Local resources. Inspiring stories. Practical advice.

From COVID-19 to climate change to social justice, obstacles come in all shapes and sizes. Fortunately, the KW area boasts countless individuals and organizations who are stepping up to make a difference. To celebrate the good deeds of these everyday heroes, we’ve teamed up with the following local sponsors to share some of their stories and a slew of practical resources focused on tackling adversity.

Sponsored by

Inspiring stories

Cheers to these obstacle-busting organizations and individuals, each deserving of a Badge of Awesome. Click the images below to pause the slider.

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Practical advice

Whether it’s physical, financial, professional or psychological, everybody goes through tough times in their lives. Josh Martin was 28 years old when he experienced his biggest challenge yet: an aggressive form of leukemia. Inspired by his journey, the Overcoming Obstacles Handbook is a free collection of real-life stories, practical advice and local resources in the area for people facing adversity.

Click here to download your free digital copy

Click here to order a print version ($20)

Local resources

Whatever obstacle you face in life — personally, professionally or otherwise — be sure to consider the resources available in your community. Fortunately, the Kitchener-Waterloo area boasts all kinds of organizations and programs focused on helping folks overcome a variety of obstacles.

Below, you’ll find information about some of them. This listing is by no means exhaustive, but it will hopefully give you a flavour of the kinds of resources available in your own backyard.

Physical health

Alzheimer’s Society Waterloo Wellington
http://alzheimer.ca/en/ww

Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank
www.cambridgefoodbank.on.ca

Canadian Cancer Society – Waterloo-Wellington
www.cancer.ca/waterloo

CCAC of Wellington-Dufferin
(home and community care)
http://healthcareathome.ca/ww/en

The Food Bank Of Waterloo Region
http://www.thefoodbank.ca

HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre
https://www.hopespring.ca

Hospice Of Waterloo Region
http://www.hospicewaterloo.ca

Nutrition For Learning
(student nutrition programs)
http://www.nutritionforlearning.ca

Families and individuals

Community Justice Initiatives
(conflict resolution, sexual trauma support, assistance for women and youth returning to the community from prison)
https://cjiwr.com/

Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region
(support and services for families and individuals with developmental and/or physical disabilities)
https://www.eafwr.on.ca/

Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region
https://www.facswaterloo.org

Family Counselling Centre of Cambridge & North Dumfries
http://fcccnd.com/

Heartwood Place
(safe, affordable housing)
http://www.heartwoodplace.ca

House of Friendship of Kitchener
(addiction, community and family services)
http://www.houseoffriendship.org

Kitchener-Waterloo Counselling Services
http://kwcounselling.com

KW Habilitation
(programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities)
https://www.kwhab.ca/

KW Multicultural Centre
(services and support for New Canadians, immigrants and refugees)
https://www.kwmc.on.ca/

Learning Disabilities Association Of Ontario, Kitchener-Waterloo
http://www.ldakw.on.ca

Marillac Place
(safe home and support for young women who are pregnant, parenting or attempting to regain care of their child)
http://www.marillacplace.ca

Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
http://www.sascwr.org/
519-741-8633 (24-hour support line)

Women’s Crisis Services Of Waterloo Region
http://www.wcswr.org

YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo
https://www.ymcacambridgekw.ca

YWCA Kitchener-Waterloo
http://www.ywcakw.on.ca

Employment and financial

John Howard Society Of Waterloo Wellington
(crime prevention, employment services)
http://johnhoward.on.ca/waterloo/

The Literacy Group
(development in reading, writing, math, computer and workforce skills)
http://theliteracygroup.com

Lutherwood
https://www.lutherwood.ca/
(mental health, employment and housing services)

The Working Centre
(unemployment and poverty programs)
https://www.theworkingcentre.org

Want to help others in your community overcome obstacles? Here are few local opportunities to consider:

Volunteer Action Centre KW
(volunteer opportunities)
https://www.volunteerkw.ca

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kitchener-Waterloo And Area
http://www.bbbskw.org

Canadian Blood Services Clinic
94 Bridgeport Rd E, Waterloo
(blood and platelet donations)
https://blood.ca/en

Habitat for Humanity Canada
(building homes in the community for people in need)
https://www.habitat.ca

More resilience-raising resources