About Us

History

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The Rural FASD Support Network was founded in 2018 by a small group of dedicated volunteers with personal knowledge of, and experience with FASD. We serve the counties of Lanark and Leeds & Grenville within Eastern Ontario but welcome all across the province of Ontario. We became a non-profit corporation in 2019 and currently serve 156 members.

Vision

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Where all those impacted by FASD have a strong voice, a sense of belonging and safety, and are fully empowered to live the best life!

Mission

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Through the lens of living experience, Rural FASD equips caregivers with a sense of belonging, peer support, knowledge development, system navigation, and access to tools and resources.

Purpose

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Our purpose is to connect and provide caregivers and individuals impacted by FASD with appropriate local supports. These supports are in collaboration with medical professionals, community service providers, support groups, local media, researchers, educators, as well as government ministries and representatives.

Five Strategic Plan Priorities

Developing solutions to generate revenue, to ensure Rural FASD’s sustainability over the long term

Supporting people living with FASD with housing and affordability for everyday needs

Providing employment support, through “walk alongside” model

Providing support to financial management

Supporting the establishment of social skills for long-lasting social connection

As determined at the BOD governance training October 14, 2023

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors consists solely of individuals with FASD and their caregivers to guarantee direct input and decision-making within the organization. We use the DACI model for our structural hierarchy and follow the motto With Us, not For Us.

Rob More – Chair

Mark De Rose – Secretary

Steve Bridson – Treasurer

Michelle Kilner – member-at-large and fundraising

Diane Greer – member-at-large and Leeds-Grenville rep

Malcolm MacIntosh – member-at-large and adult rep

Patrick Ross – member-at-large and project management

Rhonda Gainsford – member-at-large

Angela De Rose – Individual with FASD rep

Cassie More – member-at-large, Individual living with FASD, youth and young adults