Every year the ETFO Durham Occasional Teachers’ Local donates $1000.00 to the United Way of Durham Region. Traditionally, we have specified our donation to be used towards “childrens’ initiatives”. This year, the Equity Committee did some research and decided to direct the $1000.00 towards five (5) specific charities that work with children in areas that we feel align with the values and goals of ETFO. The charities include:
$200.00 to The Denise House: Their Children’s Program provides child and youth workers to support children and teenagers who come to the shelter with their mothers. Many of whom have witnessed violence. The Children’s Program also offers support and resources for children who previously resided at the shelter. In addition, the Denise House provides a “Mom and Me: Together We Learn, Together We Grow” group for children aged 5-14 and their moms.
$200.00 to The John Howard Society of Durham Region: They have a Community Alternatives to School Suspension program (CASS) which is offered to students that have been suspended long-term or expelled. CASS provides students with academic, life skills and community involvement while addressing the issues that led to the suspension. Students are also connected with other services that will help with the transition back to school. The John Howard Society of Durham also provides the “Firehouse Youth Centre”, an afterschool program for youth aged 12-18 years which provides structured recreation and life skills programming
$200.00 to Luke’s Place: Luke’s Place is a centre for change devoted solely to improving the safety and experience of abused women and their children as they proceed through the family law process.
$200.00 to Pinewood Centre: The Lakeridge Mental Health and Pinewood addictions programs help adults, youth and women work through their challenges with addictions and/or mental health. Treatment plans may include educational and motivational workshops and group sessions provide the tools needed to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
$200.00 to the Durham Family YMCA: The YMCA in Durham offers a variety of youth programs for youth aged 8 – 24, including gambling awareness, teen nights, and substance abuse among others.
For more information about United Way of Durham Region visit their website at: http://unitedwaydr.com/