HOPE’S HOME LAUNCHED CAMPAIGN TO RAISE $8 MILLION FOR SASKATOON’S MEDICALLY INCLUSIVE CHILD CARE CENTER WITH KICK OFF GIFT FROM JIM PATTISON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

,

SASKATOON, SK
June 15, 2023
HOPE’S HOME IS OPENING SASKATOON’S FIRST MEDICALLY INCLUSIVE CHILD CARE CENTER WITH KICKOFF GIFT FROM JIM PATTISON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Hope’s Home Announcement

As the only medically inclusive child care center in Canada, Hope’s Home provides care where kids with complex medical and typical needs learn, grow and thrive. With on-site nurses that provide medical care to children, Hope’s Home is a national leader filling a gap that exists in child and infant healthcare. Since 2005, Hope’s Home has been supporting families outside of a hospital setting in Regina, Warman and Prince Albert.

Hope’s Home will be expanding medically inclusive child care to Saskatoon and kicked off a capital campaign with a special gift announcement from Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
To continue providing the best care for children with complex medical needs across Saskatchewan, Hope’s Home is launching “There’s No Place Like Hope” capital campaign, with an $8 million fundraising goal to open Saskatoon’s first medically inclusive child care center in 2024. Renovations are currently underway at 217 Fairmont Drive.

“For many years, there has been a significant need for accessible child care in Saskatoon for families raising children with complex medical needs,” says Jacqueline Tisher, Founder and CEO of Hope’s Home. “Through the support of the Ministries of Education, Social Services, and Health and Saskatchewan Health Authority, we are excited to open this new center and to make a difference in the lives of Saskatoon families who need it most.”

The Partnership

To provide the best health care for kids with critically complex medical needs beyond the walls of the hospital, Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) is partnering with Hope’s Home to provide specialized medical, therapy, sensory, and accessible equipment as well as programs that are necessary and vital to meet the diverse needs of the kids that both organizations serve. This partnership also places a family-focused approach with a daytime respite option for families and caregivers outside Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is proud to partner with Hope’s Home by providing a $700,000 gift towards the specialized pediatric equipment and accessible medical fixtures required within this unique facility. In addition, JPCHF received a donor-designated gift of $300,000 in support of caring for critically complex pediatric health care needs and programming for Hope’s Home.

Brynn Boback-Lane, President & CEO of Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation stated, “As a provincial Foundation, working with Hope’s Home showcases collaboration that has a direct impact on the health of Saskatchewan kids. Hope’s Home is an arm of provincial children’s health care, aligning with our Foundation’s mission, strategic directions and demonstrates that through the fostering of collaborative support, we can promote and positively improve health for our province’s children. A heartfelt thank you to Bev and Duane Smith for your generous commitment in recognizing the work of both organizations and enabling a continuum of care opportunity through our collective efforts.”

“For many years, Bev and I have been supporters of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. It is our desire to support leading edge provincial organizations focused on the needs of children and this partnership between JPCHF and Hope’s Home meets our personal philanthropic goals. The JPCHF’s purpose is to focus on the whole needs of the child and the arm of support from Hope’s Home, absolutely fits with the common purpose these two organizations share. We are thrilled to see a one-of-a-kind facility in Canada provide an environment where children with very complex medical needs are given a chance to learn, thrive and make friends while at the same time assisting their families with the physical and emotional stress they experience. This partnership is also an exceptional example where people across the province can come together to find innovative solutions and take action to meet the critical care and respite needs of children and their families,” said Bev and Duane Smith. “We are so thankful for our partnership with Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and the work we have been able to accomplish together across the province and now in Saskatoon as we care for children with complex medical needs.” said Jacqueline Tisher, Founder & CEO, Hope’s Home.

 

“There’s No Place Like Hope” Capital Campaign

With renovations underway, a total of $9.4 million is needed to bring inclusive child care to Saskatoon. The Government of Saskatchewan’s, Ministry of Education has provided funding to support this new licensed medically inclusive child care center. Thanks to these partnerships and with the generosity of the community, $3 million has been raised towards the “There’s No Place Like Hope” capital campaign to date. Together, we are all meeting the unique needs of our children.

The new Saskatoon location will feature two separate centers caring for 144 kids ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. Spaces will be held for kids with complex medical needs making this center an extension of pediatric healthcare. On-site nursing care, early childhood educators, developmental workers, and physical development consultants will provide Saskatoon families with a safe and inclusive environment where children receive the care they need.

To learn more and to support the “There’s No Place Like Hope” capital campaign visit hopeshome.org.
-30-

Hope’s Home Media Inquiries
Danielle Bradnam
Marketing and Communication Manager
Hope’s Home
306.992.2184
Dbradnam@hopeshome.org

 

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation Media Inquiries:
Haley Buhs
Communications Director
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation
306.931.9701
haley@pattisonchildrens.ca

Celebrating our Rec Programmers

,
February is Therapeutic Recreation month!
 
