February 5, 2026

As you may have read in Janet’s letter to you on January 27, we have shared our new strategic plan with our Karis community.

Over the past several months, we’ve invited the people who use our services, their families, employees, those waiting for services, and our partners to co-design our Strategic Plan. Thanks to everyone who shared their time, insights, and ideas.

Over the next three years, we will focus on growing together to enhance the quality of our supports and welcoming more people to receive services from us. Our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan reflects this commitment. We’ve set a bold goal: to grow by supporting at least 15% more people than we do today while strengthening the quality of our services. People with disabilities need more supports and services. In Ontario alone, there are over 50,000 people on waitlists for government-funded services, and we need to respond.

To achieve this, we will:

  • Focus on our teams to provide excellent support.
  • Deliver high-quality, person-directed services that respond to people’s choices.
  • Advocate with government for funding increases and deepen relationships with Christian communities to foster belonging.

These three priorities are at the heart of our strategic plan: our shared roadmap for the years ahead.

Click here to view our Strategic Plan 2026-2029

As we continue this journey together, we invite you to join our upcoming Everybody Engages Virtual Webinar on March 10, from 6:30 PM–7:30 PM (ET). Here, we will share more information about the 3 priorities and how we will continue to listen and learn through our co-design journey with communities as we bring this strategy into action.

Click here to register for the webinar

Together We Grow

Every year, Karis chooses an annual theme to help us centralize our messaging in the annual report, story-telling, connections meetings, the Belongathon, and at Annual Community Meetings. Last year, our theme was “Celebrate Every Journey.” This year, as we launch our new strategic plan, we have chosen a theme that aligns with our goals in the strategic plan. That theme is: Together We Grow.

Our theme verse is from Ephesians 4:16, and we are using the New Living Version, a highly accessible and plain language translation.

“Christ has put each part of the church in its right place. Each part helps other parts. This is what is needed to keep the whole body together. In this way, the whole body grows strong in love.” Ephesians 4:16, NLV

In CH Connect (VPN needed), you can find:

  • Key messages to help you incorporate our theme into meeting notes, presentations, and other communications

This spring, we will have stickers available as well as thank you, birthday, and blank cards for your use, featuring original artwork from people supported.

What to do with 60 year materials?

Now that we are in 2026, we will no longer be using Karis 60th Anniversary materials, including the logo and email signature. Please change your email signatures back to its regular branding, instructions found here in CH Connect.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey with us.

Eugene Versteeg, Chief Operating Officer
Naima Samuel, Strategic Initiatives Team