Children. Families. Care - George Jeffrey Children's...
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CHILDREN. FAMILIES. CARE. George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation Newsletter | Fall 2017 what's inside... Hanna and her family How family-centred care helps make lives better 2 3 1 4 Jacqui and her husband, Craig, were in touch with George Jeffrey Children’s Centre right away. Hanna visited the Centre frequently for the first three years of her life. She met with the talented physiotherapists and occupational therapists at the Centre to gain mobility and function in her left arm. Her care was family-centred. “We felt involved with Hanna’s care the entire time,” says Jacqui. Without early intervention, a dedicated team of clinicians and the support of her family there was a chance that Hanna may have lost use of her arm. Now six and a half years old, Hanna has 95% mobility in her left arm and enjoys a variety of activities. She loves art, playing with her dolls and playing hockey, to name a few. She’s a goalie on her hockey team. Along the way, Hanna’s family appreciated learning and seeing how involved our community has been in the evolution of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. “Our community’s support of the Centre is very encouraging,” says Jacqui. Hanna’s family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude for her care. “Katie, Sara, and the entire team at George Jeffrey made us as a family know we weren’t alone. We are eternally grateful to them for what they’ve done for Hanna and our family,” explains Jacqui. “They want to help you help your child. They want to make every little one’s life the best it can be.” PHOTO ABOVE: Hanna and her mom, Jacqui Hanna was a big baby. During her delivery she experienced some complications that left her with a brachial plexus injury – damage to the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand. “Her left arm wasn’t moving. It looked like it was just hanging there,” recalls Hanna’s mother, Jacqui. Balancing Hanna’s care with busy family life wasn’t easy. Her older brothers, Lucas and Elliot, were often at the Centre with her. They were welcomed by the clinicians and often took part in their little sister’s activities. “The team made therapy fun. Hanna often didn’t even notice she was receiving treatment for her arm,” recalls Jacqui. Hanna’s treatment ranged from learning mobility techniques to experiencing different textures and feelings in her left arm. A major hurdle for Hanna was something most of us take for granted – being able to put our hands behind our heads. Her mobility was so limited in her first year that Hanna’s family had to consider specialized surgery at SickKids in Toronto. This was a struggle for Jacqui and Craig. They decided not to move forward hastily with surgery. Once this decision was made, the team at George Jeffrey was incredibly supportive and Hanna’s treatment continued. Not too long later Hanna did something amazing – she reached behind her head on her own! This was something Hanna’s doctors thought she may never do. Summer was eventful! Congratulations Cassandra While You Wait project wins award How YOU are impacting lives www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com
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Children. Families. Care.
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation Newsletter | Fall 2017
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation respects your privacy and is committed to the protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. We do not rent, sell or trade the personal information we collect including information contained in our mailing list. The information you provide is used to fulfill our mandate to raise funds and to keep you informed of Foundation news and activities. You may have your name removed from our mailing list by contacting the Foundation Office at 807-623-6050.
DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: You can also visit our sponsor, CanadaHelps.org, which is an online fundraising solution that allows charities like George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation to accept donations privately and securely over the Internet.
receive the services that they deserve, enabling them to achieve their personal best. Whatever you choose to give each month will support initiatives and be an investment in the future of the children we serve. For more information about our monthly giving program plese contact the Foundation office at 623-6050.
I WOULD LIKE THE FOUNDATION OFFICE TO CONTACT ME:Name: _______________________________________Phone: _______________________________________Email: _______________________________________
Thank you for investing in the future of our Kids.“Because our Kids Just Want to Be Kids”
what'sinside...
Hanna and her familyHow family-centred care helps make lives better
2 3
1
4
Jacqui and her husband, Craig, were in touch with George Jeffrey Children’s Centre right away. Hanna visited the Centre frequently for the first three years of her life. She met with the talented physiotherapists and occupational therapists at the Centre to gain mobility and function in her left arm. Her care was family-centred. “We felt involved with Hanna’s care the entire time,” says Jacqui. Without early intervention, a dedicated team of clinicians and the support of her family there was a chance that Hanna may have lost use of her arm.
