Family Networks

Family Networks and groups associated with Family Alliance Ontario are regional networks of families dedicated to the fostering of the strength, stability, confidence and knowledge that families can offer each other. We share the beliefs, and embrace the vision and goals of the Alliance as expressed in the Family Alliance Accord. Contact Family Alliance Ontario if your group is interested in being affiliated with our networks.

Chatham-Kent Family Support and Resource Network
Guyanne Smoke(519) 352-7827

Durham Family Network
Helen Dionne (905) 436-2500 ext 2222

Northern Durham Family Network
Donna Herold (905) 985-9872

Hamilton Family Network
Jan Burke-Gaffney, Carrie Leo (905) 526-7190

Kenora Family Network
Beatrice Burt (807) 226-5606

Family Voice of Lanark County
Joyce Rivington (613) 257-5198

Leeds/Grenville Family Network
Harry Pott (613) 345-2431
Betty Daley (613) 359-5696

London Family Network
Patty Gillis
Janice Strickland (519) 667-5125

Niagara Family Alliance
Judy Trent (905) 295-4545

NorthEast Family Network
Debbie Vernon (705) 645-6472

Ottawa
Families Matter Co-Operative Inc.
Anne and John Toft (613) 738-4474
www.familiesmattercoop.ca

Ottawa
Lifetime Networks Ottawa
Kathleen Jordan(613) 738-4474
www.lifetimenetworks.ca

Ottawa-Lanark Family Network
Molly Bruce (613) 596-9189

Peel Family Network
Email: Peel Family Network

Sarnia Lambton Family Network
Sharon Sharp (519) 383-7578

Toronto Family Network
Janis Jaffe White (416) 484-1536
Reva Schafer (416) 221-2424

Windsor Essex Family Network
Michelle Friesen(519) 974-1008

(905) 478-8338 York Resource Family Network
Sandra Palmisano(905) 478-8338

ACCORD FOR FAMILY NETWORKS

The Family Networks associated with Family Alliance Ontario share the following beliefs

We believe that:

• Family well-being is essential to our capacity to remain strong and vital. Networks are dedicated to fostering the strengths, dreams, competencies and enthusiasm of their member families to create inclusive, caring lives for all their members.
• Parents and people with disabilities are an essential source of expertise with respect to their son or daughter to each other and to the community as a whole.
• Informed, involved and confident families are the most effective agents for social change.
• We work towards a future when all children, regardless of disability, grow up with families and have enduring lifelong relationships.
• People with disabilities must be included and must lead in all decisions that affect any part of their lives.

Vision

• That meaningful involvement of families and individuals with disabilities be an integral part of all levels of decision-making with respect to services and supports.
• That families have the confidence and assurance that individualized, flexible, consistent and continuous supports will be there as part of the fabric of our communities.
• That education reform respect the rights of all children to quality, inclusive education.
• That everyone has the life-long supports they need to enable them to live valued, productive lives in their community.
• That family networks provide a safety net of mutual support for families.
• That family networks develop and support other family networks sharing this vision throughout Ontario.

Principles

• Children have the right to an inclusive education in a regular classroom in their neighbourhood school.
• Individuals with disabilities are part of the community and as part of the community have valuable gifts and contributions to make.
• Parents are an essential source of expertise with respect to their son or daughter.
• Informed, involved and confident individuals and their families are the most effective agents for social change.

Goals

• to increase the confidence and skills of families and people with disabilities by providing emotional and informational support
• to enhance the education, understanding and sensitivity of those who work with families and people with disabilities by identifying and supporting families and people with disabilities in their role as community faculty.
• to be an ongoing resource to families, health care providers, educators, policy makers, agency directors and others in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs for families and people with disabilities.

Each Family Network which is associated with Family Alliance Ontario is a stand alone organization of families and people with disabilities, independent of any associations, be they community, health, ministry or otherwise. Each Family Network associated with Family Alliance Ontario embraces the vision and principles of the Alliance.