Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family

Summer Days

2010-08-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

We've been having a wonderful time with our summer support workers through July and now into August. James, Eve, and Brittany have been working with many of our clients and assisting at our ASD/REC events as well. They've demonstrated enthusiasm, creativity, and patience and we feel very fortunate indeed to have had them with us this summer.

We've just returned from our first camping trip at the KOA Niagara Falls. We went at a great time of year, had lots of fun on the awesome bouncy pillow and, as one of our clients often observed, did really well trying lots of things we'd never done before!

Happy Spring!

2010-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Wow! It seems like only yesterday that we were at Fallsview Indoor Water Park back at the start of January! Since then, we've been busy with our favourite activities (bowling, lazer tag, taking in a movie) and have also enjoyed a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum thanks to the Tim Hortons' Courtesy Bus Programme, enjoyed a GPS scavenger hunt at the Royal Botanical Gardens, and lots of hot chocolates and conversation on Concession Street!

Through the winter months, the staff at Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family have also been busy planning for summer programming. As usual, we have applied for funding for two summer students and would love to hear what kind of support your family would find most helpful during the summer months. What has worked well for you in the past? What do you think your child or children need now that they're getting a bit older? As always, feel free to give us a shout at the office, send an e-mail, or join the Summer Support discussion on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Christmas Break Update

2009-12-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family has received a generous grant through the Hamilton Community Foundation. On Saturday, January 2nd, 2010, we will travel to Fallsview Indoor Water Park for the day. This even will provide much needed respite and a day of fun and friendship fro many EAF clients! The cost of this event is $15.00 per person, which includes transportation and admission at a highly reduced rate. You MUST R.S.V.P for this event as soon as possible! Contact us now to avoid disappointment and "Thank You" to the Hamilton Community Foundation for their generous support.

Check out our web-site or visit us on Facebook for events scheduled for the second week of the Christmas break.

AND ... last call for this week's events! Lazer Tag on Monday, December 21st and Indoor Rock-Climbing on Tuesday, December 22nd. Please note that a release MUST be filled out for the Rock-Climbing event and that it REALLY helps if you R.S.V.P. for these and all events ahead of time. Thanks!

Bulldog Tickets for the end of the month are going fast -- call the office as soon as possible to reserve yours and to arrange for payment!

December Calendars

2009-12-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

December Calendars have been sent out BUT we've just received an unexpected grant (details to follow) for the Christmas season, so some changes will be announced shortly. We wish our wonderful volunteers writing exams right now the best of luck and plenty of rest through the holiday season. AND ... thanks to all of you, clients and volunteers, for your involvement with Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family. Check out some of the blocks you created at our Christmas Party a few weeks back. They'll be pieced together through the winter as we prepare to celebrate 30 YEARS of community service. If you're interested in helping with this, pull out your needle and thread and give us a shout! In the meantime ... Happy Holidays!

November Calendar

2009-11-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

The November calendar for our ASD/RECREATION events has now been mailed out. Events for this month were intentionally scheduled a bit later in the month because so many of us have been under the weather lately. We hope to see you out this month. Do make sure that you're feeling well when joining us for events. Many of our friends have weak immune systems. We can help them by making sure we only participate in Extend-A-Family events when we don't have a fever or a cough. We'll hope for a good health and lots of fun this month, though! Check out our montly calendar and let us know when we'll be seeing you next. First up this month: Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Rochester Americans on Saturday, November the 14th. Reserve your tickets now -- they'll go fast! Call the office at (905) 383-2885 or send an e-mail to Elizabeth Steeves, our Family and Recreation Coordinator: rec.eaf@gmail.com.

"Just Like Yours"

2009-10-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family spent this past Saturday afternoon at the Kool Klay Kafe, in Dundas. Some of us entered this time feeling tuckered out and some of us began with some anxiety, overwhelmed by a room full of new people, sights, and sounds. But, we all settled in to enjoy our time together, using our creative energy and sharing words of encouragement. It ended up being a great way to spend an afternoon! We all enjoyed meeting our two newest volunteers, Kristina and Brian. Welcome!

A wonderful family came in toward the end of the afternoon, once most of our friends had finished up. The oldest son in this family has a diagnosis of ASD. At one point, he seemed to notice a man who was looking right at him. This boy looked right at him and asked what colour his eyes were. The man replied that his eyes were brown. "Just like yours," he added. "Just like yours," our friend said with a smile. The man left with a smile, too. Here are some of our creations, as varied and colourful as the people who made them!

Astro-Boy

2009-10-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hamilton & District Extend-A-Family spent one rainy night last week at the movies. We usually take in a film at The Movie Palace, on Concession St., here in Hamilton. We love the flickering lanterns, the great old benches with cushions and tables for our treats, and the theatre's reasonable rates! It was the opening night of Astro-Boy.

I think it's fair to say that everyone -- children, teens, volunteers, and staff members -- really enjoyed this film. The movie celebrates family, friendship, generosity, and the special gifts that each one of us has. It's a feel-good movie about a kid who doesn't feel like he fits in, but who manages to find his way in the world and touch many lives in the process.