Waterloo Region Family Network - WRFN

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

📣 Your experience matters!

Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health (PCMH) is conducting a province-wide evaluation to better understand how we can support families across Ontario.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional, your experiences navigating and providing child and youth mental health services are incredibly valuable, even if you haven’t accessed PCMH supports directly.

🎁 As a thank you, parents/caregivers can enter to win one of two $50 gift cards
👉 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PCMH-Evaluation

06/04/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

As disability advocates, we at WRFN have so much to learn from the history of our First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Indigenous people in Canada are more likely to have a disability, but their experiences and understanding of disability are often disregarded in disability conversations and systems of services.

National Indigenous History Month serves a reminder to continue to learn from and uplift Indigenous voices to ensure our programs, services, and advocacy continue to be inclusive for all.

06/03/2026

Our newest support group will be meeting again tomorrow night!

PDA is recognized as a pattern of behaviour in which children and youth engaged in extreme behaviours to ignore or avoid anything they perceive as a demand. It is often, but not exclusively, seen in children with autism.

We understand that PDA behaviours can be challenging for parents to navigate and manage. It is a unique experience that not all caregivers will go through, which can feel overwhelming and isolating for those who do. Therefore, we are happy to share that WRFN now offers a peer-led online PDA Support Group for those who are interested.

This monthly support group has been designed as an opportunity for resource sharing and conversations to reduce feelings of isolation on your family's journey.

To register, please email us at [email protected].

06/02/2026

Waterloo Region Family Network’s Family Resource Coach (FRC) program helps families navigate local services, funding, and community connections—ensuring they do not have to face these challenges alone. It is a vital and deeply valued resource for families of children and adults with disabilities and other support needs in Waterloo Region.

However, this program cannot exist without you. Without additional funding, this program is at risk. As demand continues to grow, we urgently need community support to ensure families can continue accessing the guidance and connection they rely on.

Curious about the things FRCs help families with? Some of the topics FRCs regularly support families with include:
-How and where to get an assessment
-Steps to take after receiving a diagnosis
-Funding options
-Services to address speech and language issues, sensory concerns, social skills, etc.
-Family support services (sibling support, parent groups, respite, etc.)
-Common issues among teens and/or adults
-General issues (sleep problems, haircuts, eating, dentist visits, etc.)

Every act of support makes a difference for a family navigating complex systems. Donate today to help families feel supported, understood, and not alone.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/waterloo-region-family-network/campaign/spring-appeal-2026-families-cant-afford-to-lose-our-support

06/01/2026

Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

There's so much to celebrate in June - the warmer weather, the end of the school year, and an amazing handful of special holidays and awareness days. But Pride might be one of our favourites! We love the way our neighbourhoods light up with rainbows and vibrancy to celebrate love in all forms.

This June, Waterloo Region Family Network celebrates the strength, diversity, and resilience of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.

If you're looking for a 2SLGBTQIA+ event or program near you this month, be sure to visit our friends at 's Rainbow Community Calendar. There, you'll find events from support groups to Drag Brunches to help make your Pride month one to remember!

https://ourspectrum.com/rainbowcommunitycalendar/

06/01/2026

It's National AccessAbility Week!

This year's theme is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada," reminding us that we all benefit when everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

Join WRFN and other local organizations this week at the National Accessibility Week Tradeshow and Conference at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum (10 Huron Road, Kitchener) this Monday and Tuesday to learn more about accessibility in Waterloo Region. Join to hear from innovators, professionals and experts who will showcase products and services that support people with disabilities, their families, and extended networks.

What does accessibility mean for you?

06/01/2026

Happy June! Are you hoping to get a chance to connect with Family Resource Coach, Lisa, this month? You can find her at a local EarlyON this June!

Appointments are now by appointment only. Registration is required at the link below. You can book up to 24 hours before scheduled time slots. There will only be two 30-minute appointments available each visit, so please book as early as you can. Optional child minding will be available.

In June, Lisa will available:

June 3- EarlyON | St. Boniface, Breslau (10-11:30 am)
June 10 - EarlyON | Riverside, Elmira (10-11:30 am)
June 23 - EarlyON | Cedar Creek, Ayr (10-11:30 am)

https://form.jotform.com/253524092324250

05/30/2026

Just a reminder that the registration deadline for ANC's in-person gathering next week is TOMORROW!

The ANC group will be meeting for a very special gathering next Tuesday, June 2 at Huron Natural Area for some time spent together outdoors! ANC gathers once a year for time outdoors because nature, movement, relationships, and the month of June all need to be celebrated!

There will be 3 gathering options for participants:
Option 1: Guided Nature Walk led by Rebecca Hay (6:30-7:30 pm), followed by Lawn Chair Circle
Option 2: Stretch Your Legs led by an ANC member (7:00-7:30 pm), followed by Lawn Chair Circle
Option 3: Lawn Chair Circle - conversation and connection (7:30-8:30 pm)

Each option will end at 8:30. The deadline for registering is Sunday, May 31. This will allow to plan numbers for the longer or shorter walk options.

Please let ANC know if you can make it by sending your RSVP with your preference for the length of walk to [email protected].

Please bring a lawn chair, water bottle, snacks if you want them, sun and bug protection, tick spray (we'll have some for you to use if you don't have any), and dress for the weather.

If there is any question about the weather, an email confirming the plan for the evening will be sent out to all who have RSVPed by 5 pm on June 2nd.

05/29/2026

Heading into June with some new events! You can view our full Events Calendar on our website at -> https://www.funfearlessfemales.ca/event-calendar

Here's an overview of what we have planned this month:

👉STRETCH & UNWIND - Hosted weekly on Zoom Tuesdays from 10 - 10:45am.
A gentle stretch class with breathing exercises and meditations. All bodies are welcome (no previous experience required).

👉TALK IT OUT - Hosted weekly on Zoom Tuesdays 4:15pm - 5:00pm.
Learn strategies to manage your emotions, stress and anxiety while prioritizing caring for yourself. Females 16yrs+ are welcome.

👉TEEN GIRLS NIGHTS - Hosted 2x/month on Tuesdays from 6:00 - 7:30/8:00pm.
Have some fun, try something new and make new friends. Females 13-18yrs are welcome.
This month features Starbucks at the Park and Toy Story Movie Night.

👉MOVE & GROOVE - Hosted weekly on Zoom Wednesdays 4:15pm - 5pm.
Let’s move & groove together! You can follow Lori as she leads with easy choreography. We invite you to move your body however you like - seated, standing, walking, dancing - along to upbeat music. Females of all ages are welcome.

👉LADIES NIGHTS - Hosted weekly on Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
Have some fun, try something new and make new friends. Females 18yrs+ are welcome.
This month features Dinner social, Starbuck by the River, Calming Craft Night, and Backyard Party & Campfire.

Ready to sign up?
You can email, call or text Lori at:
📧 [email protected]
📞 548-316-4234

Hope to see you at an event soon❤️

Photo Description: There is a screenshot of the June events calendar from the Fun Fearless Females website. It shows a Google Calendar with each program and event scheduled (listed above in the post).