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March 15, 2024

St.Amant Foundation Turns 35

This year, St.Amant Foundation turns 35 years old and we are so proud to launch our special edition 35th anniversary logo, which showcases 35 celebration flags!  Since 1989, the foundation has raised over $32 million, allowing us to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and autism to fulfill their potential. Together, […]

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St.Amant
March 11, 2024

It’s with mixed emotions…

After 13 years with the St.Amant Foundation, it’s with very mixed emotions I announce that I’m stepping down as Executive Director, effective March 28, 2024. Thirteen years has passed in a flash, and somehow also feels like a lifetime when I think about the incredible friendships I’ve made along the way. You are the reason […]

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Kennedy and Horse
October 30, 2023

Help Kennedy Live Her Best Life!

On July 2, 2022, Kennedy’s entire life changed. A tragic accident caused her to suffer a severe traumatic brain injury and she has been fighting her way back ever since. Prior to her accident, this teenager was a basketball-playing, horseback-riding, barrel-racing young woman that loved to chop wood with her dad. Today, she’s in the […]

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Mom and Max
September 21, 2023

Thank You for Opening Doors!

Claire fondly remembers the days of biking with her son Max. He would be strapped into his heavy car seat secured in a bike trailer behind her. “It was quite a workout,” she laughs. Once his legs got too long to fit in the trailer comfortably, their family biking days ended…or so they thought. Your […]

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Backyard Oasis
September 14, 2023

You Provided a Backyard Oasis!

Winnipeg summers are spectacular and your support helped make it even better for three grateful people living in a St.Amant community home. Tracy, Adam and Tim have the same appreciation of this all too short season as many Manitobans, but with no shade in their backyard, sometimes the heat was too much to handle for […]

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July 20, 2023

You Helped Mateo Prepare for School

Mateo is a friendly, creative, and smart 5-year-old boy who has attended the St.Amant Autism Early Learning Program for the past two years. He is passionate about world geography and climate and can easily recite all the world’s continents without missing a beat.  Mateo’s smile lights up a room, and he will graciously offer you […]

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July 11, 2023

You Can Help Make Learning FUN!

“I’ve been waiting for a space like this!” – says Marlys, St.Amant Occupational Therapist. Your help is needed! With your generous donation and the matching gift from the families of Collin Gyles and Lindsay Tashiro, this dream can become a reality! St.Amant’s clinicians, and the children they work with, need a space designed to accommodate […]

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June 28, 2023

Kelsey’s Story

Kelsey is a mom of two and a foster provider in St.Amant’s Foster Services Program. As a foster provider, she and her entire family provide a warm, nurturing temporary home to children with complex care needs. These children require specialized support and extended hours of care, so access to respite is essential. St.Amant Respite Service […]

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May 29, 2023

You Can Help a Child Play and Learn

Donate today and your gift doubles! June 1, 2023 Dear Reader, Hello! My name is Brenda, and I’m a volunteer at St.Amant. I’m writing to you to share about a project that’s very important to me and will improve the lives of children supported by St.Amant. Have you recently watched a young child play? Maybe […]

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April 27, 2023

You Are Making Doug’s Retirement Fun

Thanks to you, Doug, who is 55 years old, can age in place in his community, where he’s creating friendships and doing the things he loves most – Retirement has never felt so good. Doug spent most of his life living with his parents and sister, but after they passed away, Doug moved in with […]

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April 27, 2023

You Increased Confidence and Independence

Aaron likes to say “I live in the smartest home around!” and it is all thanks to you! Your generosity gave Aaron the technology he needed to feel confident and comfortable in his home.   It’s important for Aaron’s mental health that he knows what’s going to happen next. He relies on routine and structure […]

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April 27, 2023

Sebastien Can Focus, Thanks to You

Sebastien is five years old and is supported by the St.Amant Autism Early Learning Program. This amazing little boy is very active. He loves to climb, bounce and swing, but his mom says that at times, “it can be difficult for him to focus. He gets frustrated!” He needed an outlet, a safe space to […]

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St.Amant
February 15, 2023

YOU helped Ainsley be confident and comfortable!