Now six and a half years old, Hanna has 95% mobility in her left arm and enjoys a variety of activities. She loves art, playing with her dolls and playing hockey, to name a few. She’s a goalie on her hockey team.
Along the way, Hanna’s family appreciated learning and seeing how involved our community has been in the evolution of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. “Our community’s support of the Centre is very encouraging,” says Jacqui.
Hanna’s family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude for her care. “Katie, Sara, and the entire team at George Jeffrey made us as a family know we weren’t alone. We are eternally grateful to them for what they’ve done for Hanna and our family,” explains Jacqui. “They want to help you help your child. They want to make every little one’s life the best it can be.”
PHOTO ABOVE: Hanna and her mom, Jacqui
An update on the While You Wait initiative
The support of our community has been essential to this project. As a result, significant progress has been made in bridging the gap of services available for children and their families.
The initiative focused on reducing the number of families on the waitlist as well as the length of time spent waiting. Best practices were researched, new strategies for service delivery were developed, and feedback from families was gathered and evaluated. A dedicated While You Wait team saw the first chapter of this initiative through.
When the While You Wait project started, there were 465 clients on the waitlist. In the first year of the project alone, the number of clients waiting at any one time was reduced by close to a third. Wait times have been reduced in all program areas.
Keeping pace with demand will continue to be a great challenge. The reality of the waitlist is that it will be active with referrals as diagnostic services improve and awareness about the importance of specialized care increases throughout our region. The Centre is now much more well-equipped to handle the consistent flow of referrals onto the waitlist.
While You Wait has already been celebrated – it earned the 2016 Innovative Project of the Year award at the RBC Northwestern Ontario Innovation Awards held earlier this year!
With the initial chapter of this effort now complete, everyone involved wants YOU to know how important your support has been for the initiative. “While You Wait has been successful because of a dedicated project team, input from families, and the support of our community. We are most grateful to everyone who helped make this initiative a reality," says Tom Walters, Chief Executive Officer of George Jeffrey Children's Centre.
Over the last two years the number of annual clients served at George Jeffrey has increased by 377.
While You Wait was layered with many new ideas and innovative practices, including education sessions for caregivers, consultation clinics, workshops, resource kits, and a portal of helpful information on the Centre’s website.
PHOTO LEFT: Katie, Lindsay & Tina accept the Innovative Project of the Year award on behalf of the entire While You Wait team
Hanna was a big baby. During her delivery she experienced some complications that left her with a brachial plexus injury – damage to the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand. “Her left arm wasn’t moving. It looked like it was just hanging there,” recalls Hanna’s mother, Jacqui.
Balancing Hanna’s care with busy family life wasn’t easy. Her older brothers, Lucas and Elliot, were often at the Centre with her. They were welcomed by the clinicians and often took part in their little sister’s activities. “The team made therapy fun. Hanna often didn’t even notice she was receiving treatment for her arm,” recalls Jacqui. Hanna’s treatment ranged from learning mobility techniques to experiencing different textures and feelings in her left arm.
A major hurdle for Hanna was something most of us take for granted – being able to put our hands behind our heads. Her mobility was so limited in her first year that Hanna’s family had to consider specialized surgery at SickKids in Toronto. This was a struggle for Jacqui and Craig. They decided not to move forward hastily with surgery. Once this decision was made, the team at George Jeffrey was incredibly supportive and Hanna’s treatment continued.
Not too long later Hanna did something amazing – she reached behind her head on her own! This was something Hanna’s doctors thought she may never do.
“Waiting is the hardest part,” says a parent whose child was on the waitlist at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. There were families unsure about how to help their children. They were waiting for care. With demand for services rising and the need for new strategies becoming apparent, the While You Wait initiative was established to increase access to care for those waiting.
Summer was eventful! Congratulations Cassandra While You Wait project wins award
A caring community...
