Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
91 Moore Avenue N2H 3S4 Kitchener, ON, Canada

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s fan favourite event is BACK! Join us at WALK-OR-WHEEL 2021 from June 1-14, 2021. This fundraising event will raise money to support the inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and their families in our community. We’ve changed things up a little bit since we can’t all gather together in person. This year, participants will receive a WOW Activities Passport with activities to take part in throughout Waterloo Region. Grab your f...amily members, friends, DSP, or participate on your own - get involved and have some fun while knowing you’re making a difference! Visit http://walkorwheelwr.ca/ to learn more and register and RSVP to our Facebook event.

Centre for Independent Living in Toronto - CILT Inc. will host a COVID-19 vaccines webinar for people with disabilities this Wednesday. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines, safety & rollouts, vaccine hesitancy and how to self-advocate for receiving the vaccine. Learn more and register: https://us02web.zoom.us//regist/WN_kNNaHj-BRJ6ks_VUVMwncA

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: Due to the continued interest in our Board of Directors and Committee of the Board volunteer postings, we have extended the application deadline to April 6. If you want to contribute to belonging in our community and are looking for ways to share your gifts and talents, these opportunities could be for you! Learn more at https://www.eafwr.on.ca/volunteer/

#ICYMI: We're looking for volunteers to join our Board of Directors and Committee of the Board! If you want to contribute to belonging in our community and are looking for ways to share your gifts and talents, this could be for you. Learn more at https://www.eafwr.on.ca/volunteer/ The deadline to apply is March 24, 2021.

#FamilyHomeFriday: What is "family"? We'll show you! We had a little fun with this one. Here are 3 families in FamilyHome. To us, "family" is a caring home, open hearts and a desire to help someone belong and enjoy a full life.

We're grateful for our partnership with LIFT Philanthropy Partners and the opportunity to learn alongside some amazing SPOs (social purpose organizations) across Canada!

Our Little Free Library has been transformed into an art gallery! We're excited to be celebrating Kitchener's vibrant art scene alongside five additional Little Library "art galleries." Artwork will be on display until April 9. Learn more: https://www.kitchener.ca//arts-cult/reimagine-winter.aspx

Community Development listens deeply in many different places to understand who is welcoming the work that we are doing, and what skills and tools would allow that welcoming to be extended to anyone who has the strengths and talents that the community needs. We often liken Community Development to planting seeds. Sometimes, the seed yields a flower that blooms for one day and makes someone smile. Other times, the seed yields a giant field of plants. Learn how you can support Community Development at EAFWR and champion an inclusive community for all: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/an-inclusive-community-for-all/

We're incredibly grateful to be included in Leadership Waterloo Region's 2020 Impact Report! Executive Director Al Mills shares how we've invested in learning at EAFWR and the impact of Leadership Waterloo Region's Non-Profit Leadership Series: https://www.lwrimpactreport.org/eafwr

#WednesdayWisdom: Mark your calendars for November 29! Join singer-songwriter and 2019 Maria de Boer Changemaker Award recipient Jeff Poolton for his Songs for the Seasons concert in support of KidsAbility Centre for Child Development. The concert will take place online. See the Facebook event below for more details.

ICYMI: Share your thoughts and ideas with Ontario Government on how to improve supports for people with disabilities across Ontario in this survey. Have your say and help shape the conversation around inclusion and belonging: https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/.../making-ds-better-in-ontario/

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region would like to congratulate the City of Kitchener on approving their Housing for All strategy earlier this week. This affordable housing strategy was developed on a number of principles, including: human rights, accessibility, lived-experience focused, and anti-racist/antidiscriminatory. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to addressing issues of access to stable and affordable housing in Kitchener. We were honoured to participate in the Advisory Committee as part of this important work and look forward to seeing this strategy implemented in our community. Read the strategy here: https://www.kitchener.ca//DSD_PLAN_Housing_For_All_Kitchen

Learn how a hello is the beginning for inclusion and belonging at our Virtual Inclusion workshop on December 1. Open to the community in #KWAwesome. Spots are limited. Info and register: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/training/inclusion-workshop/

#TuesdayTip: This year’s flu season is taking place at the same time as COVID-19. We encourage everyone to get the flu shot early. It’s a simple way to protect yourself and others. Learn more: https://www.ontario.ca/page/flu-facts

#TuesdayTip: The Ontario Government is seeking feedback to help make developmental services better in Ontario. Share your ideas, comments and feedback to help improve supports for people with disabilities across Ontario in their survey: https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca//d/making-ds-better-in-ontario/ The deadline is Dec. 4.

