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On October 6th, 2011 Ontario will elect its next government.
Between now and then, there will be lots of candidates in your community who will want your vote.
This is an excellent time to educate people about the needs of kids and families and about the important services our kids need to be successful.
There are lots of ways you can get involved:
- Write a letter to candidates in your community
- Attend all candidates meetings
- Be prepared when a candidate knocks on your door
- Go to community events like BBQs that your candidates are hosting or will be present at
- Start a social media campaign
Here are some suggestions about questions you might like to ask candidates:
- Wait lists and wait times for rehabilitation services puts pressure on families. What would your party do to reduce the amount of time families need to wait?
- All children in Ontario will be entering full day kindergarten. For some children with special needs, they will need extra therapy supports. What will your party do to ensure that they have the services they need to succeed?
- Funding in the children's rehabilitation sector is unpredictable. In order to provide services to families when they need them, we need a fair and sustainable funding system. Will your party commit to establishing a reliable funding formula for children's services so we can build the capacity of our services to meet the needs of families?
- Having a child with a disability is very expensive. What is your party's plan to improve the financial supports for families of children with special needs so that they are not financially disadvantaged?
- As children become adults, this is a time of great uncertainty for families. Many of the services available to children are no longer available when they turn adult age. What will your party do to ensure that the transition to adulthood is seamless and will allow our sons and daughters to live with as much independence as possible?
- What is your party's position on the importance of children? What will your government do to ensure children in need of extra services and supports are a high priority when deciding on budgets?
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Become a Friend of Our Kids |
Become a friend of Our Kids by becoming a monthly donor. Click here sign up is quick and easy! |
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Upcoming Events in support of Grandview
SEPTEMBER
Ladies' Night Out - Mingling Mommas
OCTOBER
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
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Come out and support Road Legends Cruisers- Southern Ontario Chapter.
All Funds raised support Grandview Kids.
Click here for a full schedule of cruise nights. |
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Send this email to a friend by clicking the forward email link at the bottom of this page!
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LIFE CHANGING IMPACT OF GRANDVIEW IMPRESSES ED |
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 I feel a deep sense of gratitude to be a part of the Grandview Children's Centre team. The rich tradition of service excellence and life changing impact enabled by Grandview is palpable in the hallways of all of our locations.
When I joined Grandview many people told me "Grandview is a special place". I have witnessed many examples of why that is true. Most impressive to me this summer has been the efforts surrounding the launch of Grandview's newest program, The Durham Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - based Services and Supports for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Read more below).
Also on the horizon for the Centre are other significant activities including: strategic planning, launch of a new Clinical Information and documentation system and of course the Ontario Election.
There is much to do and the children, youth and families of Grandview continue to inspire us to reach higher. I look forward to the years ahead.
Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann |
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 The Durham Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) - based Services and Supports for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was launched on August 4, 2011.
This program is a collaborative initiative offered by Grandview Children's Centre, Lake Ridge Community Support Services, Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth and The University of Ontario Institute of Technology for evaluation purposes.
Grandview is the Lead Agency for the delivery of these services across Durham Region.
In the first two weeks of opening the intake lines, over 250 calls were received and over 170 children and youth had completed intake as a first step to accessing the program.
Click here for additional information. |
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 The Free to Read Program is a pilot book share program recently started at Grandview. Developed by the Durham Preschool Speech and Language Program, it supports Early Literacy awareness, where children are exposed to books as early as possible.
These fun, positive experiences with books, are the foundation for reading and writing skills.
The goal of the Free to Read Program is to make it easier for all families to enjoy more books at home. It is open to everyone!
Preschool-age books are available in the "Book Nook" located in the Oshawa site waiting area. There is no cost or due dates to return books. The Book Nook will also house helpful tips and literacy awareness materials to further support families' awareness of early literacy and numeracy stimulation.
WE NEED DONATIONS OF BOOKS!!!
