Searching for Support Groups

Support services to people with acquired brain injuries (ABI) and their caregivers

ABI Support Groups

• gives ABI survivors and caregivers opportunities to discuss experiences/common issues, learn more about living with an ABI, and engage with other members and families
• guest speakers from different professions/disciplines relating to ABI, deliver presentations and share resources at group meetings
• speakers range from health care professionals to tax specialists
• while weekly meetings invite both survivors and caregivers, BIAPH holds monthly meetings that are exclusively for caregivers
• ABI support group meets in-person at community locations as well as online (Zoom) during the month
• caregiver support group hosted solely online (Zoom)
• Headspin: Youth & Young Adult Support Group

Caregiver Relief Program

Provides relief to families and primary caregivers of survivors of acquired brain injury.
Consists of:

• Attendant Care includes personal care, household tasks, support within the home
• Community Social Support includes assistance accessing community programs and resources
• offers safe environment for members to share their stories, access information from professionals, and for recreational and social activities

Peer Support Services

• advocacy
• information about ABI services; resources for members
• promotes the prevention of brain injuries
• Brain Basic courses for professionals and family caregivers
• Helmets on Kids -- education about safety, prevention and brain injury awareness to elementary school students
• opportunities to contribute to research ethics board (REB) approved qualitative research pertaining to ABI and rehabilitation. Projects led by BIAPH

Bereavement support through regional affiliated self-help and mutual aid groups * local groups facilitated by trained peer volunteers and supported by volunteer health professionals * list of local groups available on website

COVID19 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program, Central Intake Line, Emergency Shelter Program, and Community Support and Outreach Program continue without disruption, as well as all support and counselling programs and services; enhanced screening in place using Ontario Ministry of Health Assessment Tool, PPE, and antigen test

• community and client meetings available by phone or online
• sexual violence counselling available by phone or online
• online Anti-Black Racism Sexual Violence Support Group
• 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program 905-403-0864, 905-676-8515, or 1-855-676-8515
• Central Intake Line 905-676-0257 or 1-800-676-0257 for Transitional Housing supports available 9 am-4:30 pm
• for donations, contact Julie Shultz, Development Manager, julie@embrave.ca
• visit website for updates and service information

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24-hour Crisis Line Support Line Program
Immediate support to survivors in the community who are experiencing any form of violence, including crisis support and intervention, risk assessment and safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, problem solving and shelter intake

Central Intake Line for Transitional Housing Supports in Peel Region
First point of contact for transitional housing support program and community outreach services

• one-to-one support
• risk assessment and safety planning
• emotional support
• legal support (criminal, family, immigration)
• housing supports
• information and referrals
• problem-solving, advocacy
• shelter access

Emergency Shelter Program
24/7 intake for individuals and there dependents (up to 18 years) who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing any form of violence

• capacity 54
• stay up to 4 months
• service provided regardless of geographical location
• referrals to alternative shelters as required based on safety or capacity issues

Sexual Violence Counselling Program
Emotional support and counselling, support groups, and information and referral, available in-person or remotely (phone, email, online)

• pressuring/convincing
• sexual assault
• childhood sexual abuse
• sexual harassment
• online sexual violence

Community Support and Outreach Program
Including safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, and problem-solving, and assistance in accessing housing and shelter support, and legal and immigration support

COVID19 Individual and family supports available; virtual group programming

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Caregiver support, including individual counselling, peer group support; also FAMEkids specialized programming for children and youth, visit www.famekids.ca

COVID19 Office closed, no walk-in service; telephone or email services available; all one-to-one meetings, support groups, training, and community events suspended

Bereavement supports and services including individual support and peer support groups; educational workshops for schools, corporations and similar non-profit agencies

Community-based support and rehabilitation services to adults living with the effects of an acquired brain injury * referral to other community services

Assisted Living - Assisted living beds with 24 hour support in Oakville, Mississauga and Brampton (5 residential facilities) * all residential placements are based on assessed need and focus on maintaining independent living skills and social recreational engagement in the residence and in the community

Caregiver/Family Services - Provides psychological/family counselling, neuropsychiatric consultation, ABI education, peer support groups facilitated by a registered social worker

Case Management - Offered to all outreach service recipients not living in a Mindforward Brain Injury Services (formerly PHDABIS) assisted living site * services include coordination of community services and resource linkages, assistance with financial and legal matters, academic assessment and placement, life skills support * case managers link clients to other community agencies

Clinical Services - Includes psychological assessment and treatment, neuro-psychiatry consultation for medication management and access to counseling