#FlashbackFriday to last year's Block Party fundraiser, where we celebrated the diverse and inclusive neighbourhoods of Waterloo Region! Better Together includes our awesome community who joined us for a fun-filled night of live music, delicious food and craft beer, entertainment, magic, a silent auction and more, all in support of EAFWR. We miss connecting with you at events like this and can't wait to reconnect with you at events in the near future.

Be sure to tune in to KFUN 99.5 FM's The Angie Hill Show with Angie and Sarge tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m! Join us as we talk about the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things and how you can get involved.

#TuesdayTip: Give the gift of community, sustainability and local this holiday season! A membership to Library of Things is the perfect gift for those in your life who love to Browse, Borrow and Build. Gift certificates are now available at Library of Things - see below for more details.

#FamilyHomeFriday: Tune in this morning at 8:30 AM to The Angie Hill Show with Angie and Sarge on KFUN 99.5 FM to learn more about FamilyHome at EAFWR. This week, we’re talking about what families do together in FamilyHome. The answer is quite simple...STAY TUNED!

Coming up at 8:30 AM! Tune into KFUN 99.5 FM’s The Angie Hill Show to hear Community Development Manager Kim Sproul talk about Community Development and how you can support this important work.

We'd like to send a big THANK YOU to all of our Direct Support People! Thank you for your hard work, dedication and creativity, especially during these uncertain times, and finding ways to stay connected and make a difference every day in the lives of the people we support and their families. We appreciate each and every one of you. #BetterTogether includes you.

#WednesdayWisdom: Join Wellbeing Waterloo Region for the first in a series of virtual forums on Affordable Housing and Homelessness on Thursday October 1 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. At the forum, participants will have an opportunity to hear from a panel of speakers who will share their insights on the Regions Housing and Homelessness Plan, immediate needs of the unsheltered community, importance of housing supports and ways community members can help. Register here: https://event.webinarjam.com/channel/WWR-APlaceToCallHome

#FamilyHomeFriday: Flashback to six months ago when we released our whiteboard video about FamilyHome, featuring the voice talents of Mike Farwell from 570 NEWS! If you haven't already, be sure to check out our video and learn about the FamilyHome Program, an opportunity to Live Together, Learn Together, Grow Together. WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A2VBP3EVTY

#FamilyHomeFriday: Do you know of someone with an apartment to rent? Give us a call! We support someone in our Supported Independent Living Program (SIL) who urgently needs a new place to live in their own apartment. See below for more details.

#DYK: Waterloo Region has a resource for children, youth and families! Check out http://FamilyCompassWR.ca to connect with existing programs, find COVID-19 supports, connect to parenting resources and more.

#DYK: The Children and Youth Planning Table has created a dedicated page with COVID-19 resources for children, youth and families, including activities, services, supports and more: https://childrenandyouthplanningtable.ca/covid-19-resource/

#WednesdayWisdom: This past year was an exciting one for our social enterprise, the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things, from hiring Practicum Librarians as part of the supported employment model, to getting creative and being #virtuallyBetterTogetherWR during COVID-19. Read more in our 2019-20 Annual Report: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/kwlot-story/. ICYMI, KWLOT is now offering curbside drop-offs and pickups for members! Interested in learning more or becoming a member? Visit www.kwlot.ca

We're grateful for the funding we've received from the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation and Regional Partners, part of the Investment Readiness Program which is funded by the Government of Canada. Thanks to your support and generosity, we can develop a sustainable business model for our social enterprise, the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things.

Thank you to United Way Waterloo Region Communities for their generosity through the Emergency Community Support Fund. The grant will be used to offer short-term, out of home respite opportunities for the children we support and their families. Thank you for investing in an inclusive community for all.

