Precious Minds provides support to families with children who have barriers to learning. This includes the full spectrum of learning, physical, developmental and behavioural disabilities.
The Need for SupportThe Greater Toronto Area is one of North America's fastest-growing areas and Durham Region is no exception. There are over 2000 children with barriers to learning within a 50-kilometer radius of our Resource and Learning Centre.
Children with barriers to learning are more likely to have limitations in physical, social, emotional or behavioral functioning in comparison with peers of the same age. In North America, youth with special needs are less likely than their non-disabled peers to finish high school, go on to post-secondary education, find employment, earn an adequate wage, and live independently.
The impact on the family is significant. (Click here to learn more about our goals)
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
Former Local Uxbridge Student & Group Wins $5,000 for Precious MindsThree students attending Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill recently won a $5,000 grant for a local charity, Precious Minds, with the YPI program, which is incorporated into their grade 10 curriculum. The Youth and Philanthropic Initiative (YPI) provides high school students with a reality experience to research social issues and advocate on behalf of local grass root charities. The YPI program sets out to empower youth to actively participate in the development of their communities, engage them as dedicated problem solvers and volunteers.
Former local Uxbridge student, Safiya Nanji and her teammates, Denis Ryabtsun and Nicole Grella, competed against other grade ten students at Holy Trinity School to win. After much research for a grass root charity, the group found Precious Minds, a charitable organization which provides support to families with children who have barriers to learning. Precious Minds fit the criteria which were needed and soon, Safiya, Denis and Nicole began to work on their presentation. They worked hard and made t-shirts, PowerPoint presentation, DVD and various brochures to gain attention to their cause. Working extremely diligently, the three made it to the final round of judging. Singing an original song written by Nicole and presenting their project against other finalists, the three were ecstatic when they won. Safiya said, "YPI gave me the opportunity to learn the importance of grass roots charities." The three mentioned that the competition was extremely tough and they were very lucky to win the grant. Denis said, "It was an amazing experience that provided insight on the charities who need help today". Both Precious Minds and HTS are very proud of Safiya, Denis and Nicole.
Recently, they attended the annual YPI Gala Event with Sharon Butchart, head of community and fundraising affairs of Precious Minds. Sharon received the $5,000 cheque on behalf of Precious Minds and met with the group.
