Download the Flyer for Print
To Register, please call: (416) 740-7187
 |
| Click to view Galleries |
St. Bernadette’s Family Resource Centre initiated a day program called St. Jude’s Academy of the Arts, on December 8, 1997. Creation of this program was initiated due to the lack of day programs that are available to adults who are developmentally and/or physically challenged in the community. The Academy focuses on the arts, the development of life skills and aims to provide its clients with a unique creative learning environment.
Program Information:
WHO THE PROGRAM SERVES
St. Jude’s serves individuals age 18 and older who have developmental and/or physical challenges, by integrating them with “able”, Co-op students from local high schools, colleges and/or universities. The program employs a professional theatre producer/director, choir conductor, and dance instructor, to provide training in theatre, dance, and music. Through this collaboration, and artistic experiences, participants gain life-skills, independence, and self-esteem.
CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION & FIELD PLACEMENT
The Academy clients work collaboratively with “able” peers who are Co-op students from local high schools and colleges. An academic placement at St. Jude’s provides students with valuable practical field experience for individuals who intend to continue to study and work in the social service field. It also provides an opportunity for artistically inclined youth to incorporate their skills in a work setting.
St. Jude’s participates in Co-operative education for students with physical and/or developmental challenges who are in their final year of high school. They are also prospective candidates for the day program upon graduation from high school. This fosters the development of independence, communication skills, social skills, problem-solving and time management skills, and an extension of classroom learning. The day program can better prepare a student for post-secondary education.
Download the Registration Form
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Vibrant theatrical, choral and dance performances are created throughout the year and presented to high schools, elementary schools, senior residences, parks, community centres and churches throughout the community. The choir, drama group and dance troupe perform at St. Bernadette's annual Dinner Dance, and at various other agency fundraisers.
We are excited to be part of the Carmen Stefano Community Centre, located on the park land of the Humber River which allows our program the use of all the wonderful amenities that this fabulous community centre has to offer.
Download the Registration Form
Retreats
ST. JUDE'S NEWEST INITIATIVE
The Spiritual Retreats are our newest feature to our day program. A collaboration has been offered in partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board and Peel District School Board. Each week approximately 100 high schools students throughout the city of Toronto and Mississauga visit St. Jude Academy of the Arts for a spiritual reflection, and learn about the importance of building a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. They learn about the importance and power they receive through sacraments, and the power of prayer. The day is spent with the individuals we serve at St. Jude’s who are intellectually and/or physically challenged. The activities throughout the day include dance, inspirational testimonies of faith, visual arts, literacy, drama. The students collaborate with our participants through the arts and develop relationships and work one on one with the clients we serve. The spiritual retreats are offered to students grades 8 to 12. Along with our creative activities, the day includes a pizza lunch and ends with a Christian rock concert. The clients who participate at St. Jude's are ecstatic about the new relationships they are forming, and are gaining social skills and interpersonal relationships with their increased exposure to the participating youth. Our clients act as mentors for the students who attend in that they open their hearts to all, and demonstrate sincerity and innocence of character, which benefits today's youth in retaining the important message of just being you. Many of the students who attend St. Jude's have come back and socialize with our clients on their schools professional development days due to the warmth and caring environment which they have experienced. We are also accepting students who need to complete community hours as well as co-op students. During the summer, St.Jude's continues to provide an inclusive environment in that a group of 10 youth come weekly from the United States to provide volunteer service through the Youth Works initiative, from the months of June through August. This program is a wonderful demonstration of St.Bernadette’s motto which is We Can live As One.
Download the Registration Form
WHAT OUR PROGRAMS OFFER
St. Jude's serves adults 18 years of age and older.
Daily physical activity is incorporated into our program to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Our dramatic arts program provides an opportunity for self-expression and promotes self-confidence.
Our music program allows clients to express their individual vocal talents.
Our arts and crafts program provides an opportunity for visual expression.
Clients are able to express their individuality through movement in our dance program.
Our staff assist in the development of life skills and independence by leading cooking classes and facilitating group discussions.
The summer program includes weekly fieldtrips and swimming.
The Academy’s performances strengthen the connection between developmentally and/or physically challenged individuals and their community. These performances also promote awareness and a positive view of the disabled within the community.
St. Jude's serves adults 18 years of age and older.
Daily physical activity is incorporated into our program to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Download the Registration Form
REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
Those interested in our day program are required to set up an appointment, which will enable the potential client to visit the program site, find out more about what is offered, and complete the registration process.
Upon acceptance, authorization forms are to be signed. The duration of the registration process varies according to the potential client’s needs. All clients are subject to a two-week trail basis to ensure that the program is suitable.
St Jude’s Academy of the Arts
Humber Sheppard Community Centre
3100 Weston Road
North York, Ontario M9M 2S7
Intersection: Weston and Sheppard
For information and/or to register, please call
(416) 740-7187 | Monday through Friday.
or
Download the Registration Form
GREATER INDEPENDENCE
THROUGH FREEDOM
OF
EXPRESSION