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Practical Insights for Busy Caregivers
Organization: Sonshine Families - Sonshine Community Ministries
Phone Numbers: 613 298-4580 (cell) * 613-834-8187 ext 223
After Hours: 613-222-2706
Fax: 613-841-1712
Email: lensr@sonshinefamilies.ca
Website: www.sonshinefamilies.ca
Address: 3735 St Joseph Blvd, Unit 1
Ottawa, ON
K1C 1T1
Intersection: St Joseph Blvd and Trim Rd
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible      Wheelchair Accessible
Hours: Administration and DP Mon-Fri * Group Homes Mon-Sun * Camp hours vary, summer and one weekend a month
Executives: Len Goddard - Executive Director
613-834-8187 ext 222
Margo Babe - Developmental Services Director
613-834-8187 ext 232 * margobabe@sonshinefamilies.ca
Contacts: Christina Goddard - Sonshine Cove Camp Director
613-834-8187 ext 228 * christina@sonshinefamilies.ca
Service Description: Providing care within a Christian valued setting for people with various disabilities * Services:
  • R.A.Y.S. Day Program (Reach All Your Stars): a specialized day program for adult clients with developmental and physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy and seizure disorders * The program includes swimming, community outings, crafts* The program operates Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, year round except statutory holidays

*B.E.A.M. Day Program (Behavioural Energy Activity Management): a specialized day program for adult clients with developmental disabilities* such as Global developmental delay and autism*. The program includes swimming, outings in the community, life skills activities, make-a-lunch, and crafts * The program operates Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm, year round except statutory holidays
  • Therapeutic Foster Homes: a family setting for children requiring more care and supervision than provided in a regular foster home
  • S.A.F.E. Medical Foster Homes: a family setting for children and adults who have significant medical needs, requiring more physical care and medical care than would be normally provided in other foster homes
  • Total Care Residence (physical and developmental disabilities): serving adults with total care needs and providing part-time respite for individuals with total care needs* on weekends, March Break, and summer break
  • Residence for Women with Developmental Disabilities: serving young people and adults with a developmental disability * part-time respite care is available
  • Sonshine Cove: residential camps for all children, youth and adults with special needs, including physical and developmental/ learning disabilities; winter and summer camps * weekend respite camps twice a month except during the summer
  • Respite Services: for individuals with special needs in their home or a care provider's home

Rentals of retreat/conference centre to the general public * main lodge has capacity of more than 45 people * fully winterized * large sports field * canoes * motorboats * hiking * skiing and more
Fees: Fees are on website * Rental discounts for the retreat/conference centre may apply in slow periods and for large groups
Application: Call for information * for rentals of Sonshine Cove, contact Len Goddard * to book respite weekends, March Break or summer camp programs or Sonshine Singers for a performance, contact Cathy Goddard * for adult residential placement services, contact Margo Babe * for foster care services, contact Kofo Iziomon
Eligibility - Population(s) Served: People of all ages with developmental and physical disabilities * eligibility criteria vary according to program
Languages: English ; French
Area(s) Served: Ottawa (City of)

About Us

Sonshine began in 1991 as a family-run foster care agency, and as needs grew in the community, so did we. Our Sonshine Family has now expanded to include two day programs, group homes, foster homes, an accessible camp, and choir


This information was last completely updated on: 6-4-2025


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