Concussion Services - Education and workshops * register online at concussionservices@phdabis.org

Day Program - Offered in three locations: Mississauga (176 Robert Speck Pkwy), Oakville (St Luke's Community Centre, 3114 Dundas St W) and Orangeville (695 Riddell Rd) * social, recreational events, exercise and fitness, skill building * daily drop-in hours * offers psycho-social groups including anger management, depression support, self-esteem support, social skills, peer support, and substance use and brain injury

Integrated Partnership - Service to support clients in need of long-term residency who are at risk of losing residential placement due to cognitive or behavioral challenges * this partnership combines the environment, nursing supports, personal support workers of a long term care facility with additional on-site support staffing provided by Mindforward Brain Injury Services (formerly PHDABIS) * partnering Extendicare Halton Hills, Halton Region and Allendale Long Term Care Home

Seniors Services - Team of Neuro-Behavioural Support Workers (NBSWs) and Case Managers provides behavioural support and engagement to clients with ABI presenting with cognitive/behavioural challenges in long-term care settings, home and hospital environments * goals of the program are to assist clients to sustain their living environment, increase opportunities for recreational engagement and quality of life, decrease the possibility of relocation to inappropriate environments or hospital, assist in ALC transitions, and provide support to the attending caregiver (i.e. education)

Supported Independent Living (SIL) - Program operates seven days a week with five front line staff and two case managers * provide 1:1 in-home support to assist clients in achieving their personal and rehabilitation goals including medication administration, transportation training, attending community-based appointments, budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking, and housekeeping * case managers also oversee goals such as securing financial, housing, legal, medical, and a variety of other supports a client may require * works in collaboration with community partners such as the Region of Peel, Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP), and Able Living to provide subsidized housing to suitable clients

Services and Programs:

• Adult Day Program
• Assisted Living

COVID19 -- call or visit website for COVID-related changes; virtual and outdoor activities may also be available


EarlyON Child and Family Centres

• education and support to parents and care providers with children
• caregiver and child drop-in
• early child development
• school readiness

COVID19 -- clients asked to stay home if feeling unwell


Programs and Services

• support and guidance
• resource information,
• workshops
• support groups
• public awareness

Academic Support and Tutoring

• individual homework support and tutoring
• Reading Rocks Literacy Program - in person and virtual options
• Jump Math - in person

Social Skills

• programming to promote self-awareness and healthy behaviours - held in person
• workshops on conflict resolution, healthy relationships, peer pressure, online safety, self-esteem

Kidz Konnect Summer Camp

• social skills
• life skills training
• problem solving strategies
• for children 6-13 yrs

Orton-Gillingham Remedial Program -- individualized multi-sensory intervention for individuals with language-based difficulties/dyslexia

Office open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm; for information call, 905-279-3679

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Settlement Services for Immigrants and Refugees

• needs assessment, information and referral, advocacy, orientation, translation and interpretation, escort, assistance in finding housing
• sponsorship of refugees
• health workshops, mental health -- support groups, counselling
• heritage language classes
• skills upgrading, adult literacy classes
• seniors program including support groups and health education
• youth program offering services in settlement, counselling, skills development and social events
• Homework Club with individual assistance and group work
• citizenship test preparation classes

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks
• trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist, with focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills and career development

English as a Second Language / LINC -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• day or evening classes

Childminding available for clients attending sessions

Child, Youth and Parenting

• supportive counselling for parents and families dealing with cultural and inter-generational conflict- culturally and linguistically responsive
• positive parenting strategies and helps families understand the range of supports available
• crisis intervention and risk assessment, system navigational support, linkages to resources for youth and families
• support in areas such as challenges or conflict over social norms, family violence/breakdown, mental health, developmental disability, dealing with anxiety and stress, identifying abusive behaviours and healthy versus unhealthy relationships, coping strategies for families dealing with separation, divorce, co-parenting or parenting in blended families

Community Mental Health Support

• Housing and Support in Peel (HASP) in partnership with Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP) delivers housing support services to clients residing in SHIP units including case management, service coordination, and person-centred centered support planning
• advocates with landlords, hospitals, psychiatrists
• skills development to improve quality of life, resolve day to day conflicts, manage setbacks and increase independence and housing stability

Family Court Support Services

• support to victims of domestic violence navigating the family court system
• helps clients understand their rights and to make informed decisions on matters related to custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property and assets
• helps clients to understand and navigate court appearances and lawyer appointments; safety planning and risk assessments
• assistance documenting the history of abuse
• court accompaniment where appropriate

