We’re Kerry’s Place
Creating a future where all Autistic people can participate fully in their communities
Every Autistic person is unique. And every Autism diagnosis is unique.
That’s why we offer a wide range of customized Autism services and supports so we can better help you and your family navigate Autism from childhood to adulthood and every transition in between.
Over our 50 years, we’ve built locations and partnerships across southeastern Ontario to help people of any age or ability build skills, gain independence, make friendships, and achieve their goals. We do this by delivering individualized, evidence-based Autism supports and services, group programming, community involvement opportunities, camps and our fully supported living and Supported Independent Living supports at over 88 different locations.
What We Do
We offer a wide range of high-quality Autism supports and services to Autistic persons of every age and their families.
We offer children, youth and their families a range of programs and Autism services through the Ontario Autism Program. This government initiative serves Autistic persons up to age 18 with skill-building groups, private consultation, parent training and coaching, system navigation and family support.
We create opportunities that raise the quality of life for Autistic people and their families through our many respite and recreation programs. Everyone’s welcome to join the fun or take a break by signing up for our camps, swim programs, and leisure groups.
Find a place in our big and welcoming community where hundreds of Autistic adults achieve new goals, discover new passions, and widen their social circle with our skill-building programs and peer support groups.
Or develop skills that lead to meaningful and lasting job opportunities through our employment programs supporting Autistic youth and adults.
While our focus is on serving the Autistic person first, we also offer services, consultations, and educational programming to hundreds of family members and loved ones so they can better support the Autistic person in their lives.
We offer residential and supported independent living programs for Autistic adults at 88 properties across Ontario. Each location provides residents with a safe and supportive environment they can call home. Community outings, employment, athletics, and more – everything’s possible at a Kerry’s Place residence.
We work to empower family members, educators, employers, health providers, and other community members with workshops, seminars and courses geared toward understanding Autism. Our skilled facilitators deliver course content through engaging sessions using group and individual activities and exercises.
We work in partnership with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to give funding to adults with developmental disabilities so they can be as involved in their communities and live as independently as possible.
We offer free access to all our educational materials for anyone wanting to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Our Vision
Autistic persons are full and equal members of their communities.
Our Mission
To enhance the quality of life for Autistic persons by being leaders in:
- Developing and providing evidence-based support; and
- Building capacity by sharing our knowledge and expertise.
Our Values
Demonstrate RESPECT by celebrating diversity, supporting inclusion and advancing the dignity and uniqueness of all persons.
Empower CHOICE by giving opportunities and supporting the right of all persons to make informed decisions.
Demonstrate INTEGRITY through truthful, accountable and ethical actions and relationships.
Promote COLLABORATION through person-centred care and partnerships, seeking input and valuing diverse perspectives.
Strive for EXCELLENCE through continuous learning and quality improvement.
Our Aspirations
Through our current strategic period and on to 2035, we aspire to be:
A nationally recognized authority on providing effective services and supports for Autistic persons and their families; sought after to participate in projects, research and learning conferences worldwide; and a go-to resource for those seeking an expert opinion.
An organization raising multi-million dollars annually to do more for those we currently serve and to serve those for whom there is no government funding available.
An employer known for supporting its staff by providing meaningful careers that make a difference in the lives of Autistic persons.
Our Strategic Themes
Service Excellence
Strategic Result: A high-performing organization that provides innovative and exceptional services for Autistic persons and their families and supports its own future growth and sustainability.
To achieve this, we will:
- Continue to use evidence-based practice to enhance the quality of life for those we support.
- Build robust community programs to expand the Ontario Autism Program and Fee for Service programs.
- Implement our Housing Strategy focusing on optimizing and expanding our service delivery.
Organizational Excellence
Strategic Result: A high-performing organization with exceptional people able to adapt and provide excellent supports and services.
To achieve this, we will:
- Transform our organizational practices, focusing on recruitment and retention, equity, diversity and inclusion, staff development and talent management, including advocating for comparable compensation.
- Promote a safe and empowering culture for staff and supported persons – including building effective communication mechanisms.
- Support innovation through the development of a continuous learning environment.
Sector Leadership
Strategic Result: A leader in providing innovative and exceptional services across people’s lifespans.
To achieve this, we will:
- Develop and share best practices, knowledge and research widely.
- Promote our services and brand in the Autism, Developmental, and Mental Health Services sectors and beyond.
- Build a big “A” advocacy approach to our leadership work at national and provincial levels.
50 Years of Exceptional Autism Services
For half a century, Kerry’s Place has been dedicated to unlocking possibilities for Autistic people and their families. From our beginnings in a family farmhouse to our multiple locations and housing supports across Ontario, our journey is a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and dedication.
