When you give to United Way’s Community Fund, you make it possible for community members to realize their full potential.

At a very young age, Evan’s mom knew that he was not developing the same as most children. He was afraid to go new places, meet new people and try new things. He seemed scarred all the time but couldn’t express his feelings to his mother. Like any concerned parent, Evan’s mom took him to the doctor where he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Soon after his diagnosis Evan began attending Playgroups at the Progress Centre for Early Intervention; a place to provide support, information, resources and educational programs for families with young children who have developmental delays. Although it took Evan a long time to get used to the Playgroups, Evan said, “They helped me learn it was Ok to be around kids my age, and that sometimes it can be fun.”

Once Evan was comfortable being around other children and letting his mother go, he enrolled in a preschool in his neighborhood. “I love the Progress Centre. Even though I’m a ‘big school kid’ now, I can still visit the centre to borrow toys and mom can get her books to help me, too,” says Evan.

63% of playgroup children mastered skills in three target areas of development; hand use, specific cognitive tasks and social interaction. You can help fund a program like this one by donating to United Way’s Community Fund. Your donation supports possibility and potential for children, youth, seniors and neighborhoods right here in our community.