Camp Rover Charity Spotlight Series - Toba Centre
Today we’d like to spotlight Toba Centre and their efforts in restoring the health and wellbeing of those affected by child abuse through a coordinated, community response. This charity was selected by Victoria of Miss Millie’s Flower Farm - one of our Camp Rover Flower Friend Panelists.
If you didn’t already know this is something we do with each speaker we bring on; we want to give back to causes that matter to the people that matter to us.
What does Toba Centre focus on in their efforts to serve the community?
“Toba Centre for Children & Youth is a charitable organization that coordinates a collaborative approach to interviewing child abuse victims and children who have witnessed violent crimes. We are currently expanding and evolving our centre in order to achieve our vision that every victim of child abuse, and every child witness to violence, is heard, helped, and healed.
Within our new space, police, social work, medical, and other support services work together to serve children and families. This coordinated response serves to reduce potential trauma to children and families and improve services overall, while preserving and respecting the rights, mandates, and obligations of mandated agencies.” - Toba Centre (website)
How did Toba Centre come to be?
“Toba Centre for Children & Youth (formerly Snowflake Place) was created in 2013 to provide a safe, child-friendly setting for children impacted by abuse or witness to violence, and their caregivers, to meet with service providers and to be interviewed by highly trained forensic interviewers. Services expanded in 2020 with the addition of case navigation support services aimed at ensuring the well-being and recovery of children and their families. In 2023, we moved to our current location in Assiniboine Park.” - Toba Centre (website)
What are the biggest challenges that Toba Centre face?
“It is our job, everyday, to look for ways to better support children impacted by abuse and to lead systemic change. We take that responsibility very seriously.” - Toba Centre (website)
Do you have a current fundraiser or program you'd like to share with the Camp Rover Community?
“Toba Centre’s Helping Hounds, DWW Duke and DWW Booster.
Our favourite furry friends bring comfort to children and families attending our centre, reducing any stress or anxiety they may be experiencing. They can greet children and families, join in meetings, and be present with children and youth during their interviews.
Most of all, they are much beloved companions to staff and visitors alike!
DWW Duke and DWW Booster come from Dogs with Wings (DWW), an Alberta-based organization that has been changing lives for the better since 1996. Dogs in their program are only three days old when their special care and training begins. They are also accredited by the Assistance Dogs international program. That means DWW Duke and DWW Booster are trained to the highest possible standards.
Toba Centre is proud to be DWW’s first Manitoba partner, and we’re sure that we won’t be the last!” - Toba Helping Hounds (website)
How can the Camp Rover Community give back to Toba Centre ? What needs do you need to be filled right now?
“Volunteers play an essential role in our centre by helping build our capacity and being part of the community of support for the children and families we serve.
All Toba Centre for Children & Youth staff and volunteers must satisfactorily complete background checks including, but not limited to: a Prior Contact Check, Child Abuse Registry Check, Adult Abuse Registry Check, and Criminal and Vulnerable Persons Record Check.” - Toba Centre Ways to Help (website)
Any closing thoughts or advice for the Camp Rover Community?
“Toba Centre is a child-focused and child-friendly facility for young victims and their caregivers. Our facility is designed to create a sense of safety and security. We aim to help victims and families feel comfortable and supported when they enter our doors.
As a community, we all have a role to play protecting children.
Children rely on the adults around them to keep them safe and to intervene when there are concerns that they may not be safe.
If you are worried about a child or family you know, consider taking some of the steps outlined on our website and/or contact Child and Family Services.” - Toba Centre (website)
Want to give financially to Toba Centre? You can find their donation page here!
Want to support them on their socials?
You can find Toba Centre on their Instagram, Facebook or website.
Have a charity or non-profit you’d like us to spotlight? We’d love to! Fill out our Google Form to submit your cause.
Donation Note: All donations will be going to each charity agreed to - via our speaker contracts - post Camp Rover Conference 2024.
