Getting Connected Foundations (GCF) is a service of the Norfolk Association for Community Living which was fostered in 1997. Initially funded by the United Way of Haldimand-Norfolk, the Ministry of Community and Social Services in February 2001 became an official sponsor of this service. The roots of Getting Connected Foundations go back to 1993 when a School to Work initiative was first introduced. Getting Connected Foundations is offered primarily to transitional aged youth between the ages of 18 and 28 years old. The service boasts a proactive approach to assist people to determine exactly what they need and want concurrent with strategies to access the involved supports and services.

Individuals can indicate their interest in this provisional service by a self-referral or a referral by a family member, the Grand Erie District School Board or community agency (Please see How To Access Services). The Norfolk Association for Community Living/Getting Connected Foundations will receive the referral and set up a Discovery Meeting with the person for whom the referral has been made and any significant persons in their life whom they wish to have in attendance.

Through the Discovery Process each person is assisted to identify his/her needs and wants, balanced with strengths and resources. From this information the person chooses specific supports to assist in the achievement of these personal outcomes.

Support options include a wide variety of small group and individual learning activities which have been created in response to needs and desires identified by those people requesting support. The supports are self-selected, short term in nature, and focus on the growth and development of the individual.

Activities may be related to employment, personal health and safety, social skills and relationship building, skill building and personal growth and self discovery, as determined by the individual.

Each person will benefit by participating in self-selected activities geared at their desired outcomes. The people involved will build the skills they need to be successful and to gain knowledge of themselves and their community and to have a variety of interesting experiences while increasing confidence and potential for personal contacts within the community.