Monday, December 14th, we welcomed the CEO of the John McGivney Children's Centre, Jessica Sartori. The relationship between the John McGivney Children's centre has always been strong since John McGivney was a Rotarian of our club from 1955 to his passing in 2014.
This child treatment center is one of 22 centres in Ontario. The organization relies on donations for a significant part of their extra programing that contributes to improving the quality of life and socializing of their young patients.
In addition to their programming, they have many facilities within their building to support children, including the Physio gym, Snoezelen room, family waiting area, a toy lending library, and a seating workshop!
They share a space with JCMM School Authority, the YMCA Daycare and the Learning Disability Association Windsor-Essex. Jessica explained that they are a centre for hope, acceptance and opportunities.
JMCC Goals for 2021-2022 include:
Family-centred care
Growing a community culture (building our brand, investing in our people)
Engaging in the transformation agenda
Becoming an innovative hub of Learning and Practice (empowering technology and driving innovation)
Family-centred care
Growing a community culture (building our brand, investing in our people)
Engaging in the transformation agenda
Becoming an innovative hub of Learning and Practice (empowering technology and driving innovation)
Jessica Sartori invited a parent of the JMCC to speak about her family's experience with the centre. Lucia Chevalier, Marek's mom, shared their story and how the John McGivney Center has helped them grow and learn after her young son suffered a stroke.
Tears were shed as Lucia explained how grateful she is for the activities and approach they used to build rapport with Marek. The behavioural changes that accompany a stroke were the most difficult to adapt to, but she is proud to share that Marek is doing much better today, and she's hopeful for the future! She hopes that his story and journey will inspire others, and because of the John McGivney centre, Lucy has her little boy back.
The Rotary Club of Windsor 1918 has donated more than 500,000 to the JMCC over the last ten years.
Current Priorities of the JMCC include:
Build up toy lending library
Continuing to offer our Recreation Therapy Program and shifting it to a virtual platform
Expanding Play McGivney
Tree Possibilities
Virtual Service Technology
Build up toy lending library
Continuing to offer our Recreation Therapy Program and shifting it to a virtual platform
Expanding Play McGivney
Tree Possibilities
Virtual Service Technology
Thank you, Jessica Sartori and Lucia, for sharing the impact of the JMCC in our community!