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Strengthening Your Family Network Webcast
Tools and Resources Page

Thank you for joining us for the Strengthening Your Family Network Webcast. Below is a list of actionable tips, links and resources relevant to the topics discussed. We hope you find this information useful.

4 TIPS TO TAKE ACTION AFTER THE WEBCAST

  1. A successful Family Network focuses on building relationships with families. Start small and be persistent. Offer a variety of creative opportunities to get together like a speaker series, social events, mentorship and advocacy advice sessions, fitness and self-care as examples.
  2. Look for grants in order expand and build in areas of peer-to-peer learning, mentorship or social connections. The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) grant is open now and closes March 14, 2025 at 4:00pm. For details and to apply: https://ontariocaregiver.ca/community-services/grants/
  3. Invite other organizations to share information about your Family Network with their families. Consider partnering with others to cross-promote on social media, increasing visibility and awareness.
  4. Begin to think about the future and succession planning. Look at your current leadership structure and consider both financial and long-term plans. 

PLANNING NETWORK RESOURCES

Partners for Planning Family Network Directory
An interactive map on the Planning Network where you can find Family Networks in your area.
 
We Are Family: Planning Together
The modules provide a snapshot of the Deohaeko Network, with four members offering valuable insights into the power of sharing, planning and working together. 
 
Crafting a Good Life:  Tiffany Dawe
Even before Tiffany was born, her mother Linda dreamt of the life she hoped her daughter would live - a good life, full of opportunity and friendship. In 43 years, she has never wavered in her vision.
 
Safe and Secure: Seven Steps on the Path to a Good Life for People with a Disability
A free, downloadable book with worksheets designed with and for your loved one with a disability – so that together you can begin building your child's very own "everyday life" and safeguard their future. Look for our updated version coming in the Spring of 2025!
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Thunder Bay Family Network
This family network encourages, promotes and supports a community that welcomes family members and helps them build a safe and secure future. They provide information, resources and supports to families, professionals and community stakeholders, and believe that an inclusive community that welcomes and embraces all members is possible.

Family Voice of Lanark County
This family network is located in Lanark County and is for families and individuals supporting someone with a disability. Through facilitating conversations, they hope to inspire positive change for individuals, their families, support network teams and others who may be interested in creative thinking — resulting in meaningful and exciting changes for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support
This family network was intentionally developed to meet the distinct needs of parents and caregivers who are Black and raising a child with special needs. They are committed to creating a kind and welcoming environment for all families, including those with disabilities and other accessibility needs.

Capacity Building Grants for Family Support Networks
The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) provides grants to Family Support Networks (FSNs) in Ontario – peer-based groups for family members and other unpaid caregivers who are supporting adults living with developmental disabilities. The 2024-25 applications are open and are accepting applications from Family Networks throughout the province.

ConnectABILITY Family Support Groups
A list of Family Networks in Ontario arranged by ConnectABILITY. 


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