Enrichment 

Child's play isn't just for fun, its crucial to healthy social and intellectual development. Play teaches children how to interact with each other, how to cooperate constructively, how to compete fairly and how to learn and improve by persevering. High-risk children often lack the means or opportunity to participate in this important aspect of growing up. An active life that includes recreation and cultural experiences helps high-risk children to build self-esteem and to express themselves.

Disadvantaged children are prone to many chronic healthy problems due to poor diets, bad hygiene and lack of proper dental care. Addressing these special health needs fosters self-confidence and helps to improve their overall wellbeing. Making up for nutritional deficits and treating health conditions as they arise can make a vital difference in how a young life unfolds.

Program Highlight - Miracle Fund  

 

The Miracle Fund provides disadvantaged children, youth and families with seemingly small items that make a big difference in their lives. During the 2006/07 fiscal year, a total of 713 miracles were approved for a wide range of requests. From school trips, music lessons and sports equipment to furniture and supplies to set up an apartment for a young woman fleeing domestic abuse, the flexible nature of the Miracle Fund recognizes that no two children, youth or families have the same needs. 

 

Program Highlight - Health & Well-Being Fund

Almost half of all children coming into care suffer from depression, anxiety or behavioural problems and almost none of them have ever visited a dentist. The Health & Well-Being Fund helps high-risk children and youth gain access to specialized medical treatments when other health care resources have been exhausted. It also helps low-income youth transitioning to independance with the medical benefits they often lack.

For more information on Enrichment programs please contact Pat Kemp at pkemp@cafdn.org or 416-923-0924 x228