A Message from the Board of Directors

Hello, my name is Michele Schmidt and I am a director on the Extend-A-Family Board. I have been associated with Extend-A-Family for the past 25 years and during that time I have raised 5 children: one of whom has a disability and an ability to create lots of excitement, and four that just like to raise hell from time to time.

While receiving supports from and volunteering with Extend-A-Family I’ve learned that everyone belongs together and that our society is better because of that. I have always disliked the expression he/she is “special” or he/she has “special needs.” I figure that everyone’s needs are special to them. At one time or another, we all need support for our “needs.” All that being said, raising children takes courage and perseverance and we all need someone in our corner when things get exciting. Extend-A-Family has been there in my life for 2 1/2 decades. So I just want to show my appreciation by saying thank you to Extend-A-Family from the bottom of my heart.

Spending time as a director is important to me because I can give back some of the support that has been given to our family. As well, I can see firsthand the bigger picture and see how my support along with the other directors and staff can make change possible in a society that seems to have forgotten the importance of community. Extend-A-Family’s philosophy and belief in inclusion and relationship building is modelled throughout the work they do: they model inclusion and participation in the broader community through friendship circles, support circles, regular summer camps, the host program, families supporting families, developing connections and educational sessions and resources. Being on the Board provides me with the opportunity to learn, grow, support and give back. It also gets me out of the house at least once a month! Please consider what you can do to support the work of Extend-A-Family!

Truly, we all belong together!
Michelle Schmidt

Extend-A-Family Board of Directors