Lifetime Networks recognizes the importance of friendship

What will happen to my child when I am no longer here? This is the question five families of adult children with intellectual disabilities asked themselves back in 1998. The families wanted unpaid relationships and true friendships for their children. Typically, people with intellectual disabilities have many paid individuals in their lives, including doctors, therapists, specialists, and support workers; sadly, there often is a lack of friends. Making friends can be challenging for everyone. The challenge increases with the addition of barriers such as mobility issues, communication issues, physical differences—in fact, any perceived differences.

In 1998, Lifetime Networks was created. In 2023, Lifetime Networks celebrated 25 years of continued friendship and support for the individuals and their families.

At Lifetime Networks, we understand the importance of friendship as one of the cornerstones of a fulfilling life. We create opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. We provide friendship and support

services so that all people can live rich and rewarding lives in our community—safely and with friends who care.

Lifetime Networks operates on a fee-for-service model. We strive to provide self-determination and empowerment to those we support. Some people work and pay for services, some have family assistance, some receive government assistance, some require bursaries, and many use a combination of the above. Lifetime Networks works diligently at fundraising to provide support for people who cannot afford services. It is a very lonely world without friends. Our goal is to alleviate that loneliness and assist with ‘friend raising.’

Lifetime Networks is privileged to have a wonderful group of volunteers who recognize the importance of friendship. We are very proud of our volunteers who in 2024 contributed 3,620 volunteer hours to alleviate loneliness and build friendships.

We invite you to support Lifetime Networks to ‘friend raise’ and continue making a difference in the lives of many.