This page is updated regularly | Last updated: November 2, 2026
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Community Resources
Events & Workshops
Transitioning Your Youth Into Adulthood
We are pleased to announce
Sunbeam’s Virtual Speaker Series: Transitioning Your Youth Into Adulthood, presented by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
This informative session is designed for family members, caregivers, and community members who support individuals with developmental disabilities and are preparing for the transition from youth to adulthood.
Session Date:
Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Available session times:
- 12:30 pm to 1:30 and
- 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Please register for one session only, as the same information will be presented on both times.
For details and registration information, please see the attached flyer.
Register Online: https://www.sdrc.ca/workshops-and-training/
We look forward to having you join us!
Tools for Success
Visual Supports is a free service offered by Foundational Family Services for families registered with the OAP. Limited appointments are available on November 19, 2026 and February 23, 2027. Please see the flyer for details and to register online.
Please note that one 30-minute session is available per child.
Sunbeam Sibling Group Sessions (Oct 2026 – Mar 2027)
We are pleased to offer sibling group sessions again this year for children aged 11 and under who have a sibling with autism and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). Please see the flyer for session dates and times. Group sessions will be held at 65 Hanson Ave.
Families can register by contacting Rehana at r.khanam@sunbeamcommunity.ca. Please note that families need to provide their child’s OAP number when registering their sibling.
FASD Awareness Month: Building Understanding, Inclusion, and Support
Each September, communities across Canada recognize Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, with September 9 marked as International FASD Awareness Day. The date, the ninth day of the ninth month, symbolizes the importance of an alcohol-free pregnancy for all nine months. The Government of Canada officially recognized September as FASD Awareness Month in 2020, encouraging education, prevention, and support efforts across the country.
FASD is a lifelong disability that can occur when a developing fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. It affects the brain and body, and individuals with FASD may experience challenges related to learning, memory, attention, emotional regulation, communication, and daily living skills. At the same time, people with FASD possess unique strengths, talents, and abilities that can flourish when appropriate supports are available.
The FASD Coordination Program of Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre (SDRC) works with children, youth, and families living with FASD, helping them access community resources, services, and supports tailored to their unique needs. The program serves individuals up to age 18, or up to age 21 for those who are still attending school.
SDRC is member of PLEXUS Waterloo Region’s network of FASD services and supports. Through this collaboration, families can access information, referrals, education, caregiver support groups, and connections to FASD-informed services throughout the community.
FASD Coordinator (SDRC)
FASD Coordinator (SDRC)
Our Shared Responsibility
As we recognize FASD Awareness Month this September, let us continue building a community that values understanding, inclusion, and support for all. Through education, compassion, and shared responsibility, we can help ensure that individuals with FASD and their families have the opportunity to reach their full potential. During FASD Awareness Month, we recognize the dedication of organizations who work closely with Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre and PLEXUS FASD – healthcare professionals, educators, and community partners to support individuals and families affected by FASD.
Clinics at SDRC
Some of our clinics are:
– Ask A Speech Language Pathologist Clinic
– Ask A Service Coordinator “Let’s Talk School” Clinic
– Intake Financial Clinic
– Speech Language Pathology Clinic
– Ask A Clinical Consultant
Sleep Hygiene – Virtual Workshop
Presenter: Denise Burke
This workshop will focus on common sleep issues and factors influencing sleep. Sleep is essential, influencing our biological, social and emotional needs. We will look at sleep as a skill, examining specifically how to support a healthy sleep environment and review evidence-based sleep strategies.
Appropriate for: Parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities.
Upcoming dates:
Monday, December 7, 2026
1pm to 2pm
Register by: December 4, 2026
Recreation and Wellness Programs of SCDS
The team introduces the monthly Recreation and Wellness Calendar of Events, which contains information and details for all group activities at Sunbeam. It can be found on the Sunbeam Community website here:
www.sunbeamcommunity.ca/recreation-wellness-program
These programs are eligible for Passport funding for adults 18 and older, and are also available as fee-for-service options for children aged 12 and up.
For more information and registration, please contact the Recreation & Wellness department via phone: 519-893-6200 (ext. 1211) or email: recreation@sunbeamcommunity.ca
DSO Central West
DSO CWR is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, is one of nine DSO’s in Ontario and is administered by Sunbeam Community and Developmental Services.
What services can you apply for?
There are many different services offered across the province. Some of the services that may be available in your area include:
-
- housing supports
- respite for your caregivers
- supports to help you take part in the community
- specialized and clinical supports
- Adult Protective Service Worker Program
- Passport program
Please check their website, www.dsocwr.ca, for more information.
Community Resources
We want to provide an informative resource that will be a useful guide for you. Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre does not necessarily endorse the information contained in this Update. The purpose is to provide information to the community. It is up to the reader to decide what is useful for them. We make every effort to ensure that our information is accurate and relevant. We apologize for any errors or omissions that occur.
AccessOAP
Intake Organization to connect you with autism programs and services available to your family through the Ontario Autism Program.
