Programs & Services
NHCIA offers a range of programs, supports, and services for children, youth, adults, and families in North Hastings.
Our supports are designed to help people build skills, access resources, plan for the future, and take part in community life in meaningful ways. We continue to respond to the needs of individuals, families, and the community by providing practical, person-centred support close to home.
Support That Responds to Real Needs
NHCIA is a not-for-profit organization that has been serving North Hastings since 1965. We support approximately 150 children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities, along with their families.
Our programs and services are built around people’s everyday lives, goals, and changing needs. Whether someone is looking for help at home, support during a life transition, respite for caregivers, or opportunities to participate more fully in the community, we are here to help.
Supported Living
Supported Living helps people live safely and as independently as possible in the community. Support is individualized and based on each person’s needs, goals, and daily life. This program may include help with the following:
- Coordinating safe and reliable out-of-town transportation for appointments and leisure activities
- 24-hour individualized support
- Daily living skills and independent living
- Budgeting, shopping, and attending appointments
- Accessing community activities and services
- Lifelong learning opportunities related to life skills, rights, responsibilities, and community resources
Child and Family Support
Child and Family Support is available for children from birth to age 14 and their families through the Rock Edge Centre at 113 Hastings Street. This support may include:
- Help with funding applications such as Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, Special Services at Home, Out of Home Respite, and Autism Respite
- Assistance with applying for the Disability Tax Credit and Registered Disability Savings Plans
- Transition planning and support for school
- Information, support, and advocacy for school meetings
- Help connecting with other community resources and supports
- Assistance accessing recreation and social programs in the community
- Parent and caregiver support groups
Youth in Transition
Youth in Transition supports youth ages 14 to 25 and their families. Please call us to book an appointment.
This program helps young people and families plan for important life transitions and connect with the supports they may need as they move toward adulthood. Support may include:
- Help with funding applications such as Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, Special Services at Home, Passport, and adult respite
- Information and support with applications for Developmental Services Ontario, Ontario Disability Support Program, Disability Tax Credit, and Registered Disability Savings Plans
- Short-term and long-term planning
- Support and advocacy for transition into high school and school meetings
- Assistance accessing post-secondary programs, employment supports, recreation, and other community opportunities
- Referrals to other community resources
- Parent and caregiver support groups
Adult Respite
Adult Respite provides support for families and caregivers while also creating opportunities for skill development and planning. This service may include:
- Assistance with funding applications
- Planning and support to help families set goals and budget
- Purchase-of-service staffing for respite and skill development
- Support using respite-now.com to find private respite workers
The respite apartment is located at 41 Sherbourne Street, Bancroft. Please contact us for more information and bookings.
Community Participation
Community Participation helps people build confidence, explore interests, and take part in community life in meaningful ways.
This program may include:
- Support to enroll in and attend local and out-of-town recreation and social programs
- Support to attend workshops and training
- Support to work toward individual goals
- Help finding volunteer and employment opportunities
- Support to build natural, unpaid supports and community connections
Person Directed Planning
Person-directed planning begins with the person. It focuses on getting to know each individual’s experiences, relationships, history, strengths, and goals for the future. By understanding what matters most to the person, an action plan can be created to help turn their goals into meaningful steps forward. This may include exploring new activities, gaining new experiences, connecting with community resources, and building or strengthening relationships.
At NHCIA, person-directed planning is available to people in our Supported Living and Community Participation programs, as well as those receiving Adult Respite and Passport funding. Planning Facilitators support self-advocates through the planning process and can include family, friends, and support staff as chosen by the individual. Our goal is to build person-centred practices into both our workplace culture and the way we provide support. We use person-centred thinking tools and planning approaches that help guide conversations, strengthen understanding, and support meaningful relationships.
Person-Centred Support in Practice
Across all of our programs and services, we work to provide support that is respectful, practical, and centred around the person. We recognize that each person’s path is different. Our role is to listen, support choice, and help create opportunities that reflect each individual’s strengths, goals, and hopes for the future.
Learn More About Our Organization
If you would like to learn more about our programs and services, we encourage you to get in touch. Our team can help you understand available supports, answer your questions, and connect you with the right next steps.