5 December 2022 News Releases
Huntington University kicked off the festive season by providing a community gift of its own, in support of local youth with special needs.
As part of the university’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, Huntington University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kevin McCormick, announced a generous $2,500 donation to Child & Community Resources. The money will be used to support enhancements to the environment, technology and programming for the Family Supports and Functional Skills Program for Youth – a service that offers youth ranging in age from 6 to 12 years and 13 to 18 years, the supports and equipment needed to build social skills and relationships with others, develop new functional skills, and foster learning through exploration, play and inquiry.
“The lighting of Huntington’s 45-foot-tall Christmas tree, which is wrapped in more than 4,000 lights, is an annual event which marks the start of the holiday season. At Huntington University it is also a time to reflect and give back to the community,” said Dr. McCormick. “This program is an opportunity to remove barriers to learning. It will provide greater access to resources and supports that ensure youth with special needs are successful in building knowledge, relationships, skills, and meaningful participation in community.”
Child & Community Resources and its partners offer a continuum of family supports that encompasses early learning, inclusion and intervention services.
“Programs that encourage the development of social, communication, and life skills are vital and set the stage for future learning, health and well-being.” said Sherry Fournier, Executive Director of Child & Community Resources. “We are extremely honoured to receive this generous donation. I’d also like to commend Huntington University for its commitment to community, and for its ongoing dedication to initiatives that support access to education and learning.”
“The families we serve are looking for opportunities to involve their children and youth in programs that encourage social development, friendship-building, and that build the communication and life skills that will help them at home, in the community or as they enter the workforce,” said Miranda Mackie, Manager of Services – East for Child & Community Resources. “For children and youth with ASD and/or developmental needs, these programs go a long way in setting them up for success with respect to well-being and community integration.”
The Family Supports and Functional Skills Program for Youth, provided by Child & Community Resources, currently offers weekend, evening and summer programming to children, youth and families in Greater Sudbury who qualify for Out of Home Respite (OHR) services. Through various programs and activities, offered in a safe and inclusive group setting environment, participants build on their recreational and leisure skills as a way to encourage development of social, communication and life skills. The age range of each group includes 6 to 12 years and 13 to 18 years of age.
For more information about Child & Community Resources please visit ccrconnect.ca.
To view photos from the event please click here.