Mandate

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is an association that is committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals who are developmentally and/or physically challenged and their families, by promoting an inclusive community through the fostering of relationships and partnerships.

Philosophy

 Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region:

• Recognizes the importance of the family unit;
• Sees the person as a whole rather than parts;
• Believes that persons with a disability are valued members of the community and have full rights to inclusion;
• Believes in working in partnership with the family;
• Is committed to being on the forefront of the integration movement;
• Upholds the family's right to confidentiality and privacy;
• Advocates interaction in the community.

Extend-A-Family Programs and Services:

SPECIAL SERVICES AT HOME

Special Services at Home Program (SSAH) is funded fiscally (April to March) by the Ministry of Community & Social Services and the Ministry of Children & Youth Services.  Families are required to make applications yearly for the fiscal funding.  It is for people of all ages with a developmental disability and for children under 18 years of age with a physical disability.  The SSAH program is focused on meeting needs broadly related to personal growth and development or family relief and support.

Once approved for funding, families are able to self-administer the monies or request the assistance of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAF) to administer their SSAH contract.  EAF Coordinators work in partnership with families to apply yearly for the program, recruit, screen, interview, and supervise the SSAH worker when the goals of the contract are related to workers providing support for personal growth, development and respite.  When the goals are related to family relief support (private respite, camp fees, etc.), EAF provides reimbursement for these expenses from the SSAH contract. 

FAMILYHOME PROGRAM

FamilyHome is a community living alternative for adults who have a developmental challenge.  A community family (other than their own) welcomes an individual to live with them in their home and be a part of their family life.  Families receive support and remuneration and the privilege of making a positive difference in the life of another person.  Many long term relationships have been formed through the FamilyHome program.

W.A.L.E.S. PROGRAM

WALES, Working Adults Learning Empowering Skills, offers community participation supports to adults with developmental challenges aged 18 and over.  Through group and individual experiences, participants work towards their goals and dreams and participate in the community in a variety of ways, including volunteer and paid employment.

RESPITE

EAF's Respite Program provides an opportunity for families with a member who is developmentally challenged to take a break.  Respite Providers are screened and offered general training to provide respite for the son or daughter with a disability either in the family's home or in the respite provider's home.  Adult Respite Fun Groups are also offered as a form of respite.  Facilitators support these small groups of young adults to plan activities and be out in community on a weekly basis.

PASSPORTS

Passport provides community participation support opportunities to adults and individuals who have left school. Depending upon the choices and goals of the individual, this may be at the WALES program, with a support worker in the community, or a combination of the two.  Individuals may be involved in further education, employment related development, volunteer activities, utilization of community and enhancement of social, independent living and personal management skills.

SUMMER PROGRAM

A summer experience is offered to young people with disabilities aged 14 and up during the months of July and August.  Fun, weekly, daytime activities and community outings based around different themes each week take place from a local venue.  In addition, a five day/overnight Summer vacation provides fun, fellowship and friendship in a rural location which encourages us to *love our land*.

 BEST BUDDIES

This program matches high school, college and university students with individuals who have developmental disabilities. The purpose is to promote inclusion and community integration and most importantly, to form friendships. Buddies and students spend time together doing social activities both on a one to one basis and in a group setting.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Community Development Coordinator helps develop initiatives that enable individuals and families to build a good life in the community, while also looking for ways to connect the individuals and families we support with each other.

For more information please contact:

 Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region

91 Moore Ave

Kitchener, ON

N2H 3S4

(entrance at rear)

 ph: 519-741-0190

info@eafwr.on.ca

www.eafwr.on.ca