YORKTOWN PRESS RELEASE

Media Release:
YORKTOWN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE EARNS $50,000 AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS SERVING DIVERSE TORONTO COMMUNITY

TORONTO- October 20, 2004 – Awarding its work assisting “children at risk”, the Atkinson Charitable Foundation will be presenting a $50,000 cheque today to Yorktown Child and Family Centre, a mental health agency operating in one of Toronto’s most ethnically diverse communities.

Betsy Atkinson Murray, President of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation noted that "this year, again, we had a wonderful response to the RAH Award Call for Nominations.  The Foundation selected Yorktown from among those, for its comprehensive and culturally sensitive programs that serve over 1000 children every year in the former City of York.

“This is ground-breaking work in a community that requires a very nimble and open approach,” said Nancy Hindmarsh, Chair of the award selection committee. “We were impressed by the constantly updated programs and partnerships that reach out to the heart of the many communities this agency serves.  Yorktown does everything possible, so that families in crisis, especially families new to Canada, feel comfortable seeking assistance.”
 
Sixty-five per cent of Yorktown’s clients have recently arrived from other countries.  One innovative program for immigrant families, called Reconnecting offers support and counseling for adolescents trying to reintegrate with their family members after a period of living apart in their home country.  Another initiative, the Somali Outreach & Education Program, offers parenting and family support to Somali parents and is tailored to respect their cultural values and customs.  Both Reconnecting and the Somali Outreach & Education Program are unique in Toronto, and the latter is being replicated in Scarborough.

“Yorktown responds swiftly, but we also respond thoughtfully”, said Yorktown Executive Director Karen Engel. “We believe that service which is responsive, culturally relevant and close to home is important for children and families.  We make every effort to work with local schools and community organizations to ensure easy access for all of our participants. We are extremely honoured to have been recognized by the Atkinson/Hindmarsh families.”

Community leader and children’s advocate June Callwood originally nominated Yorktown for the award. “Yorktown Child and Family Centre is a paragon among social agencies and I cannot think of a more worthy recipient for this illustrious and significant reward,” she said.

The Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award, is presented annually in memory of Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh who served as president of the foundation, from 1966 until her death in 1994 at the age of 101.  Established in 1998 to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, the award is the largest of its kind in Canada.

For more information visit:
www.yorktownfamilyservices.com or www.atkinsonfoundation.ca
Contact:  Yorktown Family Services Executive Director Karen Engel, 416-394-2424 or Atkinson Foundation Charles E. Pascal, Executive Director:  416-869-4022