Bethesda

12/23/2025

As we close out 2025, we reflect with gratitude on the incredible families, community partners, and dedicated staff who make our work possible. Your trust and partnership empower us to support people in living their best lives, and we are truly thankful for the confidence you place in us. It is your support that allows us to deliver services that are compassionate, inclusive, and responsive.

The holiday season invites reflection, connection, and appreciation. We are proud of all that has been accomplished this year and remain deeply grateful for the shared commitment to supporting individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities in achieving their fullest potential.

However you celebrate, we wish you a peaceful, joyful holiday season and a bright beginning to 2026. Bethesda looks forward to continuing this journey with you in the year ahead.

12/19/2025

From festive lights to live sports and a visit to Bird Kingdom, our Adult Services are out in the community making memories, building connections, and enjoying new experiences.

These experiences are made possible through our Adult Services programs.
👉 Learn more and see how we support adults in our community: https://www.bethesdaservices.com/en/adult/home

12/15/2025

Looking for supportive, engaging programs for youth and teens, or a fun outing for the whole family? Registration is open for upcoming teen and youth programs and a family-friendly event at Bethesda Niagara Family Centre.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Teen Programs (Ages 14–17)
✔️ Original Characters (OC) Group
✔️ Chess & Board Games Club
✔️ Home Alone (life & safety skills)

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Youth Programs (Ages 10-13)
✔️ Sports Club (social skills through active play)
✔️ Puberty (social & life skills for all genders)

🎉 Family Day Mini Putt – All Ages Welcome
Drop in for mini putt, a bouncy castle, and family fun!

📍 All programs take place at:
Bethesda Niagara Family Centre
3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold

⏳ Small group sizes • Supportive staff
👉 Register now: https://www.bethesdaservices.com/en/youth/foundational-family-services-1

12/12/2025

This week, we celebrated Bethesda caregivers at our Caregiver Appreciation Event at Amici's Banquet And Conference Centre.

The night was created to honour the parents and caregivers whose loved ones access Bethesda’s Children and Youth Services, many of whom rarely get time for themselves. Complimentary childcare at the Niagara Family Centre made it easier for families to attend and truly relax.

Guests enjoyed a festive dinner prepared by Niagara College culinary students, holiday photos, ornament crafting, and the chance to connect with one another. A special highlight: several teenage Friends of Bethesda volunteered their time to assist with guest greetings, coat check, craft activities, and the caregiver resource table.

This gathering was made possible through the generosity of community partners who donated the venue and meal.

As CEO Paul McGowan shared:

“Caregivers and parents provide tireless support to their loved ones, and it’s our pleasure to be able to give something back to them.”

12/11/2025

We had a wonderful visit from the Lincoln Pelham Public Library BookMobile at our Fly Road location! 📚💙

We explored everything from graphic novels and fiction to DVDs, with brand-new library card sign-ups on the spot. A big thank-you to Gabby from LPPL for spending time with each person, offering personalized recommendations and helping everyone discover something new to enjoy.

Swipe through to see a few moments from the visit. Visit https://www.bethesdaservices.com/en/adult/home to learn more about our Adult Services programs

12/09/2025

We’re hosting an important conference focused on promoting safe, inclusive, and empowering sexual health education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Featuring keynote speaker Dani Bowman of Danimation Entertainment, autistic entrepreneur, educator, and advocate from Love on the Spectrum U.S., this event explores practical tools for fostering healthy relationships, autonomy, and safety.

This conference is for individuals with lived experience, caregivers, families, clinicians, educators, and leaders.

📅 Register today: https://portal.bethesdaservices.com/event-6463288

12/09/2025

Celebrating the stars of our new YouTube series! 🌟
We rolled out the red carpet for the talented individuals who brought these stories to life. Their excitement, pride, and creativity made this launch unforgettable.

See these stars in action and join our growing community: subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up to date on valuable resources for children, youth and adults, and their families. 🎬✨

https://www.youtube.com/.services

12/08/2025

Every day, staff throughout our community show up with care, creativity, and courage, supporting others, sparking new ideas, and lifting their teams through the challenges and wins of daily life. These moments often go unseen, but their impact is real and lasting.

To help celebrate those moments, a quarterly peer-nominated awards program was created last year: a way for staff to recognize one another for the compassion, collaboration, and innovation they bring to the people they support and the colleagues they stand beside.

We’re proud to highlight last years' winners:

Compassion
Ashleigh Geroux • Melissa Gibson • Chris Bell • Shawn Lubinski • Caitlin Powell • Shawna Gain

Collaboration
Kim Whittington • Katherine Sanderson • Melissa Sullivan • Sarah Schmidt • Allison Baxter

Innovation
Paula Taylor • Shannon Braun • Melissa Field • Paige Moon • Dani Brien • Asude Ayvaci

Thank you for the way you show up: for the people we support, for our community we serve, and for each other.

Learn more about a rewarding career with Bethesda: https://www.bethesdaservices.com/en/corporate/careers

12/07/2025

We had a blast at the game, and congrats on the win!

Were you there today? Don't forget to tag us in your pictures

12/07/2025

Michael and Shannon dropping the puck today at the game! Are you at the game today? Stop by and chat with Bethesda and pick up some swag.

12/05/2025

Feeling festive! 🥂 Throwback to this week's Client Christmas Banquet!

Celebrating the holiday season with the people who make our work so rewarding. We had such a blast showing our appreciation! ❤️

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!

Learn more about Bethesda's Adult Services programs https://www.bethesdaservices.com/en/adult/home

12/05/2025

Community is at the heart of everything we do!
We’re proud to share that supported individuals and staff from our Witham Centre Day Activities will be part of the Dunnville Santa Claus Parade tomorrow, December 6 at 5:00pm

Come celebrate with us and enjoy a little holiday magic! ✨🎄

🎄 DUNNVILLE CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY EVENTS – DECEMBER 6TH, 2025! 🎅✨

Mark your calendars, Dunnville — a full day of festive fun is coming your way!

We’re kicking off the holiday season with a lineup of community events the whole family will love:

🎅 Lions Breakfast with Santa
⏰ 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 Community Lifespan Centre
Start your morning with a warm breakfast and a visit with Santa!

🛍️ Christmas Artisans & Vendor Market
⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM
📍 Dunnville Optimist Club
Shop local and find unique gifts from talented artisans and vendors.

🎄 Christmas Market
⏰ 2 PM – 6 PM
📍 Dunnville Farmers Market
More festive shopping and holiday treats to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

🚂 Santa Claus Parade
🎨 Theme: Santa’s Workshop & Toyland
⏰ Starts at 5:30 PM
Bundle up and enjoy this magical parade through our community!

✨ Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation Tree of Hope Light Up!
⏰Immediately following the parade. 🎄Join us at Central Park for the official lighting of the Tree of Hope — a beautiful Dunnville tradition that symbolizes generosity, hope, and community spirit.

A huge thank you to our community partners and Adopt-A-Light sponsors for helping make this special day possible. ❤️

Let’s come together, make memories, and celebrate the magic of Christmas in Dunnville! 🌟🎁