Opal Family Services

Opal Family Services Opal Family Services supports individuals with disabilities and their families so they can thrive.

Interim Executive Director: Laura George, [email protected]

Adult Program Manager: Jill Sparrow, [email protected]

Youth Program Manager: Karina Lalonde, [email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Nicole Bethune, [email protected]

Opal Family Services supports individuals with disabilities and their families so they can thrive. Since 1984, Opal Family

Services has been coordinating respite and providing support to individuals with disabilities and their families in the greater Fredericton area. History
In January 1983, a group of 'concerned friends' decided something had to be done when a friend, a mother of two boys with intellectual disabilities needed support. Thus, a committee was formed to research the need of a relief program for parents who had a son or daughter with an intellectual disability. The need proved to be significant, as there were no programs of this kind. The committee decided to focus on developing a program that would provide parents 'out-of-home' relief. Description
Opal Family Services, was incorporated as a charitable entity in 1984 as a means of providing respite for parents who have a child or adult dependent with an intellectual disability. Respite is defined as “an interval of rest or relief.” Opal strives to meet this need for respite by providing services specifically designed to give parents a break. General information
The Opal name is derived from the opal gemstone, which is the symbol of hope; at Opal, we strive to bring hope to the families that we work with. Parenting a child with an intellectual disability is a continuous process (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), often without a break. Therefore, many parents become isolated and burnt-out from caring for their children at home. Unlike other parents, parents who have a child with an intellectual disability don't often get natural breaks (respite). This is because their children don't always get invited to participate in activities with other children. Parents often need to accompany their special needs child to extra-curricular activities instead of sending them on their own. Opal operates a youth group, adult day program, adult drop in evening group, kids club afterschool, summer camps for ages 3 and up, teens, and adults. 1:1 support is available to those who require this level of support.

*Adult Programs Announcement*Dear Opal Families and Friends, I am pleased to share that I will be transitioning from my ...
09/05/2026

*Adult Programs Announcement*

Dear Opal Families and Friends,

I am pleased to share that I will be transitioning from my role as the Opal Family Services Administrative Assistant to begin my role as the Adult Day Program Manager and Family Support Worker beginning September 8, 2026. Fall programming will be delayed this season to ensure a smooth transition for our new administrative assistant and to thoughtfully prepare for our Fall adult programming. As such, adult programming will begin September 21, 2026. Please find attached our September 2026 Adult Program calendar.

I wanted to take this time to share a little bit about myself. I am a proud graduate of the St. Thomas University Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology program. Through this program, I developed a strong interest in adult development, human rights, narrative care, ethical decision making, and protecting the right to self-determination and autonomy.

This past Spring, I completed my social work field placement under the supervision of Jill Sparrow and I am pleased to share that I will graduate in October from the Dalhousie University Bachelor of Social Work program. I look forward to expanding social work services at Opal Family Services through advocacy, education, support group offerings, service navigation, and community partnerships.

I am entirely grateful for the time I have spent with Opal's Adult Program participants under Jill's mentorship and guidance — I cannot thank everyone enough for their encouragement and kindness! One of the values that Jill prioritized and shared with me was the importance of developing and maintaining meaningful, collaborative relationships with the families we support. In this spirit, I hope to connect with you in the weeks ahead. I strongly believe in providing person-centred, strengths-based, and solution-focused care when working alongside families, caregivers, and the individuals we support. I hope to hear from you in the weeks ahead.

I will be available to connect with families, program participants, and caregivers via email, phone, teams, and/or in person. I look forward to answering any questions you may have and supporting you on your journey.

A quick reminder: If you have not yet registered for our Adult Day Program, please visit the website: www.opalfamilyservices.ca
I look forward to seeing you this Fall!

Kind regards,
Nicole Bethune

If you would like to join the private Adult Programs group on Facebook for more frequent and detailed updates, please let us know!

09/02/2026

Our friends at OTEC went on an adventure to the zoo!

We’re excited to invite you to our Opal Community Garden Event on September 12th from 3:00–6:00 PM at 149 Patterson Road...
09/01/2026

We’re excited to invite you to our Opal Community Garden Event on September 12th from 3:00–6:00 PM at 149 Patterson Road, Manners Sutton with Six Blossoms Orchard Cut Flower Farm & Homestead.

Come spend the afternoon enjoying:

🌸 Flower bouquets with 100% of proceeds going to Opal
🔥 A delicious BBQ
🌿 Garden walks
🛍️ Vendors & community tables
🎟️ A prize basket raffle valued at $500!

Special Guest: Dragonmire Farms will be joining us on-site from 4:00–5:00 PM!

Bring your friends and family and come enjoy a beautiful afternoon while supporting Opal and the work we do in our community. 💚

🌧️ Rain date: September 13th, 3:00–6:00 PM at the same location.

We hope to see you there! 🌼

🧡 YOUTH IN CARE 16+ — WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!Have lived experience with child welfare? Join us for one of two upcoming...
08/31/2026

🧡 YOUTH IN CARE 16+ — WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Have lived experience with child welfare? Join us for one of two upcoming Spotlight: Child Welfare workshops exploring child welfare and the media — and how we can shift the narrative.

🧡 SHIFTING THE NARRATIVE
📅 Oct. 3 | 10 AM–3 PM
📍 Maqiyahimtok Centre, Sitansisk Wolastoqey, Fredericton
🍽️ Lunch provided
✨ Honorariums available!

Come share your voice, connect with others, and help shape how stories about child welfare are told.
📲 Scan the QR code on the poster or use the application link to sign up!
Questions? [email protected]
Your story. Your voice. Your perspective matters. 🧡

Some sensory fun for this cutie 🥰
08/31/2026

Some sensory fun for this cutie 🥰

Another happy group visiting Silverwood Arabian Farm. Thank you Fredericton Therapeutic Riding Association for this amaz...
08/31/2026

Another happy group visiting Silverwood Arabian Farm. Thank you Fredericton Therapeutic Riding Association for this amazing experience. 🐴🐇🐎

A huge thank you to the south side team who worked so hard and finished the summer strong even though they lost some tea...
08/29/2026

A huge thank you to the south side team who worked so hard and finished the summer strong even though they lost some teammates to medical, school and work commitments. They moved mountains to get campers out into the community despite a broken bus, accessibility barriers, and non profit budget constraints. Their dedication to campers and commitment to creative solutions to inclusion was remarkable. Thanks to all who helped out. We had amazing counsellors in training (the best ever), help from the north side team, and volunteers we could call at a moment's notice!

The Tuesday crew kept summer staff on their toes ;) but they had lots of great adventures. Nature is a great reset! 🚶‍♀️...
08/29/2026

The Tuesday crew kept summer staff on their toes ;) but they had lots of great adventures. Nature is a great reset! 🚶‍♀️🥾🍃

One especially happy camper, horse lover, and prankster. 😍
08/29/2026

One especially happy camper, horse lover, and prankster. 😍

Not sure who enjoys this field trip best, the campers or the staff
08/29/2026

Not sure who enjoys this field trip best, the campers or the staff

Address

104 Edgewood Drive
Fredericton, NB
E3A1T3

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15064579520

Website

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