Programme

FOOTPRINTS is a volunteer-staff program that provides respite care for families with children, aged 13 years and under, who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), so the families can have some time apart. 

A day program, the group activities may include but are not limited to: free play, arts and crafts, puzzles, imaginative play, group play, story time and computer time. Activities are developed to meet the skills and interests of the children; participation is strictly voluntary and is encouraged and supported by the volunteer staff.

Established in 2004, FOOTPRINTS Pickering provides respite care at Dunbarton-Fairport United Church on Friday evenings from 5:00pm - 8:00pm and on Saturdays from 9:00am - 2:00pm.  For families who live in West Durham Region, FOOTPRINTS Whitby provides respite care at St. Mark's United Church on Saturdays from 9:00am - 12:00pm.  The cost to families is $18 for a 3-hour session and $25 for a 5-hour session.

Opportunities To Help

FOOTPRINTS is one of the most successful outreach programs of Dunbarton-Fairport United Church. The program relies on volunteers to provide one-to-one support for the children, as well as assist with program funding and promotion.  Can you help in one of the following ways?

Child Support Volunteer

Child Support Volunteers support a child with one-to-one support to provide a safe, happy and fun experience while at FOOTPRINTS.  All volunteers will be provided with training, including Introduction to Autism, First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention. Volunteers must commit to providing a minimum of 5-hours per month and are required to submit a Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance as part of the application and acceptance process.

Community Fundraising

FOOTPRINTS relies on the support of individuals, businesses and foundations to provide for program costs; costs such as volunteer training, skill and age appropriate games and toys and program consumables such as paint, paper and baking supplies.  Volunteers will assist in a variety of fundraising activities and will serve as ambassadors for the program in the local community. 

Contact

To register your child, to volunteer, or for more information, please contact FOOTPRINTS at  905.420.0388, or log onto our website at www.footprints4autism.org.

Support

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