Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

07/25/2025

Thank you to Ontario Trillium Foundation ‪for investing in pre-employment knowledge and skill-building opportunities in our Employable Skills Development Program! We’re grateful for your support and investment in a community where everyone belongs, is valued and can contribute meaningfully. Read more about today’s recognition event:

On July 25, 2025, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region welcomed members of the public to celebrate their Ontario Trillium Foundation Resilient Communities grant.

07/25/2025

: 📣Urgent Live-In FamilyHome Provider Opportunity in Waterloo Region!

We are looking for 1-2 people to move in with and provide support to a 46-year-old non-verbal woman with limited mobility and some vision impairment.

Given the nature of the support needs, she would prefer at least 1 female roommate.

She has a Direct Support Person during the day from Mondays to Fridays. Day support hours can be flexible based on the roommate’s work schedule/availability.

The Live-In FamilyHome Provider role is designed to be a shared living commitment of a minimum of 6 months, up to a possible 3 years or beyond.

Her support needs include:
🔹 Support when walking outside the home
🔹 Cannot navigate stairs independently
🔹 Full support with personal care (bathing, toileting etc.)
🔹 Full support with meal prep, but eats well and independently

With this opportunity, you would receive:
🔹FREE room and board in a 2-3 bedroom apartment
🔹Non-taxable per diem, paid bi-weekly
🔹Ongoing support from EAFWR

The reciprocal benefits are stable housing, a new relationship and living your regular life while supporting the housing and wellbeing of someone in need of support.

Interested or know someone who would be? Check out the posting to learn more and share with your networks!
https://ow.ly/wsTW50WvfsB

07/23/2025

"In September 2024, we developed a new team at EAFWR called 2RL (Respite, Recreation and Leisure) with five staff. Our team’s goal is to develop meaningful, low-cost programs for people with disabilities that all are welcome to attend. When 2RL was first formed, we were responsible for seven different programs and offerings. Since then, we have added six new offerings and developed two new partnerships in the community."

The 2RL Team shares about their programs and offerings in our 2024-25 Annual Report: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/introducing-respite-recreation-leisure/

📖 Read the full report here! ▶️ https://www.eafwr.on.ca/2024-25-annual-report/

07/22/2025

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/

07/18/2025

When life gives us lemons...we give back! 🍋

Our Summer Program participants are hosting a lemonade stand today to support Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region. Stop by, enjoy a drink for $1, and support their efforts to give back to the community!

📅 Friday July 18
⏰ 2:15-3:15pm
📍 Grand River Collegiate Institute (175 Indian Rd, Kitchener, ON)

07/17/2025

"I am fortunate to have always worked for community organizations. As I discovered when I began working for Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR), lacrosse is popular, but the main sport here is ball hockey. Our annual Ball Hockey Tournament was one of the first EAFWR events that I participated in."

In our 2024-25 Annual Report, Community Ambassador Christina shares about how her love of sports grew over the years, and how much the annual Ball Hockey tournament means to her: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/the-good-ol-hockey-game/

📖 Read the full report here! ▶️ https://www.eafwr.on.ca/2024-25-annual-report/

07/16/2025

📣 SAVE THE DATE! Join us for (WOW) in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) this September.

🙌 From September 8 - 20, participants can collect pledges and donations in support of EAFWR's Community Development initiatives focused on growing our core values of belonging, community, equity and relationships.

🌟 NEW THIS YEAR! On September 20 from 2:00 - 4:00pm, you're invited to our WOW 2025 Celebration, happening in the parking lot at our office at 91 Moore Ave. This is a chance to celebrate and join us for an accessible loop around the neighbourhood, family-friendly activities, and so much more. 🎉 We welcome all in the community to attend!

Stay tuned for more details about registering to fundraise and the WOW Celebration.

07/16/2025

Are you an employer in Waterloo Region? We have an exciting opportunity for you to become a Work Placement Partner as part of our new Employable Skills Development Program (ESDP)!

ESDP includes a 10-week volunteer work placement for participants to gain hands-on experience. Our ESDP Coordinator works with participants to find workplaces that best match their skills and interests and provides support during the placement.

Hosting a work placement is a great opportunity to connect with the community and show your commitment to inclusive and diverse hiring.

▶️ Interested in learning more? Please email jayme.pembleton@eafwr.on.ca and visit https://eafwr.on.ca/esdp for more info.

07/11/2025

Every July, Disability Pride Month celebrates the identities, culture, and contributions of people who experience disability. It’s a time to challenge ableism, honour the diversity of disability experiences, and reflect on what pride, visibility, and inclusion mean in our communities and workplaces.

Read more on our blog: https://www.eafwr.on.ca/july-is-disability-pride-month/

07/10/2025

: We are grateful for the continued support of Waterloo Region Community Foundation!

Our Summer Program is supported by the Waterloo Region Record - Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Thank you for investing in inclusive, engaging experiences for youth with disabilities that focus on community, connection and relationships.

Read more about the recipients of WRCF's Community Funds: https://www.wrcf.ca/news/cf-results-2025

07/10/2025

📣 Our 2024-25 Annual Report is here! https://www.eafwr.on.ca/2024-25-annual-report/ ‎

This report is filled with stories put together by our team that share our impact over the past year. Some of these stories are about you and the people and families we support, and our work in the community.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year's report!