Impact
Children’s Stories
Here are some of the ways the community’s contributions have allowed us to answer exceptional needs:
10,800 children
Lori
The Johnsons were already worried about making ends meet as they entered retirement when they got the call about baby Lori. Lori was born suffering from drug exposure with signs of failure to thrive, and her parents weren’t prepared to care for her. The new grandparents worked with professionals from York Region Children's Aid Society and were approved to care for their special needs granddaughter who would require specialized medical care and treatment services on a long term basis. The Johnsons were concerned that they wouldn’t be able to afford the exceptional costs of the highly specialized baby formula or care that Lori needed to survive. However, thanks to donations from a medical supplier and our community, York Region Children’s Fund provided some much-needed help with baby Lori’s formula and other infant needs.Aisha
Aisha is a 4-year-old who dreams of becoming a ballerina. Aisha’s parents' personal challenges put their young daughter in harm’s way. She lives with her grandmother Elaine now, who loves her. Since losing her job, Elaine has had trouble making ends meet and struggling with the new expenses of raising her granddaughter. However, thanks to the generosity of the community, York Region Children’s Fund has helped Aisha and Elaine by providing new clothes and supplies for back-to-school, covering the cost of Aisha’s glasses, and ensuring Aisha could continue in her ballet classes.Jake
Jake attended his first overnight camp. Jake suffers from extreme anxiety so for him to be able to commit and attend such a busy camp where he knew hardly anybody was a huge accomplishment.The camp experience helped him build his self-esteem and confidence and he now feels more comfortable interacting with other children.
Kendra
Kendra was in Grade 12, excelling in school and excited about starting university in September. She had recently turned 18 and was required to begin living independently, leaving her home and foster family of the past seven years. Her foster parents love her, but couldn’t afford to have her stay with them. They worried that transitioning to independent living during her last year of high school would jeopardize all of Kendra’s success. Thanks to the generosity of a donor, Kendra was able to stay in her home until she finished high school and moved to attend universityWHY GIVE
Poverty is a known risk factor in admission to the child welfare system. 1-in-7 children in York Region live in a low-income household. Too many families involved with York Region Children's Aid Society struggle to provide even the basics for their children.
For children who are raised in the care of Children’s Aid Society, they often have to grow up faster than a child should need to and are living independently by the age of 18, some as young as 16. Sadly, of the kids who have grown up in the care system following neglect or abuse, only 44 per cent of them will complete high school putting them at further disadvantage.
While all Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario receive funding from the provincial government to provide child protection services, provincial funding does not meet the exceptional needs of many of the children and the families served. With the community’s support, the York Region Children’s Fund can bridge the gap to a happier childhood and a brighter future.
Providing childhood enrichment, help with educational needs, and compassionate aid makes a difference – one child at a time. Positive, confidence-building experiences that help vulnerable children and youth develop to their fullest potential are made available, in part, because of community support.
The needs we respond to are as individual as the children, youth and families with whom York Region CAS works.
"Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference."
Quote by,-Kathy Calvin