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“Young people who leave the child welfare system face independence with few family supports, little in the way of practical resources, and a great deal of worry. I am very proud of the accomplishments of PARC’s youth. They have chosen to courageously overcome tremendous challenges while demonstrating an inspirational commitment to helping other young people,” said Janet Ward Coordinator, Pape Adolescent Resource Centre.
The Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award provides a $50,000 gift to an Ontario based charitable organization whose work has significantly improved the wellbeing of disadvantaged children. It is dedicated to the memory of Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh, daughter of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation's founder, Joseph E. Atkinson, and president of the foundation until her death in 1994. It is the largest award of its kind in Canada.
PARC is a non-profit, joint project of the Children's Aid Society of Toronto, the Catholic Children's Aid Society and Jewish Family and Child Services. Its mandate is to assist youth who are presently or have been in the care of any of these agencies. PARC receives special funding through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services along with extensive, annual funding by the Children’s Aid Foundation and the Hope for Children Foundation.
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For More info contact:
Pedro Barata, Communications Coordinator, Atkinson Foundation 416-869-4800
Janet Ward Coordinator, Pape Adolescent Resource Centre (416) 462-1010
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Toronto Star Coverage
Youth program gains recognition
January 24, 2007, By John Goddard
staff reporter
...Stephanie had run out of options.
At 15, she was shy, isolated and distrustful of everybody. When she talked, she leaned forward so her hair would cover her face.
She had spent time on the street, had drifted into drugs and entered the child welfare system as a ward of the state. Schools had thrown her out and she had never landed a job...
For the complete story, click here.
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