Brandon Simons
Recreational Services Director
Brandon first recognized his passion for supporting people with disabilities while completing a Co-op placement in the Special Education Program at Fort Erie Secondary School. Brandon completed The Educational Assistant Special Needs Support Program from Niagara College in 2005. He worked for a local agency directly supporting people with disabilities in group living accommodations for 4 years and worked as an Educational Assistant for the District School Board of Niagara for 7 years. Brandon opened The Anchor Club in 2015 and has been growing the business ever since. He has a great reputation for providing quality person centered supports and focuses on empowering people.
Kim Simons
Individualized Support Services Director
Kim has spent the last 20 years supporting people with disabilities in a variety of roles, working in both direct support and management positions. She enjoys learning new things and is constantly upgrading her education and taking courses, she studied at Niagara College and graduated from the Counselling Skills for Human Services Program (2002), Developmental Support Services Program (2008) and Leadership Development Program (2019). Kim has extensive knowledge regarding the developmental service sector, funding opportunities and services available in the Niagara Region. Kim is known for her outgoing and positive personality and her exceptional multitasking abilities.
Our Story
2004 – Kim and Brandon met while working at a local service agency, they bonded over their commitment to supporting people with disabilities, love of dogs and adventurous personalities.
2007 – Kim and Brandon opened their home to young men with disabilities that were exiting the foster care system. During the 8 years that they provided housing supports they watched many move on to be successfully independent.
2015 – The Anchor Club was opened, after noticing a lack of social connections for young men with disabilities in Port Colborne, Brandon had an idea to open a club so that people could connect and build friendships. Located in the heart of Port Colborne, the 2000 square foot recreation and learning facility provides a fun and supportive place for men to spend their days.
2019 – The Anchor Club opens ‘Ladies Night’ and invites women to join in on the fun and activities once a week.
2020 – Kim decided to join together with Brandon and Anchors Away is launched, current services include: Day Programs, Developmental Service Navigation, Individualized Support Services, 1:1 and Group Outings, Employment Supports, Respite, Passport Brokerage and Person Directed Planning. The Anchor Club has now expanded to accept members of any gender and all levels of support needs on designated days. Anchors Away has a small staffing team of educated, open minded, and forward thinking men and women that are available to provide top quality supports.
2021 – Anchors Away became incorporated and is now Anchors Away Support Services Inc