For University of Guelph-Humber Community Social Services graduate Brandon Graziano (class of 2026), completing his program placement at Circle of Care with a compassionate, human-first approach felt second nature. Here, where he remains an avid volunteer, Brandon has cared for elderly clients and works in bereavement support through one-on-one meetings and through leading group sessions leveraging the clinical skills he learned in the classroom.
When he found out he was one of the 2026 recipients of a June Callwood Award – a distinction given by the Government of Ontario to recognize extraordinary volunteers who’ve made an impact on the community – Brandon, who was nominated by his peers at Circle of Care, said the honour felt “surreal” once he fully grasped the significance of the recognition.
“I've grieved before, too, so I know what that's like. And I've had family in hospice before. They just want to be treated [as humans],” he said.
Brandon has shown immense dedication throughout his placement within the Community Social Services program (now known as Social Services and Well-Being Studies), from going the extra mile to ensure clients feel comfortable, to making meaningful connections with those he serves.
During placement, he would tend to elderly clients and run the group bereavement support, which was meaningful work for him. When visiting clients, Brandon would check in with their wellbeing, assist them with groceries, take them for walks, and more.
For Brandon, he didn’t just want to do the bare minimum – he wanted clients to feel valued and heard. He forged meaningful connections with all his clients by taking the time to authentically get to know them as people. This meant he would actively listen to their stories, engaging them in stimulating conversations where they would open up about their lives and legacies to him.
Strong communication and understanding how to build strong connections – tenets he employs regularly in the field – aren’t foreign skills to him. After spending over a decade in media and radio broadcast where he honed these skills, Brandon decided it was time for a career change where he could apply these transferable skills and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
“Just be human; be nice to people. Treat people the way they want to be treated,” Brandon said. “I moved forward with that mindset.”
Part of this approach also meant advocating for ways to keep elderly clients mentally stimulated. For instance, he ensured one of his clients received a tablet where she could play games and puzzles to help keep her both sharp and entertained, rather than having her stare at a television all day.
Making a difference in the lives of others is fulfilling work for him. Currently, Brandon works at a homeless shelter, conducting its outreach program. As for the future of his career, he is open to any avenue in the social services if he can make someone’s life a little bit better.
“I try to help as many people as I can and just [strive] to be the best person for myself and for others,” Brandon said.
His transformative journey – from returning to school in pursuit of a new path to becoming a June Callwood Award recipient and making a positive impact on the lives of others – all began at U of GH. Brandon was drawn to the program for the small class sizes because he didn’t want to just be a “number” in a large lecture hall; he wanted to truly connect with his peers and instructors. He was also fond of receiving a diploma (from Humber Polytechnic) and a degree (from the University of Guelph) upon completing the program. Moreover, he studied radio broadcast at Humber Polytechnic (then known as Humber College), so Guelph-Humber’s campus felt like “home” as it’s located on Humber’s North Campus.
“I thought it was right for me. I thought it was the obvious choice,” Brandon said. “I definitely enjoyed my experience at Guelph-Humber.”
Whether you’re coming from high school or have previous post-secondary education, learn more about Guelph-Humber’s Social Services and Well-Being program here.
