Our Story
From one family's beginnings in Ariss to a network of 10 locations, respite services and community programs, Hopewell has continued to grow alongside the people and families it supports. What began as a commitment to children with disabilities has evolved into lifelong support for adults, youth and children across Guelph-Wellington.
Hover or tap each colour to meet the four pillars of our community.
Our Icon
Four pillars. One community.
Our Icon is more than a mark: each shape and colour is one of the four groups of people who make a full life possible. Drawn together, they form one Hopewell.
Together, we make a community.
Since 1983
A family-founded beginning
Hopewell's story began in 1983, when John and Joanne Oosterhuis established an organization to support children living with disabilities in their community. They purchased a farmhouse in Ariss, Ontario, became foster parents, and supported children individually while raising their own family under the same roof.
From those beginnings in Ariss, Hopewell grew in response to the changing needs of the people and families it supported: more children were welcomed, and staff joined who shared the family's belief that every person deserves a full life.
We create spaces where choice, belonging, and joy are at the heart of each day.
Growing with our community
Growing alongside people and families
By the late 1990s, Hopewell was asked to expand its services to adults. With government support, a new home was created in Ariss for people moving out of large institutions as Ontario shifted toward community-based services.
Over time, Hopewell expanded beyond children's residential services to provide supported living, respite and community-based programs for adults, youth and children living with developmental disabilities. Today Hopewell operates 10 locations and continues to develop programs that respond to changing needs across the stages of life.
A milestone in our story
A new name to reflect who we are today
Hopewell Children’s Homes Hopewell Support Services
In 2024, Hopewell Children’s Homes became Hopewell Support Services. The new name reflected Hopewell’s evolution into a lifelong support partner. Still here for children, and now walking alongside youth and adults through every stage of life.
Same people. Same values. Same Hopewell. A name that finally says who we support.
Our legacy
Honouring our roots while building what comes next
The original farmhouse became the foundation for something much larger. Hopewell was licensed as a group home in 1984 and registered as a charity in 1990. What started as one family's commitment grew into a network of welcoming locations, respite support and community programs across Guelph-Wellington.
Hopewell continues to build on the foundation established by the Oosterhuis family, one grounded in relationships, respect and a belief that every person deserves the opportunity to experience a full and fulfilling life. Our services have grown, our tools and approaches continue to evolve, and our commitment remains: to work alongside people and families to create opportunities for full lives.
What it looks like today
Four decades on, this is an ordinary week
Homes, programs, camps and community: the everyday moments that four decades of building made possible.
Our history
Four decades of belonging
From one farmhouse in Ariss to locations across the Guelph-Wellington region, a look back at the moments that shaped Hopewell.
- 1983
It all began with John and Joanne Oosterhuis, who set out to support families in their community, especially those raising a child with a disability. They bought a large farmhouse in Ariss, Ontario and welcomed their first four foster children. As word of their care spread, referrals poured in, and Hopewell Children's Homes was born.
- 1984
Earned licensing as an official group home, a first step toward something much bigger.
- 1990
Officially became a registered charity, opening the door to community support and growth.
- 2023
Celebrated 40 years of care, belonging, and community. Four decades and counting.
- 2024
Became Hopewell Support Services, a new name reflecting our support for people of all ages, not just children.
- 2025
Opened our newest respite location, creating even more space for families to find rest and relief.
- 2026
Opened our newest home and welcomed the people who now live there, bringing us to 10 service locations across the Guelph-Wellington region.
Be part of the next chapter.
Your support helps people of all ages live with choice, belonging and connection across Guelph-Wellington.