Ainsley has worked at the Winners warehouse for 23 years! She collects and organizes all the hangers so they’re ready to use when new stock comes in. She makes sure the area is always clean and tidy. She is super organized and works hard to make tasks easier for her co-workers. She works two days […]

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St.Amant
February 08, 2023

Spreading Sunshine: Endowment Fund Offers $250 Awards

Devin Ramdoyal spread sunshine every time he volunteered at St.Amant. This award, created by his parents Sanjaye Ramdoyal and Sandra Ingram celebrates Devin Ramdoyal’s life and commitment to connecting, supporting and lifting up the friends he volunteered with at St.Amant.Four awards of $250 will be given to successful applicants. Who can apply? How to apply: […]

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St.Amant
January 25, 2023

“Thank you for the new chill chair!”- Dorothy Harper

Dorothy is a kind, social woman, who gains energy from those around her. For many years, she enjoyed using a large recliner in the living area of her home, but some recent health changes have made that difficult and unsafe for her. During a visit to the St.Amant Spirit Cottage, she tried a Chill Out Chair and […]

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St.Amant
January 19, 2023

Life-Changing Technology for Children with Autism

Communication is a fundamental human right and can be challenging for some children with autism. Communication helps build meaningful connections with friends and convey their needs and wants to those around them! Some children with autism can face barriers in building those meaningful connections and communicating what’s most important to them, without specialized communication tools. […]

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January 11, 2023

Keith got a new chair! His “everything chair”.

Keith got a new chair! His “everything chair” as he calls it. He had been using a broken recliner for months, because the cost of replacing it was too much. Thanks to the generosity of our community, his favorite relaxation spot is cozy and enjoyable once again, and the long winter months ahead will be […]

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Keith a person supported by St.Amant's Supported Independent Living Program sitting in a chair. He is wearing a yellow shirt. There is a blue overlay on top of the photo.
December 07, 2022

Help Keith Do What He Loves Again

Inflation. Many of us have noticed its effects, but for those living on a fixed income, today’s rising costs can lead to difficult choices that impact their quality of life. Costs are increasing…but Keith’s income isn’t… He needs your help! Keith is an intellectual and keeps a pretty busy schedule. He goes to church every […]

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November 10, 2022

Help Cole Fight Inflation

Inflation. We’ve all heard the word, but what it means for each of us is different. Food. Clothing. Transportation. It all costs more. Many of us are feeling the pinch, but when you live on a fixed income like many of the people supported by St.Amant, that pinch is more like a squeeze and can […]

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The Gift That Keeps Families Together
May 16, 2022

The Gift That Keeps Families Together

Raising kids can be hard. I’m sure that doesn’t surprise you. If your child has a disability, it can be even more challenging Your donation can help weary parents access the support they desperately need. Give before July 15 and your gift DOUBLES, up to a total of $40,000, thanks to the Gyles Family and […]

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Scarlett’s Story: Building Important Life Skills
March 30, 2022

Scarlett’s Story: Building Important Life Skills

St.Amant autism classrooms help preschool-aged children with autism develop important life and social skills – and they couldn’t do it without donors like you. Melanie’s daughter Scarlett is a student in one of the classrooms. Scarlett is glad to be there, but Melanie wasn’t sure at first, “This is the first time in her life […]

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Matthew’s Story: Receiving a Sense of Purpose
March 29, 2022

Matthew’s Story: Receiving a Sense of Purpose

Having a job gives Matthew a sense of purpose and spending money for independence. It’s because of you that Matthew still has a job. Every week he delivers flyers in his neighbourhood. As winter approached, Matthew didn’t have the gear needed for deliveries. With your support, he purchased boots, gloves, and a warm jacket, plus a sled […]

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Linda’s Story: Pedaling her way to better health
February 10, 2022

Linda’s Story: Pedaling her way to better health

COVID restrictions have impacted many people in a variety of ways. Some people got crafty; others baked. Some folks took up a new hobby and others dusted off an old one. But overall, there is one thing virtually everyone did, and that was stay home. Linda is no exception. Over the last few years, she […]

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Jessica’s Story: Freedom to Explore
December 10, 2021

Jessica’s Story: Freedom to Explore

Jessica uses a large power wheelchair to get around her home and neighbourhood. This funny, outgoing, dynamic young woman is also an aspiring communications professional and enjoys nothing more than being with friends and family and being a part of the things she loves. Our community is not built to accommodate her large power chair, […]

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Jacqueline’s Story: Savoring the Sounds of Life
November 23, 2021

Jacqueline’s Story: Savoring the Sounds of Life

“I was heartbroken. I missed the sounds of life,” said Jacqueline, her voice cracking. “I don’t know what I would do without the help of donations“. Jacqueline was born with Apert Syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by skeletal abnormalities. This has led to dozens of surgeries in her life, and has also caused permanent hearing loss. […]