ACES Program for Women (Advocacy, Counselling, Empowerment & Safety)

• culturally sensitive counselling for women who are victims of domestic/family violence and abuse
• crisis intervention, counselling, risk assessment, safety planning, transitional support, educational workshops, assistance with legal issues and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• women's groups to support health and wellness
• support groups for women and children who have witnessed partner abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network
• French service through partners OASIS or La Maison d'Hébergement (see separate listing)

Intersections: Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomers

• drop-in, safe space, for settlement information with a 2SLGTBQ+ lens
• private, confidential, one-to-one settlement support
• peer mentoring
• referral to other services
• workshops and information sessions
• resource library, and social activities such as movies, art and crafts
• promotes welcoming communities through community presentations and information sessions

Services also offered at Safe Centre of Peel, 60 West Drive, Suite 110, Brampton

COVID19 -- call or visit website for COVID-related changes; virtual activities may also be available


Education and support to parents and care providers with children

• caregiver and child drop-in
• early child development
• school readiness

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services, including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support
Confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services

• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
Specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning

• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training
Includes English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, citizenship preparation classes

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

COVID-19 -- maintain all essential services including supportive housing, assisted living, home care, transportation for essential visits, providing hot meals, frozen meals and food hampers to seniors and people needing isolation

• Transitional Care Centre -- regular service, visits (in person for family and caregiver with appointment)
• also available via phone/virtually telephone reassurance, supportive counselling and service coordination
• Family Health Organization, GAIN Community Team
• Adult Day Program -- in person and virtual care
• Diabetes Education Program -- assessment, consultation, group education
• Wellness and Community Development Program -- in person and virtual platform
• Vocational Training Centre -- in person and virtual platform

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Adult Day Program -- Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm, weekday extended hours, Saturday 10 am-3 pm, available in Scarborough and Richmond Hill

• for persons 55 years and older with special needs, such as physical frailty or mild memory impairment, in need of supervised, structured setting
• social and recreation activities, lunch, snack, personal care and health related services -- exercise, foot care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy
• transportation available

Chinese Bereavement Services -- culturally specific bereavement services, individual support and self help group

• public education, seminars, workshops, information and referral

Chronic Disease Self Management Program -- 6 week workshop for adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis

• individual counselling with nurse, dietitian and social worker
• health and education workshops, seminars
• caregiver education and support, information and referral
• workshop licensed by Self-Management Resource Centre

Community Outreach -- outreach programs for those living in seniors apartments and suburban areas, retirement groups, seniors self help groups, community, wellness and health education

• caregiver support, volunteer development

Community support services -- escort to medical appointments, telephone security checks, friendly visiting, hospice visiting, grocery shopping, client intervention and assistance -- free

• congregate dining -- fee, subsidies available
• transportation -- fee
• referrals, follow up

Elder Abuse Prevention Program -- Chinese Elder Abuse Helpline 416-502-2321, elder abuse education, supportive counselling

Geriatric Assessment & Intervention Network (GAIN) Community Team -- wrap around supported care and services with individualized comprehensive geriatric assessment, intensive case management, personalized care plan, service navigation

Home care services -- home help, homemaking, respite care, palliative care -- fee

Personal Care Program -- for seniors living in the community requiring higher level of care, care coordination, scheduled and unscheduled personal support workers' visit, security check

Integrated Dialysis Care Program -- Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses visit home peritoneal dialysis patients at their home, health maintenance, nutritional counselling

Wellness and Social Program -- social, recreational and educational programs for persons 50 years and older, drop-in centre, friendship groups, interest classes, outings

COVID19 -- call or visit website for COVID-related changes; virtual activities may also be available


Education and support to parents and care providers with children

• caregiver and child drop-in
• early child development
• school readiness

Abuse prevention programs, including one-to-one counselling and therapy groups, intervention and crisis support, education and support services, South Asian Seniors Program, violence against women program, Peel Elder Abuse Support Program, New Beginnings group, Partner Assault Response Program

Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Includes individual counselling, group counselling, e-counselling and phone counselling

Regional lead agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (central region)

COVID19 -- Call or visit website for COVID-related changes


Multi-service agency

Conflict Resolution Service: for individuals or groups to resolve disputes, disagreements, or concerns through free and confidential community mediation

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

• Peel Region lead intake agency for LEAP (hydro) through Ontario Energy Board
• pre-screening required, qualifying residents receive appointment to complete the application process
• access centre for OESP -- assistance with applications
• for more information on LEAP for Enbridge Gas, contact United Way Simcoe Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327

Seasonal Income Tax Clinic -- by appointment

Orientation/Settlement Program

• assistance accessing health services, education, English language class referrals, translation and interpretation
• orientation and information workshops, referrals regarding government services
• assistance filling out government forms including forms for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
• solution-focused counselling
• individual advocacy when needed to obtain community and government services
• translation of foreign documents for settlement and educational purposes; Commissioner of Oaths for verifying documents

Health and Wellness Support Services for Newcomers -- one-on-one sessions to address stress, depression, anxiety, or loneliness; support groups and workshops; referrals to other mental health services

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• English classes, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
• childminding may be available for attendees with children 6 months to 6 years
• bus fare for eligible clients
• evening and weekend classes

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

• assists newcomer students and their families with settling into their schools and communities
• outreach program based in elementary and secondary schools from mid-August to end of June

Newcomer Youth Community Engagement (NYCE)

• helps newcomer youth learn about Canadian culture and society, and interact with youth their own age
• volunteers assist with English language skills, social skills, leadership building activities, life skills workshops

Disability and Settlement Services

• for newcomers with a disability
• information and referral, advocacy

EarlyON Child and Family Centres -- see separate entries

Growing Together in Peel (CAPC)

• for families with young children birth-6 years looking for extra help and living on low incomes
• play programs, parenting information, emotional support
• nutrition programs/food security

Caregivers' and Seniors Support Program

• education, information and referrals for caregivers and vulnerable seniors
• language specific groups and groups with people from all cultures offered

Volunteer opportunities

COVID19

• clients must have appointment before entering building until further notice
• some programs operating at limited capacity or virtually, call for details

Primary Health Care

• care from family physicians and nurse practitioners
• chiropody (foot clinic)
• diabetes education
• dietitian
• physiotherapy

No Ontario Health Insurance required for general services

Dental Clinic, 905-602-0520

• dental care for children and youth covered by Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO) and for seniors
• call for specific program eligibility and application instructions

Health Promotion

• community development addressing social determinants of health
• seniors' wellness programs
• short-term counselling for Centre's priority populations

QX and TransActivate -- weekly drop ins for LGBTTIQQ2S+, queer, gender diverse, trans individuals, and one-on-one support, primary care and information and referral

Community Services

• client advocacy for accessing government programs, legal and immigration issues, housing, food security
• commissioner of oaths (call for schedule)
• information and referral
• space available for community meetings

COVID19 -- call or visit website for COVID-related changes; virtual activities may also be available


Education and support to parents and care providers with children

• caregiver and child drop-in
• early child development
• school readiness

Comprehensive assessments, treatment planning, case management, referrals, education, and short term individual and group counselling

• Back on Track -- provincial remedial measures program for impaired drivers, includes education and treatment program
• specialized outreach services for older adults
• weekly group orientation sessions, no waiting period

COVID19 -- LIFE sessions and After Stroke programs are being offered virtually


Community-based rehabilitation and advocacy; affordable supportive housing for people with physical disabilities

March of Dimes Canada's Supportive Housing Programs: provides scheduled and unscheduled service to people with disabilities in their own apartments:

• non-medical assistance provided for activities of daily living in the home, such as dressing, bathing, eating, and helping with range of motion
• also assists individuals requiring more complex supports that may include g-tube feeding, tracheotomy supports as well as other activities of daily living.

Attendant Care Services -- non-medical assistance with activities of daily living in the home; MODC Non-Profit Housing

Assistive Devices Program, 1-866-765-7237 -- financial assistance for adults to purchase or repair devices that increase their mobility and functional independence; may also assist with information or resources to assist in locating additional funding sources

Pop Can Tabs Collection Program -- proceeds support Assistive Devices Program

Home and Vehicle Modification Program, 1-877-369-4867 or 1-877-369-HVMP -- financial assistance (up to $15,000) for basic home and vehicle modifications for permanent Ontario residents with a substantial impairment expected to last one year or more

Brain Injury Services -- life skills, communication, community integration, emotional and behavioural support, vocational support, recreation

Conductive Education -- for people with neurological motor disorders; physical rehabilitation and education to train the brain and the body

DesignAbility, 1-800-263-3463, ext 7211

• volunteers work with persons with mobility challenges to craft creative, custom-built solutions to overcome barriers to work, play, personal hygiene and other daily activities
• no charge, except for building materials

LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Empowerment) -- skill-building transition sessions to provide support to young adults with a disability

