60 Years of Karis!
Celebrate Every Journey!
This milestone is a celebration of your stories, and the abundant goodness and grace of God!
For six decades, your stories and achievements have been the heart of our shared journey. This page is dedicated to you, the remarkable people who use our services, dedicated employees, and community partners - everybody who is a part of this story.
It's your turn to share your story. Submit a memory and photo to celebrate with our community!
A reflection from the Reese family
Adrienne Reese and her late husband, Rev. Jim Reese, founded Karis Disability Services in 1965 after their son, the late Steven Reese, was born with a developmental disability. Their daughter, Beth Woof, serves on the Karis Board of Directors.
Karis Disability Services is committed to valuing people, fostering belonging, serving others, and celebrating gifts. We've grown a lot in the last 60 years and today, we support over 1,500 people with developmental disabilities in Ontario and Saskatchewan, and many more around the world through our global programs.
As our journey continues, we are grateful for everybody who has helped us in our mission. Communities are whole when everybody gets the chance to be present and share their gifts.
Let's celebrate and promote communities where everybody belongs!
Your stories
We invite you to read the stories below and check back for more throughout the year. Thank you for joining us as we Celebrate Every Journey!
Growing Together: Yvonne and Reg's Story
After years of quiet friendship, Reg and Yvonne fell in love. Together they love to laugh, attend hockey games, go out to eat, and dance!
Christopher's Story: A New Chapter
At 34, Christopher is living a life that, just a few years ago, few would have imagined possible. Living in Hamilton, Chris’s journey has been one of deep personal growth, resilience, and transformation.
Wogane's Story of Hope
As we celebrate every journey, we reflect on how sponsorship can transform not only individual lives—but entire families!
Donate
Your anniversary gift will help co-create communities where everybody belongs. You can keep this ministry and its unique calling strong, in Canada and around the world!
*When you donate, please include a comment noting that this is a 60th Anniversary gift.
Our history
A history of advocating alongside people with disabilities and building communities where everybody belongs.
1960s
The late Steven Reese is born and his parents, Rev. Jim and Adrienne, create The Ontario Christian Association for Exceptional Children (later called Christian Horizons). The organization launches Camp Horizon, a 2-week camp for children with developmental disabilities and their families.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
Psalms 33:11