We do rely on donations of books to keep this program running. We truly appreciate all donations of preschool books and early readers! We also hope your children will enjoy feeding the Book Bear donation box with all your yummy books.
For questions or feedback, please contact Sabrina Bellows, SLP, at 905-728-1673, ext 2267. |
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Grandview Children's Foundation has embarked on its period of renewal in earnest!
It is easy to be motivated at a place like Grandview. The children's stories are compelling and uplifting, and make us determined to do more - to help reduce the long wait that hundreds of Durham Region children are facing for critical therapy services.
I encourage you to check their stories out at www.helpourkids.ca. You will find links to videos which feature Foundation ambassador families sharing their experiences. I think you will agree with us, that these children are "shining stars". They certainly light up our lives, and make our work here worthwhile and focussed.
The children, like Andrew, Daniella, Timothy and Ryan, show us how - how to face challenges, build on strengths and enjoy abilities.
This is what we are doing at the Foundation so that we can grow - facing our challenges, building on our strengths and celebrating our successes along the way - so that we can help more Durham Region children to dream, learn, succeed and belong.
But, to successfully grow, we need to develop more relationships and stronger partnerships. We know that it takes a community to raise children with disabilities and special needs - we need the help of our caring friends, neighbours, organizations, corporations - including you.
Thank you for all that you are doing to Help Our Kids.
Vicky Earle |
| AUTOFEST drives funds for Grandview Kids |
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Autofest motored their way onto the grounds of Grandview- just to "help our kids".
Sponsors of the popular car show were treated to a special "thank you" barbecue and a tour of the Grandview Children's Centre - the charity of choice for Autofest.
Car enthusiasts brought out their show cars and were moved to hear how Grandview touches lives daily, as told through the compelling story of Daniella Altieri - a shining star amabassador for Grandview.
Special thanks go to the sponsors of Autofest - the Motor City Car Club, North Oshawa Lion's Club and Oshawa West Lion's Club, whose generous contributions through Autofest, have raised more than $100,000 since 2002 in support of Our Kids.
 
 
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| No Mulligans Needed for Grandview |
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It's a hole in one for Grandview Kids!
The 15th Annual 'Golf Fore Grandview Kids' Charity Golf Classic hosted by Grandview Children's Foundation raised an outstanding $59,000.00 in support of the children of Grandview Children's Centre.
"The Foundation would like to thank the golf enthusiasts, dedicated volunteers and sponsors who have made this event a success in support of Our Grandview Kids," said Vicky Earle, Executive Director of the Foundation.
This year, the story of Timothy, a Grandview client was highlighted with a tear jerking video. "Grandview has done so much for Timothy, who was told before coming to Grandview, that he would never be able to walk, talk or eat on his own. Because of Grandview, he can walk with a walker, talk in almost full sentences and eat on his own! I'm so grateful to Grandview for giving Timothy the opportunity to strive," says Patty Hann, Timothy's mother.
 TD has also partnered with the Foundation to support Grandview Kids and is excited to support programs that better the lives of children. 
 
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| Your support giving Our Kids a dream |
| Golfing fore Grandview Kids |
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Grandview was the recipient of the proceeds of a golf tournament hosted by CKDO. Thanks to all who participated.
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Special thanks to all our friends at CKDO |
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Our Kids were top of mind when Grandview was chosen as the recipient of the proceeds of the golf
tournament hosted by HMA.
Thanks to all who participated. |
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It was another hole in one for Our Kids when Grandview was chosen as the recipient of the proceeds of the golf tournament hosted by Scotiabank.
Thanks to all who participated. |
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It was great news that Grandview was chosen as a recipient of the proceeds of the annual golf tournament hosted by Veridian.
"I'm very proud of the financial assistance that we continue to provide to the communities we serve. Veridian is making a real difference to the lives of individuals and families who rely on Grandview." says Veridian Chair Doug Dickerson.
Thanks to our friends at Veridian who continue to be special partners.
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