COCHRANE-TEMISKAMING
EXTEND-A-FAMILY INC.
HISTORY
Home
HOW IT ALL BEGAN…AND WHERE WE ARE NOW!
In 1976, the first
Extend-A-Family service came to Canada and was situated in Toronto,
Ontario. Six years later, on
September 7, 1982, Extend-A-Family originated in Timmins, Ontario.
Extend-A-Family Timmins was initiated by a
small group of families, local professionals and interested individuals
that were concerned with the needs and rights of people with disabilities.
The Board spent a somewhat long and difficult two years trying to get the
program approved by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. This was finally achieved and the
program became a reality.
Extend-A-Family began with twenty-three
host families and twenty natural families. We now have 3 host families and 74
natural families. So as you
can see, there is a great need for host families in our program.
Extend-A-Family is looking to recruit volunteers for the Host Family Program. Volunteers are recruited and matched with a child with special needs that is registered in Extend-A-Family. The Host Family invites the child to share in their family activities, which might include a meal, shopping, movies, games, recreational outings, etc., on an occasional base. Host Families may be couples with children, couples without children, grandparents, or single adults. Warm, patient, and caring people with a positive attitude towards a child with special needs, and a desire to share some activities are the qualities we look for in a volunteer.
733 Ross Avenue
East, Suite 3
Timmins, Ontario, P4N 5V2
Tel: (705) 268-2240, Fax:
(705) 268-2284
e-mail:
extafam@ntl.sympatico.ca