If you have questions about the New Access-OAP, how to create an account or the Ontario Autism Program visit these websites:
Autism Ontario Calendar of Upcoming Events
Autism Ontario helps all individuals with autism and families in their communities have access to meaningful supports, information, and connections so they are equitably and seamlessly supported across their life course.
www.autismontario.com/events
Little Explorers
An exciting and interactive 4 session workshop series for parents and children 0-6 years of age.
When:
October 29, 2026
November 19 , 2026
December 10 , 2026
January 21 , 2027
Time:
10 :00am -12:00pm
Where:
480 Charles Street Kitchener, Room 105
To register call 519 -743 -6333 or click the Form link here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/8Cbj0188T9?origin=lprLink
Sign up for one or all sessions.
Warming Centers In Waterloo Region
- Grand Avenue Overnight Warming Centre in Cambridge, operated by the YWCA of Cambridge, serving up to 20 women per night.
- Lawrence Avenue Overnight Warming Centre in Kitchener, operated by Thresholds Homes and Supports, serving up to 30 men and women per night (with the ability to support more spaces if needed).
- Cambridge Street Overnight Warming Centre in Cambridge, operated by Porchlight, serving up to 30 spaces for men (with the ability to support more spaces if needed).
- Victoria Street Overnight Warming Centre in Kitchener, operated by The Working Centre, serving more than 100 men and women per night.
For people living unsheltered or in encampments, the Region is working with partners and PECH Co-Creators in Kitchener (The Working Centre), Cambridge (Thrive HIV and YW Cambridge), and the townships (Engage Rural / Community Care Concepts) to provide warming supplies and resources such as sleeping bags, hats, mitts, boots and gift cards.
For more information you may like to visit this website:
Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing | Region of Waterloo
Dollar & Sense: How to Stretch Your Dollar
Date: November 9, 2026, 11 am, to 1 pm
Email: k.kaur@ywcacambridge.ca
Presented by: YWCA Cambridge, Prosper Canada, United For Literacy
The Henson Trust & Trustee Considerations
Date: November 10, 2026 at 7:00 pm (ET)
Many families are unaware that the Henson Trust was initially conceived by a father trying to protect and plan for his daughter with a disability. Leonard Henson was a father and a true hero. As a result of his efforts, the Henson Trust has become an important tool that not only safeguards ODSP benefits, but secures great flexibility around estate planning.
Learn more about the Henson Trust, other strategies that can help safeguard your family members financial future and how to select your trustees.
What’s in it for You?
- Info on Henson Trusts and other trusts that can benefit a family member with a disability
- Review about ODSP-related restrictions that can jeopardize your loved ones benefits
- Learn about critical considerations when appointing trustees
A live Q&A will follow this presentation.
Speaker: Brendon Pooran (Partners For Planning)
2026/2027 School Navigation Workshop Series
Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) in partnership with Waterloo Region District Schol Board (WRDSB) and Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) is offering free series of workshops for parents and caregivers.
Please see the flyer for details and email info@wrfn.info to register.
Family Centre Fall Wellness Fair
Oct. 17, 2PM – 4PM, 65 Hanson Ave, Kitchener | Free
Connect with local organizations offering free resources for children, youth & families.
City of Waterloo Senior Health Fair
Nov. 5, 2PM – 6PM, 101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo | Free
The City of Waterloo’s annual Senior Health Fair returns this fall, connecting older adults with local health and community services. For questions please email healthfair@waterloo.ca.
School-Issue Parent Support Group of WRFN
This peer-led group provides support, advice and a safe environment for parents who have questions or concerns about school issues affecting their children with special needs. The WRFN (Waterloo Region Family Network) School Issues Support Group meets on the last Wednesday of each month during the school year. For more information, please contact Lisa Cook at lisa.cook@wrfn.info.
Special Education Resource Guide of Community Living Ontario (CLO)
Navigating Special Education in Ontario
A Guide for Students, Parents and Caregivers
This guidebook is intended to provide information for parents, caregivers, and community organizations that support students with disabilities. No matter your role, access to information is key when advocating for students throughout their learning journey.
Please check CLO’s website to see the Special Education Resource Guide
Muslim Social Services Programs
Please visit Muslim Social Services website for more information about their programs.
Tuesdays, until Nov. 3, Forest Heights Community Centre | Free
Bloom Through Art – Kids Program
Tuesdays, until Nov. 3, Forest Heights Community Centre | Free
Create & Connect: Art Program For Parents
Mondays, until Nov. 16, Chandler Mowat Community Centre | Free
Rise & Play
Tuesdays, 777 Westmount Rd E | Free
Links to Community Workshops and Activity Guides Fall 2026
City of Cambridge Fall/Winter Activity Guide
City of Guelph Programs and Activities
City of Kitchener Active Kitchener
City of Waterloo Programs and Activities
Different agencies offer a variety of resources, workshops and educational sessions for parents, caregivers and professionals on various topics of interest. For more information on these visit these links:
www.kidsability.ca/programs-services-directory
www.eafwr.on.ca/events
wrfn.info/category/event
To better serve our community, we have moved to an online format in the fall of 2025.