There are many kind-hearted souls working behind the scenes to ensure the kiddos in our care are having the best experience and our Rec Programmers are an important piece of the puzzle.
 
In celebration of Therapeutic Rec month we had them answer questions about their field and even debunk a few myths about recreation therapy!
 
Any myths you’d like to bust about Recreation Programming?
 
We do a lot more than plan parties! Recreation Programmers are involved in all aspects of a child’s life. It’s functional – an incorporation of play, therapies, and life skills. It’s about holistic growth of an individual by improving their quality of life; empowering an individual from a strengths-based approach to learn and develop new skills in a fun way.
 
Recreation Programmers can choose to work in so many different areas, so why Hope’s Home?
 
Because there’s no place like HOPE. Each day brings new hope, an opportunity to learn more and a passion to make a difference in the lives of these little, amazing people. It’s a person centered program that allows kids to be kids.
 
What are you most looking forward to in 2022?
 
Accomplishing new milestones, those little moments that remind you that what you are doing and providing for the children is making a difference in their life.
 
What might others be surprised to learn about you?
 
One of our programmers is afraid of hospitals, another is afraid of pets. One of our programmers is originally from BC and we’ve even got a spin instructor in our midst!
 
And when we asked them tips for getting through the winter…
 
Embrace it and buckle up – we live in Saskatchewan! Always have a bit of a back up plan, whether it be a preplanned activity you just have on hand or even just some quiet time with the children. Sounds like something a rec programmer might say!
 
Thank you to our Rec Programmers for going above and beyond every single day. You are an amazing resource and support for our kiddos. ❤
 
/0 Comments

College Ave Drugs

Our next Heart Campaign spotlight is College Ave Drugs in Regina.
 
This is where our partnership with community pharmacies is born out of. Jack Mullock has been the owner of College Ave Drugs for 25 years, purchasing it in 1997 when it was known as Williams Drugs.
 
We opened our first Supportive Living Home in Regina and the partnership with Jack has remained. Our CEO Jacque Tisher and Jack go way back – with both of their children attending the same school!
 
They share a common goal of making it simple for families to get the care they need. Jack recalls that Hope’s Home has always been close to his heart, having had ties to youth with medically complex conditions for many years.
One of the ways Jack knew he could help was to create a one stop shop for families. Caregivers are often sourcing equipment, dietary supplements and many other supplies from separate providers. Jack began sourcing much of the supplies caregivers needed to make it easier on them.
 
One thing Jack notes is that he is as supportive of caregivers as he is of the kids. He sees the ways they are pulled in different directions and does what he can to streamline the process. It’s been great for him to branch out and develop a new framework of knowledge while providing an essential service to the community.
 
Jack’s involvement in the community can be seen in his reason behind giving back. He sees the community as a network of people who support him and his employees. They give him a sense of security; they give his employees a livelihood. They allow him to provide jobs for other people. He sees it as his responsibility to give back, to give thanks for everything this community has given him.
 
In the last few years, Jack has noticed that more and more people are becoming aware of Hope’s Home and what we do. He states that it’s important that people know how complicated the care is and what it really takes to look after each other in the community.
 
And as a reminder – you can still purchase a heart at College Ave Pharmacy until February 28th for our heart campaign where they will be matching donations!
 
Thank you so much to Jack and your team for being a part of the Hope’s Home family!
/0 Comments

Earl’s Pharmacy – Saskatoon

,
Earl’s Pharmacy in Saskatoon has specialized in long term care since the 70s. That’s what they’re known for and it’s what they excel at. Not only are they a partner for our Heart Campaign, but they are a long-standing partner of Hope’s Home. ❤
 
Having looked after Parkridge since it opened, it was a natural partnership to transition to the care of our kiddos at Hope’s Home. Michele and her team have been with us since the very beginning. Her first in-person meeting with us was on the floor of our supportive living home because the furniture hadn’t even been ordered yet! They sat there with papers spread around them, with our employee’s kiddos playing in the background. The Earl’s team was able to put together a business plan for us and make any tweaks along the way. We learn so much from them and they learn so much from our kids and love being involved. Even now, it’s the Earl’s team that visits the home to administer flu and covid shots.
 
Michele herself began working at Earl’s for Mr. Earl when she was finishing classes at the U of S in the late 80s, graduating in 1990. Earl’s has always been a proponent of technology and remaining current. They were the first to have a computer in a pharmacy in all of Saskatchewan and the first to start packaging medications in pouches in 1999. Long term care is her passion and it shows. Michele worked her way up to senior pharmacist and is now manager of Earl’s Pharmacy, part of the Rubicon group of pharmacies.

