Mabel* and her eight-year-old son Darwin* are recent immigrants and have been participating in “Fun on the Farm” at our Brooksdale Environmental Centre (*names changed). They connected with A Rocha through another community organization which is helping them find a footing in Canada through literacy and after school programs.
We eventually learned that Darwin was in foster care during the past year due to “family tension.” A Rocha’s program was deemed an ideal setting for them to interact, and, in fact, Mabel only sees her son for a substantial period of time when they come to A Rocha. Mabel explained that “Fun on the Farm” is a good place for her to spend time with Darwin. “The farm is the place I can go to relax,” she said. She and Darwin learn and laugh together at A Rocha, as they participate in cooking classes, nature walks, harvest times in the garden and so much more. We are delighted to offer them a safe place that is both restorative and restful, as well as educational.