PHOTO ABOVE: Addison, Ethan, Ava & Violet donate proceeds from a lemonade stand to support children
To see highlights of our community’s support, please visit our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Foundation welcomes Steve MacDonald, new Executive Director
The Board of George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation was honoured to announce Steve MacDonald as the new Executive Director of the Foundation in May. Steve took over from incumbent Mary Anne Comuzzi who is now enjoying retirement.
Steve has over 16 years of public sector experience combined with a master's degree in public administration. He relocated from Peterborough to accept the new position in Thunder Bay.
“I had the pleasure of spending time in Thunder Bay on several occasions prior to moving here and I saw there was a strong sense of community. I’ve received an incredibly warm welcome from everyone,” says Steve. “Over the past few months I’ve had the privilege of seeing how great the care is at George Jeffrey. It is a great honour and responsibility to be working with our community to impact the lives of children and families throughout our region.”
We are happy to welcome Steve to our organization and our community!
4
200 Brock St EThunder Bay ON P7E 0A2T: 807-623-6050www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com
Our community's philanthropic spirit is very special.
How YOU are impacting lives
Steve MacDonald, Executive Director807-625-6052 or [email protected]
Colleen Speer, Finance & Administration Officer807-625-6050 or [email protected]
Thea Books, Events & Public Relations Officer807-625-6051 or [email protected]
Supporting access to care at George Jeffrey will continue to be a priority for our Foundation. Our “No Child Should Wait” commitment will not waver. To learn more please call Steveat 807-625-6052.
Children and their families will continue to benefit.
Thank YOU for increasing access to care!
Follow us:
We’re most grateful to every donor, sponsor, business and group who has aligned their efforts with our charity so far this year.
This has included great creativity and leadership from children and youth throughout our community – thank you Cedar, Connor, Julia, Emma, Bradyn, Phoenix, Dawson, Karlie, Addison, Ethan, Ava, Violet and St. Ignatius High School!
www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com
LEAD SPONSOR
EVENT PARTNER RACE LOGISTICS & PIT CREW SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
SOAPBOX CAR SPONSORS
Unifor Local 1075 • RBC Dominion Securities • Bruno’s Contracting • Pita Pit • Weilers Law Thermal Mechanical • Superior Elevators • Health Pro • Intercity Fleet Auto Service Ltd.
Starting Line Sponsors
Excalibur Motorcycle Works Pioneer Construction/Fisher Wavy
Norwest Pest Control Manulife Securities
WSP/Architecture 49
Finish Line Sponsors
SNAPP Nor Shore Inc.
Currie’s Copy Shop Prezio Electric
LH North
Pit Sponsors
North-West ElectricA-1 Sewage Tim Hortons Signs Now
Thunder Bay Police Association
Special Thanks
Waverley Hill Residents • Magnus Theatre • Trinity United • St. Paul’s United • Bora Laskin Faculty of Law • Zegil’s Floor Mart Dufresne • Mario’s Bowl • Reid’s Home Furnishings • Boston Pizza • Play It Again Sports • City of Thunder BayThunder Bay Autosport Club • Leo Elliott • Rob Moquin • Our Vendors • Electrical Safety Authority • Ray Innes
Danny Garbachewski • Keith Erikson • Devon Ward • Greg Malo Photography • Thunder Bay Police ServicesSignal Resources - Dave King • FORM Architecture & Engineering • Our Dedicated Volunteers!
Our community came together once again to make the 14th Annual George Jeffrey Children’s Centre Soapbox Races another great success!
Together we raised over $31,000 to enrich children’s lives!
Race StandingsClass A
1st Place - Jackson Elliott 2nd Place - Reegan Dolcetti
Class M 1st Place - Emmett Cleland
2nd Place - Bronson Aggamway
Photo complim
ents of Greg M
alo Photography
THANK YOU!
