June Callwood Centre champions change for women and children

TORONTO, Oct. 19 /CNW/ - The June Callwood Centre for Women and Families is being recognized by the Atkinson Charitable Foundation with the 2010 Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award for its outstanding contribution to improving the wellbeing of children.

"The June Callwood Centre for Women and Families has demonstrated a remarkable ability to work with women and families to break the cycle of poverty in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Their unwavering commitment to empower women to break down stereotypes and advocate for improved economic and social conditions for young mothers and their children is particularly impressive," said Emily Mathieu, member of the selection committee and a Trustee of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation.

Dedicated to supporting pregnant young women, young parents and their children, the Centre operates on the belief that it takes a village to raise a child, a philosophy that has been actively practiced for more than 28 years with impressive results. The Centre's dedicated staff, volunteers and donors bring education, health services and much needed emotional support to more than 1,200 pregnant young women and young families every year.

"We are honoured to receive this Award for excellence because The Atkinson Charitable Foundation recognizes, as we do, the need to provide basic services to young parents and their children.  Equally, they recognize the need to address the root causes of poverty and homelessness. Our Centre's service model is based on the belief that for our young families to experience wellbeing, they must have access to basic needs and a sense of belonging," said Maritza Sanchez, Executive Director of the June Callwood Centre for Women and Families.

"I first came to June's Centre when I was seventeen.  I was three months pregnant and needing help.  The Counselors were able to help me with housing and support in all sorts of areas.  I feel like I am a strong mother and a strong role model for other young moms. I am back in school full-time, and have started my own business selling used school uniforms and developing a website for young mothers. June's Centre has definitely made a positive difference in my life and my daughter's.  It's really important for young moms like me to have a safe place to get all kinds of help," said Jasmine, a participant in the June Callwood Centre's Community Education Program.

The Award is presented annually in memory of Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh, president of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation until her death in 1994. Established in 1998 to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, the $50,000 award is the largest of its kind in Canada.

For further information:

Pedro Barata, Atkinson Foundation, 416-869-4800