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Andrea’s Story: Essential Equipment Elevates Social Life
November 10, 2021

Andrea’s Story: Essential Equipment Elevates Social Life

Spending 8-16 hours a day in a wheelchair means that comfort and support is not a luxury but a necessity. Wheelchair users will tell you that an ill-fitting wheelchair will cause pressure sores, issues with posture, difficulty with eating and digestion and can lead to being confined to home or worse bed. Andie is one […]

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Bobbilyn’s Story: In Need of a Life-Changing Device
October 25, 2021

Bobbilyn’s Story: In Need of a Life-Changing Device

Fixed incomes and the absence of extended health benefits mean critical tools are often financially out of reach for the people we support. Without your help, many people with disabilities will not have access to basic personal health items and medical equipment, and needs like hearing aids and mobility devices will go unmet. Your gift […]

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Julie’s Story: Finding joy in everyday moments
July 19, 2021

Julie’s Story: Finding joy in everyday moments

YOU helped Julie keep moving! Meet Julie. She has a keen sense of humour and loves to tease and play tricks on the people she cares about. Her wonderful spirit demonstrates the power of embracing life’s challenges with grace and could teach us all a lesson in perseverance and resilience. Julie’s mother, Verna, speaks of […]

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Tyler’s Story: In the Driver’s Seat
July 08, 2021

Tyler’s Story: In the Driver’s Seat

Routine is important to Tyler. He likes things to be predictable, scheduled, and right on time; not a minute later then he expects! An important part of Tyler’s routine is riding his bike. It provides valuable exercise, and the fresh air during outdoor rides is an added bonus. While these physical advantages are important, the […]

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Tracy’s Story: Building confidence and connections
June 29, 2021

Tracy’s Story: Building confidence and connections

Tracy lights up every room she enters. She greets everyone with a smile and makes friends wherever she goes. She is out-going and personable and has been missing the friends she used to meet up with at St.Amant FM Café. To stay connected with the people that are important to her, she has been using […]

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You Can Help Andre Find His Voice!
June 03, 2021

You Can Help Andre Find His Voice!

Andre attends St.Amant School and he is a delightful student who works really hard. His teacher Mei Shu says: “Andre has strong motivation and ability to learn. He loves all kinds of activities in the classroom: morning routine, word searches, being the cashier in the shopping games and math! He works very hard on his […]

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Dalen’s Story: Finding His Voice
May 11, 2021

Dalen’s Story: Finding His Voice

I’d like to introduce you to Dalen. He is an adorable seven year old and is part of a large family. He has an infectious smile and eyes that sparkle. Due to a spinal cord injury at birth and some complex medical needs, he is ventilator-dependent and has very limited mobility. He is non-verbal and, […]

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Claudette’s Story: Riding in Style
February 05, 2021

Claudette’s Story: Riding in Style

Claudette’s main source of happiness is spending time window shopping, getting together with her long time love and cruising the streets looking out the window. Due to changing health needs, these important things were becoming less accessible when she could no longer safely transfer into the standard seat in the van. Since wheelchair accessible vans […]

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Jacqueline’s Story: Peace and tranquility
January 07, 2021

Jacqueline’s Story: Peace and tranquility

Jacqueline will tell you that painting changed her life. While looking for a hobby, she tried many things, but there is just something about acrylic painting that makes all the difference for Jacqueline. She creates beautiful art, and even more importantly, it supports her mental and physical health in ways that surprised everyone.    She […]

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Crisis and Gratitude
October 27, 2020

St.Amant’s $4 Million Stabilization Unit Campaign

Mothers Share Stories of Crisis and Gratitude Dear friend, Imagine being a parent and living with the knowledge that you cannot keep your child safe. The constant worry, the sleepless nights. The anxiety of always being on alert. Your gift today will provide a refuge for a family in crisis and lift a huge weight […]

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Patrick’s Story: A Man of Many Interests
October 20, 2020

Patrick’s Story: A Man of Many Interests

Patrick is 41 years of age and is supported by St.Amant’s Community Residential Program. Patrick and his support team are always exploring new and exciting ways for him to explore his neighborhood and he loves outdoor activities. Biking, hiking, swinging on swings and jumping on trampolines are all regular choices for him. Your support recently […]

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Alec’s Story: Specialized Footwear makes a World of Difference
August 26, 2020

Alec’s Story: Specialized Footwear makes a World of Difference

Alec has never liked to wear shoes. It doesn’t matter how harsh the weather or how rough the terrain, his refusal to wear shoes has been unrelenting. His mother, Rhonda recalls many battles over footwear. “Several shoes have been thrown out the windows of moving vehicles over the years. He just hates shoes.” This aversion […]

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Michelle is on the move!
August 20, 2020

Michelle is on the move!

