I am pleased to offer some thoughts on the vitally important work of the Foundation.
We know that a large percentage of youth in Halton are suffering from anxiety and mental health issues; homelessness is a real problem, addiction issues are significant, human trafficking is very real.
The children and youth that we serve are among these groups and the statistics are not kind when we hear about the number of youth leaving care Ontario wide, who are not graduating school, are becoming part of the correctional system and returning as parents to the child welfare system.
Yet in Halton we are changing those statistics. We help those who can’t afford to access opportunities and we are supporting young people who all too often, have come from dire circumstances beyond their control and simply need the same chances other young people are given.
The programs we support and the opportunities offered to these children and youth are more than just about learning to swim, or going to college. It’s about finding what you are good at, hearing someone say “well done” and learning that life can be different if you know how and where to ask for help.
Always with the goal of remaining fully accountable and transparent, we will continue to evaluate all we do, search for ways to improve, and rely on research, experience and new learnings to ensure that the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton continues to meet the highest expectations of its stakeholders and transform the lives of its greatest assets; our children and youth.
Thank you for believing in the work that we do.
Tina Blatchford Executive Director Children's Aid Foundation of Halton