only our outstanding staff and service providers, but also their families. This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible dads across our organization who are guiding, nurturing and cheering on the next generation.
In this story, we hear from three fathers whose children are recipients of VHA’s Head Start Scholarship, awarded for academic achievement and community involvement. These proud dads reflect on what fatherhood means to them, the values they hope to pass along and the dreams they hold for their children. Their stories are a testament to the love, perseverance and purpose they bring both to their families and their roles at VHA.
Chirag with his wife, daughter Maina and son Krish
Chirag Patel
Physiotherapist, Central West Region
Chirag has been a dedicated physiotherapist at VHA since 2007. With nearly two decades of service, his care has impacted the lives of so many clients and families. While his work is deeply meaningful, nothing brings him more fulfillment than being a father.
His daughter Maina, a Head Start Scholarship recipient, is currently completing her Bachelor of Biological Sciences at the University of Guelph. With aspirations of becoming a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, it’s clear that Chirag’s passion for helping others left a lasting impression.
“Maina is a very hardworking student—artistic, neat and incredibly well-organized,” Chirag shares. “She always puts in her best efforts to excel in her courses.”
As a family, the Patels enjoy hiking and traveling together, making the most of quality time outdoors. Chirag notes that both Maina and her brother Krish are health-conscious, mature and independent—qualities that give him confidence about the road ahead.
“We’re so proud of the choices they’re making,” he reflects warmly. “They’re both focused and determined and we just wish them continued success and happiness in their lives.”
Vivek with his children Lakshya and Raghav
Vivek Vasudeva
Physiotherapist, Mississauga Region
Since joining VHA in 2017, Vivek has worked as a registered physiotherapist helping clients remain independent and safe across the Mississauga area. At home, he brings that same thoughtful care and dedication to his role as a father.
His son Raghav, a Head Start Scholarship recipient, is studying Computer Science at the University of Waterloo with a specialization in artificial intelligence (AI). With a deep curiosity for math and its applications to technology, Raghav is now on a path to contribute to one of today’s most fast-moving and influential fields.
“Raghav is always seeking to learn something new,” Vivek says. “He’s incredibly focused and driven, but at the same time, he’s humble, grounded and always looking for ways to give back to the community.”
For Vivek, the role of a parent is hard to put into words. “It’s a blessing you can’t really explain. I’m beyond grateful for both of my children and I know Raghav will continue to stay true to his values while building a meaningful and successful career.”
Sami with his sons Mujib (left) and Masih
Sami Barat
Registered Nurse, Central Region
As a Registered Nurse (RN) with VHA for nearly 18 years, Sami has built a meaningful and rewarding career shaped by care and education. His belief in the power of learning comes from his father, a teacher who taught him that education is life’s greatest investment. This belief has shaped every major decision in his life, including his move from Afghanistan to Canada in 2002 to give his children more opportunities. While Sami’s nursing career is deeply fulfilling, it’s raising his four sons that has had the greatest impact on his life.
His youngest Mujibullah—or Mujib as the family calls him—is a Kinesiology graduate from York University and a Head Start Scholarship recipient. He was recently accepted into the University of Toronto’s prestigious dentistry program, a dream he’s held since high school, and will start in the fall.
“Mujib has always been focused and determined,” Sami shares. “He never even had a backup plan. He knew exactly what he wanted, and now he’s making it happen.”
That focus is also reflected in the paths of all four of Sami’s sons. His eldest is now a cardiologist, another is a third-year medical student and the third is in his second year of medical school. Together with Mujib, all four are building futures in healthcare. Sami lights up when talking about their achievements, but what also stands out is the unwavering support he provided to help get them there.
“Working in the community allowed me the flexibility I needed while raising four kids close in age,” he explains. “I could drop them off, pick them up from school and it gave me the stability to be present for them. That made a huge difference.”
Looking back, he can’t help but laugh. “I always said I’d support them all until they were done school,” he says. “It just turns out there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight—that’s why programs like the Head Start Scholarship are such a huge help.”
Though it hasn’t always been easy, Sami wouldn’t have it any other way. “Supporting my children has always been my passion,” he says. “There’s nothing more meaningful than helping them follow what they love. Now, I’m just excited to see them graduate and start their happy, healthy lives.”
Together these stories reflect the devotion, resilience and deep love that define so many fathers at VHA. This Father’s Day, we celebrate the dads and father figures across the organization, not only for the difference they make in the lives of their clients, but for the example they set and the legacy they build through their children each day.
About the Head Start Scholarship Program
Launched in 2012, VHA’s Head Start Scholarship Program awards annual scholarships to the children of our workforce who are pursuing post-secondary education. Recipients are recognized for their academic excellence and strong commitment to community involvement. To date, the program has awarded $435,000 in scholarships, including $45,000 to 30 students in 2024 alone. This initiative reflects the deep value VHA places on empowering not just team members, but their families.
Applications for the 2025/26 school year close July 31, 2025. For more information, leave a message at (416) 489-2500 ext. 4711 or email hssp@vha.ca.