This fall, parents like Mari need your help. Kids and families in our community are struggling with issues like poor mental health, trauma, addictions, lack of parenting skills and more. Take Mari’s* story, for example. Mari grew up in a family that struggled with addictions, and she was often exposed to Read more
We're proud to present our 2017/2018 Report to the Community to all of our donors, funders, partners and supporters. This year's report tells the stories of some of the 2,263 children, youth and parents we served over the past 12 months; from Alex, a young man who gained valuable coping Read more
For over 12 years, Camp Chestermere has been welcoming youth from our Teaching Homes to their overnight summer camps, offering Closer to Home a steep discount for each child. Without this, we wouldn’t be able to give our kids this exciting and valuable experience, where they get to participate in Read more
For the past 10 years, Sonia Lopez has welcomed countless children into her home as a Foster Parent. The role came into her life at just the right time, because the following year her husband passed away. “Having kids around me during that difficult time helped me a lot,” Sonia Read more
Growing up on a farm with seven siblings and a large extended family, Agnes was brought up to pitch in and lend a helping hand to others. At the age of eight or nine, she got to join a 4-H club. “Maybe it all started there,” she says. “I find Read more
Since 1929, Scarboro United Church has prided itself on being an open-minded, diverse and caring community, welcoming people and families from all backgrounds, beliefs and values. They are an ‘Affirming Congregation,’ meaning they have adopted the affirming process to be inclusive of the LGBTQ2+ communities. They also pride themselves on Read more
Are you thinking of becoming a Foster Parent? Here's how you'll know that you might be ready: 1. I have talked with my family about what it means to be a Foster Family and we are all supportive of it. 2. I understand that a child may only be in my Read more
At my child’s parent/teacher interview at school, I received some information that I wasn’t expecting. How can I be an effective advocate for my child during the next parent/teacher interview? As a parent and foster parent myself, I understand how it can be surprising to hear information about your child Read more
Each year, Closer to Home connects generous donors with families in need of support during the holiday season. Donors hit the stores to shop for everything from basic necessities like winter coats, bedding, and pots and pans, to a fun new toy that will light up a child’s eyes on Read more
Thank you to all our donors and volunteers for supporting Closer to Home (July 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018). Our donors in the last quarter: Ailsa Stockton Alaris Royalty Corp. Amy Heidman Andrew McQuiston Arlene Oostenbrink Bailey Rivard Barb Henning Blake Reid Brett Shikaze Bubbles Car Wash and Detail Read more
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