Relieve‑Me Home Support Services provides compassionate, practical support for children, youth, adults, and seniors who are differently‑abled or have special needs, as well as their families and caregivers.

Services include caregiver respite, daily living support, and assistance with community participation—helping clients engage in meaningful activities at home and beyond. From accompanying individuals to appointments and events, to supporting errands, social outings, and recreational activities, Relieve‑Me works alongside families to promote independence, connection, and quality of life.

At the heart of the work is a commitment to reliable, individualized care that allows both clients and caregivers to feel supported and confident.

The Spark Behind the Business

Rosemarie started Relieve‑Me after witnessing firsthand how many caregivers were struggling without the support they needed. While working as an Educational Assistant with special‑needs children, she came to deeply appreciate the abilities of the individuals she supported—often seeing strengths where others focused only on limitations.

She recognized a gap in the system and felt called to do this meaningful work differently. Relieve‑Me was created to bring care, dignity, and practical support directly to families, on Rosemarie’s own terms and aligned with her values.

Why BACD

In the early stages of the business, Rosemarie knew she needed guidance to lay a strong foundation. She turned to the Business Advisory Centre Durham for support with business fundamentals, confidence‑building, and access to funding that could help bring her vision to life.

BACD’s reputation for supporting small business owners made it a natural place to seek direction and structure at a pivotal moment.

Turning Vision into Action

BACD played a key role in helping Relieve‑Me move from idea to execution. Through practical guidance around accountability, budgeting, and planning, Rosemarie was able to organize her ideas and take concrete, strategic steps forward.

The funding through the Starter Company Plus Program (funded by Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade) provided supported critical early investments, while the mentorship pushed her outside her comfort zone and encouraged growth. Just as importantly, being part of a small startup community helped her feel less alone and opened the door to valuable connections and partnerships.

A Growing Impact

Relieve‑Me Home Support Services has grown steadily over time, navigating both challenges and opportunities while consistently increasing its reach and capacity.

Today, the business employs five staff members in Durham Region and parts of Toronto, along with two team members in Ottawa. Services are delivered both in clients’ homes and out in the community, allowing for flexible, individualized support across a wide geographic area. As the business has grown, Rosemarie has continued to strengthen operational systems, build partnerships, and invest in her team to maintain high‑quality service delivery.

Marketing Rooted in Trust

Word‑of‑mouth and referrals have been the most effective marketing tools for Relieve‑Me, particularly from families and caregivers who experience the value of the services firsthand.

Community outreach, partnerships with local organizations, and an active social media presence have also helped raise awareness. Being visible and present in the community allows people to see the heart behind the support team—something that truly sets the business apart.

A Source of Pride

Rosemarie is most proud of building a business that fills a real gap in the community. Relieve‑Me supports children, youth, adults with different abilities, and seniors who need extra help, while also giving families and caregivers the relief and reassurance they deserve.

She’s equally proud of her team, the resilience shown through challenges, and the trust Relieve‑Me has earned as a valued community partner.

Advice for Other Entrepreneurs

“Focus on solving a real problem you care about. Stay adaptable through the ups and downs, and invest early in a reliable team and strong systems. Surround yourself with people who can guide you, challenge you, and hold you accountable—it makes all the difference. And don’t underestimate the power of AI in any business.”

Final Thought

One lesson has guided Rosemarie throughout her journey: Don’t chase perfection; deliver excellence instead. That mindset continues to shape how Relieve‑Me shows up for clients, families, and the community every day.