December 2nd, 2025
With your support, we can partner together to build a community where everyone is welcomed and valued
Dear Friend,
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:
- 242 caregivers and children found friendship and hope through Caregiver Connection Groups for families who have a child with a new diagnosis (115 adults and 128 children).
- our new Tween Board Games Club and Youth Hub, in partnership with the KPL, gave youth of all abilities a chance to connect and belong.
- 18,974 hours of staff facilitation across 6 Open Space meetups brought together people of all abilities to build friendships over common interests like games, chats, crafts, and more.
- our first-ever self-advocacy conference empowered 100 self-advocates, direct support people, and organizational leaders to speak up and lead change.
- 60 children and young adults attended summer program – free or subsidized – a camp experience they otherwise would not have had (an increase from 48 in 2024).
- 21% increase in memberships to KW Library of Things (KWLOT) and a 12% increase in inventory to 1,102 items for people to borrow, create, and build.
- 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.
These milestones are more than numbers — they represent lives changed, families strengthened, and communities built. 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.
Together, we can bridge gaps, foster relationships, and build a community where everyone is welcomed and valued. Better Together includes you.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Allan Mills
Executive Director
On behalf of the team at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
Download a PDF version of our 2025 Letter to Supporters
How to give
- donate securely online at CanadaHelps
Questions? Please email Lisa at lisa.stanley@eafwr.on.ca
We encourage you to browse our website for more stories about people achieving their goals and meaningful connections created through a community of inclusion and belonging. You can learn more about the incredible work that your donations make possible by checking Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as well.
