Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services

Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services, Disability service, 2749 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, ON.

Dedicated for 65 years (and counting!) to enhancing the quality of life for persons in Waterloo Region living with Autism, or diverse developmental & physical disabilities.

As we head into the holiday season, please note our adjusted office hours:Sunbeam offices will be closed:Christmas Day –...
12/22/2025

As we head into the holiday season, please note our adjusted office hours:

Sunbeam offices will be closed:

Christmas Day – December 25
Boxing Day – December 26
New Year’s Day – January 1

Our offices will be open with regular hours of operation on all other days.

From all of us at Sunbeam, thank you for your continued support throughout the year, and we wish you a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday season.

When Sammy has to go to the hospital, her parents, Tom and Karen, know exactly how hard those days used to be.Because Sa...
12/19/2025

When Sammy has to go to the hospital, her parents, Tom and Karen, know exactly how hard those days used to be.

Because Sammy does not use words to communicate, she needs someone who understands her communication style, her routines, her needs and preferences, and the cues that Sammy gives that tell you when she’s uncomfortable or when something’s wrong. Years ago, that meant her parents tried to be at the hospital 24/7. They’d trade off shifts between work, run home quickly to shower, get some quick rest, then rush back so Sammy wasn’t left without someone who truly knew her.

They did it because the hospital simply wasn’t equipped to give Sammy the full support she needed on its own.

Sunbeam’s Hospital Care Program changed everything for their family.

Now, when Sammy requires hospitalization, she is accompanied by trained Sunbeam support staff who know Sammy and can advocate for her. Sunbeam staff make sure Sammy isn’t left trying to navigate a stressful environment without someone in her corner, and they also share regular updates with Tom and Karen for peace of mind.

For her parents, that peace of mind is everything. As Sammy’s dad puts it:�“Having the services of the Hospital Care Program helps to maintain your mental health.”

For families like theirs, it means not having to choose between work, sleep, and making sure your child is understood in a place that can feel overwhelming.

It means real support when it matters most.

To support the Hospital Care Program or to learn more about the program, please visit us at: https://sunbeamcommunity.ca/sunbeam-hospital-care-program/

Eagen House is one of Sunbeam’s welcoming group home locations in Kitchener, Ontario, supporting six adults in a comfort...
12/19/2025

Eagen House is one of Sunbeam’s welcoming group home locations in Kitchener, Ontario, supporting six adults in a comfortable, community-based setting.

Here, residents enjoy a stable, caring environment with individualized support, daily living assistance, and opportunities to build connections and routines that feel like home.

The ladies who live at Eagen love spending time together, whether it’s watching movies, making crafts, working on puzzles, or enjoying other shared activities that bring joy and connection into their day.

Each person also has their own personalized room, offering a sense of independence, comfort, and a space that truly reflects their unique identity.

Our team at Eagen House is dedicated to creating a home where everyone feels safe, supported, and truly part of a community.

N is a bright, affectionate little boy who fills every room with laughter. He loves music, cuddles, Disney movies, festi...
12/18/2025

N is a bright, affectionate little boy who fills every room with laughter. He loves music, cuddles, Disney movies, festive lights, and anything involving water—from bubble baths to puddles. His joy is contagious, and he connects with people in his own special way.

When N’s behaviours became overwhelming last summer, his family turned to Sunbeam’s Urgent Response Services (URS). What followed was life-changing. A dedicated coordinator became their anchor, guiding them through every step and ensuring they never felt alone. Expert psychiatric care brought clarity and calm, while practical strategies at home—communication tools, sensory activities, and safety adjustments—gave the family confidence and hope.

Slowly, the storm passed. Behaviours eased, and N’s happy, silly personality began to shine again. For his family, it felt like breathing again—like joy returning to their home.

The family is deeply grateful to Sunbeam for its patient and compassionate support. The urgent response wrap-around services transformed a very dark time into a future filled with light.

Sunbeam is proud to spotlight Tesa Martin, who joined our Board of Directors in 2025. Tesa brings over 15 years of exper...
12/17/2025

Sunbeam is proud to spotlight Tesa Martin, who joined our Board of Directors in 2025. Tesa brings over 15 years of experience in community service and local government, and currently works in Community Services at the Region of Waterloo.

With expertise in community development, policy analysis, and strategic planning, Tesa is passionate about cultivating inclusion, building partnerships, and strengthening community connections.

Tesa’s connection to Sunbeam is also personal. Her younger brother, who lives with autism and loves to swim, first introduced her to the organization through their weekly visits to Sunbeam’s community pool. Those early experiences sparked her lifelong commitment to advocacy and supporting individuals with developmental needs.

Now, living in Waterloo with her husband and two young children, Tesa is excited to bring her professional insight and personal perspective to the board, helping shape a future rooted in care, inclusion, and community strength.

Communication looks different for everyone. Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) can open new doors for unders...
12/17/2025

Communication looks different for everyone. Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) can open new doors for understanding, expression, and independence.

Learn about augmentative communication and how it can enhance comprehension and serve as a means of expression. Discover the various types of AAC systems available and the differences between AAC apps. Get suggestions for getting started with AAC.