Post-Polio Canada, 1-800-480-5903, marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/postpolio -- in-person and virtual support services, resources and information for polio survivors

After Stroke, afterstroke.marchofdimes.ca -- person-to-person support, educational opportunities and community-based programs designed to provide connection to other people, hope and life after stroke

Integrated Employment Services at this location, see other listing

Outreach and senior services are also available at this location

Business and training services for other non-profit agencies

COVID19

• check website Alzheimer Society Peel for updates and reopening details
• in-person adult day programs and respite service (Nora's House) open with reduced capacity
• virtual education and support groups
• staff working remotely to provide alternate supports

Programs/Services

• counselling
• support groups
• caregiver support
• public education

Adult Day Program

• social, recreational and therapeutic activities
• personal care
• offered at four locations in Brampton and Mississauga

Nora's House

• overnight respite care and short term stays
• capacity 8 (reduced capacity for COVID)

First Link

• for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, their families and caregivers
• referrals to information, education, services and resources

Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) -- call 416-803-4425 or email m.collins@alzheimerpeel.com

• provides behavioural health care services to improve the lives of older adults living with or at risk of responsive/personal expressions associated with complex mental health, dementia, substance use and/or other neurological conditions by:
• providing specialized behavioural assessments to identify the reason for the behaviour
• developing a collaborative care plan with strategies and non-pharmacological interventions to minimize the responsive behaviours
• providing clients and caregivers with education, support, counselling and guidance
• health care system navigation and transitional support

Offices in Brampton and Mississauga; services provided in private homes, retirement homes, long-term care facilities and hospitals

Support, advocacy and public education to promoting independence and optimal quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families

Clinic to Community (C2C) Program

• community educator gives overview of seizures, epilepsy, risk management and seizure first aid to entire family
• teaches how to use a seizure log
• refers to services including support groups, peer to peer linkages, recreation, and school and workplace assistance
• gives information sheets with strategies to help the person with epilepsy to best manage their condition

Individual Counselling and Support Groups

• one-on-one counselling and service coordination
• support groups for youth and adults

Home-Based Self-Management & Cognitive Training Changes Lives (HOBSCOTCH)

• helps people living with epilepsy learn new strategies to improve memory and attention
• individual program that lasts eight weeks.

Epilepsy Classroom, 416-813-8371

• section 23 classroom geared to needs of children with intractable epilepsy
• run in partnership with Toronto District School Board and Hospital for Sick Children, see separate listings

Sunny Days Camp -- summer day camp for children with epilepsy and their siblings 5-14 years

Epilepsy 101

• free interactive educational program offering epilepsy awareness and seizure first aid
• designed for many settings/groups including school staff, employers, community fairs

Thinking About Epilepsy

• program designed for grade 5 classes
• interactive-educational program that offers epilepsy awareness and seizure first aid to students and staff

Seniors Helping Seniors Program -- volunteer seniors and ESCO staff give education, awareness and epilepsy first aid sessions for seniors, their caregivers and residential and day program staff

Family and Youth Conference

Office in Kitchener at 28 Weber St W, Ste 2, can be reached at 519-745-2112

COVID19 -- now open by appointment, call or email

Programs to help newcomers become established; cultural and social activities for the Vietnamese community

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
• childminding may be available, bus fare for eligible attendees

Settlement Services

• citizenship preparation
• assistance to fill out government applications
• settlement counselling
• support groups for women, youth, and seniors to aid in integration
• interpretation and translation
• Commissioner of Oaths by appointment

Educational Programs

• citizenship classes
• English and Math tutoring for students in grades 1-12
• heritage language (Vietnamese)
• French classes
• computer classes

Job search techniques for resume writing and office skills

Cultural Services

• organizes traditional festivals, ritual ceremonies and Canadian celebrations
• traditional music and visual and performing arts programs and training
• picnics, camping trips, talent show

Hospice Palliative Care Centre

• palliative care counselling and referral
• day program
• day respite care
• companionship
• emotional/spiritual support
• assistance with daily activities
• case management
• service also provided in-home, at Etobicoke hospitals or other care facilities

Residential Care Program

• 24 hour end-of-life care in home-like setting, capacity 10
• collaboration with other community services
• spiritual and bereavement support program, including support groups and annual memorial service
• community and professional education

Hospice Palliative Helpline 905-667-1865 -- partners with Heart House Hospice and Acclaim Health of Oakville to provide 24 hour helpline, see separate listing

Support and help for people living with poylcystic kidney disease (PKD) and their families * funds research into PKD * education, advocacy and awareness of PKD * monthly newsletters