Frequently Asked Questions
Everything families ask us most often, in one place: what our programs are, who they are for, how to get started, what things cost and how funding works. If your question is not here, call 519-836-9641 and ask us.
About Hopewell
What is Hopewell Support Services?
Hopewell Support Services is a registered Canadian charity based in Guelph, Ontario. Since 1983 we have supported children, youth and adults living with developmental disabilities across the Guelph-Wellington region. We provide supportive living across ten homes, overnight respite for adults, respite camps and programs for children and youth, and community and recreational programs for adults. Read our story.
Is Hopewell Support Services the same organisation as Hopewell Children's Homes?
Yes. Hopewell Children's Homes changed its name to Hopewell Support Services in 2024. It is the same charity, the same team and the same charitable registration number, 131161986RR0001. The former name still appears in older directories, news coverage and government records.
Where does Hopewell provide services?
Across the Guelph-Wellington region of Ontario. Our office is at 381 Elmira Road North, Unit 1, Guelph. Supportive living runs across ten homes in the region, Youth Connect camps and programs run from 727 Speedvale Avenue West, Unit 3, Guelph, and overnight respite for adults is at Ooster House.
Who does Hopewell support?
Children and youth ages 6 to 18, through Youth Connect respite camps and programs; and adults 18 and over living with a developmental disability, through supportive living, overnight respite and Hopewell Connect community programs. Hopewell supports people with varying support needs, including people who have had difficulty finding appropriate support elsewhere.
Is a Hopewell home a long-term care facility?
No. A Hopewell home is a house in an ordinary neighbourhood where adults live with support available 24 hours a day. People have their own space, their own routines and their own goals, and are supported to build skills, make choices and take part in their community. It is a home, not a facility, and it is not long-term care.
Getting started
How do I get started with Hopewell?
Call 519-836-9641 or email info@hopewellsupport.ca and tell us about your situation. We will help you work out which supports fit and what the next step is. For government-funded adult services that step is an application to Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), and we can help you with it. Youth Connect camps and Hopewell Connect programs are booked with us directly.
What is DSO, and do I need it?
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) is the single point of access to government-funded adult developmental services in Ontario. It confirms eligibility for adults 18 and over and coordinates access to residential services and adult respite. You need DSO for supportive living and for overnight respite at Ooster House. You do not need DSO for Hopewell Connect, which is fee-for-service, or for Youth Connect children's and youth programs. Hopewell can help you complete the DSO application.
How long is the wait for supportive living?
We cannot give you a number, and we would rather say that plainly than guess. Supportive living in Ontario is not a numbered queue that moves at a steady pace. A space only opens when someone's circumstances change, and when one does, Developmental Services Ontario matches it with people whose needs and situation fit, taking into account how urgent the need is and whether the home is the right place for that person and for the people already living there. Waits are often long, and we cannot predict one for an individual family. What we can do is help you complete your DSO application, make sure DSO has an accurate and current picture of your situation, and talk through supports that can help in the meantime, such as respite or community programs. Connecting with us early gives you more time to plan.
What happens when my child turns 18?
In Ontario, children's and adult developmental services are separate systems, so some children's supports end at 18 and adult services require separate applications. You can register with Developmental Services Ontario from age 16, and starting early gives families more time. Our Turning 18 guide walks through DSO eligibility, Passport funding and the adult programs available at Hopewell.
I do not know what support I need. Where do I start?
Access Information & Referral (AIR) is a free service, run by Compass Community Services, that helps people across Guelph-Wellington find and connect to community and social supports, including ones beyond Hopewell. Call 519-824-4015 or toll-free 1-877-216-1116. You are also welcome to call Hopewell and we will help you work out where to go next.
Supportive living
What is supportive living?
Supportive living is a home in the community, not a facility, where an adult lives with support available 24 hours a day. Each person has their own space and routines, and the support around them is built from a detailed understanding of who they are: how they communicate, what matters to them, who matters to them, and what they are working toward.
How many homes does Hopewell operate?
Hopewell currently operates 10 locations across Guelph-Wellington, with an eleventh in development. You can read about the next home on our We Are Expanding page.
Who is eligible for supportive living?
Supportive living is for adults 18 and over living with a developmental disability. Eligibility for adult developmental services in Ontario is confirmed by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), which also coordinates access to residential services.
How do I apply for supportive living?
