Youth & Extend-A-Family: Building on Potential and Changing Perspectives

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Youth & Extend-A-Family: Building on Potential and Changing Perspectives

THREE TALENTED YOUTH

Kyle is 19 years old and an avid musician. At his recent high school graduation, he played violin in front of 1,000 of his fellow students and families. He is now in college and is a co-op student at his local Canadian Tire. In his spare time, he has performed at fundraisers, is a member of a drama club, and acted on stage at the recent Toronto Fringe Festival.

Anjali is a student at Durham College and a hostess at St. Louis Bar and Grill. She is also an active member of her church and participates in a weekly theatre program. This summer, she volunteered with children at a City of Toronto camp. She enjoys reading, music, and spending time with her large circle of family and friends.

Kurt is 19 years old and is a singer, pianist, and visual artist. Kurt loves to attend painting workshops and has sold his art at Christmas markets under the name ‘Kurt’s Kreations.’ His future plans include opportunities to showcase his art year-round. He enjoys bowling and basketball and is a fan of Toronto sports leagues. He loves spending time with family and friends and is a proud member of both his local church and the Filipino community.

ONE ORGANIZATION THAT THINKS DIFFERENTLY

Kyle, Anjali and Kurt are three focused and talented young people with strong relationships, important roles in their communities and inspiring future plans. What is less important is that they each live with a developmental disability.

Extend-A-Family Toronto (EAF) has worked with them for 12, 15 and 12 years, respectively. EAF works in partnership with youth and their families to navigate and overcome the systemic and attitudinal obstacles to participation that are too often present in our schools, workplaces and society. EAF and the families they work with believe that everybody belongs and has a vital role to play in their local communities; in fact, a community is only complete when all of its members are able to participate. We simply need the proper support and openness to recognize each individual’s strengths and potential contributions. Meredith Cochrane, Executive Director of EAF, explained. “Rather than looking at individuals and assuming they are not able to participate due to their disability, we believe that communities can look inwards and see what barriers they inadvertently put in place every day.”

Since 1976, EAF has supported families in Toronto and worked with each one for up to 20 years (up until age 21). The longevity of support reflects the changing needs and interests as children grow; it allows EAF to help families build the capacity and tools to support young people as they transition to adulthood. In describing EAF, Meredith stated, “We do not offer services because young people are much more than service recipients. We do not have day programs because young people are more than clients.”

EAF's work is as unique as each young person they work with. It could include identifying an individual or family (‘host’/‘host family’) to spend time with a young person, facilitating friendships within the school or community, identifying opportunities to participate in community activities, or helping navigate the school system.

The result that EAF strives for is always the same: A Toronto where everyone belongs.

Four things you can do:

• Visit our website to find out more. www.extendafamily.ca

• Donate to support our work. www.extendafamily.ca/donate

• Consider becoming involved. www.extendafamily.ca/host

• Think of one thing you can do to be more inclusive in your daily life.