St. Bernadette's Family Resource Centre

Description

St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre, a member of Catholic Charities, is a non-profit, non-denominational, community-based organization that has been integrating children, youth, and adults with developmental and/or physical challenges, such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, etc., with their “able” peers since 1992.
The agency was founded in 1990. Founder, Angie Carboni, utilized her social work background as well as the experience of front line workers from various social service agencies across Metro Toronto to assess the needs of families with physically and/or developmentally challenged children. The results of the needs-assessment survey clearly demonstrated the need for ongoing parent relief for these families and thus prompted the development of our current services. In May of 1991, St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre formed its Board of Directors. In November that same year, the agency became incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization. We are open to everyone who needs our help, regardless of ability, financial status, nationality, ethnicity or religion. We currently serve a variety of individuals in the community. Through programs like Little Angel's Corner, We Need a Break, Breakfast Club, After School Club, March Break Camp and Summer Camp, we serve children from birth to age 12. Each of these services provides an inclusive environment where children with developmental/physical challenges can interact with their “able” peers. Our parent relief programs and support groups enable caregivers to better face the challenges encountered in raising a child. Our aim at St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre is not only to provide supportive services to caregivers, but to enhance and improve the quality of life of each individual who takes part in any one of our programs. On average, we serve about 350 children, youth and adults in the city of Toronto. We also serve youth/adults ages 18+, through our day program called, St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts.