A message from OM21

January 2026

Dear Members and Friends of OM21

OM21 has been busy behind the scenes making some smart administrative changes to stretch our resources further in this cost-sensitive environment . These changes will help us focus more of our energy and funding on what matters most: supporting our community.

We’ve recently moved our website from an expensive dedicated host to a more affordable local Canadian server, allowing us to reduce ongoing hosting costs while still keeping our online presence strong . As part of this transition, OM21 email accounts have been discontinued, but our "OM21.ca" domain name is very much alive and well.

Now you can contact us at 

om21@mybest.ca - OM21

Who are we

The beginning

Opportunities Mississauga for 21 Plus began life in 1998, as the "925421+ Family Network." programs.

Many of OM21�s members are parents who became involved in the organization when their children with developmental disabilities moved into the adult world following the end of their school years. Faced with severely limited programs and services, they banded together to successfully advocate for the investment of more energy and resources � working with Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and local organizations like Community Living Mississauga.

An uphill battle very much continues, due mainly to population growth that outpaces increases in funding. Adults with developmental disabilities (and their families) still struggle with shortages of day activity programs and staggeringly long waiting lists for residential services.

and now..

Today, our organization represents over 200 families and have widened our scope.

Since 2004, OM21 Plus's concern for residential and other issues has led us to be particularly interactive with the MCCSS. The Ministry has undertaken an intensive study of services for Ontario residents with developmental disabilities. OM21 has already been involved in several of the early stages of this study:

• submitted feedback on a preliminary memorandum that outlined key questions related to services;
• members of our Board of Directors have participated in a series of forums organized by the Ministry to consider issues like "funding options" and "family support."

Community Base Sites

These base sites have been set up in cooperation with Community Living Mississauga. Currently there are four base sites in Mississauga run by CLM. They offer varied and interesting day activities for the individuals they support. The activities vary from horseback riding, swimming, music, computers to walks around the community.

Respite Services

The need for respite services is often overlooked. We have an active committee reviewing the available services and how they can be better integrated to better serve our community.

We are building our infrastructure of committees. Specifically, Residential, Transportation, Fund raising & Public Relations. We do encourage, and welcome, interested individuals to join us.

Step By Step Initiative

Opportunities Mississauga for 21+ and Karis Disability Services (formerly Christian Horizons)  proposed the creation of a home  that will offer residential/respite services to 12 people for the cost normally associated with the provision of such services for 4 people in a traditional �group home.�

Unfortunatly, our proposal is not in line with the current ministry thinking . So Our proposal was not accepted.

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Ontario Families in Crisis.

12,000 families in Ontario need help. Does Ontario Care? Join us at om21 and support those people who need our help.

Sign up for our newsletter by e-mailing us at info@om21.ca - and just ask!!