“The Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton (CAFH) is the only charity that is focussed solely on children and youth involved in the child welfare system,” explained CAFH Executive Director Tina Blatchford.
CAFH plays a vital role in the lives of these youth, according to Blatchford. The Halton Children’s Aid Society receives funding from the government to provide for basic services for youth. The Foundation uses funds raised through grants and donations to provide education, bursaries, gifts, and programming for youth served by the Halton Children’s Aid Society.
“We help anyone who is being supported by the Halton CAS; 3% of children and youth helped are in care, and 97% are being helped in the family home,” explained Blatchford. “Since 1990, with the support of generous, caring donors and sponsors, we have distributed over $7.5 million in support of the Halton Children’s Aid Society. As the charitable partner of Halton CAS, we are proud that funds raised from donations are directed towards programs for children and youth that make a significant, positive impact in their lives.”
CAFH funds six core programs to support youth under the care of the Halton Children’s Aid Society. “We fundraise, we raise awareness, and we work with partners to make this programming happen, and to support children, youth and families, year in and year out,” said Blatchford.
- Bridging the Gap (BTG) strives to provide readily and easily accessible support for youth between the ages of 16-24 residing in the Halton Region who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
- Bursaries and Education: Since Halton CAS and CAFH believe strongly that education is the first step towards a brighter future, they work together to make educational opportunities available to all youth in care. Since 1990, CAFH has supported more than 500 students in post-secondary programs.
- Dreams Begin at Home: This program assists children, youth and families who have experienced significant trauma and loss. It provides basic needs and nurturing items like bed kits, welcome kits for newborns, comfort kits to ease anxiety during stressful or lifechanging times, and life-start kits, providing items for youth transitioning to independence.
- The goal of the FUTURES Educational Program is to help youth receiving services from Halton CAS achieve their educational goals and support them as they transition into adulthood. The group meets weekly throughout the school year.
- Youth Programming, such as the Halton Youth Collective and the YouthSAID programs, support youth in many ways; such as education, training and employment preparation, and mentoring opportunities, as well as developing advocating skills for themselves and their peers. They learn and grow to become productive, well-adjusted members of society.
- Holiday Dreams: This program supports youth year-round with holidays, birthdays, and special occasion supplies, gift exchanges, holiday dinners and more.
“Of course, this time of year our Holiday Dreams program is very active, with our annual Holiday Dreams Community Giving Program,’ said Blatchford. “Our staff and volunteers are busy making sure all of our youth have warm clothes for winter, and gifts, treats, and special meals for the holiday season.”
The community of Halton can help by connecting with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton.
“We would love for our community to become partners in caring and help us to give every child and youth and those who are in need in the community, a special holiday meal, gifts, and necessities for the winter months,” said Blatchford.
She continued, “Families, individuals, businesses, and community organizations are all welcome to jump in and help. Please contact us today to support now, and throughout the year.”
To learn more and support, go to www.cafh.ca.