Flag SponsorsDelta Survey • Northern Turf Equipment • BASS Masters • Unifor Local 229 • Kembel Group • Bruce Labelle
ERV Parent (Western) Ltd. • Northern Computer Innovations
Visit www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com for up to date news and events.
Special Thanks
-
–
Hometown Heroes Golf Committee
Karen Pleavin – Ticket #561 2
3
Help children & maximize tax savingswith a gift of stockWhen you choose to donate appreciated stock (transferring the security rather than selling it) you receive a significant tax advantage while helping to support children and families.
Honouring a dedicated volunteer
Congratulations Cassandra!It was a great honour for everyone at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre to congratulate Cassandra Burdick on her special award from the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services (OACRS).
At our Family Fun Fair event in August, Cassandra was presented with an OACRS scholarship by Stephanie Ash, Past President of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre’s Board of Directors and Member of the OACRS Board of Directors. Stephanie was joined by special guest Carter Hutton and Cassandra’s long-time Occupational Therapist, Scott McBean, to present the award.
Each year, the OACRS Scholarship Award Program recognizes students who have been served by Ontario's Children's Treatment Centres and who are pursuing a post-secondary education or career goal.
Cassandra began receiving care at George Jeffrey in 1999. The majority of her rehabilitation services focused on her ability to use both of her hands in a functional manner so she may complete the activities and tasks she finds meaningful.
Cassandra was most grateful for the recognition. “More people need to know about the difference George Jeffrey Children’s Centre makes in people’s lives,” says Cassandra.
Cassandra is now in her first year of studies at Lakehead University. She is in the Social Work program with the eventual goal of working within the paediatric rehabilitation sector.
Congratulations Ken Crooks for being awarded a Citizen of Exceptional Achievement Award from the City of Thunder Bay!Ken is a valued volunteer and has been sharing his time and talents for over 15 years with George Jeffrey Children's Foundation. It was an honour to have been involved in his nomination and we're thrilled that he has been recognized.
THANK YOU Ken for your enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to children and youth in our community. You have been instrumental in helping us impact children's lives.
Spring and summer were eventful!
We’re most grateful to everyone who supported and participated in our events over the past few months.
Little Library launched as part of speech and language program
On June 28th George Jeffrey Children’s Centre and Foundation unveiled its Little Library, dedicating the library to Gentlemen of Harmony. The Gentlemen of Harmony have been supporters of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre’s speech and language services for over 40 years, adopting their fitting motto “We Sing that They Shall Speak.”
Situated outside the entrance of George Jeffrey Children's Centre (GJCC), the Little Library is benefiting both clients at GJCC as well as the surrounding community.
The library is important for the services at GJCC because it is helping address the barrier of availability of books at home. Caregivers are now able to access books for use at home, enabling them to be active participants in children’s learning and love for reading.
The books for the Little Library came from a staff book drive as well as donations from Michaels arts and crafts store. The Little Library is based on a take one, leave one model and the hope is that it will continue to grow!
PHOTO ABOVE: GJCC speech and language team and Tom Walters, GJCC CEO, at Little Library launch
PHOTO ABOVE: Cassandra with her Occupational Therapist, Scott
PHOTO ABOVE: Hometown Heroes racing minnows at the Family Fun Fair!
Our newsletter has changed – let us know what you think!We’ve made some changes to our newsletter so that you can read even more about your gifts in action. Please let us know what you think at [email protected] or by calling Steve at 807-625-6052.
Upcoming eventsPlease participate in the following events, which will support George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation!
• Parade of Lights, Saturday, December 2nd
• St. Patrick High School production of The Snow Queen, with a “Frozen” twist, December 7th and 8th
She has also given back to the Centre as a volunteer in various ways.
Photo courtesy of Greg Malo Photography
PHOTO LEFT: Ken and his wife, FloPhoto courtesy of Greg Malo Photography
Photo courtesy of Greg Malo Photography
Visit www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com for up to date news and events.
Cassandra thinks outside of the box and has overcome her challenges to become an accomplished dancer, athlete and honour role student.
All the very best to you, Cassandra!