Michelle is 41 years old and in June of 2019, she moved from her parent’s house into her own home supported by St.Amant’s Community Residential Program. Michelle uses an electric wheelchair to get around but her chair is aging and requires frequent repairs. Each time her chair needs to be fixed, it means that she […]

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Sharon’s Story: Staying in Touch
July 10, 2020

Sharon’s Story: Staying in Touch

Meet Sharon. Before the pandemic, Sharon was very active with a variety of leisure guide activities and outings, so online activities, music, and games have become a welcome outlet for her. Sharon loves socializing with friends. She is 44 years old and has been supported by St.Amant in a community home since 2006. The COVID-19 […]

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Emily’s Story: New Bike, New Connections
July 08, 2020

Emily’s Story: New Bike, New Connections

Emily has a new set of wheels! Emily loves to roam the halls at St.Amant and visit all of her friends! She sometimes even pulls her wheelchair around herself when she doesn’t want to wait for others to push her. Now, thanks to donor support, she has a new set of wheels that makes getting […]

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Sheldon’s Story: Music Therapy Hits the Right Note
June 29, 2020

Sheldon’s Story: Music Therapy Hits the Right Note

Meet Sheldon. He is 26 years old and has been supported by St.Amant in the Community Residential Program for nearly eight years. Sheldon loves time with his family, music, reading stories, and movies. He dislikes being around too many people or having his favourite activities interrupted. One of his most recent joys is participating in […]

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May 29, 2020

J’s Story: Riding towards Independence

J is happiest when he has a consistent schedule and lots of routine in his day. Prior to the COVID-19 shutdown of services, 21-year old J, who is supported by St.Amant Home Share program, spent his weekdays attending the St.Amant School. There, his days were filled with classes, activities, and community field trips. At school, […]

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Dayna’s Story: Still Dreaming
May 12, 2020

Dayna’s Story: Still Dreaming

Before the lockdown, Dayna was planning the trip of a lifetime; a week on the West Coast with her foster family made possible by your generous donations. It’s always been her dream to see the ocean, wildlife, and ferry boats. Since birth, Dayna, 22, has battled fragile health. She has liver disease, trouble breathing, and […]

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May 12, 2020

Jennifer’s Story: Hoping for Connection

Meet Jennifer. Jennifer is very outgoing and her days were once filled with activities. Before the COVID-19 crisis hit Manitoba, she attended a day program three days a week, and volunteered at St.Amant the other two weekdays. On weekends, she enjoyed visiting various breweries and bars, swimming and hanging out with her friends. Like all […]

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Feranmi
November 04, 2019

Feranmi’s Story: Making Dreams Possible

As parents, we want nothing more than to see our children reach their potential, to feel the joys of independence, and to believe they can do anything! That’s what YOU make possible, every time you give to St.Amant Foundation. In July, our nine-year-old son, Feranmi, accomplished a goal we were starting to believe was impossible. […]

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Beyond Words: Jackson’s Story
March 07, 2019

Beyond Words: Jackson’s Story

You could chalk it up to a mother’s intuition. It’s hard to explain but Jamie Pope always knew her son Jackson had autism. From the time he was born, Jackson Pentland —now age three — wouldn’t sleep, needed to be constantly held, wouldn’t settle and couldn’t be entertained. Jamie had to sleep sitting up and she kept telling […]

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Rowan’s Story: Freedom to shine
February 20, 2019

Rowan’s Story: Freedom to shine

My daughter Rowan’s world has grown thanks to the generosity of donors. But it wasn’t always that way. It’s the generosity of kind and caring people that changed Rowan’s life more than you know. They changed my life too. I’m writing today to tell you her story so that you know how donations can make […]

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Micheal’s Story
May 14, 2018

Micheal’s Story

St.Amant has been such a big part of our family for many years. Three of my cousins are on the autism spectrum and because of this I’m blessed with an opportunity to experience St.Amant’s amazing work. Seeing how much the organization cares for the people they support, and seeing how it affects the families really […]

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St.Amant
March 28, 2018

Sarah’s Story

When Sarah turned five, her parents wanted to celebrate in a big way. And because of you, they did! It all started when Sarah attended her first day in the Early Learning Autism Program with St.Amant. When her parents dropped her off, they had many questions –will she make friends? Will she do well in […]

