Discover how we’re helping individuals & Family Caregivers thrive

CALL: (705) 746-5102 | EMAIL US: [email protected]

Independence, Dignity,
& Quality of Life

We are The Friends… Supporting those with Long Term Health Care Needs (commonly known as “The Friends”) We are a vital, community-based, charitable nonprofit organization supporting both seniors and adults with disabilities across rural Ontario’s Muskoka and Parry Sound regions.

Operating within the unique challenges and opportunities of rural healthcare delivery, our organization provides essential services that enable vulnerable individuals to maintain independence and dignity in their own communities.

Mission

The Friends is a not for profit organization that provides supportive programs and services that promote optimal health, independence, quality of life and community integration.

Vision

A community where every person has the opportunity to live confidently and safely at home, maintain meaningful relationships, and access compassionate care that respects dignity, choice, and belonging.

Our Values

Dignity

Empowerment

Innovation

Teamwork

Our Story

The Friends began in 1983 with a simple belief. People thrive when they can remain in their own communities, surrounded by familiar routines and supportive neighbours. What started as a local initiative has grown into a trusted non-profit organization, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, that serves hundreds of individuals every year.

Our early years included building a barrier-free housing complex that continues to meet community needs today. As local demand grew, so did our commitment. We expanded our services to offer home care for seniors, accessible housing, and a range of senior home health care services that reflect the changing needs of the people we support.

Today, The Friends continues to be a steady presence across Parry Sound and Muskoka, providing care that feels close to home.

What We Do

We provide care and services that help people live confidently at home or in supportive environments.

We offer a wide range of supports designed to foster independence, comfort, and connection.

Our Journey

1983
A Small Beginning with a Big Purpose
The Friends began as a small Parry Sound service provider, supporting 30 individuals with a team of 20 caring staff.
1986
Accessible Housing Inspired by Community
The Friends Forest Accessible Housing Complex was built with land donated by the Rotary Club and funds raised locally. This 31-unit, fully accessible complex became the only one of its kind between Barrie and Sudbury.
2000
A New Home for Connection
A recreation and lounge space for Adult Day Away programs was created entirely through community donations and fundraising.
1995-2000s
Expanding Care Across Muskoka
At the request of Access Muskoka's Board, The Friends began providing attendant care at Oakwood Heights in Bracebridge and later amalgamated with Muskoka's Caregiver's Voice. Together with other community partners, we’ve expanded support across a region nearly 3x PEI.
2014
New Home for "Connection”
The Friends moved into the newly renovated building in Gravenhurst. A recreation and lounge space for Adult Day Away programs was created entirely through community donations and fundraising.
Today
A Regional Provider with Deep Local Roots
From 30 clients to more than 900 individuals supported each year, The Friends now serves communities across Parry Sound and Muskoka with over 100 dedicated staff and volunteers.

Our purpose has stayed the same. We help people live safely, confidently, and independently in the place they call home.

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that we provide programs and services across the Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek peoples, including the Ojibway, Odawa, Chippewa and Potawatomi Three Fires Nations (Bodawotomi). We offer our deepest respect to Elders and knowledge keepers – past, present, and emerging- whose care and stewardship continue to guide this land.

 

Read our full Land Acknowledgement →

Our Team

Our team is made up of dedicated caregivers, personal support workers, volunteers, and leaders who share one purpose: helping individuals live well at home and in the community. We value compassion, collaboration, and professionalism in everything we do.

CAREERS

Our Governance

Leadership that puts people first: The Friends is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to transparency, community stewardship, and organizational excellence.

Board of Directors

The Friends is guided by a community-minded, committed and experienced Board of Directors. Its members bring diverse expertise spanning healthcare, education, mental health, housing, community service and organizational leadership.

Together, they provide responsible governance and strategic oversight while helping ensure that The Friends remains responsive to the evolving needs of the people, families and communities we serve. Each director shares a commitment to strengthening local care, supporting dignity and independence, and building a sustainable future for the organization.

