Families of children with autism and other special needs are remarkably resilient. Yet they need ongoing supports to lighten the challenges they face day in and day out. Communitas Supportive Care Society in Abbotsford, BC will provide specialized training to these families and their staff that equip them with tools for better long-term sustainability. Once the project concludes, Communitas will incorporate the new training into their ongoing staff development.
| Project Name: | Training and Developing Healthy Families |
| Grant Amount: | $19,475.00 |
| Purpose of Investment: | To offer new training support to families of children with autistic and other special needs at an Abbotsford respite care home. |
| Participating Grantmakers: | Acts of Grace Foundation, Bridgeway Foundation, John & Rebecca Horwood, Mitchell Family Foundation |
Measurable Outcomes:
(1) Over 12 months, 30 families, utilizing respite at Matthew’s House (MH,) will be provided with the opportunity to participate in 4 separate half-day behavioural support training events and will receive enhanced take-home supports along with their current respite care model. Families will be empowered and parents of children with disabilities will create successful coping strategies, break the current cycle of failure and frustration and build holistic support plans around their child.
(2) The 15-person staff team at Matthew’s House will receive one full day of specialized, intensive training with regards to autism spectrum disorders and behavioural supports. In the first year 45-50 children at Matthew’s House will receive direct benefit from high-caliber staff members.