Blog

July 25^th, 2025

NEWS RELEASE: Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region invests OTF Grant into pre-employment knowledge and skill-building opportunities

July 25, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Kitchener, ON – On Friday, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) welcomed members of the public to celebrate their Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) grant. Local MPP Aislinn Clancy was on hand to congratulate staff and participants and hear more about how a $167,500 Resilient Communities grant has been invested into providing pre-employment knowledge and skills for people who are looking for support with finding employment.

“I am happy to see this grant go to Extend-A-Family. My team and I have worked with Extend-A-Family quite a lot. They are a great and important organization in our community! Thanks to them, many people with disabilities have been able to navigate the support systems and find a meaningful role in the community. I am excited the funding will go toward their new employment program. Everyone has something to offer that can make a positive contribution to our community,” said Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre.

The grant helped fund the organization’s Employable Skills Development Program (ESDP), which helps provide adults with developmental disabilities with the employment skills and experience they need to succeed in the workplace. Through the ESDP program, participants will not only gain skills and knowledge through in-class learning but will have a chance to contribute meaningfully to our community through work experiences that are geared to their personal employment goals

“We are grateful for Ontario Trillium Foundation’s investment in EAFWR’s new program,” said Allan Mills, Executive Director of Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region. “As an organization guided by our values of belonging, community, equity and relationships, we strive to foster meaningful change for people with disabilities.”

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region was founded in 1981 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, as a way to build friendship and nurture community in Waterloo Region. As a local not-for-profit who serves nearly 2,500 adults and children with developmental and physical disabilities, EAFWR champions an inclusive community for all by working with people with disabilities, their networks and the broader community. We are committed to belonging, equity, relationships, and community for all. Learn more at www.eafwr.on.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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Media contact:

Al Mills, Executive Director
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
519-741-0190 ext. 222
allan.mills@eafwr.on.ca