Contact Hopewell by phone or email and we will help you work out whether supportive living is the right fit, then guide you through the Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) application that coordinates access to residential services. Because supportive living in Ontario often has significant wait times, connecting with us early gives you more time to plan.
What support is available in a Hopewell home?
Support is available 24 hours a day and is individualized. Staffing, routines and environments are shaped around the person and adjusted as their life changes, with coordinated expertise from nursing, behaviour therapy, clinical education and direct support.
Is moving to more independent living the goal?
Only if that is what the person wants. Progress is defined by the individual, and a full life in a Hopewell home is a successful outcome in itself. For people who do want to move toward more independent living, we support that as their goals and needs evolve.
Respite, camps and programs
Does Hopewell offer respite for adults?
Yes. Ooster House provides short-term overnight respite for adults living with a developmental disability, in a comfortable home environment. Adults connect with others and enjoy meaningful experiences while caregivers get a genuine break. Ooster House is a government-funded program and access is arranged through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).
What does Hopewell offer for children and youth?
Youth Connect runs respite camps and programs for children and youth ages 6 to 18: PD day camps, holiday camps, summer camps, weeknight evening drop-ins, and weekend learning and activity sessions. Programs include arts and crafts, sports, music, sensory play, baking, outdoor adventures and community outings. Youth Connect is booked directly with Hopewell, so no DSO approval is needed.
Where do camps run, and what are the hours?
Camps run at our Youth Connect location, 727 Speedvale Ave W, Unit 3, Guelph. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Extended care is available before and after camp for an additional fee, so let us know during registration if you need it.
Can my child receive 1:1 support at camp?
Yes. Individualized 1:1 support may be available for children who need extra assistance. Please tell us during intake, and our Coordinator will review your child's support needs and confirm we can provide the right staffing before your registration is finalized. The additional fee for 1:1 support is $40 per hour.
My child has medical needs. Can Hopewell support them at camp?
Yes, we are able to support a variety of medical needs. Our staff are trained in medication administration, seizure support and G-tube support, and are certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. Please share all medical information during intake so we can review your child's requirements and build the right plan for camp.
Community and recreational programs
What is Hopewell Connect, and who is it for?
Hopewell Connect is for adults living with a developmental disability who want to stay active, explore new interests and build meaningful relationships through inclusive community-based programs. It offers day supports, recreation, community connections, social activities and life skills, designed around each person's strengths, interests and goals.
Do I need DSO approval to join Hopewell Connect?
No. Hopewell Connect is a fee-for-service program, so you can take part without Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) approval. You pay for what you book. Ask us about putting funding such as Passport toward the cost.
What does Hopewell Connect cost?
Day supports are $125 a day, with themed days priced separately: Wednesdays are $130 with swimming, Thursdays $135 with music, and Community Connections Fridays are $150. Evening programs are $80 a month for a four-week month and $100 when the month has a fifth week, signed up for by the month. Early or late drop-off and 1:1 staffing cost extra, and you will see the exact total before you commit.
Fees, funding and anything else
What do Youth Connect camps and programs cost?
PD day camps, holiday camps and summer camps are $100 a day. Evening drop-in sessions are $30 each, and weekend learning and activity sessions are $80. Extended care before and after camp, and 1:1 support at $40 an hour, cost extra. You will see the exact total before you register.
Can I use Passport or SSAH funding to pay for Hopewell programs?
Yes. Families are welcome to use Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding for Youth Connect camps, and adults can ask about putting Passport funding toward Hopewell Connect. We can provide invoices and supporting documentation for reimbursement, and can send documentation directly to your caseworker if that helps. Government-funded programs such as supportive living and Ooster House are arranged through DSO rather than paid for directly.
Is Hopewell a registered charity, and can I donate?
Yes. Hopewell Support Services is a registered Canadian charity, registration number 131161986RR0001, and donations receive a tax receipt. You can give online, give in memory or in honour of someone, donate items, or host a fundraiser.
Is Hopewell hiring?
Often, yes. Current openings are listed on our careers page and are updated as new roles are posted. Hopewell also welcomes volunteers and student placements.
Do you have Easy Read versions of your pages?
Yes. Easy Read versions of the key pages use short sentences, plain words and pictures. They cover programs and services, turning 18, accessibility and giving feedback or making a complaint.
Still have a question?
Ask us. There is no wrong question, and we would rather talk it through than leave you guessing.