Our History

SFA stands for St. Francis Advocates and was established in 1984 to advocate for adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

St. Francis Advocates' name was taken from Catholic history, regarding the Saint - St. Francis of Assisi. Because this Saint had a love for animals and a need to protect them, he became deemed the Saint of Gardeners. The founding Board of Directors thought this was an appropriate name for the agency as the first home was established on a 25-acre farm setting and had farm animals right on site, incorporating them into the daily care and therapy for individuals supported.

While we're now known as SFA, the organization still has the farm location, and encourages external animal therapy, but no longer has farm animals on-site.

The organization views itself as a non-religious, equal opportunity employer for all people who want to help provide the best possible life for the people we support.

The purpose of SFA is to offer direction and encouragement within a safe and inclusive environment. We also provide opportunities for personal growth through developing communication, socialization and life skills so the individuals we support may live as independently as possible and be a part of their community.

In all the supports and services provided by SFA, we empower the person and help achieve the best quality of life for everyone we support.

Our goal is to continually expand our support services to assist more individuals and their unique support needs.

Our Locations

• Petrolia Farm - October 1989
• Thedford - February 1998
• Port Franks - March 1999
• Forest - January 2000
• Petrolia House - June 2000
• Belle River - December 2005
• Woodslee - July 2006
• Tilbury - February 2007
• Dresden - June 2007
• Harrow - July 2007
• Charing Cross - April 2008
• Arkona - March 2009
• Windsor - June 2022