June 25th, 2025
Introducing Respite, Recreation & Leisure
By: Danny Chirlenco, Rebecca Fowlie, Aduraleke Ogunsakin, Danielle Paquette and Erick Yamaguchi, 2RL Team
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.
Supported Extended Experiences and Discoveries (SEEDS)
SEEDS Day Trips continue to be a popular option for adults connected with EAFWR and anyone looking for a fun time out and about in our community, and beyond. This year, we were able to purchase and offer tickets to two Toronto Maple Leafs games and one Toronto Raptors game, all with amazing seats! These tickets were complements of the SEEDS program, provided at no charge for those who attended. As always, we’re thrilled to continue offering fantastic day trip opportunities for everyone. Whether you prefer exploring in a group or would like the support of a worker, we can accommodate all requests.
SEEDS Overnight Trips have become cherished by participants. Over the years, participants have visited some of the province’s most iconic and engaging destinations, including Canada’s Wonderland, Niagara Falls, African Lion Safari, the Toronto Zoo, Blue Mountain Resorts, Bingemans Camping, and various concerts and cultural events. These trips are more than just getaways—they are meaningful experiences that foster independence, build social connections, and create lasting memories.
Each year, participants eagerly anticipate returning to their favourite destinations, and their enthusiastic feedback speaks volumes about the program’s success. Families and caregivers consistently share how these trips have enriched the lives of their loved ones, helping them grow in confidence and joy.
We also expanded our SEEDS program offerings for people aged 18 and under. This new program offers day trips to youth aged 13-17 to destinations anywhere in Ontario. These trips are designed to help change the narrative of respite – giving youth an amazing experience while also giving families a break.
What sets SEEDS apart is our commitment to making these adventures not only fun and accessible but also affordable. Recently, we’ve taken important steps to expand and adapt our services to better reflect the diversity of our community, ensuring that everyone — regardless of background or ability — feels welcomed and included. Find out more at eafwr.on.ca/seeds
TIFS (Trying It on For Size) KW
TIFS KW began in August 2024 with the hiring of one Direct Support Person to work on setting up the program, along with the 2RL Program Coordinator and 2RL Program Manager. Through a new partnership, and with support from TIFS founders, Community Living Elmira, we created TIFS KW.
We began piloting the program in October 2024, offering support to three people who were looking for support around goal development. In February 2025, we started the assessment process associated with TIFS and ran three full assessments in two months. We continue working with six participants on their personal goals and assessments. TIFS KW regularly gets requests for information from the community, and we are always looking for new participants. Learn more at eafwr.on.ca/tifs-kw
Teen Respite Days
Teen Respite Days are designed to provide a low-cost option to caregivers who are not able to take time off for childcare during the school year when the school system shuts down. It also provides participants aged 13-17 with a memorable and fun experience and an opportunity to socialize with others.
Our facilitators report that various activities and trips have been well received and participants are excited to attend. More specifically, the Crock-A-Doodle and Movie Day, Bingeman’s FunworX, and the Go Karting and Movie Day have been cited as exceptionally popular among participants. These offerings have also received a positive response from families and have proven popular, with spots filling up quickly after registration opens.
Pre-teen Hangout Groups
Pre-Teen Hangout Group facilitators have been very creative in the activities planned for participants aged 8-12. Some highlights include a comic book illustrator showing participants how to draw cartoons and University of Waterloo engineering students showing participants how to build robotic cars that could be controlled with an iPad.
In the future, Pre-Teen Hangout Groups is looking to expand our offerings and build connections in the community with new activities. Interested? Contact teenhangout@eafwr.on.ca to learn more.
Weekend Social Club
Over the past year, our Weekend Social Club experienced tremendous growth and interest! We welcomed 22 people to our Kitchener session last fall, making our gatherings even more vibrant.
We kicked off the year in September 2024 with a BBQ and planning session where members shared their ideas for shaping the future of the group. Throughout the year, our outings included attending a Kitchener Rangers Game, enjoying a night playing pool and ping pong at IDarts in Waterloo, and scheduling casual meet-ups just to kick back and “hang out” with friends. Our final group will feature a BBQ that welcomes families and caregivers — making it a perfect opportunity for everyone to connect.
Weekend Social Club is open to anyone looking to connect and have fun. Stay tuned for details about upcoming sessions at eafwr.on.ca/weekend-social-club
Summer Program
Our Summer Program Day and Overnight Camps continue to be spaces filled with shared experiences and memories made together for campers and program leaders alike. Summer Program is made possible with the support, funding and generosity of Waterloo Region Community Foundation and the Waterloo Region Record – Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund.
New this year is our Leaders in Training (LIT) Program. This program offers people aged 14+ the opportunity to grow their leadership skills and gain experience and training in the developmental services and recreation sector. As part of the program, leaders in training will be involved in our Summer Program, shadowing camp leaders and taking on more independent roles with leading camp activities.
In The Community
In September 2024, we partnered with the Kitchener Public Library to offer Youth Hub (formerly the Teen Hangout Group), a series of free drop-in sessions for youth aged 13-17. Held on Mondays at the Central Library branch, Youth Hub is for people of all abilities to participate in activities, including playing video games, board games and more.
In March 2025, we also partnered with Kinbridge Community Association for Sports Drop-in. This new program was created for children aged 8-12 with a neurodiversity, autism, or physical disability to get active and have fun in a supportive environment.
The goal of both of these partnerships was to create a space for all to participate, feel like they belong, and create relationships that would go beyond the groups themselves.
As a team, our goal is to continue growing and developing opportunities based on the needs of those we support and the community we serve. We can’t wait for what next year has in store!