We are pleased to introduce the individuals serving on The Friends’ Board of Directors.

The Friends’ is always interested in meeting community members interested in serving on the Board. If you would like to volunteer in this capacity, please reach out to our

Chair, Ida Doubrough.

Ida Doubrough

Chair

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Marie Schulz

Vice Chair

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Terru Welch

Treasurer

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Sally Anderson OCT, MEd, MACP, RP

Secretary

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Sharon Davis

Director at Large

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Brian Small

Director at Large

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Picture of Ida Doubrough

Ida Doubrough

Chair

Picture of Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith

Vice Chair

Picture of Caryn Farnsworth

Caryn Farnsworth

Board Member

Picture of Marilyn Beaucage

Marilyn Beaucage

Board Member

Picture of Lynelle Hamilton

Lynelle Hamilton

Board Member

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Picture yourself here?

Board Member

The Friends provides support services to members of our community so that they may live with dignity and a measure of independence. Our non-profit, charitable organization is always looking to increase its community membership. As a member, you help to further our purposes and mission in serving the community.

We are also currently recruiting for our Board of Directors. If you are interested in nominating a potential director or becoming a member of The Board, please send a letter of interest to Ida Doubrough at: [email protected]

Support that begins with a conversation

Whether you are exploring services for yourself or someone you care about, our team is ready to listen, answer questions, and guide you toward the support that feels right.

GET SUPPORT

Your Rights Matter

At The Friends, we are committed to delivering community services that are respectful, person-centred and grounded in dignity and choice. The Bill of Rights outlines the protections and entitlements of every individual we serve—ensuring you are treated with respect, involved in decisions about your care, and supported in a way that honours your unique needs and preferences.

We encourage you to review your rights below to better understand the standards we uphold and the commitments we make to you.

 

BILL OF RIGHTS

Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (MSAA)

The Friends receives funding from the Province of Ontario through Ontario Health to support services and programs in our community. As part of this funding, we enter into a Multi-Sector Service Accountability Agreement (MSAA) that outlines our responsibilities, performance expectations, and reporting requirements.

In keeping with provincial transparency and accountability requirements, a copy of our current MSAA is available below.

 

Click to View MSSA

As we provide care and support within communities across the Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound, we respectfully acknowledge that this work takes place on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek peoples, including the Ojibway Chippewa, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, known collectively as the Three Fires Council.

 

These lands are covered by the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850 and the Williams Treaties of 1923, and remain home to many First Nations communities, including: Wasauksing, Shawanaga, Magnetawan,  Dokis, Nipissing and Henvey Inlet First Nations, as well as Moose Deer Point First Nation, Wahta Mohawks First Nation, and Beausoleil First Nation and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.

 

We recognize that this region has long been a place of gathering, healing, and connection – lands and waters that have sustained Indigenous peoples since time immemorial and continue to do so today. We offer our deepest respect and gratitude to the Elders, knowledge keepers, and community leaders – past, present, and emerging—whose wisdom, teachings, and stewardship guide the care of this land and all who live upon it.

 

As an organization committed to supporting individuals with long-term health care needs, caregivers, and seniors, we honour the values of care, dignity, and community that are deeply rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being. We are committed to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action toward reconciliation in the way we serve and support our communities.

 

We honour all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and provide care on this land. This acknowledgement is one part of our ongoing commitment to respectful, inclusive, and culturally informed care.

Ida Doubrough

Chair

Ida is a retired Registered Nurse with 43 years of experience across community, primary care and outpost settings. Her career included leadership roles in nursing, health informatics, change management and public health. A longtime Carling Township resident and active community volunteer, Ida also helped establish the Carling Health Hub as a not-for-profit organization and served on its inaugural board. She brings extensive healthcare knowledge, collaborative leadership and a strong commitment to supporting the wellbeing of people throughout the region.

Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | 705-774-4970

Marie Schulz

Vice-Chair

Marie is a retired elementary school teacher with decades of experience in education, leadership and advocacy. She served as President of the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), represented educators in collective bargaining and supported colleagues throughout much of her teaching career. A full-time Carling resident since 2014, Marie is an active community volunteer with a strong interest in environmental stewardship. She also helped establish the Friends of Killbear board and continues to support conservation and community initiatives across the region.

Contact: [email protected]

Terri Welch

Treasurer

Terri has worked in healthcare for more than 25 years, including 10 years with West Parry Sound Health Centre. She currently supports the Northeastern Ontario Stroke Network at Health Sciences North, which works with healthcare providers across the region to advance stroke education, best practices and quality care. Through her experience supporting healthcare teams, patients and families, Terri brings a strong understanding of regional health services and a genuine commitment to improving care and community wellbeing.

Contact: [email protected]

Sally Anderson, OCT, MEd, MACP, RP

Secretary

Sally is a Registered Psychotherapist, education advocacy specialist and co-owner of Quiet Streams Counselling. With more than 20 years of experience in education, mental health and leadership, she has worked as a psychotherapist, teacher, vice-principal, special education coordinator, safeguarding lead and mentor. Sally is committed to trauma-informed and inclusive practices, with particular experience supporting neurodivergent people and marginalized communities. She brings a strong focus on dignity, resilience and helping individuals and families navigate complex systems.

Contact: [email protected]

Sharon Davis

Director at Large

Sharon has dedicated more than 30 years to supporting individuals and families experiencing vulnerable circumstances. For the past 24 years, she has served with the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board, focusing on homelessness, income support and community housing. In her current role as Director of Housing Operations and Service Management, Sharon combines practical expertise with a compassionate understanding of the challenges facing people across the district. Her background in developmental services further informs her commitment to strengthening community support and improving quality of life.

Contact: [email protected]

Brian Small

Director at Large

Brian is an executive recruiter and project manager with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations build strong teams through strategic recruitment. He currently serves as the Canadian Area Leader for the NPAworldwide Recruitment Network and was recognized as its Volunteer of the Year in 2024. Before entering the business world, Brian played professional hockey in Canada and Europe and represented Canada internationally. A committed volunteer and mentor, he also supports the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound and brings extensive leadership, relationship-building and community experience to The Friends.

Contact: [email protected]

THE BILL OF RIGHTS:

  1. A person receiving a community service has the right to be dealt with by The Friends in a courteous and respectful manner and to be free from mental, physical and financial abuse by the service provider.
  2. A person receiving a community service has the right to be dealt with by The Friends in a manner that respects the person’s dignity and privacy and that promotes the person’s autonomy.
  3. A person receiving a community service has the right to be dealt with by The Friends in a manner that recognizes the person’s individuality and that is sensitive to and responds to the person’s needs and preferences, including preferences based on ethnic, spiritual, linguistic, familial and cultural factors.
  4. A person receiving a community service has the right to information about the community services provided to him or her and to be told who will be providing the community services.
  5. A person applying for a community service has the right to participate in The Friends assessment of his or her requirements and a person who is determined under this Act to be eligible for a community service has the right to participate in The Friends’ development of the person’s service plan, The Friends’ review of the person’s requirements and The Friends’ evaluation and revision of the person’s service plan.
  6. A person has the right to give or refuse consent to the provision of any community service.
  7. A person receiving a community service has the right to raise concerns or recommend changes in connection with the community service provided to him or her and in connection with policies and decisions that affect his or her interests, to The Friends, government officials or any other person, without fear of interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.
  8. A person receiving a community service has the right to be informed of the laws, rules and policies affecting the operation of The Friends and to be informed in writing of the procedures for initiating complaints about the service provider.
  9. A person receiving a community service has the right to have his or her records kept confidential in accordance with the law. 1994, c. 26, s. 3 (1).
  10. A person receiving a community service has the right to request access to their Personal Health Information (PHI).
  11. A person receiving a community service has the right to be informed by The Friends of the process for lodging complaints and appeals. This includes being informed about their right to escalate complaints to The Friends and Review Board as well as the Ontario Patient Ombudsman.