She has an amazing team of pharmacists that inspire her every day. She gushes that they are so incredibly caring and are always coming up with ways they can support the ideas that Hope’s Home may have. Michele states that “good enough is never good enough.” They are consistently working to go above and beyond, making a difference any way they can. She reminds us that you can get bogged down in the day to day, so every now and then it’s important to stop and remember what we do and how important it is. She reminds her crew every day that they have the gift of doing what many people will never do and how truly special that gift is.

 
#hopeshome #heartcampaign #yxe #ypa #yqr #warman #medicaldaycare
 
/0 Comments

Heart Campaign Pharmacy Spotlight: VSCP

,
During our Heart Campaign, we’re taking the time to highlight the local pharmacies that work with us; ensuring our kiddos always receive the essential care they require.
 
Roses Stewart has spent 48 years in Prince Albert practicing as a pharmacist, 27 of those years as the owner of Victoria Square Compounding Pharmacy (VSCP). After just a few minutes of chatting with Roses, it’s clear how proud and invested she is in her own community. She passionately declares that she loves this community and the wonderful people in it.
 
A core value of Roses is contributing to the health and welfare of the community in whatever capacity she is able. She jokes that she contributes to anyone or any cause that needs it, but that’s far from a joke! From sports teams, arts and entertainment, horse-back riding teams, beach volleyball, the path around town (Rotary trail), to long-term care facilities, she’s had a hand in supporting many community efforts.
 
The building that houses VSCP has a state of the art compounding room, a decade ahead of its time. In fact, the compounding area is one of the best in all of North America. 😉 Adding to the health of the community, VSCP is also the home of a counselling practice.
As Hope’s Home’s local pharmacy in Prince Albert, VSCP works closely with us to ensure that medications for our kiddos are tailored to their specific needs and they are always there to answer any questions we might have. We are so thankful to Roses and her team for their expertise and support.
 
For the entire month of February you can purchase a heart for $2 in the name of a child, with VSCP matching donations in support of Hope’s Home. ❤
 
#hopeshome #heartcampaign #showalittlelove #medicaldaycare #diversity #inclusion #inclusivedaycare #inclusivechildcare #ypa #vscp #victoriasquarecompoundingpharmacy #sask #sk #sasklove #theresnoplacelikehope
/0 Comments

We found Santa!

Read more
/0 Comments
donation for accessible vans

Surprising our homes with NEW Accessible Vans

Read more
/0 Comments
Magnetic Fishing - early childhood education ideas

Magnetic Fishing – Early Childhood Education Ideas

Child Initiated Play is part of our daily routine at daycare.

Hope’s Home encourages the use of imagination and creativity. That is why our environments are set up to be open-ended activities so that the children have the freedom to explore and do as they please. Our Early Childhood Educators are amazing at coming up with new and creative ways to let the children explore their own interests and curiosity, and we love sharing those child initiated play and project approach ideas. We are huge advocates for the Reggio Emilia model and want to help other Early Childhood Educators by providing them with inspiration.

So, what exactly is child initiated play?

According to Early Years Careers, it supports children in having ideas and being in control of their learning. It enables them to learn through first-hand experiences, allowing them to choose how to use the resources to do so.

Magnetic Fishing Activity

In this example of child initiated play, these two girls have gone fishing. Out of all of the toys in the room they chose the fishing poles and magnetic letters and fish. Each has a pole dangling a magnet above the letters. Several seconds and no fish have been caught. So they take turns hooking a fish or letter onto the end of the other’s line.

ideas for eces - team work activity early childhood education ideas - magentic fishing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are they learning through this activity?

  • They are learning muscle control as they hold and guide the fishing rods and try to match the magnet on the end to a letter or fish. Picking up the items with their fingers requires fine motor control.
  • They are learning letter recognition and pre-reading skills. Being introduced to letters in multiple formats throughout the day and giving the children a chance to experience them in many different ways, helps children practice what they’ve learned during Circle Times.
  • They are learning to cooperate and work together. Social skills are practiced through taking turns, helping each other, and talking out what they are doing.  Allowing children to play in pairs or smaller groups provides opportunities for children to build relationships with each other.

Turning play into a learning opportunity.

Activities like this can bring out questions and curiosities, leading to projects and deeper learning opportunities. For example, if the children are showing interest in the letters, pointing out what letter their name starts with could lead to talking about all of the letters in their name; and eventually into an interest in spelling and writing. Or the children could observe how the magnet picks up the letter by “sticking” to it. They may try to stick the magnet to other toys and surfaces in the room, exploring the properties of a magnet.

We love sharing our ideas just as much as we love hearing new ideas.

Do you have any fun and unique early childhood education ideas? Make sure you leave a comment down below! Childhood development is such an important part of their life and by sharing ideas we can improve our skills as ECEs to help our kids.

/1 Comment