Supporting families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Overview:

Whitecrow Village FASD Society is a non-profit, charitable organisation committed to educating communities and professionals about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and to improving the lives of those who are affected by this prominent neurodevelopmental disability. Since our initial programs’ conception in 1996, our organisation has gained an international reputation as being the leading expert in designing success-engendering environments for persons with FASD.

FASD affects all facets of society and reaches across all social and professional domains. It transcends cultural and economic diversities, and is reported to be the highest occurring birth defect in North America (surpassing autism spectrum disorder, muscular dystrophy, HIV infection, and down syndrome). Health Canada estimates that 9 out of every 1000 babies born in Canada have FASD.

Without proper support and understanding, persons with FASD are at risk for many secondary disabilities including drug and alcohol addictions, trouble with the law, unemployment, poverty, homelessness, depression, and suicide.

Whitecrow Village is for and about community. Our programs offer a model for a way of life and a way of being with one another. Wherever and whenever we come together, we create a place where – regardless of age, colour, gender, social class, disability or ability, sexual preference, religious persuasion, and all other things that have been used to divide and create disharmony among peoples throughout history – each person has equal value and belonging. Each voice is heard; as each completes our circle.

Our primary aim is to provide families and communities with an understanding of FASD that will afford them the ability to regain hope and the strength to heal. Whitecrow Village core programs offer fundamental stepping-stones to enable communities to better examine the local causes of FASD and to provide practical support for the walk together toward prevention.

As part of our Community & Family Stability Programs, our core Live-In FASD Education (L.I.F.E.) Sessions present a microcosm of the “real” world where we live, work, and play together, and where we learn how to understand and appreciate each other; acknowledging our limitations as well as our gifts. These offer families and other participants a unique opportunity to come together as a community, and to gain what many describe as a life changing – even life saving – understanding of FASD. Participants have the opportunity to interact with each other and our team (many of whom have FASD); to engage in classroom and experiential activities which offer them an understanding of the support needed for individuals affected by FASD; and to experience an environment where the contributions made by those with FASD are recognized and appreciated. In addition, we provide community training sessions; motivational speaking and workshops for conferences, seminars, and other events; consultation and mentorship for professionals and local agencies; and ongoing support for families and persons affected by FASD.

How will we use this money? As a non-profit, charitable organisation, we rely exclusively on the support and contributions of volunteers and donors whose generosity and commitment ensure the continued and future success of our life changing programs. We are currently without funding for our core L.I.F.E. Session program (“camps”) and presently have 80+ families “waiting in the wings” as a result.

Financial support in any denomination would be greatly appreciated and would enable us to continue to provide FASD education and support for professionals, communities, and individuals throughout Canada.

A gift of $100-150K from the Aviva Community Fund would provide opportunities for 15-20 families to attend a Whitecrow Village LIFE Session and/or a Whitecrow Village FASD experiential training workshop in various communities throughout Canada.

To learn more about Whitecrow Village: Please check out the videos posted in the media section at the top of this page, visit us online at www.whitecrowvillage.org, visit our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/WhitecrowVillage and be sure to join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whitecrowvillage/