The Geoffrey and Eleanor Downie Scholarship and Wayne and Dorene Martin Scholarship provide an opportunity for students currently enrolled full-time in the Social Development Studies (SDS) program at Renison to engage with the Elmira Developmental Support Corporation as “supportive good neighbours” to four people living in a supported independent living apartment. In conjunction with a broader support team, the student’s role includes building community through social interaction and being part of the support team and assisting in crisis situations.
Scholarships include
- Tuition for Fall and Winter terms paid directly to Renison (student fees are not included)
- 2-bedroom apartment for a 12-month period, shared with one other scholarship recipient (includes telephone, cable, and internet)
- Opportunity for part-time employment with Elmira District Community Living
- Opportunity for renewal for each year of full-time studies
- Experience of a lifetime
Learn more about the experience
The deadline to apply is Friday, March 21, 2025. Occupancy will begin between May 1 and September 1, 2025.
Scholarship recipients are “supportive good neighbours” to four people living in a supported independent living apartment, pictured above.
Develop valuable experience
Scholarship recipients will gain valuable experience, such as:
- Develop hands-on knowledge and experience working in community-based development services
- Develop experience working with persons living with intellectual disabilities
- Understand how community-based organizations function
- Develop community resource knowledge
- Develop practical application of your academic studies in Social Development Studies
Expectations and Responsibilities
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Be a good neighbour to the tenants living in the apartment building.
- Reside at the Snow Goose Apartment Complex from May 1 - September 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. (Renewable)
- Interact with the tenants in social activities for an average of 10 to 15 hours a month. For example, share meals with tenants in their apartments, attend a movie night in the common room, or organize a community-based activity such as skating.
- Provide a social safety net to the tenants by living at the apartment complex and being present. The successful candidate must live at the apartment complex for the entirety of the scholarship, understanding that there will be allowances for Wellness Breaks, Christmas time and other approved time away from the building.
Eligibility
- Be a student entering second year in September 2025 of an undergraduate degree in a program offered at Renison University College (University of Waterloo)
- Have a minimum overall GPA of 75%
- Must pass a vulnerable sector criminal record check
- Have your own vehicle; consistent public transportation is not available between Elmira and Kitchener-Waterloo
- Bona fide interest to meaningfully contribute to the lives of persons living with intellectual disabilities
- Experience in developmental services is not required, however, applicants with such experiences will be given first consideration
Ready to Apply?
Send an electronic application package to Cheryl Peterson, Executive Director (cpeterson@elmirasupportivehousing.com), Elmira Developmental Support Corporation by Friday, March 21, 2025.
Application package must include:
- Current resumé
- Cover Letter detailing your interest in the scholarship opportunity
- Two letters of reference (academic, employer)
- Review of applications and interviews will begin immediately following the close of the application period.
Questions?
For questions or more information, please contact:
Cheryl Peterson, Executive Director, Elmira Developmental Support Corporation and Elmira District Community Living
Cell phone (accepts text messages): (519) 501-5997
Telephone: 519-669-3205 ext. 226
Email: cpeterson@elmirasupportivehousing.com