Inclusive Groups for Children and Teens in Hamilton, Ontario Friend Den – Interest Form Recreational Respite is happy to power the Friend Den: an inclusive weekly drop-off program with small group ratios. Offered at Always Connected Treatment Centre in Hamilton, the Friend Den is ideal for children and teens who are on the autism spectrum, […]
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Inclusive to all abilities, ages 12 – 17 Registration is NOW OPEN for our virtual groups for youth ages 12-17! This fall, join our safe and inclusive online community to explore your interests and build new peer friendships with Canadian youth of all abilities! The Virtual Friend Den, guided by Kelsey!Tuesdays @ 6:30-7:30pm ET. For more information
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A Lifespan Approach to Social Engagement June 2025 Authored by Zachary Pencarinha, Community Engagement Provider, Recreational Respite. Zach possesses an honours degree in Psychology & Criminology, with a minor in Sociology. He currently works at Community Living Essex County, and as a Community Engagement Provider at Recreational Respite, while he completes his master’s in Counselling Psychology
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How Recreation Breaks Down Participation Barriers and Improves Upon Mental Health for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities April 2025 Authored by Zachary Pencarinha, Community Engagement Provider, Recreational Respite. Zach possesses an honours degree in Psychology & Criminology, with a minor in Sociology. He currently works at Community Living Essex County, and as a Community Engagement Provider at
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We are thrilled to announce a new and exclusive partnership with Always Connected Treatment Network this summer in Hamilton, Ontario! Stepping Stones Summer Camp is a dynamic and inclusive environment designed to cater to the needs of diverse learners. Recreational Respite will foster a space where every camper can fully engage, feel valued, and participate
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Thirty of our dedicated team members were actively engaged in a valuable two-day continuing education session offered by our community partner Bethesda Services. The Therapeutic Respite Training Series was offered through in-person sessions, as well as virtually to our Community Engagement Providers. Our team enjoyed sharpening their skills and expanding their knowledge about therapeutic respite
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March 2025 Recreational Respite is grateful to the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, and the Geneva Centre for Autism for providing funding for twenty-six of our Community Engagement Providers to register for the Autism Intervener Course offered by Sonderly TM. This on-demand course provides comprehensive insight for support considerations, and is popular
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Engaging older adults with dementia in recreational activities February 2025 Authored by Lisa Kikuchi, Community Engagement Provider, Recreational Respite. Lisa is a graduate of Canadore College with a Recreation Therapy diploma, and is an enthusiastic Community Engagement Provider at Recreational Respite, providing tailored one-to-one respite support. She is passionate about her work with older adults with
January 2025 A new chapter begins at Recreational Respite, as we welcome Allison Reis as our new Owner and Chief Executive Officer. Allison has been an instrumental leader at Recreational Respite for six years, leading innovative partnerships, increasing efficiencies as our organization grew to a national scope, developing quality control measures, strengthening our pandemic response,
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Grief Peer Support Groups for Teens on the Autism Spectrum / with intellectual Disabilities Recreational Respite is grateful to have been awarded a grant from The Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada to deliver neurodivergent-affirming grief support to bereaved teens on the autism spectrum and/or intellectual disabilities across Canada in 2025. Recognizing that neurodivergent individuals process
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