Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family

Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing social opportunities, friendships, and respite for children and youth with neurodivergencies and developmental disabilities, as well as support for their families. Established to address the unique challenges faced by these children and their caregivers, the organization offers inclusive programs designed to foster skill-building, recreation, peer friendship, and caregiver relief within the Hamilton area.

Mission and Purpose

The core mission of Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family is to improve the quality of life for children with developmental disabilities and neurodivergencies by creating opportunities for meaningful social engagement and community inclusion. By offering a range of programs that combine recreation and skill development, the organization supports both participants and their families, providing necessary respite and promoting social connections.

Programs and Services

Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family offers several programs focused on different aspects of development and community participation:

• Buddy Program: Volunteers, known as Buddies, are matched with children or teens to provide one-on-one social and recreational outings. These outings typically occur for 6 to 8 hours each month, enhancing social skills and providing enjoyable community experiences.
• Recreation and Skill-Building: The organization runs group activities and events that promote socialization, friendship, and development of personal skills.
• Respite Care: By involving volunteers in their programs, the organization offers valuable respite time for caregivers while ensuring children are engaged in safe and supportive environments.

All participants and their families are required to complete a pre-screening process prior to attending in-person events, reflecting the organization's commitment to safety and accessibility.

Volunteer Involvement

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family. Beyond Buddies, volunteers also contribute as Board Members and assist in various recreational and program-support capacities. The organization emphasizes appreciation and recognition of its volunteer base throughout the year.

Service Area and Accessibility

Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family serves the Hamilton metropolitan region and surrounding areas, focusing its outreach on families with children and youth who have developmental disabilities. The organization’s facilities and programs are designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for participants of various needs.

Organization Details

• Business Registration Number: 118951557RR0001
• Executive Director: Greta Peso
• Languages: English
• Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family is recognized for its community-driven approach to supporting neurodivergent and developmentally delayed children, providing both social enrichment and needed caregiver respite through its dedicated programs and volunteers.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information as of June 2024.

[1] https://www.hamiltonextendafamily.com [2] https://www.hamiltonextendafamily.com/family [3] https://www.hnhbhealthline.ca/displayservice.aspx?id=181136 [4] https://redbook.hpl.ca/node/36676 [5] http://extendafamilyhamilton.synthasite.com/our-volunteers.php