Our Programs

Hamilton and District Extend-A-Family offer programs that provide respite and opportunities for fun and friendship with peers and volunteers in the community.

Visit our ASD Event and Program Calendar to keep up to date with all opportunities in your community.

The BUDDY PROGRAM:

The Buddy program encourages a one-to-one match between a volunteer and a child with a special need. The volunteer takes the child or teen on outings in the community for 6-8 hours each month. As with the Host Family Program, the child enjoys friendship and outings in the community with his volunteer while the child’s family benefits from additional respite.

THE PROGRAM BUDDY PROGRAM:

A school-aged volunteer befriends a child with special needs by meeting them at at our ASD/Recreation Program on a regular basis. The volunteer makes arrangements with the child's family to meet the child at a mutually convenient outing and helps to supervise and engage the child during the event.

The ASD/RECREATION PROGRAM:

Teens and preteens with an ASD diagnosis or other diagnosed developmental delay are invited to attend approximately 6 programs each month throughout the Hamilton area. The children and teens attend a wide variety of events that include bowling, swimming, visiting local attractions and attending movies.

The HOST Family PROGRAM:

Volunteer families from the community are matched with a child or teen that has a developmental delay, behavioural or emotional problem or a physical special need. The family provides the child with friendship and social experiences while giving the child’s family additional support and respite. The family agrees to provide a minimum of 8 hours of respite each month for at least a year.

The Day PROGRAM:

Teens and preteens with special needs are invited to attend a full day of activities each month that include physical recreation, arts and crafts, and healthy meal preparation. This program provides caregivers with a minimum of six hours of respite time. Physical activities may include swimming, yoga, martial arts, dance or organized team sports.

THE SUMMER SUPPORT PROGRAM:

During the summer months, Extend-A-Family typically hires 4 college or university students who are studying in a related field to work one-on-one with 8-12 children each. The Summer Support Workers also assist at regular group events that are scheduled 2-3 times each week throughout July and August.

Do you want to register your child with the Extend-A-Family organization?

Click the button below to access our easy complete application