Not only will you not pay capital gains tax when transferring a gift of appreciated securities to a registered Canadian charity, you will also receive a charitable receipt that can be used to offset taxes payable in the year in which the donation is made, or carried forward for up to five years.
As you begin to think about year end tax planning, please consider the impact that a gift of stock could have on children and families at George Jeffrey Children's Centre. Please call Steve at 807-625-6052 to discuss your options.
Always consult a professional financial advisor to discuss the best charitable giving options for you.
Children are greatly benefiting from this additional opportunity to practice speech and language skills in their natural environments – therapy that begins at the Centre is now being taken home.
As part of this effort, the speech and language department is also providing a tip brochure to assist caregivers when they are at their homes practicing with their children.
We kicked things off with our 14th Annual Soapbox Races in June, hosted our annual Family Fun Fair in August, and finished with the Hometown Heroes Children’s Charity Golf Classic, hosted by Carter Hutton, the day after our fun fair.
Great times were shared by everyone involved, including a number of special “Hometown Heroes” who attended our fun fair and golf tournament.
Please read through the thank you messages in this newsletter and check out videos from each event atwww.georgejeffreyfoundation.com.
If you were expecting to receive a donation form, we’ll be sending one to you in November with a special letter.
LEAD SPONSOR
EVENT PARTNER RACE LOGISTICS & PIT CREW SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
SOAPBOX CAR SPONSORS
Unifor Local 1075 • RBC Dominion Securities • Bruno’s Contracting • Pita Pit • Weilers Law Thermal Mechanical • Superior Elevators • Health Pro • Intercity Fleet Auto Service Ltd.
Starting Line Sponsors
Excalibur Motorcycle Works Pioneer Construction/Fisher Wavy
Norwest Pest Control Manulife Securities
WSP/Architecture 49
Finish Line Sponsors
SNAPP Nor Shore Inc.
Currie’s Copy Shop Prezio Electric
LH North
Pit Sponsors
North-West ElectricA-1 Sewage Tim Hortons Signs Now
Thunder Bay Police Association
Special Thanks
Waverley Hill Residents • Magnus Theatre • Trinity United • St. Paul’s United • Bora Laskin Faculty of Law • Zegil’s Floor Mart Dufresne • Mario’s Bowl • Reid’s Home Furnishings • Boston Pizza • Play It Again Sports • City of Thunder BayThunder Bay Autosport Club • Leo Elliott • Rob Moquin • Our Vendors • Electrical Safety Authority • Ray Innes
Danny Garbachewski • Keith Erikson • Devon Ward • Greg Malo Photography • Thunder Bay Police ServicesSignal Resources - Dave King • FORM Architecture & Engineering • Our Dedicated Volunteers!
Our community came together once again to make the 14th Annual George Jeffrey Children’s Centre Soapbox Races another great success!
Together we raised over $31,000 to enrich children’s lives!
Race StandingsClass A
1st Place - Jackson Elliott 2nd Place - Reegan Dolcetti
Class M 1st Place - Emmett Cleland
2nd Place - Bronson Aggamway
Photo complim
ents of Greg M
alo Photography
THANK YOU!
Flag SponsorsDelta Survey • Northern Turf Equipment • BASS Masters • Unifor Local 229 • Kembel Group • Bruce Labelle
ERV Parent (Western) Ltd. • Northern Computer Innovations
Visit www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com for up to date news and events.
Special Thanks
-
–
Hometown Heroes Golf Committee
Karen Pleavin – Ticket #561 2
3
Help children & maximize tax savingswith a gift of stockWhen you choose to donate appreciated stock (transferring the security rather than selling it) you receive a significant tax advantage while helping to support children and families.
Honouring a dedicated volunteer
Congratulations Cassandra!It was a great honour for everyone at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre to congratulate Cassandra Burdick on her special award from the Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services (OACRS).
