MEDIA RELEASE – January 24, 2025 – R0015
Years of collaboration between Brock University and Bethesda reached a milestone Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will guide work to better the lives of local residents and provide hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Held at Bethesda’s Niagara Family Centre, the Jan. 24 event launched the first formalized partnership between the institutions, which have long worked together on research initiatives, experiential education, and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Leaders from both organizations spoke to the significance of the partnership and shared their vision for the future.
Lesley Rigg, President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock, emphasized the importance of the University’s community connections in driving meaningful change.
“As a community-focused university, we know that it is through relationships with organizations like Bethesda that we truly can drive meaningful change and create new possibilities,” Rigg said. “Our partnership with Bethesda allows us to shape the future for this sector together, through research, discovery and knowledge mobilization.”
The partnership reflects key priorities within Brock’s recently launched strategic plan, which emphasizes fostering community engagement and impactful collaborations.
Bethesda CEO Paul McGowan said the partnership is reflective of a shared commitment to supporting community.
“Today is the culmination of years of collaboration and partnership, demonstrating how we are better together and how together we can change people’s lives,” McGowan said. “Our two organizations share many strategic goals from advancing research and fostering inclusive and supportive environments to building deep and meaningful relationships with our communities.”
The partnership builds on a foundation of joint achievements, including the launch of the PECSperts initiative in 2020, a collaborative project involving Brock’s Department of Applied Disability Studies, Bethesda and Pyramid Educational Consultants. The initiative focuses on developing innovative teaching models for children and youth with autism.
Julie Koudys, Associate Professor in Brock’s Department of Applied Disability Studies and a project lead for the partnership, highlighted the impact of connecting researchers with front-line staff working directly with community members.
“This partnership formalizes years of meaningful collaboration between Brock and Bethesda, creating new opportunities to bridge research and practice,” Koudys said. “By working together, we’re not only advancing knowledge but also making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.”
The partnership has also facilitated hands-on learning opportunities for Brock students across multiple disciplines, including education, nursing, psychology and business, while contributing to Bethesda’s mission of providing holistic, inclusive services.
Since 2012, Bethesda has been a key partner in supporting the growth and development of Brock co-op students, offering meaningful opportunities for students to apply their academic knowledge while making a difference in the community. Brock students have taken on impactful co-op roles such as development support worker, occupational therapy assistant, purchasing assistant and behaviour counsellor.
In recognition of its contributions, Bethesda was honoured with Brock’s Co-op Employer of the Year Award (Nonprofit category) in 2019.
In 2024, Bethesda demonstrated its dedication to experiential education by supporting two iHub-funded projects, providing Brock students with innovative, hands-on opportunities to bridge academic theory and professional practice.
Brock Professional and Continuing Studies has also provided professional development training for Bethesda since 2022, including supporting the organization’s senior leadership team in creating a professional development plan for its managers and supervisors. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to advancing knowledge and empowering Bethesda’s employees to better serve the community.
Under the formalized partnership, plans include new research collaborations to evaluate the impact of recreational activities for people with developmental disabilities and expanded professional development opportunities for Bethesda staff.
In March 2023, the partnership also resulted in the establishment of the Bethesda-Brian H. Davies Bursary, a $5,000 annual award presented to a student in Brock’s Master of Applied Disability Studies program.
McGowan noted many of Bethesda’s employees are Brock graduates, reflecting the strong connection between the two institutions.
“This is due not only to geography but also to the calibre of Brock graduates,” McGowan said.
The MOU event was attended by community leaders, government representatives and staff from both organizations, underscoring the regional impact of the partnership.
“This is an inspiring example of how research, when applied effectively, can empower communities and improve everyday lives,” Koudys said.
For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
*Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483
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