A Legacy Built on Dignity, Love, and Hope
In 2024, Indwell celebrates a remarkable milestone — half a century of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to providing dignity and independence for individuals with disabilities. From its humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope across communities, Indwell’s journey is a rich tapestry of triumphs, challenges, and profound impacts. As we honour this 50th anniversary, we invite you to explore the captivating stories and pivotal moments that have shaped Indwell’s legacy. Your engagement and support will help propel us forward as we continue to create inclusive communities, embrace new challenges, and embark on the next 50 years of transformational work together.
A passionate group of Christians in Hamilton put their heads together, determined to devise solutions for families with adult children with disabilities.
"House parents” were hired to live in and support residents. Among those house parents was a special couple named Velva and Rudy DeVries, who worked with Indwell for an incredible 23 years.
Steve Rolfe reminisces about The Homestead’s “legendary” status in the 90s — a unique community-based living option distinct from case management services.with adult children with disabilities.
By 1999, shifts in psychiatric treatment and the rise of the psychosocial rehabilitation movement reshaped perceptions of community care standards.
The transition to opening Caroline Apartments wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable contribution of Bill Voortman (1932-2020).
In 2004, we recognized a need in Woodstock and acquired a group home at the invitation of local Christians and Oxford County, marking our earliest venture beyond Hamilton. And that was only the start of Indwell’s presence in Woodstock.
Back in Hamilton, while we were trying out a new model of supportive independent living, we still saw a need for excellent, high quality supportive living for those with higher acuity. Our Wentworth Program began in 2002 and continues to provide...
We talk a lot about supports here at Indwell! Since the purchase of Caroline Apartments, we’ve taken a unique approach: high quality affordable housing where tenants can live independently with a spectrum supports available.
2011 saw the opening of The Perkins Centre, named after the Christian community development pioneer John M. Perkins. His profound words, “You don’t give people dignity, you affirm it,” continue to inspire our mission.
Indwell began because a group of Christians were inspired by the message of Jesus to care for their neighbours. We believe that living and working as Christian organization is a mission of inclusion, humility, and love. We value the inherent dignity of all people...
...community members and civic leaders, aware of the desperate need for affordable housing in Haldimand and Norfolk counties, visited Indwell’s Perkins Centre in Hamilton. They met tenants, talked with staff, and became convinced that something similar could be developed in Simcoe.
Originally built in 1863, The Norfolk Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1957 and later rebuilt as the two-storey Norfolk Inn. Over time, it transitioned into a nightclub and rooming house, eventually falling into neglect and negatively impacting downtown. We acquired the property in 2018 to give the building new life...