At our Family Fun Fair event in August, Cassandra was presented with an OACRS scholarship by Stephanie Ash, Past President of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre’s Board of Directors and Member of the OACRS Board of Directors. Stephanie was joined by special guest Carter Hutton and Cassandra’s long-time Occupational Therapist, Scott McBean, to present the award.
Each year, the OACRS Scholarship Award Program recognizes students who have been served by Ontario's Children's Treatment Centres and who are pursuing a post-secondary education or career goal.
Cassandra began receiving care at George Jeffrey in 1999. The majority of her rehabilitation services focused on her ability to use both of her hands in a functional manner so she may complete the activities and tasks she finds meaningful.
Cassandra was most grateful for the recognition. “More people need to know about the difference George Jeffrey Children’s Centre makes in people’s lives,” says Cassandra.
Cassandra is now in her first year of studies at Lakehead University. She is in the Social Work program with the eventual goal of working within the paediatric rehabilitation sector.
Congratulations Ken Crooks for being awarded a Citizen of Exceptional Achievement Award from the City of Thunder Bay!Ken is a valued volunteer and has been sharing his time and talents for over 15 years with George Jeffrey Children's Foundation. It was an honour to have been involved in his nomination and we're thrilled that he has been recognized.
THANK YOU Ken for your enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to children and youth in our community. You have been instrumental in helping us impact children's lives.
Spring and summer were eventful!
We’re most grateful to everyone who supported and participated in our events over the past few months.
Little Library launched as part of speech and language program
On June 28th George Jeffrey Children’s Centre and Foundation unveiled its Little Library, dedicating the library to Gentlemen of Harmony. The Gentlemen of Harmony have been supporters of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre’s speech and language services for over 40 years, adopting their fitting motto “We Sing that They Shall Speak.”
Situated outside the entrance of George Jeffrey Children's Centre (GJCC), the Little Library is benefiting both clients at GJCC as well as the surrounding community.
The library is important for the services at GJCC because it is helping address the barrier of availability of books at home. Caregivers are now able to access books for use at home, enabling them to be active participants in children’s learning and love for reading.
The books for the Little Library came from a staff book drive as well as donations from Michaels arts and crafts store. The Little Library is based on a take one, leave one model and the hope is that it will continue to grow!
PHOTO ABOVE: GJCC speech and language team and Tom Walters, GJCC CEO, at Little Library launch
PHOTO ABOVE: Cassandra with her Occupational Therapist, Scott
PHOTO ABOVE: Hometown Heroes racing minnows at the Family Fun Fair!
Our newsletter has changed – let us know what you think!We’ve made some changes to our newsletter so that you can read even more about your gifts in action. Please let us know what you think at [email protected] or by calling Steve at 807-625-6052.
Upcoming eventsPlease participate in the following events, which will support George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation!
• Parade of Lights, Saturday, December 2nd
• St. Patrick High School production of The Snow Queen, with a “Frozen” twist, December 7th and 8th
She has also given back to the Centre as a volunteer in various ways.
Photo courtesy of Greg Malo Photography
PHOTO LEFT: Ken and his wife, FloPhoto courtesy of Greg Malo Photography
Photo courtesy of Greg Malo Photography
Visit www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com for up to date news and events.
Cassandra thinks outside of the box and has overcome her challenges to become an accomplished dancer, athlete and honour role student.
All the very best to you, Cassandra!
Not only will you not pay capital gains tax when transferring a gift of appreciated securities to a registered Canadian charity, you will also receive a charitable receipt that can be used to offset taxes payable in the year in which the donation is made, or carried forward for up to five years.
As you begin to think about year end tax planning, please consider the impact that a gift of stock could have on children and families at George Jeffrey Children's Centre. Please call Steve at 807-625-6052 to discuss your options.
Always consult a professional financial advisor to discuss the best charitable giving options for you.
Children are greatly benefiting from this additional opportunity to practice speech and language skills in their natural environments – therapy that begins at the Centre is now being taken home.
As part of this effort, the speech and language department is also providing a tip brochure to assist caregivers when they are at their homes practicing with their children.
