The Alice Saddy Foundation
Values
Individuality:
We listen to the wishes and choices of people supported understanding that we all learn and grow differently.
Autonomy:
We encourage people to define and choose what makes the ‘good life’ that they want to pursue.
Safety:
We listen to people supported, family members, community members, volunteers and employees to ensure that the risks associated with community participation are balanced with the benefits of inclusion.
Community:
We seek out and discover opportunities within our community to help people we support build relationships.
Inclusion:
We find ways to engage people we support, families, volunteers, employees and community members in learning opportunities that help in understanding the Vision and Mission of the Association.
Respect:
We support employees and volunteers to grow and we work to create a respectful and healthy work environment.
Vision
Alice Saddy Foundation envisions a community that welcomes every person equally with respect and acceptance.
Mission
- Actively supports and encourages people who have an intellectual disability to achieve the life that they choose in their community
- Actively supports community members to understand the need of people with disabilities and their need for inclusion and belonging in all aspects of community life
- Actively encourages people supported, employees and volunteers to discover their gifts and interests
- Actively facilitates connections between people and their family and community members by recognizing and fostering relationships
Board of Directors
Joe Saddy, Chair
When I joined the founding board for the Alice Saddy Foundation in 2021 I was honoured to be a part of my Aunt Alice’s legacy. She was a woman who volunteered her time to support and advocate for the developmentally disabled and her dedication to those more vulnerable than her, impacted my personal value system.
As Chair, I am proud to work with an excellent group of people who gladly volunteer their time to those supported by the Alice Saddy Association.
Ben Delanghe, Vice Chair
I was born and raised in London, Ontario and recently returned to my hometown after spending over a decade as a corporate trial lawyer in the United States. I consider my biggest wins to be those fought on behalf of the voiceless and vulnerable populations. The Alice Saddy Foundation’s mission aligns with my dedication to inclusion and I continue to advocate for equal access to justice—and services—for all.
Glen Copplestone, Treasurer
I recently retired from King’s University College at Western University where I taught Economics. I also have more than 25 years of experience serving on the Board of a non-profit lobby group in Toronto (OCUFA) which lobbied the provincial government regularly regarding a variety of post-secondary education issues.
When offered the opportunity to become a founding board member of the Alice Saddy Foundation in 2021, it was an honour that I could not turn down. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Foundation Board to help further the excellent work of the Alice Saddy Association.
Trish Fulton, Director
I am pleased to support the work of the Alice Saddy Association. Those most in need are very effective at making the modest support offered go a long way to improving their lives. I am humbled by their accomplishments and believe that our first obligation as a civil society is to assist the most vulnerable.
Michael Epstein, Director
Michael Epstein has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Law degree from the University of Windsor. He was a criminal lawyer in London for 28 years and was then appointed a Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice. He presided in Kitchener for 20 years before his retirement in January 2025. While with the Court he was actively involved in mentoring newly appointed judges, was on the Board of the Association of Ontario Judges, was the Chair of Criminal Law Education for the entire Court and was a faculty member of an annual education program for newly appointed Provincial Court Judges from across the country. Since his retirement he has become involved in a program which provides mentoring services to young criminal lawyers. He has long admired the exceptional accomplishments of the Alice Saddy Foundation and the important role that it has in the community and is enthusiastic about joining the Board and pitching in.
Sarah Gunderson, Director
Passionate about inclusion and advocacy, I am committed to supporting and empowering those in my community. As a current Business student at Western University, I am enthusiastic about furthering the Alice Saddy Foundation’s mission and contributing my time and energy to our important work in the community.
Jennifer Brookes, Director
With over 20 years of experience working with youth and adults with disabilities, Jennifer has dedicated her career to supporting individuals in achieving their highest quality of life. She spent 18 years working within the school board, where Jennifer developed and implemented programs tailored to the diverse needs of students. Currently, Jennifer works at a non-profit agency, supporting clients facing a variety of challenges including substance use, housing instability, system navigation, ODSP, counseling, and grief. Her expertise includes assisting individuals with dual diagnoses and disabilities, ensuring they receive comprehensive care and advocacy.
In addition to her frontline work, Jennifer is a professor at Fanshawe College, where she teaches psychology and mentors future professionals in the field. Jennifer is also currently working toward her Master’s in Education from Queen’s University, further deepening her expertise and commitment to lifelong learning. As a mother of two teenage boys, Jennifer is deeply passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those in the vulnerable sector, striving to ensure they receive the best possible care and support.
Manager
Sheila Simpson, Manager
I’m thrilled to be working with the Foundation as it gets established and evolves. I have worked with not for profits all of my career and have learned a lot about organizational capacity and health. I started volunteering in the developmental services sector as a teenager and have been fortunate enough to work directly with organizations committed to supporting individuals to live their best life possible. The work of the Foundation will directly assist with that.