Programs

Residential Support

Offering various living options, our residences provide a safe and supportive environment tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Job Readiness

Our employment services equip individuals with skills, confidence, and opportunities to secure meaningful employment within the community.

Life Skills Training

Community Participation and Supports We promote meaningful community involvement and participation through opportunities for community engagement and interaction.

Community Integration

Empowering individuals through skills development, social activities, and community events to foster meaningful connections and participation.

Independent Living

Providing supportive environments and transitional housing solutions to help individuals thrive in their residential journey and gain independence.

Employment Support

Enhancing job readiness and providing tailored coaching to assist youth and adults in finding fulfilling employment opportunities within the community.

Residential Programs

Residential Programs provide home-like 24-hour care and independent living support for adults with intellectual disabilities.

S.T.E.P. Foundations

S.T.E.P. (Foundations) is a transitional program for individuals aged 12 into adulthood, offering life skills development, educational support, and employment preparation for community integration.

HALO Program

This program is an educational and physical outreach initiative teaching vital life, social, and recreational skills to participants at home and in the community.

Supported Independent Living

A program to help adults with intellectual disabilities live on their own by providing tailored daily assistance, ranging from budgeting and housekeeping to medical and transitional housing support.

Supported Employment Program

A program to help individuals plan their careers by providing pre-employment training, personalized employment plans, on-site job coaching, and ongoing follow-up support to ensure long-term job retention.

Respite Program

Our Respite program provides financial and administrative support to give individuals and their families a temporary, mutually beneficial break from caregiving.

How do I access your services and housing programs?

To access Ministry-funded adult developmental services in Ontario, including our residential housing, apartment complex, and day programs, all individuals must first go through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO). The DSO is the province’s single point of access to confirm eligibility.

Next Steps: You can begin the application process with the DSO as early as age 16, though services cannot start until age 18. Once the DSO confirms eligibility and assesses your support needs, they connect you with local agencies like us when a vacancy or spot becomes available.
Need help navigating this? Please reach out to us through our contact page to speak with a coordinator who can guide you through the initial steps.

To make a referral for Adult Services, contact Developmental Services Ontario at 1-855-376-6376 or email dso@handstfhn.ca

Developmental Services Ontario is now the single point of access for all Ministry of Community & Social Services funded services and supports.

For Children’s Respite (under 18 years of age), contact Lise Rozich, Respite Supervisor at 705-567-9331 ext. 232 or email lise.rozich@clkl.org

Is there a waitlist for your residential sites or independent living programs?

Yes. In Ontario, access to specialized supportive housing and independent living spaces is prioritized based on individual needs and provincial availability through the DSO registry rather than a first-come, first-served list. Because space in our community residences, such as Furlong Street, Wilson Avenue, and our independent apartment complex, is limited, placement is not guaranteed immediately upon completing your application.

What we do in the meantime: We highly recommend connecting with us early so we can explore alternative community participation programs, respite choices, or direct funding options like the Passport Program to support your family while you wait.

How does the Supported Employment Program work?

Our employment services assist youth and adults with intellectual disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful work within local Kirkland Lake businesses. We assist with every stage of the employment journey, including resume writing, interview preparation, matching skills to local job openings, and providing dedicated on-the-job coaching to ensure long-term success.

For Job Seekers & Businesses: If you are looking for employment support, or if you are a local business owner looking to hire a dedicated employee, please call us at 705-567-9331 or submit a message through our contact page to partner with our team.

Can I use my Passport Funding at Community Living Kirkland Lake?

Absolutely. If you receive direct funding through Ontario’s Passport Program, you can use those resources to purchase supports from us. This includes paying for support workers to help develop daily life skills, joining our life skills and community programs, or taking part in recreational activities.

Let’s plan together: To see how to best apply your current funding allocation to our local programs, please reach out via our [Contact Page] or call our finance office directly at 705-567-9331 (ext. 226).

Support Services in Kirkland Lake