We kicked things off with our 14th Annual Soapbox Races in June, hosted our annual Family Fun Fair in August, and finished with the Hometown Heroes Children’s Charity Golf Classic, hosted by Carter Hutton, the day after our fun fair.
Great times were shared by everyone involved, including a number of special “Hometown Heroes” who attended our fun fair and golf tournament.
Please read through the thank you messages in this newsletter and check out videos from each event atwww.georgejeffreyfoundation.com.
If you were expecting to receive a donation form, we’ll be sending one to you in November with a special letter.
Children. Families. Care.
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation Newsletter | Fall 2017
George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation respects your privacy and is committed to the protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. We do not rent, sell or trade the personal information we collect including information contained in our mailing list. The information you provide is used to fulfill our mandate to raise funds and to keep you informed of Foundation news and activities. You may have your name removed from our mailing list by contacting the Foundation Office at 807-623-6050.
DONATE SECURELY ONLINE: You can also visit our sponsor, CanadaHelps.org, which is an online fundraising solution that allows charities like George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation to accept donations privately and securely over the Internet.
receive the services that they deserve, enabling them to achieve their personal best. Whatever you choose to give each month will support initiatives and be an investment in the future of the children we serve. For more information about our monthly giving program plese contact the Foundation office at 623-6050.
I WOULD LIKE THE FOUNDATION OFFICE TO CONTACT ME:Name: _______________________________________Phone: _______________________________________Email: _______________________________________
Thank you for investing in the future of our Kids.“Because our Kids Just Want to Be Kids”
what'sinside...
Hanna and her familyHow family-centred care helps make lives better
2 3
1
4
Jacqui and her husband, Craig, were in touch with George Jeffrey Children’s Centre right away. Hanna visited the Centre frequently for the first three years of her life. She met with the talented physiotherapists and occupational therapists at the Centre to gain mobility and function in her left arm. Her care was family-centred. “We felt involved with Hanna’s care the entire time,” says Jacqui. Without early intervention, a dedicated team of clinicians and the support of her family there was a chance that Hanna may have lost use of her arm.
Now six and a half years old, Hanna has 95% mobility in her left arm and enjoys a variety of activities. She loves art, playing with her dolls and playing hockey, to name a few. She’s a goalie on her hockey team.
Along the way, Hanna’s family appreciated learning and seeing how involved our community has been in the evolution of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. “Our community’s support of the Centre is very encouraging,” says Jacqui.
Hanna’s family wants to express their heartfelt gratitude for her care. “Katie, Sara, and the entire team at George Jeffrey made us as a family know we weren’t alone. We are eternally grateful to them for what they’ve done for Hanna and our family,” explains Jacqui. “They want to help you help your child. They want to make every little one’s life the best it can be.”
PHOTO ABOVE: Hanna and her mom, Jacqui
An update on the While You Wait initiative
The support of our community has been essential to this project. As a result, significant progress has been made in bridging the gap of services available for children and their families.
The initiative focused on reducing the number of families on the waitlist as well as the length of time spent waiting. Best practices were researched, new strategies for service delivery were developed, and feedback from families was gathered and evaluated. A dedicated While You Wait team saw the first chapter of this initiative through.
When the While You Wait project started, there were 465 clients on the waitlist. In the first year of the project alone, the number of clients waiting at any one time was reduced by close to a third. Wait times have been reduced in all program areas.
Keeping pace with demand will continue to be a great challenge. The reality of the waitlist is that it will be active with referrals as diagnostic services improve and awareness about the importance of specialized care increases throughout our region. The Centre is now much more well-equipped to handle the consistent flow of referrals onto the waitlist.
While You Wait has already been celebrated – it earned the 2016 Innovative Project of the Year award at the RBC Northwestern Ontario Innovation Awards held earlier this year!
