December 3rd, 2024
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 to significant growth of Community Development Initiatives in 2024:
KW Library of Things:
- Supported 6 Practicum Librarians who have lived experience of disability.
- Celebrated that 50% of our Practicum Librarians found employment at the conclusion of their placement.
Caregiver Connection Groups
- Welcomed 125 participants to Caregiver Connection Groups (67 adults and 58 children).
- New parents of children with disabilities feel reduced isolation and are building supportive friendships in a variety of settings.
Youth Hub
- Launched Youth Hub, an exciting partnership with the Kitchener Public Library
- Youth Hub is fully inclusive, free, and open to all teens aged 12-17
- EAFWR provides support so youth with disabilities can fully participate.
Open Space
- Grew Open Space meetups to 100 people a week across 6 different locations.
- People of all abilities meet for coffee chats, games, and more at accessible locations in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.
Summer Program
- Subsidized Summer Program camp for 48 children and young adults with a developmental disability, who otherwise would not be able to attend
- Each themed camp is a week-long, fostering friendships through fun activities.
Workshops
- Equipped people with skills to grow inclusion and resolve conflict through 14 interactive workshops led by people with lived experience.
- Participants included staff, volunteers, community members and partner organizations across the Waterloo Region.
This giving season, we are asking you to consider not only the added costs associated with and growing these vital programs, but also the many people who access these opportunities. Your donations are making change that matters in our community, supporting the services that make the difference between surviving and thriving for many people we support across Waterloo Region.
We are counting on your generosity to help fund our Community Development Initiatives. Your donation of $25, $50, $100 or more will ensure these connections grow to include opportunities for belonging and contribution for all people in Waterloo Region. Better Together includes you!
With gratitude,
Allan Mills
Executive Director
On behalf of the team at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region
How to give
- donate securely online at CanadaHelps
Questions? Please email Lisa at lisa.stanley@eafwr.on.ca
We encourage you to browse our website for more stories about people achieving their goals and meaningful connections created through a community of inclusion and belonging. You can learn more about the incredible work that your donations make possible by checking Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as well.