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Jules’ Story
March 27, 2018

Jules’ Story

Ever since he was little, painting helped Jules cope with difficult times. When he puts paintbrush to paper, he thinks about how everyone goes through hard times and for him creating & sharing art is a way to help make people happy. Jules was a featured artist at the Spirited Art Soirée on March 14 […]

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Jessica’s Story: Fulfilling Dreams
November 15, 2017

Jessica’s Story: Fulfilling Dreams

Funny. Outgoing. Energetic.  These three words describe Jessica –a vibrant young woman living on her own thanks to thoughtful people like you. Her story is just one example of your generous support of donors in action. When she was 19 years old, Jessica had a dream of living independently.  And because of kind  and caring people like […]

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Meet Gary and Allen
August 02, 2017

Gary and Allen’s Road Trip

Meet Gary and Allen.Gary and Allen have been supported through St.Amant for over 25 years. Both men have a zest for adventure, love people and a lot of action! For their whole lives their families and the staff at St.Amant have been finding new local, budget-friendly adventures to fuel their spirit….but this year, the guys […]

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Madden's
November 15, 2016

Madden’s Story: Friendship & Opportunity

Walking up to the da Mata home nestled in the beautiful town of Falcon Lake, their yard is strewn with bikes and toys of all kinds. Inside is the warmest, most generous family; bustling with the activity that comes with a 9-month- old, a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old. You helped the da Matas and many […]

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Loralee’s Story: Moving Home
October 06, 2016

Loralee’s Story: Moving Home

Loralee and her roommate are enjoying their new community home, routine and activities thanks to a team effort by their families, past staff and current staff who worked together to ensure a positive transition. The transition process began two years ago when both women, who lived at St.Amant’s River Road Place, were identified as individuals […]

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Doreen & Martina’s Story
November 20, 2015

Doreen & Martina’s Story

  When Doreen and Martina both suffered brain injuries as adults, the hospital was there to provide the urgent medical care they needed. But once they were recovered physically, there was nowhere for them to go. Individuals who have a brain injury can have a range of symptoms and their support needs can be very […]

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Cheryl’s Story
June 23, 2015

Cheryl’s Story

Cheryl is living in the community for the first time since she was 4 years old.Born with a developmental disability, her parents needed help. Raising a child with a developmental disability along with their other children wasn’t an option. St.Amant has supported Cheryl since the early years, her parents have been very involved all her […]

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Ronnie’s Story: Seeing A Whole New World
June 16, 2015

Ronnie’s Story

Ronnie loves to explore. Noticing his desire for broader daily experiences, the staff who support Ronnie at St.Amant arranged for him to move from River Road Place, where he grew up, to one of our organization’s 55 community homes. His new home is in a suburban neighbourhood where he now lives with two roommates who […]

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Paul, Aaron & Mike’s Story
June 16, 2015

Paul, Aaron & Mike’s Story

  Paul, Aaron and Mike have been friends for many years. At some point, like most young people, they decided that they would move out of their parents’ homes and into a St.Amant community home together. Strong support from St.Amant and grit and perseverance on their part contributed to help launch these young men toward […]

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Stacey & Julie’s Story
June 16, 2015

Stacey & Julie’s Story

Stacey and Julie are two young women and both of them delight in the independence that living in their own place provides. Each previously lived at River Road Place. About 40 years ago, St.Amant’s first community residence was built and Stacey moved in. Though she has multiple disabilities and can’t walk, she leads a full […]

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Leonard’s Story
March 18, 2013

Leonard’s Story

Leonard was a very typical teenager. Loved dearly by his Mom, Dad, and three siblings and especially close to his one brother Ezra, he is a fan of rap music, Family Guy, and hanging out with his friends. Growing up in a rural community, Leonard also liked to hunt, fish and train the family dog. […]

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Alec’s Story: Specialized Footwear makes a World of Difference
March 18, 2013

Alec’s Story

Siblings playing, laughing, sharing, fighting…it’s all part of family unity. For Rhonda and Richard Cenerini, and their son older son Colin, one of the hardest parts of loving their younger son and brother Alec, was not feeling the love returned. “It’s one thing for us, because we understand that Alec has Autism and that he […]

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Rebekas
March 18, 2013

Rebeka’s Story

Imagine, for a minute, what it is like to be told your child may not live past her 6th birthday. We wanted to believe that they were wrong. Rebeka looked healthy and she was active. Rebeka was born in November 1996. We were overjoyed and filled with love and anticipation for the years ahead. As […]

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