House of Friendship was founded in 1939 by local Christian churches and was originally located on King Street in downtown Kitchener. It had a reading room, a dining room and emergency food assistance. The founding director was Joseph Cramer, a Jewish Christian immigrant who came from Russia via the US. This mission was a response of the local Christian community to the physical and spiritual needs of immigrants and disadvantaged individuals regardless of race or creed in the volatile era of the late 1930's. Over the years through the efforts of many volunteers and staff House of Friendship has served thousands of low-income people and has become a vital part of the social service network of the Region of Waterloo. Presently, the agency serves over 42,000 women, men, youth and children annually. Program areas include addiction services, community services, family services and residential services. Three books have been written documenting the history and services of the agency:
Our Vision is to be a responsive leader committed to promoting social development in Waterloo Region where all people actively participate in finding solutions to improve quality of life.
Our Mission is to advance community through participation and knowledge.
Our Goals:
1. Increase citizen participation in social, economic and political life of the community.
2. Build social cohesion through relationships, collaboration and community action.
3. Increase understanding of social resources, assets, issues, needs and context of the local community by those who need this knowledge to take action.
4. Develop the social infrastructure of the community – people, organizations, services, policy.
5. Reduce inequitable access to knowledge resources particularly those resulting from emerging technologies.
Working for the Region of Waterloo offers the opportunity to work with a team of dedicated employees and elected Councillors. We provide innovative leadership and a variety of programs and services vital to creating an inclusive, thriving and sustainable community.
For over 40 years, KW Habilitation has been serving Waterloo Region by inspiring abilities in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and diverse needs. We provide a wide range of individualized services and supports including Residential Services, Community and Employment Supports, Early Learning, Child Care & Family Resources (ELCCFR), Passport Opportunities and Fee for Service. Please visit our website www.kwhab.ca for more information about our services or call 519-744-6307