The Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton (CAFH) provides life-changing opportunities to children, youth and families served by the Halton Children’s Aid Society (Halton CAS). Halton CAS is a government-funded agency that is responsible for investigating and responding to concerns of child abuse and neglect in the Halton region. The two organizations work together to ensure the 5,000 foster children in care, get the support and resources they need.

Coming soon in May, is the annual online DREAM auction. A major fund raiser, it’s also great way for local businesses to support CAFH and gain visibility in the community. If you would like to contribute an item please contact Tina by April 26 at foundation@haltoncas.ca

CAFH provides support through a great variety of programs, including Bridging the Gap a program for homeless youth aged 16 to 24, bursaries for post-secondary education, a youth advocacy program known as YouthSAID, the Youth Collective Impact which is a mentoring program, and FUTURES an after-school tutoring program, which includes a summer camp component too. As well, DREAMS Begin at Home is a program that coordinates gifts of Comfort Kits, Life-Start Kits and sundry other basic necessities and emergency relief, all the programs rely heavily on donations to operate.

“The programs we support are truly life changing for the participants,” explains CAFH executive director Tina Blatchford. “On average the Halton Children’s Aid Society helps over 5,000 children and youth annually, and many of them participate in the programs we fund. These programs are vital to the healthy growth of youngsters, promoting confidence, teaching life skills and creating a network of resources for youth aging out of the child welfare support system. It’s really important to understand that without the opportunities offered, these young people will fall through the cracks,” Blatchford said. “By sustaining the specially designed programs that are based on years of research, impact and outcomes, we can offer opportunities to overcome significant challenges, anxieties and hardships and better prepare youth for a life of choice, hope and success.”

“We are so grateful to Halton Honda for the many years of generous corporate gifts, sponsorships and personal donations from staff, families and friends. These services are particularly essential for those who have experienced loss, abuse and trauma at such a young age and your gifts are helping children and youth achieve their goals.”

Former youth in care and bursary recipient Austin says; ”After three weeks of living in a tent I ended up having a mental health crisis. The support of CAS, the Bridging the Gap program and bursaries provided by CAFH gave me the building blocks needed to complete high school, graduate college and open my own business.” Austin now works within the Bridging the Gap program and is a highly valued volunteer and official Ambassador of CAFH.

To find out more about the work of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton or to make a donation please visit https://www.cafh.ca/