Over the last year, more than 1,000 children and their families have accessed the services of the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA).
The CVCDA offers 13 distinct programs, providing support to infants, children, youth, right up to young adulthood. Each family and child is unique and the services are designed to meet those individualized needs.
Live streaming of Telethon courtesy My Tech Guys
Mason Letain was diagnosed as having had a stroke sometime during the birth process. His family was stunned by the news, but later learned that one in 2,200 children suffer strokes during birth.
Now age seven and doing well in all aspects of his life, Mason and his family have benefited from a range of supports. Services at the CVCDA go beyond one-on-one support. When Mason was having difficulty with sleeping, the family went to a group workshop teaching strategies for improving children’s sleep patterns, and another on strategies for encouraging speech in children.
“The seminars were also great for helping Mason connect with and learn to trust other adults,” says his mom Jana. “And we’ve really benefited from the child development centres’ loans of equipment, toys, and specially adapted bicycles.”
Asked whether she had any words of wisdom for other parents of children with disabilities, Jana says the most critical thing is that families seek support when they think something might not be right for their child – and that vital early-intervention services are available when a family needs them. “Early intervention is key,” says Jana. “As a parent, it’s hard to think that there might be something less than typical with your child. But it’s so important to raise it.”
Parents can make their own referrals for all services at the CVCDA.
The CVCDA receives government funding for many of its services, but it is still necessary to do extra fundraising to keep up with the always increasing cost of providing high-quality services in a high-quality environment.
For the last 43 years, the CVCDA has hosted the Annual Children’s Telethon. On Sunday, Nov. 4, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay, a galaxy of local stars will entertain live in this traditional free family event. All proceeds support the work of the Child Development Association.
There will be eight hours of incredible local entertainment from singers to dancers to fiddlers to magic acts! This is our annual fundraiser and all funds stay right here in the Comox Valley to support children with special needs and their families. This year we will be using many of the proceeds to furnish and equip our new Autism Centre.
Come to the theatre and join in the fun, watch a live TV show being broadcast, make a donation, bid on our amazing SILENT AUCTION items, and buy your last minute tickets for our deluxe RAFFLE BASKET or a trip to anywhere WEST JET flies. T
At the CVCDA everyone is welcome and every child matters!