Over the past 52 years, the CDC has grown from the church basement where it all began, to a facility with over 45 employees and programming which helps children from Taylor to Wonowon and all the communities and First Nations in between. All with the support of the community.
From occupational therapy, speech therapy and family services, through the Early Learning Program and Aboriginal Infant Development program, the staff at the CDC aim to provide physical and developmental assistance to families that they otherwise couldn’t access in the North.
Demand for the CDC’s services has increased over the past five decades, and last year “we received 1,220 new referrals for services and provided services to 979 unique clients,” Crystal Kalas, Supported Child Development Consultant and Talent Show Coordinator told Fort St. John City Council this week.
The CDC’s Executive Director, Tana Millner added that the average wait in the community for speech therapy is two and a half years, while occupational therapy is two years.
“The demands continue to grow. Our funding parameters do not,” Millner said. “We advocate very extensively – unfortunately MCFD, which is our main funder, don’t get the biggest pockets of money when the provincial government rolls out their budgets.”
“It’s a sad reality of our community that children are waiting for services at a really critical time in their lives.”
On March 7 the Child Development Centre will hold its 52nd Annual Talent Show at the North Peace Cultural Centre. This year, the capital campaign aims to raise $500,000 for the rennovation of the Nelson house, which the CDC purchased earlier this year. So far this year, they have raised over $120,000 for this project.
The house is located on the corner of the CDC property and will be used for programming such as early intervention, CYSM respite and life skills and the Grow Autism program, however it needs extensive rennovations to accommodate the programming.
“Throughout the month of February and leading up to the 52nd Annual Talent Show, we’ll be working with a variety of community businesses as they host CDC events and help us raise awareness about the programs and services that we offer.”
Kalas invited mayor and council to participate in the Talent Show, not only in an honourary capacity by introducing performers, but she suggested they perform as well.
Anyone interested in performing at the CDC Talent Show on March 7 can contact talent@cdcfsj.ca for more information.
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