Q) Can I direct my donation to a specific purpose?
A) We encourage donors to direct their gifts toward the type of programming or resource that is most meaningful to them, and we welcome new suggestions for fund usage. On our website donation page there is also a section in which you can select one of eight uses for your donation.
To make a donation by credit card click here.
To make a donation by cash or cheque click here.
Q) Can I interview a Centre for DREAMS staff member?
A) Due to the high volume of these requests, we cannot do interviews by phone. If you email us 10 clearly written questions via e-mail we will answer them within one week. We can also provide in-person interviews as long as the request is made one week prior to the interview date.
Q) Do you offer tours?
A) If you are interested in touring one of our facilities, please call us at (905)209-9092 to make arrangements with one of our staff.
Q) Do you provide student placements for college and university students?
A) Yes, we are committed to providing meaningful and challenging student placements. Please contact Michelle Del Carmen- Director of Operations for more information and visit our section regarding co-op here.
Q) Does The Centre for Dreams offer summer programming?
A) Yes, in the summer we offer special programming that is accessible to non-members. Please contact Michelle Del Carmen (905) 209-9092 ext. 21.
Q) Does The Centre for Dreams offer parent relief or respite?
A) The Centre for DREAMS offers support for parents during the day. There is no evening or weekend programming.
Q) Does The Centre for Dreams get funding from the government
A) The Centre for DREAMS receives a foundation grant annually by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. The grant only accounts for 16% of our annual income. The remaining income is received through members and fundraising initiatives.
Q) Can I volunteer my time with The Centre for Dreams?
A) Volunteer involvement and human resources are essential aspects in our organization and we value your innovative and individualized ideas. Through careful recruitment, selection and supervision, our volunteers work in partnership with our dedicated staff to enhance our services and to achieve your personal and professional goals
Administrative Volunteer
Assist staff with special projects and general office administrative duties. Applicants must possess accurate word processing skills and good working knowledge of the internet and Microsoft Office.
Program Volunteer
Interact with the people we serve. Be a reading buddy in one of our day programs or help our residents during outings. There are many ways one can make a difference through assisting with program activities.
Special Events
You can help to achieve our dreams by participating on a fundraising event committee. Be on the forefront of the planning process by helping with advertising, seeking out sponsorships, gift-in-kind and generating ticket sales. For more information, please visit the “Events” section of the website.
To become a volunteer, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age to volunteer within the programs or 16 years of age to volunteer at an event
- Be a great communicator who possesses leadership and maturity
- Fill out a Volunteer Application Form
- If invited, submit your resume and participate in a telephone interview
- If chosen, complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening Form
- Attend an individual/group orientation session
- Start volunteering!
To apply, please complete the application form and submit it in person or fax to 905.471.9320.
Should you have further questions, feel free to contact Keri Kisiloski at
905-209-9092 ext 22
Q) Is there a fee for the programs and services offered by The Centre for Dreams?
A) The program fee for our services is $30/day. There is also an activity fee which differs for full-time and part-time members. Full-time members attend program 4-5 days a week and their activity fee is $30/week while part-time members attend program 2-3 days a week therefore their activity fee is $15/week.
Although we cannot subsidize the fee for program, members can use their Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding, Passports funding or ODSP in order to help cover the costs to attend DREAMS.
Q) What qualifies a person to receive services from The Centre for Dreams?
A) The Centre for DREAMS provides services for individuals over the age 16 that are diagnosed with a developmental disability.
Q) What is a developmental disability?
A) Developmental disabilities are given a variety of definitions depending where it's used. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy and Down's Syndrome are three of the most common examples of developmental disabilities. Although autism, cerebral palsy and Downs syndrome, are common developmental disabilities, an innumerable variety of developmental disabilities exists. Developmental disabilities are generally used to describe life-long impairments that are attributable to mental and/or physical disabilities. Terms such as intellectually challenged, learning disability, cognitive disability, intellectual disability, and mental handicap are all synonyms typically used for developmental disability.
Q)
What are some updated statistics for persons with a developmental disability?
A) *Persons ages 15-24 years are the most prevalent age group in Canada 2006 that have a developmental disability
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability at 17%
Per 10,000 persons a year in Canada 20 babies are born with Autistic disorder, 15 babies
are born with pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and 5
babies are born with Asperger Syndrome.
Q) What is The Centre for Dreams? What is the history of the agency?
A) In September of 1991 The Centre for DREAMS was opened by Elaine Vollett. As the mother of an intellectually challenged adult, Elaine wanted to fill the gap in our educational system. Elaine emphasizes continuing education beyond the high school years in addition to encouraging life skill building in order to help those with intellectual challenges become autonomous individuals.
The Centre for Dreams is a day program dedicated to providing a curriculum designed specifically for adults with intellectual challenges. We provide these special individuals with educational programs and social skills training with the hopes of integrating them into the community - both independently and confidently. We want to ensure that they will become productive, independent, dignified and respected members therein.
Q) What makes The Centre for Dreams different from other day programs?
A) The Centre for DREAMS differs from other day programs because we cater to a wide range of disabilities as well as to a wide range of ages. We also have longer hours than most day programs. In regards to the programming itself we differ because we run a very structured program and it is very innovative. We offer life skill building and job training programming but we also use a lot of alternative therapies to educate our clients.
Q) Are the Centre For Dreams annual reports available to the public?
A) Yes, they are. The annual report can be viewed here, and the financial statement can be viewed here.
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