Posts written by "Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region"

A Cup of Confidence: Small Steps, Big Wins thumbnail
A Cup of Confidence: Small Steps, Big Wins thumbnail

A Cup of Confidence: Small Steps, Big Wins

By: Trena Barnes and Megan Tadman, Community Participation Services – Ground & Grow Facilitators For most people, ordering a coffee is routine. For others, it can be a significant personal milestone. Through Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s (EAFWR) Ground & Grow (G&G) program, one community member transformed what once felt impossible into a moment of independence, confidence, […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Story

The Pillars of WALES thumbnail
The Pillars of WALES thumbnail

The Pillars of WALES

By: Haela Von Hatten-Baer, WALES Community Facilitator At Working Adults Learning Empowering Skills (WALES), every journey begins with getting to know the person behind the goals. After we get to know someone, we work with them to create a Person Directed Plan (PDP) based on their wants and needs. The PDP is the foundational plan […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Story

EDIB in Action: Beyond the Plan thumbnail
EDIB in Action: Beyond the Plan thumbnail

EDIB in Action: Beyond the Plan

By: Mimi Mahmud, Equity Strategist Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) are not confined to a single strategic priority at EAFWR – they shape how we work, learn, and relate to one another every day. Advisory & Support – Supporting teams through complex, real-time equity questions Tools & Infrastructure – Policy review, data collection, inclusive […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Story

Strategic Plan: What Changed This Year thumbnail
Strategic Plan: What Changed This Year thumbnail

Strategic Plan: What Changed This Year

By: Mimi Mahmud, Equity Strategist The second year of our Strategic Plan built on the foundation that was laid during year one. That foundational work strengthened how we build relationships, support our staff, and respond to community needs. New approaches to donor engagement and partnership tracking have improved how we tell our story and sustain […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Story

Year in Review: 2025-26 thumbnail
Year in Review: 2025-26 thumbnail

Year in Review: 2025-26

2025-26 marks a year of growth, reflection, and a renewed focus on connection, centering relationships and belonging at the heart of our work. This focus continues to guide our 2024–27 Strategic Plan, where ideas and shared aspirations are taking shape through the dedication and creativity of our staff team. Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Story

Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) Update thumbnail
Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) Update thumbnail

Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) Update

Dear EAFWR Community, We are so grateful to everyone who has joined us, participated in, and supported our Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) fundraiser over the years. Since 2007, Walk-or-Wheel has brought our community together to champion inclusion, belonging, and opportunities for people with disabilities, their networks, and the wider community. As an organization guided by our values […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Community, Events, News, Press & Releases

Request for Proposals: Accessibility Project thumbnail
Request for Proposals: Accessibility Project thumbnail

Request for Proposals: Accessibility Project

Thank you for your interest in our RFP. Submissions are now closed. Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an Accessibility Project for our main office building, located at 91 Moore Avenue in Kitchener, and our WALES Building, located at 14 Braun Street in Kitchener. Background: To improve accessibility within the […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog

August 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail
August 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail

August 2026 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, Throughout August, several internationally recognized observances provide opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with our local community. The resources below highlight organizations, programs, and opportunities available throughout Waterloo Region that align with each observance and support education, inclusion, well-being, and community connection. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – August 9 This day […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog

July 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail
July 2026 Days of Significance thumbnail

July 2026 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, For the month of July, we invite you to join us as we recognize Disability Pride Month. Disability Pride Month 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, […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Blog, Community

Where Everyone Belongs: Breaking Ground Together thumbnail
Where Everyone Belongs: Breaking Ground Together thumbnail

Where Everyone Belongs: Breaking Ground Together

By: Allan Mills, Executive Director At Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, we believe in a community where everyone belongs and is valued for their contributions. This includes people from all walks of life, particularly those who may be at risk of being left out or pushed out, and who deserve safe, affordable housing and a strong sense […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Advocacy, Blog, Community, News, Press & Releases