Recreation, Enrichment and Skills Development
What does Recreation, Enrichment and Skills Development mean to you? These are opportunities to encourage the wellness in the life of a child or youth. Children who live in vulnerable situations.
Most of us have fond memories of our childhood. Memories of playing ball with our parents, learning to ride a bike, going to concerts, having mom cheer us on at a soccer game, or having dad videotape us at a dance recital. Children who have suffered from abuse and neglect may not have these memories. Not only are they missing the memories. Furthermore, they never learned the important skills that are developed through leisure based activities. As a result, DCAF is committed to provide programs that support recreation enrichment and skills development. For instance, programs include organized sports, art/music lessons, after school clubs, School Break activities and school trips.
Similarly, programs also include a supportive and encouraging approach to the development of essential Life Skills. Life Skills Programs include: Cooking, Careers and Financial Literacy.
Own Your Story
Strong communities support each other.
Own Your Story brings the magic of riding to children and youth who could deeply benefit from bonding with horses, by providing complimentary horseback riding lessons for children and youth supported by the Durham Children’s Aid Society.
This year, DCAF is proud to announce Kubota Canada as Own Your Story’s title sponsor, along with Jumpstart Canada . Now, thanks to the generosity of community donations and our sponsors, more than 40 children have been able to ride at barns across Durham Region.
It starts with your story, and how you choose to give back to your own community. From children and youth causes to volunteering and donating to a cause you believe in, the ways you can help rewrite someone’s story are countless.
That chapter starts now. Today, over 40 children and youth are enrolled in Own Your Story.
Mentoring for Success Program
DCAF with the support of the RBC Foundation provides a Mentoring for Success Program for youth. One-to-one mentoring is provided as youth transition out-of-care and/or begin their post-secondary education. During these often difficult years, youth are able to consult with adult mentors who provide encouragement and guidance. DCAF and Their Opportunity facilitate the process to recruit, train and support adult mentors. Qualified and trained mentors support a selected cohort of crown wards. These youth are aged 13 – 21 years old and are usually in the care of Durham Children’s Aid Society. Youth from the community are also invited to inquire about this program.
Firstly, mentors connect with youth a few times each month. Secondly, mentorships are generally based on a two year commitment. Thirdly, training, workshops and other activities are also provided by DCAF. For more information about becoming a mentor contact Jacqueline Vieira, Specialist, Mentorship and Special Projects .
Technology, Tutoring and Life Skills Programs
Updated information regarding funding for technology (laptops, cell phones, tablets), Financial Literacy, Educational Tutoring and Life Skills will soon be available.
Special Thanks to TD Bank Group for their support of the Tutoring -Educational Support Program.
Camps for Kids
Click for more information about the Camps for Kids program.
Community Partnerships
DCAF works with Durham area community based organizations (e.g. Their Opportunity) and local municipal recreation programs to provide enriching, rehabilitative and life changing recreational based opportunities. The areas of art, music, tutoring, sports, dance are only a few of the available options.
How you can assist
With your support, DCAF is working to let children be children. Your donation will truly make a difference in the life of a child. These children would otherwise not have the opportunity to experience the benefits of community based sports, education and other extra-curricular programs. Help by Giving Hope with a monthly contribution and Support Today Your donation will ensure that Recreation Enrichment and Skills Development opportunities are available for children and youth in our community.
