Blog

June 24^th, 2025

NEWS RELEASE: Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region invests OTF Grant into service expansion and accessible employment opportunities

June 24, 2025

NEWS RELEASE

Kitchener, ON – On Tuesday, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) welcomed members of the public to celebrate a grant they received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Local MPP Aislinn Clancy was on hand to congratulate staff and participants and hear more about how the $440,100 Grow grant from OTF is being invested into expanding services and providing accessible employment opportunities at the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things for people with disabilities who often face barriers to employment.

“I am already a proud member of the Library of Things and my family, and I love borrowing items from its wide inventory,” said Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre. “That’s why I am excited to celebrate this generous grant from the OTF, which will support the expansion of KWLOT. Extend-A-Family is already a strong pillar for thousands of children and adults in our community, and the Library of Things expands on that by encouraging us to reduce, reuse, and lower our environmental impact. With this grant, I hope that KWLOT will become the go-to place for even more people in our community.”

The OTF grant funded the expansion of services and the provision of accessible employment opportunities at EAFWER’s social enterprise, the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things (KWLOT) for people with disabilities who often face barriers to employment. The organization’s Community Development Librarian will play a role in extending KWLOT’s services, and the organization plans to hire five part-time staff who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. They will not only gain workplace experience and develop valuable job skills but also be able to contribute meaningfully to our community.

“We are grateful for Ontario Trillium Foundation’s investment in EAFWR’s social enterprise, Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things,” 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 deeply value the gifts and contributions of 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 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 more than $110M into 1,044 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