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Who We Are

New name.
Same values.

Our new name builds on the principles that have always guided us. Welcome to Karis Disability Services!

Our values

Our values come from our belief that every person is loved by God and created in His image. We will honour God and value people in all we do and with all our resources.

We all have gifts to bring, and communities are not whole unless everybody has the chance to contribute. This includes people with disabilities, employees, families, volunteers, and partners, and people of all races, genders, nationalities, sexual orientations, and religions.

When we say everybody belongs, we mean it!

Valuing people

Valuing people

We believe that all people are created in the image of God and are loved and valued equally. 

Fostering belonging

Fostering belonging

We strengthen communities by fostering belonging with people with disabilities.

Serving others

Serving others

We mobilize our faith to effectively and compassionately support those around us.

Celebrating gifts

Celebrating gifts

We celebrate the many skills, abilities, and contributions that everybody, including people with disabilities, offers the world around them. 

Our vision

People with disabilities belong to communities in which their God-given gifts are valued and celebrated.

Our mission

As an expression of Christian faith, we work together with people with disabilities to accomplish their goals and nurture communities where everybody belongs.

What we do

Canada

Karis Disability Services operates in Ontario and Saskatchewan, serving over 70 communities. We are a network of:

  • 3,000 people who use our services

  • 3,500 caring staff members

  • Hundreds of volunteers

  • Dozens of partner organizations

We support people with disabilities through shared and independent living services, accessible family camps, advocacy, training, respite, and other programs.

Global

Outside of Canada, we partner with organizations in Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, Nicaragua, and Uganda, working with local leaders and organizations to provide accessible education and inclusive communities. Our global work is funded entirely through donations and grants.  

People with disabilities in countries facing economic challenges are disproportionately impacted by poverty and lack of access to education. They need your support to thrive.

Our faith identity

Inspired by their Christian faith, our founders began to create communities where everybody belongs, including people with disabilities.

Today is no different: we believe that everybody is created in the image of God and therefore is valued, loved, and celebrated.  

Our organization continues to serve, employ, and support people of all faiths while carrying out our Christian values, vision, and mission.  

Our 2023 name change continues to reflect our Christian identity. “Karis” comes from the Greek word χάρις (charis) and is related to loving kindness, gifts, and charisma. Karis conveys God’s grace and the gift of God’s radically accessible goodness in Christ.

Our history

A history of advocating alongside people with disabilities and building communities where everybody belongs.

1960's

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.

The 1960's

1970's

We begin to open group homes, welcoming people with disabilities to live in neighbourhoods outside of institutions.

The 1970's

1980's

We become a provider of disability services in Ontario, serving people with disabilities, their families, churches, and the community.

The 1980's

1990's

We continue to grow as leaders at the forefront of the community living model. Services focus on person-centered support and choice.

The 1990's

2000’s

In 2007, we officially launch Christian Horizons Global which merged Christian Horizons Global Ministries and Children’s Homes International. Our global work positively impacts the lives of over 300,000 people annually around the world. A major win! In 2009, Ontario marks the end of institutionalization for people with disabilities.

The 2000’s

2010’s

We expand our services in Canada and Menno Homes becomes Christian Horizons in Saskatchewan.

The 2010’s

2023

We change our name to Karis Disability Services! We want more people to know what we do and for more people to feel welcome and included in our community.

The 2023

Did you know?

You may know us now as Karis Disability Services, but over our 60-year history of growing our mission, we’ve gone by a few names. For example, when we were founded in 1965, our original name was the Ontario Christian Association for Exceptional Children.

Most recently, we’ve been called Christian Horizons until we rebranded to Karis Disability Services on September 25, 2023. So if you’re looking for any of these organizational names, you’re in the right place.

  • Christian Horizons

  • Christian Horizons (Canada)

  • Christian Horizons Global

  • Ontario Christian Association for Exceptional Children

  • Ontario Christian Fellowship for Exceptional Children

  • Children’s Homes International

  • Menno Homes of Sask. Inc.

  • Xeorixs Homes

All these former organizational names are now under Karis Disability Services.

If you have any questions or are looking for more information, please email info@karis.org.