Families Matter Co-operative Inc.

Families Matter Co-operative Inc. is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity founded in 2004, dedicated to supporting families of adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Operating primarily in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, the co-operative serves as an autonomous, member-driven family network focused on advocacy, information sharing, and fostering community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Mission and Vision

The organization aims to empower families through knowledge, networking opportunities, and innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for their loved ones. It endeavors to fill gaps in community resources and services by providing a virtual resource centre and a secure members' database that facilitates connection among individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and support networks. Families Matter Co-operative also actively participates in policy advocacy, seeking to influence government and agency decisions that affect their constituent families, with a focus on issues such as supportive housing, daytime activities, social interaction, and employment opportunities.

Services and Programs

Families Matter Co-operative offers a range of services including:

• Workshops, seminars, and networking events that promote empowerment and foster supportive family networks.
• Access to comprehensive information on community resources and services for people with developmental disabilities via an online platform and physical office support.
• Advocacy and public awareness initiatives addressing the challenges faced by individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Innovative member-driven projects focused on community inclusion and support, including efforts to secure appropriate housing and meaningful daytime engagement.
• The Best Buddies program, which pairs post-secondary students with adults with intellectual disabilities for regular social interaction and support.

Membership options are available with varying fees that grant voting privileges and access to resources. The organization maintains a virtual office model with flexible connection arrangements for members and stakeholders.

Governance and Support

As a cooperative, Families Matter Co-operative is governed by its members and benefits from the involvement of dedicated family champions and community supporters. It maintains partnerships with other organizations to advance its mission of full inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities in society.

Recognition

Families Matter Co-operative Inc. is officially registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a charitable organization under business registration number 805308079RR0001. This status enables it to receive donations that support its programs and advocacy efforts.

Families Matter Co-operative Inc. represents a vital resource and voice for families navigating the complexities of developmental disabilities, focusing on building a connected and inclusive community to empower and support all members it serves.

[1] https://www.familiesmattercoop.ca [2] https://www.familiesmattercoop.ca/about-us [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/families-matter-co-operative-inc/ [4] https://211ontario.ca/service/68968177/families-matter-co-operative-families-matter-co-operative/ [5] https://csedottawa.ca/ottawa-se-directory/listing/family-matters-cooperative/