Celebrating National Volunteer Week | |
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week from April 19 to 25, 2026, Children’s Treatment Network (CTN) wants to thank all our amazing volunteers who make a difference in the lives of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and their families.
More than 95 volunteers helped create welcoming and inclusive experiences for kids, youth and families at events and activities across York Region and Simcoe County. To our volunteers, your time, commitment and support help families connect, have fun and feel part of the community.
| | April Days of Significance | | |
| Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities at CTN | When you or a child in your care connects with CTN, you become part of a community built on respect, partnership and shared responsibility. CTN is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of the kids, youth and families we serve. Understanding your rights and knowing what to expect helps us work together in a positive and supportive way throughout your journey. | | |
| School FUNdamentals: Free Skills Workshops this Summer! | This July, CTN and Closing the Gap Healthcare are hosting skills workshops in Simcoe County! Kids and families will explore fun and practical activities, tips and resources to help them prepare for school. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or looking to build skills and confidence over the summer, there is something for everyone! This event is for kids and youth with disabilities or developmental needs, ages three to seven, who are accessing or waiting for CTN services. No referral is required. Two dates are available with one in Barrie and one in Alliston. | | Free Upcoming Events and Webinars | | |
After an Autism Diagnosis Webinar
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Learn about the autism community, develop support strategies and receive resources to navigate what’s next.
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Making Peace with a New Diagnosis Webinar
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Join CTN and Child and Family Therapist, Olivia Holden, as we explore how to make peace with your child’s diagnosis. All diagnoses are welcome.
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Youth Cake Decorating Class in Innisfil
Friday, May 8, 2026
from 6 to 8 p.m.
Youth ages 12 to 18 can join CTN and Sweet B's Bakery for cake decorating at the Horodynsky Community Kitchen in Innisfil!
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Weekly Sibshop in Midhurst
Every Wednesday in May
from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Siblings ages 8 to 13 can have fun, make new friends and talk about what it’s like to have a sibling with a disability or developmental need.
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Nature Babies with Rewilding Education
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
from 1 to 3 p.m.
Join us for an outdoor adventure to immerse babies in the wonders of the natural world and to create community for their caregivers.
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Introduction to Gardening with Rewilding Education Thursday, June 11, 2026
from 5 to 6 p.m.
Kids and youth can enjoy a unique outdoor opportunity to discover the wonders of the forest and engage in unstructured, imaginative play.
| | | | Our network calendar features events hosted by CTN, our partner organizations and other local community agencies that may be of interest to your family. New workshops, programs and events are added each week. Visit the calendar on our website for more events! | | Our Family Resource, Education and Support Hub (FRESH) Facebook Group is a dedicated platform for parents, caregivers and guardians of all kids and youth accessing services and support through CTN. It creates an online community where families can connect. Read more on our website. | | Our four-part Caring for the Caregiver video series provides caregivers with skills and strategies that can be used in their day-to-day lives. Videos can be watched at your own viewing pace, individually or as part of the series. Learn more and watch the videos on our website. | | This video explores the challenges unpaid caregivers face and the power of taking a break through respite care. Hear real stories from caregivers and discover tools, supports and why taking a break is essential to your well-being. Watch the video on our website. | | Connect is a monthly newsletter for families of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and the service providers who support them. If you want to share feedback, have story ideas or want to volunteer to write an article, please email info@ctnsy.ca. | |
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Want to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of kids and youth with disabilities and developmental needs and their families?
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If you have any questions about your child's development or want to learn about
the services available in the communities we serve, please call 1-866-377-0286.
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Disclaimer
This newsletter is not intended as advice to meet the specific needs of an individual, as individual situations will differ. Newsletter readers should not act or rely on newsletter information without seeking specific advice on matters of concern. We will not purposefully present inaccurate information in this newsletter, however information is supplied "as is" and may contain errors. We do not guarantee or warrant the quality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, appropriateness or suitability of the newsletter content. Reliance on any information appearing on the newsletter is at your own risk. We expressly disclaim all warranties, representations and conditions regarding use of this newsletter and its content.
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Better Together: A vibrant community where all kids, youth and families belong. |
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