Sunbeam Launches Community Appeal For The Hospital Care Program

SUNBEAM LAUNCHES COMMUNITY APPEAL FOR THE HOSPITAL CARE PROGRAM TO ENHANCE HOSPITAL STAYS FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Program provides personalized support for people living with developmental disabilities

KITCHENER, ON | NOVEMBER 11, 2025 – Sunbeam, a Waterloo Region-based organization supporting individuals living with developmental disabilities to maintain dignity, belonging, safety, and independence, is launching a community appeal to support its Hospital Care Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative providing hands-on support during hospital stays. The program helps the people that Sunbeam serves, along with their families, navigate hospital visits by providing guidance and ensuring their unique needs are understood and respected.

“Our Hospital Care Program is about more than just hospital support—it’s about dignity, compassion, and ensuring that every person’s needs are truly understood,” said Brian Swainson, CEO of Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services. “From interpreting communication, and providing emotional support, to maintaining daily routines, our staff bring the comfort and confidence of a familiar face to every hospital visit. This community appeal will help us reach even more individuals and provide the care they deserve when they need it most.”

In 2024–2025, Sunbeam provided 1,800 hours of donor-supported hospital accompaniment. This is just a fraction of the need. During these hours, Sunbeam staff accompany clients at the hospital as needed and act as an essential support to the care team. They interpret non-verbal cues, maintain essential routines such as hydration, nutrition, positioning, and sensory needs, and advocate for clients’ rights. This ensures that each individual receives personalized support while hospital staff and clinicians are able to focus on medical priorities.

“Having Sunbeam support during hospital visits has made a world of difference for our family,” said Mark Jaglowitz, whose daughter Lisa has been supported by Sunbeam for 21 years and has benefited from the Hospital Care Program many times over the years. “The staff know exactly how to communicate with and care for my daughter, keeping routines and comfort in place, and having the emotional support from a familiar presence when needed. It gives us peace of mind knowing she is understood and supported every step of the way.”

The holiday appeal seeks to expand and sustain the Hospital Care Program so that more individuals living with developmental disabilities can access these vital services.

Shelley Hopkins, mother of Shawn, who has been supported by Sunbeam for 17 years and has benefited from the Hospital Care Program many times over the years, has accessed the program numerous times over the past several years.

“The Hospital Care Program is a life-saving service. This program gives families peace of mind and ensures loved ones, like our son Shawn, receive the care and dignity they deserve,” she said.

“Every contribution to our Hospital Care Program helps ensure that individuals living with developmental disabilities are treated with the respect, understanding, and receive the care they need,” said Swainson. “Our goal is to reach more families and make hospital visits less stressful, safer, and fully supportive for our clients.”

Sunbeam has been serving individuals with developmental disabilities for nearly 70 years offering programs and services for “Inclusive communities where people of all abilities are valued.”

Members of the community who wish to contribute can make a donation online at www.sunbeamcommunity.ca/donate/ or contact Sunbeam directly at (519) 893-6200.

ABOUT SUNBEAM COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES

Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services creates inclusive communities where people of all abilities are valued. Sunbeam has been operating for more than 68 years, serving more than 16,000 individuals and families across Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Dufferin County, Peel Region, Halton Region, York Region and Simcoe County. The organization offers inclusive living, overnight respite, day program and clinical services, as well as professional services and other supports through Sunbeam’s Developmental Resource Centre and Brightside ABA Services. Sunbeam is also the host agency for Developmental Services Ontario-Central West Region. Sunbeam serves and supports individuals of all ages living with a developmental disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Website: sunbeamcommunity.ca
Facebook: Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rachael Marshall
rachaelm@durrellcomm.com