Blog

December 2

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 […]

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

December 1

December 2025 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, December is a month filled with meaningful observances and celebrations. From honouring inclusion on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities and reaffirming global equality on Human Rights Day, to celebrating the light and traditions of Hanukkah, the renewal of the Winter Solstice, the joy of Christmas, and the community spirit of Kwanzaa—these […]

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

October 2

October 2025 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, October is a month rich with reflection, celebration, and cultural recognition. Together, we recognize Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Islamic Heritage Month, and Latin American Heritage Month, while also gathering in community to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, Thanksgiving, and Diwali. Each of these observances invites us to learn, embrace diversity, and strengthen […]

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Posted by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, in Adult, Blog, Children, Community, Direct Support People

September 4

September 2025 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, With September comes the beginning of fall, and Days of Significance that bring renewal, celebration, reflection and remembrance. This month, we highlight Rosh Hashanah, Durga Puja and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  Rosh Hashanah – September 22 – 24 Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, celebrating the anniversary of the world’s creation and humanity’s relationship […]

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

April 1

April 2025 Days of Significance

Dear EAFWR Community, As we step into April, we recognize several important Days of Significance that bring awareness, celebration, and reflection. This month, we highlight World Autism Awareness Day, Bengali New Year/Tamil New Year/Vaisakhi, Easter, and Earth Day. April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day A day to increase understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals […]

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

February 19

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region’s 2025 DSP & Self-Advocacy Conference

Thank you for your interest! Registration is now closed for our conference. Join us on April 4 and 5, 2025 for Voices in Action: Empowering Inclusive Change Together, a conference for self-advocates and direct support people, presented by Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. This year’s conference will focus on helping participants develop and nurture the critical skill […]

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

February 5

Waterloo Region Developmental Services Agencies Facing Funding Shortfalls While Families Face Long Waitlists For Critical Supports

Click here to read a PDF version of this press release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WATERLOO REGION DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES AGENCIES FACING FUNDING SHORTFALLS WHILE FAMILIES FACE LONG WAITLISTS FOR CRITICAL SUPPORTS Over 1,500 persons with developmental disabilities on the wait list for supported living, community support and crisis placement across Waterloo Region KITCHENER, ON | FEBRUARY […]

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

January 8

NOW AVAILABLE: 2025 Autism Direct Funding (ADF) Applications

PLEASE NOTE: Funding is NOT available to individuals living outside of the Waterloo Region. Autism Direct Funding is granted through a joint initiative between Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre (SDRC) and Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR). Families residing in Waterloo Region who have a child under the age of 18 with an ASD diagnosis are eligible to […]

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

December 3

With your support, we can partner together to make change that matters in our community

Dear Friend of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, At Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, we envision a community where everyone belongs and is valued for their contributions. With your partnership, we are making this vision a reality. Your support has provided equitable access to vital programs that help foster relationships, create belonging, and build community networks. Your donations led […]

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

August 7

Join us for Walk-or-Wheel 2024, a fundraiser in support of EAFWR!

Believe in a community where everyone belongs? Join us at WALK-OR-WHEEL 2024, a fundraiser in support of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. Learn More and Register as a Team or Participant From September 21 – October 4, 2024, you are invited to participate in Walk-or-Wheel (WOW) 2024, an EAFWR event that will raise money and awareness to support the […]

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