Get a virtual taste of the African Caribbean Cultural Diaspora from the performances, art and online activities at the LINK Picnic Festival, happening on August 22 and 23! For more information, check out the event flyer and visit https://linkpicnicfestival.com/

#WednesdayWisdom: Community Development is about connections to those we serve, engaging the broader community and what happens when these overlap. Community Development Manager Kim Sproul shares the impact of this work for all involved: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/community-development-story/

#BetterTogetherWR includes longtime supporter and former EAFWR Board member, Terry Aivaliotis. He shares the impact that Mary and Gord Fisher of St. Agatha had in his life growing up, and the words of wisdom that led him to give back to the community, including All-Brite Glass & Tint's Chip In for Charity event in support of EAFWR: https://www.kitchenertoday.com//founders-of-st-agatha-comm

#WednesdayWisdom: Over the past year, EAFWR's Community Engagement Team worked hard to bring a number of fun and engaging events to our community! From the family favourite Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) to celebrating neighbourhoods at our Block Party fundraiser and recognizing those who make positive impacts in our community, we're grateful to everyone who joined our village. Thank you for attending these events in support of an inclusive community for all. Read more: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/community-engagement-story/

#WednesdayWisdom: When Theresa and Doug learned that their son Will was eligible for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding, they reached out to EAFWR for support with the application process. While they were initially overwhelmed by the forms, they were grateful for the help and support of their Support Coordinator: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/ontario-autism-program/

#FamilyHomeFriday: Respite is a key element to a successful FamilyHome match. Now more than ever, we are all understanding the need for time apart from the ones we love. Were also craving connection and expanding the number of people in our lives. Respite helps with both of these things!

We're excited about the latest addition to Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things' inventory! #ICYMI, KWLOT is offering curbside drop-off and pickup for members. Interested in becoming a member? Contact [email protected] and visit www.kwlot.ca to learn more.

#WednesdayWisdom: For the past couple of years, the Community Groups, formerly the Adult Respite Fun Groups, has developed into a Passport fee for service opportunity for individuals to meet new people with similar interests, increase independence and enhance community safety skills. Adult & Community Groups Coordinator Ben Sauder shares more about Community Groups in our 2019-20 Annual Report: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/community-groups-story/

#WednesdayWisdom: When Ottneil started attending WALES in 2017, he had little community involvement outside of his family. Through WALES, Otty has become more and more involved in the community and his confidence is ever growing. Read more about Ottneil's journey at WALES: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/ottneils-story/

Good news to share! We're pleased that the federal government recently voted in favour of a one-time payment of $600 to people with disabilities and their families as they face new costs and navigate challenges due to COVID-19. This payment is tax free and non-reportable. Approximately 1.7 million Canadians will qualify. This includes people who are Disability Tax Credit (DTC)-eligible, recipients of the Canadian Pension Plan Disability benefit, and people accessing disability supports through Veterans Affairs Canada. Families that receive the Child Disability Benefit are also eligible. Learn more: https://cacl.ca//parliament-finally-agrees-to-provide-cov/

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region would like to congratulate Thresholds Homes and Supports Inc.. for their amalgamation with Dunara Homes for Recovery Inc.! As Threshold Homes and Supports Incorporated, they will continue working collaboratively to transform the health and security of individuals in the Guelph-Wellington and Waterloo Region communities, including mental health, addiction, and housing: Learn more: https://www.thresholdssupports.ca//THS_Release_July2020_FI

#WednesdayWisdom: Before Sandeep was connected with WALES, she had little connection in the community where she was independent and able to use her gifts. She now continues to be an honest, organized, decisive and focused woman who is determined to create a life built around her gifts and joys. Read more about Sandeep's journey in our 2019-20 Annual Report: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/sandeeps-story/

#TuesdayTip: There's still time to share your feedback with Canadian Human Rights Commission in their survey and help shape how they monitor and protect the rights of people with disabilities. Learn more and take the survey here: https://surveys.chrc2020-ccdp2020.ca/s3/-EN-FR

#ThrowbackThursday to last year's Summer Program! From discovering the community to games, nature walks and swimming, it was a summer to remember for staff and participants alike. Read more: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/summer-program-story/ While our Summer Program looks a bit different this year, we're looking forward to offering a mix of virtual and in-person activities at our August Day Camp! Spots are still available - learn more and register today: www.eafwr.on.ca/summer-program Summer Program is made possible with the support, funding and generosity of Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation and the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation. Thank you for supporting an inclusive community for all.

