Community Update - October 2021 |
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Why October is not Child Abuse Prevention Month Anymore
On October 8th, Nicole Bonnie, CEO of the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies, released a statement that after almost 30 years, Child Abuse Prevention Month was no more. What started as an education campaign about identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect had unintended consequences.
"Vulnerable and marginalized families—especially from the Black and African Canadian community—have told us that the campaign’s emphasis on reporting led to an unwarranted increase in surveillance of their families and communities. In many ways, the campaign was more harmful than helpful.
And so, this year, I’m proud that our new campaign direction reflects our commitment to equity and addressing the overrepresentation of Black and Indigenous children and youth in child welfare. We are no longer using “Child Abuse Prevention Month” and are actively encouraging our partners, including our members, government stakeholders, and provincial associations, not to as well."
You can read the full statement here. |
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Approximately 90% of the families that receive child protection services from
Children’s Aid Societies are struggling with chronic needs such as trauma,
poverty, mental health issues, and addictions. These are the needs that CAS and cross-sector partners and providers are working to address by strengthening and improving community response. This is why Dress Purple Day is so important.
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Dress Purple Day takes place Wednesday October 27th.
It's a day for us to collectively show that as a community we care and that we are #HereToHelp.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us what is truly important in life. And that’s our loved ones—our family, friends, neighbours, and community members. Let’s make sure they all know that no matter the challenge they are facing, services and resources that meet their cultural and identity-based needs are available. They have the right to the most appropriate kind of support, and we are here to help them find it. No one is alone."
~ Nicole Bonnie ~
Want to get involved?
Click here to learn more about how you can participate as an individual, as group, or at work.
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SMASHING NINES:
A HOLE IN ONE FOR YOUTH MENTORSHIP
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Far Samji, Golf Pro & Smashing Nines Founder |
Want to become a mentor for young women on the course and in business?
Contact Far for more information!
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By Tammy Hall-Stoll, Family & Community Worker, FACS Waterloo |
On Thursday August 12 th, two youth were invited to participate in the Smashing Nines Golf Tournament, with National Long Drive Champion, Fareen Samji!
Unfortunately, the morning rain was too much for the outdoor course. Fareen and her team did an amazing job at pivoting and moved the event to the Simulator Indoor Golf Center at Golf Play!
It was an amazing day of dynamic ladies coming together to support young females in golf and in life! There were many mentors who played key roles in the lives of these two youth – welcoming them, teaching them, laughing with them and empowering them, breaking down barriers and coming together to learn from each other and create connections and lasting memories!
The youth were shocked when they each received swag bags filled with goodies sponsored by many local community organizations and businesses as well as a full set of golf clubs and bag. This was theirs to take with them as they embark on this new journey! Smiles filled the room as the youth were humbled by the generosity of this great golf community!
After a morning of simulator golf – we were treated to a full lunch and time for social connections! Contact information was shared, pictures were taken and new relationships were being built for these young women…all through a day on the golf course and the Smashing Nines organization!
After this day has come and gone – the generosity continued! These youth were also gifted with free semi-private lessons with a wonderful Golf Pro at Rebel Creek Golf Club (post tee time picture to the left!). The experiences continue and the magic is alive – thanks to so many wonderful community members and their compassion and heart to empower young women in our community!
We are so grateful to all those involved in making this happen!
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SAVE THE DATE!
Smashing Nines returns to Waterloo Region August 18th 2022 at Rebel Creek Golf Club! Click here to receive more information on how you can participate!
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It's almost time for the annual Tree of Hope Campaign and the CHYM Tree of Hope Radiothon! For 29 years, the Tree of Hope Campaign and Radiothon have raised funds to support the meaningful, year-round programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect. |
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Bingeman's Gift of Lights Walk Night in Support of FACS Foundation |
We are thrilled to once again be able to participate in the Gift of Lights Walk-through Night at Bingemans on November 28th!
Advance tickets go on sale OCTOBER 14th! Book early before it sells out!
This makes a great thank you for clients or staff or an early teacher present. It's also a lovely, safe family outing!
50% of proceeds will be donated to the Tree of Hope Campaign!
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CHYM Tree of Hope
Radiothon Returns!
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Radiothon returns to the airwaves this year with Tara, Brady, and Adele on a new day - Saturday December 4th from 8am-4pm!
Whether you are at home or on the road, you can tune in to learn more about how your support for FACS Foundation through the CHYM Tree of Hope Radiothon makes something good happen for children, youth, and families in Waterloo Region!
There are still a few sponsorship opportunities available!
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Gifts of Hope Online Store "reopens" October 15th!
Looking for the perfect gift for the person who has everything?
Organizing a workplace giving event?
Want to give a gift that makes a difference?
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On September 30th, we marked the first National Day of Truth & Reconciliation with reflection and action.
You can read our statement here.
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What we are focusing on in 2021-2022
- Emergency Support for Youth 18+
- Prevention Supports for Families
- The Resilience Project
- Support for Indigenous Families through the Truth & Reconciliation Fund
- Support for Black Families through the Out of Many One People Fund
If you have any questions about these funds or initiatives, please email us! |
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We love to share our stories with you and keep you up to date on how you are making good things happen in Waterloo Region! It is important to us that we are communicating with you in the way that suits you best.
If you have received this update at multiple email addresses, please help us avoid this in the future by emailing us at foundation@facswaterloo.org and letting us know which is your preferred address. It is important to us that we honour your communication preferences, so please get in touch!
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Family & Children's Services Foundation
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