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Footprints: Respite Program for families with autistic children
April is Autism Awareness Month so we would like to share with you a local Durham Region organization that offers a wonderful service to local families who have children with autism.
A volunteer-staffed respite program, FOOTPRINTS provides respite care in a safe and happy environment. Children participate in a variety of activities in a caring and socially engaging setting. Activities might include art and crafts, baking, sports and/or games as well as imaginative pursuits such as story time and dress-up play. Not therapy, FOOTPRINTS provides a socially stimulating setting where differences are respected and the kids are encouraged to be themselves while they explore their world supported by a trained volunteer per participant.
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Each child is provided one-to-one support by a trained volunteer. Volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years of age and commit to providing a minimum of 5 hours to the program per month. Comprehensive training is provided to all volunteer, including Introduction to Autism, First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention.
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Families often tell us how much FOOTPRINTS has impacted their lives; a few comments include:
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?My daughter (non-verbal) squeals with delight when she sees the church (building)?.
?Because my child enjoys this day, it helps her at home. She is quite happy to attend FOOTPRINTS on a Saturday?.
?I am off to see my older son?s hockey game knowing that his brother is well-cared for and will have a great time today?.
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Honoured by the City of Pickering with the 2009 Access Award for Disability Awareness and one of four charities of choice for the 2011 Mayor?s Gala, FOOTPRINTS is recognized as a integral service for families in the community. Supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the United Way of Durham and the Rotary Club of Pickering, to name just a few of our supporters, FOOTPRINTS gives families a very precious gift ? the gift of time.
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FOOTPRINTS Pickering offers care on Friday evenings from 5pm ? 8pm and Saturdays from 9am ? 2pm; FOOTPRINTS Whitby offers care on Saturdays from 9am ? 12pm. Pre-registration is required and families are required to provide information about the nature of their child?s condition to allow for the customization of care. FOOTPRINTS charges a modest fee for service and receipts are provided.
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For more information, log onto www.footprints4autism.org or call 905-420-0388.
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