#ThursdayThoughts: Join National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals tomorrow from 2-3 PM for their next "Let's Talk" webinar. Learn about best practices for supporting mental health for all during uncertain times in the COVID-19 era. Details and register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/5836497299713865744

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is Canadas human rights watchdog, with a responsibility to both promote and protect human rights. The Commission was recently given a new responsibility to monitor the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Canada. In order to do this, they need to engage with diverse rights holders across Canada to hear your lived experiences and opinions on this important topic. You are invited to take their 15-30 minute online survey. Your feedback will help shape and guide the conversation around the rights of people with disabilities: https://surveys.chrc2020-ccdp2020.ca/s3/-EN-FR

We have been nominated in the Non-Profit category for Waterloo Region Record's 2020 Readers' Choice Awards! Thank you to those who nominated us and to our supportive community. Better Together includes you. We encourage you to share and please vote for us, if you would like! The deadline is July 26: https://www.therecord.com//subcateg/non-profit-foundations

As of today, masks or face coverings are mandatory in Region of Waterloo on transit and enclosed public places, with some exceptions. Be safe, be kind and let's work together to protect one another. See below for more details about the mask bylaw and learn more about face coverings here: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca//healt/face-coverings.aspx

Effective tomorrow, masks will be mandatory on GRT: Grand River Transit, with some exceptions. From July 13 to 17, GRT will be handing out disposable masks at select locations. For more details and FAQs, visit https://www.grt.ca//rider-/masks-are-mandatory-on-grt.aspx#

#FamilyHomeFriday: That #FridayFeeling when we have a new FamilyHome video to share! Respite in FamilyHome is such a great opportunity for everyone. Its a chance to meet new people, kick back and relax. Not convinced? Let Americo and Stephanie tell you about their relationship together through Respite.

Spotted: Our brightly coloured Little Free Library! Housed outside of 91 Moore Avenue, this little free library, along with others in Kitchener-Waterloo, have recently been stocked with books that amplify the voices of diverse communities, thanks to the incredible efforts of WRDSB teacher, Dinah Murdoch. #BetterTogetherWR includes the K-W Little Free Diverse Libraries project. Learn more about how you can get involved and be sure to check out your local little free library! https://www.therecord.com//kitchener-teacher-amplifying-di

#TuesdayTip: Exciting news! The Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things is now offering curbside pickups AND drop-offs for members. See below for more details about the curbside drop-off and pickup process. Questions? Interested in becoming a member? Please email [email protected]

Wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day on behalf of the team at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region! Our virtual office will be closed today. We will be back on Thursday, July 2.

#FamilyHomeFriday: We need your help! Doug lives in our FamilyHome Program and has been looking for a new home and family to live with for quite some time. We are urgently looking for a family in our community to open their home and heart to him. Know someone who may be interested? Help us spread the word! Check out the video below and share this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON--9tOEMB8... Live Together, Learn Together, Grow Together in FamilyHome

#ThursdayThoughts: Join Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation this afternoon for their latest Do More Good Dialogue. Hear from community leaders in conversation, with a focus on Black and Indigenous solidarity. See below for more details and to register.

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is currently seeking two energetic and detailed-oriented students to support our organization this summer! If you are a current undergraduate student enrolled in human or social sciences, or equivalent with related experience, this may be the opportunity for you. Check out the job posting for more details: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/hiring/?p=job%2FoNBVcfwf

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Today and every day, let us acknowledge the lands we are on, continue to create spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and create a sense of belonging. #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay #NIPDCanada

Join Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation for their third Do More Good Dialogue this afternoon from 1-2 PM! Hear about affordable housing in Waterloo Region in the context of COVID-19. See below for more details and to register.