August 19th, 2026
Milestones That Matter: Growth in Supported Independent Living and FamilyHome
By: The Residential Services Team (Kristen Atkinson, Michelle Boismier, Monserrat Del Carlo, Tanya Feeney, Katie Hagedorn, Jerushia Hoang, Rajwinder Pannu, Carol Ruddick, Kyla Segin and Alexis Smith)
Over the past year, the Supported Independent Living (SIL) and FamilyHome (FH) programs at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) have been shaped by moments both big and small— each one reflecting the strength, resilience, and individuality of the people we support.
Staff are engaged daily in working with people supported in all areas of their lives – from the daily tasks, to the more complicated challenges we as humans must navigate. We have many highlights, lowlights and everything in between from the last year.
The stories below focus on housing and new people supported, employment and educational accomplishments. Each person invested years of work as a backdrop to their story, with the support of our team where and when they requested it.
Housing and New People Supported
Someone supported by the Residential Services Team in the SIL Program achieved what once felt impossible; they found an apartment they truly loved with a private landlord who was willing to rent to someone receiving support from Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and from EAFWR. The apartment met all of her needs, was close to family, and came with a supportive landlord. Signing her very first lease marked a major milestone and an exciting new step toward independent living.
New Employment
Another person supported in SIL was recently awarded the landscaping gig at the Working Adults Learning Employable Skills (WALES) Group! This person has been on the hunt for a job and is thrilled to have been selected as the successful candidate for this role. He has also volunteered at WALES a few times in the past year, so he will be a friendly face to some WALES participants already.
Education Accomplishments
After a long journey and years of hard work, one individual supported through SIL reached a major milestone by completing all of the credits required for her high school diploma. She will officially graduate in June 2026. Having accomplished most of this independently, this achievement represents years of persistence and dedication toward a deeply important personal goal.
At EAFWR, we support people through life’s big transitions and everyday moments alike. Whether you’re exploring supports for yourself or a family member, or looking for a meaningful way to make a difference, we invite you to connect with us.
Our SIL and FH programs offer opportunities not only to build independence and connection, but also to open your home and share in someone’s journey through shared living or respite. Visit eafwr.on.ca to learn more about how you can be part of this community.