Evening of Elegance @home

Since 2009, the Waterloo Region Family Network has supported families of children with special needs in Waterloo Region by providing resources and facilitating meaningful connections in all life stages. Our programs range from family and parent support to social community events for children with exceptionalities. We do not receive any direct government funding and rely solely on the generosity of our community partners, supportive donors, corporate sponsors and community members like you.

WRFN has always included a silent auction as part of our annual signature fundraising event – Evening of Elegance. This year, our event will take place virtually and we would like to offer an opportunity for guests and community members to participate in an online silent auction leading up to, and including, the evening of the event.

Our network has already helped over 2800 families connect to vital resources as well as to each other. We know there are many more out there who need us. We need your help! There is a growing need to increase our resource program support, mentor program support and peer support group opportunities to reach more families. What can you do? You can give these families hope! Please participate in our silent auction and help us raise $5000 this year. Together we can make sure that no family is ever alone!

In 2009 WRFN was created to be a peer-developed and peer-driven network. That provides us a unique opportunity to help exceptional families and individuals thrive. Through education and meaningful connections, we offer support in making informed decisions for now and through all life stages.

WRFN fills a gap in Waterloo Region, by facilitating peer connections and sharing community resources. Through our innovative community partnership model and strong network, we support individuals both with and without a diagnosis, creating life-long impact

WRFN is here for families when life takes an unexpected turn.

Learning your child has a disability is a challenging time for parents. You can easily be overwhelmed by how your life and your family’s life will change forever. You’ve landed in a dark and unfamiliar place. The hopes and dreams you wanted for your child have been stolen. You must learn to understand your new reality and navigate multiple complex systems of support – medical, developmental and education systems – and you don’t know where to start. As a peer-developed and peer-driven network, WRFN is uniquely able to understand how to serve the needs of exceptional families so they can thrive.

“THANK YOU for all that you do. You have made a difference in our lives!” ~WRFN Parent