Windsor-Essex Family Network: The Organization
Windsor-Essex Family Network is a grassroots, charitable organization committed to the work of ‘families helping families’. Windsor-Essex Family Network is governed by a Board of Directors made up of a majority of family members who have relatives (son, daughters, brothers or sisters) living with disability. We share our knowledge and partner as equals with others in the community who are also committed to strengthening and supporting families who have been touched by disability.
Board of Directors
Catherine MacQuarrie – President
Heather Kerr – Vice-President
Brent Peters – Treasurer
Jean-Marc Beneteau – Director
Cathy Beneteau – Director
Maria Coppola-Sanders – Director
Tina Szymczak – Director
The Natural Authority of Families
Windsor-Essex Family Network’s Board of Directors have readily embraced the concept of families having natural authority when it comes to their dependent children/family members living with disabilities. The Natural Authority of Families, an article written by Michael Kendrick, has become a mainstay of the organization with a commitment to sharing the article with families across the ages and stages of their lives at events and gatherings. Click here to download a copy of the article: The-Natural-Authority-of-Families
Vision
Stronger family voices – Positive change for people – Everyone belongs
Mission
Families supporting families by sharing their experiences, knowledge, and building skills to ensure people with disabilities and their families have an everyday life.
Beliefs
§ Families’ stories and strengths have been, are and will continue to be the foundation that defines and evolves the work of the organization.
§ Full inclusion for everyone with opportunities to participate in valued roles and to contribute in schools, neighbourhoods, and community.
§ Families are welcomed where they are at, and their feelings are respected. Families can trust they are being heard and that we will follow through when we commit to action.
§ Families are supported and strengthened with information, education, mentoring, and opportunities to give voice to needed changes and perspectives in the system.
§ We provide our strongest voice as a family-to-family support organization by being independent and autonomous.
Windsor-Essex Family Network 