As the Executive Director of The Centre for Dreams, I hold a very important position. Not only am I responsible for upholding the principles and core values upon which we were founded, but I am also deeply connected to our mission and vision as the sister of our founding member. Life with developmental disability is my “normal.” The members of The Centre for Dreams are not special because of their abilities or the challenges they have overcome, they are special because they love

unconditionally and wholeheartedly! 

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Since you are reading this report you have some interest in The Centre for Dreams. If this is your first opportunity you have had to learn about us, we are happy to include you in our circle of friends and a part of our family. To our loyal supporters and friends, welcome back! I am excited to share with all of you some of the exciting work and accomplishments from this past year.

 

Many of our members have been with us for many years, so we are fortunate to witness them progressing toward achieving their life goals and dreams. What some may view as small steps brings great joy to all of our staff and especially to family members who see the changes at home as well. These successes are life changing and indicators that we are indeed staying true to our mission and providing the opportunities and the means for youth, adult and elderly members to focus on their abilities and not their disabilities through educational, social and life skills programs.

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While The Centre for Dreams operates with much appreciated funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, that funding represents 13% of our budget. The remainder of our budget is determined by support from our donors, revenue from fee-for- service clients and proceeds from our fundraising efforts. There are many individuals waiting for service in York and Durham Regions and we are hoping to help by doing a recruitment drive in 2016 and 2017 to introduce new members to amazing Dream Team!

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Our Beyond the Label Campaign launched in 2013 is all about removing labels and realizing that each and every individual is unique and should be allowed to live a life free of judgement. BTL went international in 2016 and can now be found all around the world. From Travelling Art to Taking the Pledge, people have joined forces with The Centre for Dreams to Live Beyond the Label.

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In 2017 you will see some new faces at The Centre for Dreams, new programs and fresh new fundraising efforts. Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see what’s happening on the daily and to see how you can make a DREAM come true!

 

 

Michelle Del Carmen, B.S.W., R.S.W.

Executive Director