On June 16, 2026, our community gathered once again for a tradition that has grown into something much greater than an Annual General Meeting.
House of Friendship’s Strawberry Social is a moment to pause, reflect, connect, and celebrate what we are building together.
This year’s theme, “Building a Village – A Community That Lasts,” reminded us that none of us can do this work alone. A village is built through care, through compassion, and through people who choose to show up for one another.
This year, that village was felt in every corner of the room.
There was an unmistakable sense of connection in the room. Supporters, partners, staff, volunteers, and community members came together, united by a shared belief in creating a stronger, more compassionate Waterloo Region.
Throughout the afternoon, we saw what building a village truly looks like in action.
We heard from Janine Vidal, whose journey with House of Friendship has come full circle. What began as support for her family became a pathway into leadership. Today, she walks alongside others as they rebuild their own lives.
Her story is a powerful reminder that change often begins with one connection — one person who listens, who supports, who helps you take the next step forward.
We also celebrated the incredible young leaders from our Boys in Leadership program and Youth Smile-Link.
These youth are not waiting for the future to arrive, they are shaping it right now.
One of the most meaningful moments of the day was sharing progress on Friendship Village — a new supportive and affordable housing community opening later this year in downtown Kitchener.
When complete, Friendship Village will include:
But more than that, it represents a new way forward. A place where housing is just the beginning. Where care, connection, and community are built into everyday life.
Friendship Village is designed so that individuals can move forward at their own pace, with the supports they need, while staying connected to the relationships that help them thrive.
Belonging is not something people should have to leave behind as they heal.
During the event, we launched a new initiative:
Welcome Home: Friendship Village
This campaign invites our community to help furnish each unit within Friendship Village, ensuring that every resident arrives not just to housing, but to a space that feels like home.
A bed. A table. A place to sit.
These simple things carry deep meaning.
They say:
You are welcome here.
You are cared for.
You belong.
This is an opportunity for our community to come together in a tangible and meaningful way, to prepare a space for someone they may never meet, but whose life they will directly impact.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us — to our sponsors, donors, community partners, volunteers, and staff.
Your support makes this work possible. We are so grateful to be building this community with you.
Because of you, more people in Waterloo Region will find a place where they can belong, a place where they can rebuild, a place they can finally call home.
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Your gift today can help furnish an entire apartment, or what is needed most. Provide a warm welcome home at Friendship Village today!
