Community and Family Participation Program

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CTN has integrated the Local Team Facilitator (LTF) service and the Family Resource Program into one program called the Community and Family Participation Program (CFPP). The program will continue to provide a range of valuable supports and services to families, local communities and network partners through the Community and Family Coordinator (CFC) team. The CFCs are a team with a passion to encourage the participation and inclusion of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs in your community. Each CTN site in Simcoe County and York Region has a dedicated CFC who plays a key role within that local community and supports connections between communities, families, service providers and network partners. They will continue to host events and recreational opportunities that reflect each community's unique needs.

What CFCs Do

Manage the Volunteer Program
Host Family Education Workshops
Host Family Recreation and Social Events – locally, regionally and virtually and in-person
Contribute to the CTN Online Resource Centre
Host Service Provider Lunch ‘n Learns
Assist with the Equipment Loan Program
Create monthly Community Corner regional newsletters
Support network partners who use CTN sites
Engage in partnerships with network partners, in the local communities and beyond

CTN and the CFCs support kids, youth and families by focusing on CanChild's framework of the F-words for Child Development. Every child with varying abilities has the right to have fun, enjoy friends, function as they are, access fitness, plan for their future and join in family activities like going grocery shopping, riding a bike or going to the park!

CFCs facilitate educational opportunities and share community resources with families
CFCs are family-centred and connect with local partner agencies to offer opportunities for families of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs to connect through events and offering programs such as Sibshops for siblings
CFCs coordinate the CTN volunteer program

CFCs are a bridge between CTN and the local communities in Simcoe County and York Region
CFCs help organize and share resources to families, service providers and community agencies
CFCs oversee the 10 CTN local sites across Simcoe County and York Region to support and promote an interdisciplinary team approach
CFCs share responsibility to ensure that service providers supporting families understand the goals, tools and processes of how the network works by delivering various workshops, lunch ‘n learns, educational and informational content

CFCs, along with CTN families, identify gaps in inclusive recreation and participation opportunities
CFCs work with community partners to highlight their inclusive recreation programs and encourage community partners to continue to expand inclusive participation opportunities.
CFC's host ‘try it’-events for kids and youth to try inclusive participation activities, such as sledge hockey, adaptive paddling, wheelchair basketball and more.
CFCs assist with the CTN Equipment Loan Program for families who want to try adapted recreation equipment

CFCs work with community partners to provide opportunities for kids, youth and their families to develop relationships and connect with other kids, youth and families in their community
CFCs host social events where kids and youth can meet and make friends

CFCs collaborate with local partners to host events for families, including holiday celebrations and seasonal activities
CFCs find creative ways to collaborate with community agencies to promote inclusion and participation for kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs
CFCs create a Summer Camp Guide to support summer fun

CFCs support inclusive communities by building capacity and awareness, identifying gaps and barriers and helping to inspire change
CFCs build connections between kids, youth and their communities to promote continuous participation for healthy child development

Connect with your local CFC for more information and how they can support your family.

Eligibility

The Community and Family Participation Program serves all CTN families, community partners and network providers through events, workshops and engagement opportunities in Simcoe County and York Region.

Who We Are

There is no need for a referral to the Community and Family Participation Program. Contact your local CFC, if you want to learn more.

York Region:
Niki Huxtable - nhuxtable@ctnsy.ca
Christine Ko - cko@ctnsy.ca
Stefanie Cuda - scuda@ctnsy.ca

Simcoe County:
Deanna Buchmayer - dbuchmayer@ctnsy.ca
Maureen Marcoux - mmarcoux@ctnsy.ca

EVENTS

Mackenzie Health - Grief - Online

December 16, 2025

Understanding and processing grief is a challenge for many of us, regardless of age or diagnosis.

YSSN - My Time – Online Support Group for Autistic Parents - Online

December 16, 2025

Who should attend: Autistic Parents (no official diagnosis is required) who are raising autistic and/or non-autistic children.

SURVEY

As a parent/caregiver, I would like to learn more about:

Behaviour Regulation Strategies
Mental Health and Self-Care for Caregivers/Parents
Information Related to School or Special Education
Funding and Financial Planning Resources and Information for Kids and Youth with Disabilities
Transition Planning (school and adulthood)