On Saturday, March 3, representatives from the Delta Foundation presented a cheque for $5,000 to Dan’s Legacy in support of the charity’s Supported Program for Youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) pilot program.
“It’s thanks to organizations like the Delta Foundation that we are able to provide unique programming for an underserved and very much at-risk group of youth in our community”, says Barbara Coates, executive director at Dan’s Legacy. “The young people who participate every week tell us how much they enjoy the workshops, the learning and the social connection. They look forward to coming every Saturday as they really feel welcome.”
Young people diagnosed with FASD are statistically more likely to endure trauma, are at risk of poor life outcomes such as early school dropout, justice involvement, entrenched addiction and unemployment. Specialized support services are rare in British Columbia, though youth who are appropriately supported can achieve positive results.
Youth like “Josh” who was born with FASD, something his adoptive parents knew from the beginning. He had difficulty with social interaction, no friends, and was uncomfortable trying new things. Since participating in the workshops he’s gained a better understanding of his diagnosis, is becoming much more social and eagerly looks forward to participating in the workshops with his new friends.
“Dan’s Legacy makes a valuable contribution to our community of Delta among others in reaching out to help young people making better lives for themselves,” says Delta Foundation Chair, Nöel Philippot. “The Delta Foundation is happy to support this health and social service which can make our community stronger and a better place to live.”
The pilot program is a collaboration between Dan’s Legacy and the Asante Centre, and wraps up at the end of April. Plans are in the works to continue the workshops in the Fall.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking part, please contact Tom Littlewood (Program Director) at 604-999-9136 or Barbara Coates (Executive Director) at 604-329-9186, or [email protected].
Pictured in the photo are (L-R): Tom Littlewood (Program Director, Dan’s Legacy), Barbara Coates (Executive Director, Dan’s Legacy), Peter Roaf (Director, Delta Foundation), Carlene Lewell (Director, Delta Foundation), Myles Himmelreich (Program Mentor), .