Join the Speech-Language Pathology team, Lorraine Otto and Tess Farrington for a free virtual session to explore:

-What AAC is and how it supports communication
-Different AAC systems and apps
-Tips for getting started at home

Designed for parents & caregivers of individuals living with autism or developmental disabilities

January 13, 2026
10:00–11:00 AM
Virtual workshop

Register online: sdrc.ca/workshops-and-training
Or call 519-741-1121 ext. 2201

Neil joined Sunbeam’s Day Program in October 2023 and quickly became a familiar and friendly face to staff and participa...
12/12/2025

Neil joined Sunbeam’s Day Program in October 2023 and quickly became a familiar and friendly face to staff and participants alike. His warmth, humour, and outgoing spirit help make the Day Program feel like family.

Neil’s favourite activities include:
• Outings in the community
• Special events and parties
• Being part of the Sunbeam Broadcasting Team, where he helps plan jokes, records video segments, and creates content shared on YouTube.

At the Day Program 2024 Family Holiday Celebration, Neil served as Master of Ceremonies, opening with jokes, keeping the audience engaged, and thanking the band. He’s already looking forward to hosting more events in the future!

Neil is known as a social butterfly, a comedian, and someone who is friendly, kind, and full of energy.

When he’s not at Sunbeam, you’ll find Neil:
• Shopping
• Listening to dance and techno music
• Spending time with his dogs, Marley and Dax
• Visiting the family cottage in Point Clark

Fun fact: Neil has an incredible memory. When asked how long he’d been attending the Day Program, he instantly gave the exact date and surprised the interviewer on the spot!

We’re lucky to have you in our Sunbeam community, Neil!

It was a beautiful day last Friday at Sunbeam as we celebrated the grand opening of our new Vos Family Multi-Sensory Spa...
12/09/2025

It was a beautiful day last Friday at Sunbeam as we celebrated the grand opening of our new Vos Family Multi-Sensory Space, also known as the Sunbeam Snoezelen Lounge.

A big thank you to our many generous community donors and to Pieter and Catherine Vos, whose support made this space possible. Through the generosity of our community, this new space helps create environments where individuals can feel safe, soothed, and inspired every day.

A special thank you also to MPP Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community & Social Services, and to Jess Dixon, MPP for Kitchener South-Hespeler who also joined us on this special day, bringing greetings from the province. Thank you for joining us as we marked this meaningful milestone. The new Vos Family Multi-Sensory Space will bring peace, sensory support, and joy to so many individuals and families in our community.

To read more about this exciting event, please visit: https://sunbeamcommunity.ca/2025/12/09/ribbon-cutting-the-vos-family-multi-sensory-space/

This month, we’re proud to highlight Charlene! She has been part of the Sunbeam family since January 2004. For nearly tw...
12/08/2025

This month, we’re proud to highlight Charlene! She has been part of the Sunbeam family since January 2004. For nearly two decades, Charlene has contributed care, dedication, and heart to the Sunbeam community and her presence is truly appreciated

Starting as a Nurse at Whaley Group Home, she provided compassionate care, supported daily living activities, and advocated for the medical needs of the people we support- from medication administration to collaborating closely with doctors and healthcare teams.

In December 2022, she took on a new challenge and stepped into the role of Supervisor for Eagen and Champlain Homes. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, she now supports and guides staff, sharing best practices and offering mentorship rooted in real understanding. “I fully understand the challenges faced by staff because I, too, was once in their shoes,” she shares. “That makes me better at my job and makes it incredibly rewarding.”

For her, Sunbeam is where her passion, values, and purpose align. “Helping people living with disabilities reach their goals gives me a deep sense of purpose every day. The people here are like a second family.”

A moment she remembers:
One of her most touching memories was witnessing a person supported, who had been long separated from his family, reunite with his brothers after decades apart. “It reminded me that our work goes beyond care. It’s about restoring dignity, connection, and belonging.”

Outside of work, she brings her Caribbean roots to life through cooking, dancing, and playing board games with loved ones, spreading joy wherever she goes.

Thank you, Charlene, for your dedication!

This month, our Recreation & Wellness team is taking participants on a journey to discover Ukraine through its art, musi...
12/05/2025

This month, our Recreation & Wellness team is taking participants on a journey to discover Ukraine through its art, music, traditions, and flavours.

Participants will explore Ukrainian culture in creative, hands-on ways: from crafting folk-inspired art to tasting traditional dishes and learning about the country’s vibrant history and customs.

It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate together, reminding us how culture can bring people closer and spark new conversations.

Sign up today to join the Recreation & Wellness team to take part!
https://sunbeamcommunity.ca/recreation-wellness-program/

The weather’s getting colder, which makes it the perfect time to curl up with a blanket, a warm drink, and our Fall/Wint...
12/04/2025

The weather’s getting colder, which makes it the perfect time to curl up with a blanket, a warm drink, and our Fall/Winter Newsletter.

Inside, you’ll find updates on our programs, community stories, new initiatives, and the moments that made this season meaningful for the people we support.

Take a few minutes to get cozy and read what’s been happening across Sunbeam. https://sunbeamcommunity.ca/newsletters/

There’s joy in every jar. 🍪This season, members of our Social Adventure Club have been busy baking, laughing, and buildi...
12/03/2025

There’s joy in every jar. 🍪

This season, members of our Social Adventure Club have been busy baking, laughing, and building new skills while creating our holiday cookie jars.

Each jar is more than a cookie mix.
It’s pride. It’s teamwork. It’s confidence.
And it directly supports life-enriching programs here at Sunbeam.

We only have a limited number left, and they’re selling quickly!

Order yours here: https://sunbeamcommunity.ca/social-adventure-club-cookie-jar/

Address

2749 Kingsway Drive
Kitchener, ON
N2C1A7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15198936200

Alerts

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