With the initial chapter of this effort now complete, everyone involved wants YOU to know how important your support has been for the initiative. “While You Wait has been successful because of a dedicated project team, input from families, and the support of our community. We are most grateful to everyone who helped make this initiative a reality," says Tom Walters, Chief Executive Officer of George Jeffrey Children's Centre.
Over the last two years the number of annual clients served at George Jeffrey has increased by 377.
While You Wait was layered with many new ideas and innovative practices, including education sessions for caregivers, consultation clinics, workshops, resource kits, and a portal of helpful information on the Centre’s website.
PHOTO LEFT: Katie, Lindsay & Tina accept the Innovative Project of the Year award on behalf of the entire While You Wait team
Hanna was a big baby. During her delivery she experienced some complications that left her with a brachial plexus injury – damage to the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand. “Her left arm wasn’t moving. It looked like it was just hanging there,” recalls Hanna’s mother, Jacqui.
Balancing Hanna’s care with busy family life wasn’t easy. Her older brothers, Lucas and Elliot, were often at the Centre with her. They were welcomed by the clinicians and often took part in their little sister’s activities. “The team made therapy fun. Hanna often didn’t even notice she was receiving treatment for her arm,” recalls Jacqui. Hanna’s treatment ranged from learning mobility techniques to experiencing different textures and feelings in her left arm.
A major hurdle for Hanna was something most of us take for granted – being able to put our hands behind our heads. Her mobility was so limited in her first year that Hanna’s family had to consider specialized surgery at SickKids in Toronto. This was a struggle for Jacqui and Craig. They decided not to move forward hastily with surgery. Once this decision was made, the team at George Jeffrey was incredibly supportive and Hanna’s treatment continued.
Not too long later Hanna did something amazing – she reached behind her head on her own! This was something Hanna’s doctors thought she may never do.
“Waiting is the hardest part,” says a parent whose child was on the waitlist at George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. There were families unsure about how to help their children. They were waiting for care. With demand for services rising and the need for new strategies becoming apparent, the While You Wait initiative was established to increase access to care for those waiting.
Summer was eventful! Congratulations Cassandra While You Wait project wins award
A caring community...
PHOTO ABOVE: Addison, Ethan, Ava & Violet donate proceeds from a lemonade stand to support children
To see highlights of our community’s support, please visit our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Foundation welcomes Steve MacDonald, new Executive Director
The Board of George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation was honoured to announce Steve MacDonald as the new Executive Director of the Foundation in May. Steve took over from incumbent Mary Anne Comuzzi who is now enjoying retirement.
Steve has over 16 years of public sector experience combined with a master's degree in public administration. He relocated from Peterborough to accept the new position in Thunder Bay.
“I had the pleasure of spending time in Thunder Bay on several occasions prior to moving here and I saw there was a strong sense of community. I’ve received an incredibly warm welcome from everyone,” says Steve. “Over the past few months I’ve had the privilege of seeing how great the care is at George Jeffrey. It is a great honour and responsibility to be working with our community to impact the lives of children and families throughout our region.”
We are happy to welcome Steve to our organization and our community!
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200 Brock St EThunder Bay ON P7E 0A2T: 807-623-6050www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com
Our community's philanthropic spirit is very special.
How YOU are impacting lives
Steve MacDonald, Executive Director807-625-6052 or [email protected]
Colleen Speer, Finance & Administration Officer807-625-6050 or [email protected]
Thea Books, Events & Public Relations Officer807-625-6051 or [email protected]
Supporting access to care at George Jeffrey will continue to be a priority for our Foundation. Our “No Child Should Wait” commitment will not waver. To learn more please call Steveat 807-625-6052.
Children and their families will continue to benefit.
Thank YOU for increasing access to care!
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We’re most grateful to every donor, sponsor, business and group who has aligned their efforts with our charity so far this year.
This has included great creativity and leadership from children and youth throughout our community – thank you Cedar, Connor, Julia, Emma, Bradyn, Phoenix, Dawson, Karlie, Addison, Ethan, Ava, Violet and St. Ignatius High School!
www.georgejeffreyfoundation.com
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