Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

12/18/2025

Please note that our Open Space groups will be on holidays from December 23, 2025 until January 4, 2026.

We look forward to seeing you in the New Year for conversations, connection, coffee, games and more!

12/17/2025

Please be advised that our office will be closed from Wednesday December 24 at 12pm, reopening on Friday January 2nd at 9am.

While our essential supports will continue, we will be operating with a reduced team during this time. We encourage you to leave an email or voicemail for your Coordinator, who will contact you upon their return, and our outgoing voicemail message (519-741-0190) will include instructions on how to connect with a member of our team in the event of a situation where someone's health or safety is at risk.

12/17/2025

Our Summer Program offers inclusive, engaging experiences for youth with disabilities. From themed weeks at day camp to enjoying a scenic rural camp experience at our overnight camp, our Summer Program is focused on community and connection. ☀️

This year, 60 children and young adults attended summer program – free or subsidized – a camp experience they otherwise would not have had. ⛺

Your support will help us continue to offer these subsidized experiences for children and youth, so they can join camp, have fun and make new friends. 💙

🫶 In this season of giving, we invite you to learn how you can help nurture a community where everyone feels welcomed and valued: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/a-community-where-everyone-is-welcomed-and-valued/

12/17/2025

Join us for our Cambridge Open Space Coffee & Chats, happening every Wednesday at Cambridge Centre from 12-2pm!

Open to all abilities, walks of life and interests: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/programs/open-space/

12/16/2025

At Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, we believe in a simple but powerful vision: a community where everyone belongs and is valued for their unique contributions. Thanks to your generosity, this vision is becoming reality every day.

Your support has opened doors for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families—creating spaces where isolation turns into connection, and uncertainty becomes hope. Because of you, 2025 was a year of incredible progress. But there is still more to do.

Every day, families face isolation. Every day, someone wonders if they truly belong. Your gift ensures the answer is yes.

This giving season, we invite you to partner with us:

✨A one-time gift of $25, $50, or $100 keeps vital programs strong and growing.
✨A monthly gift of $5 or $10 helps us create new opportunities for inclusion and belonging

💙 Learn how you can make a meaningful impact this season: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/a-community-where-everyone-is-welcomed-and-valued/

12/16/2025

With Mental Health First Aid Training, you can make a difference in someone's life. This training will equip you with the skills to support people who are navigating mental health crises and challenges. It includes an online module, followed by an in-person training.

Next in-person training is Saturday January 10. Learn more and register: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/training/mental-health-first-aid/

12/14/2025

Happy Hanukkah/Chanukah and Hanukkah Sameach to all who are celebrating in our community, from the EAFWR team! 🕎✨May this Festival of Lights fill your heart and home with warmth and blessings.

Hanukkah begins at sundown today and will continue through Monday December 22.

12/14/2025

Have a teen looking for activities in the community? Youth Hub is a drop-in space for video games, board games and more! Happening on Mondays from 6-8pm at Kitchener Public Library's Central Library.

Developed for teens with disabilities and open to all. No registration required. Learn more: https://kpl.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=234384

This program is provided in partnership with Kitchener Public Library.

Youth Hub with Extend-A-Family is for participants aged 12 to 17. Developed for teens with disabilities and open to all.Formerly the "Teen Hangout Group" at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region.Come by for a teen drop-in to play video games, board games and more!This program is provided in partnership wi...

12/13/2025

JOB OPPORTUNITY: We’re looking for a casual Open Space Facilitator to lead our Wednesday Coffee & Chats, held at Cambridge Centre, that focuses on connection and community. ☕💬

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys planning fun activities, sparking conversation, and creating a space where everyone feels included, connected and feel valued. 💙

Sound like you or someone you know? Check out the job posting to learn more! https://ow.ly/YJuG50XHCiI

12/13/2025

We'd love to see you at our Open Space sessions!

Held in Waterloo, Kitchener and Cambridge, all are welcome! Come out and join in the fun and games: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/open-space/

12/12/2025

: Join our team as a FamilyHome (FH)/Supported Independent Living (SIL) Facilitator!

ℹ️Please note that while all applications will be considered for this role, the person supported has requested a female-presenting Facilitator based on their personal comfort level.

In this role, you will be community based as the key front line support provider to people receiving service from the FH and SIL programs. This includes planning and organizing schedules and activities, accompanying the person supported to errands and out in the community, and helping with daily tasks.

If you're the kind of person that is guided by compassion, care and responsibility, builds and fosters social relationships, and has experience working with people with developmental disabilities, this is the role for you!

Check out the job posting to learn more ▶️ https://ow.ly/MmRK50XCMWx

12/11/2025

In 2025, 264 people attended 19 interactive workshops on the topics of Inclusion, Conflict and Communication, Self-Advocacy, and Personality Dimensions for staff, volunteers, community members, and organizations across Waterloo Region.

In this season of giving, your support can make a real difference. Every donation helps us expand these vital trainings so more people across Waterloo Region can gain skills that foster inclusion and belonging. Together, we can create communities where everyone feels valued.

🌟 Be part of the change. Donate today: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/a-community-where-everyone-is-welcomed-and-valued/