Vision Statement

Daybreak Parent Child Centre is for children and families thriving within communities that support them to reach their potential.

Mission Statement

Daybreak Parent Child Centre exists so there will be:

1 Optimal learning, development and programming for children and families experiencing challenges.

1.1 Strengths-based, child centred, programming for children ages 2-5 and their families.

1.2 Health for young children, ages 0-2, supported by parent development programs.

1.3 Healthy parenting; healthy development for children; ages 0-12, supported by home visitation and connection to the community.

II Enhanced community capacity to support families with young children

2.1 DEEDFRI exists so that families with children ages 0-6, living in the neighbourhoods of east-end downtown St. John’s, and the growing community of new Canadian families, will be further strengthened using a holistic, strengths-based and culturally sensitive model, following the principles of family support and community capacity building.

2.2 Daybreak through its available resources extends mentorship and modeling, as well as training to the broader child care community.

III Public policy supportive of child and family well being.

History

Daybreak Parent Child Centre is a non- profit, community based organization. It is governed by a Board of Directors and has a Service Agreement with Eastern Region Integrated Health Authority. Daybreak is mainly known in the community as the Children’s Centre and while it is most important, and has the longest history, it is now one of four programs of Daybreak.

Daybreak has a long history of contributing to the optimal development of children and families. The overall work of Daybreak is firmly grounded in a strengths –based approach, with focus on supporting families’ existing capabilities and strengths. In 1972 Daybreak was known as Teach a Tot Children’s Centre and was located in the basement of Wesley United Church on Patrick Street. From the onset, the program was a non-profit agency run by a volunteer community board. Teach a Tot provided care to preschool children to allow their mothers (single parents) to obtain employment outside of the home. By 1979 the importance of working with the entire family was realized as many of the families had complex, social needs. In 1981 the centre was renamed Daybreak Parent Child Centre to reflect the involvement with the entire family. Melba Robinowhiz was the Executive Director from 1979 to 2002 and is regarded as the Founder of Daybreak.

Over the years Daybreak has been housed in several locations in the community and in August, 2006 all of the programs came together at 74 The Boulevard.

Daybreak was funded by a combination of federal and provincial grants until 1975 and since then has had solid government funding, with the exception of a brief disruption in the early 1990’s.

Community Partners

Daybreak works in partnership with many agencies and individuals in the community. Many of the programs of Daybreak would not be offered without the financial contributions, space availability and moral support it receives from the general community, service organizations, and government partners. Involvement from the community enhances support to the children and families of Daybreak; provides the opportunity to share training opportunities; jointly plan programs, and to promote ‘systems’ improvement.

The work of Daybreak is also greatly assisted by a core of volunteers who are committed to the families of Daybreak.

Board of Directors

Daybreak Parent Child Centre is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors following a policy governance model.

Board of Directors Contact Information:

Daybreak Parent Child Centre
74 The Boulevard
St. John's, NL.
A1A 1K2
Phone: (709) 726-8373
Fax (709) 726-1607

Charitable Donations

Daybreak Parent Child Centre accepts donations of various kinds including donation to our:

Play Garden
Daybreak is currently fundraising towards the development of an outdoor programming and free play area for children with complex physical needs. We envision a place that is inclusive to all regardless of the child's physical abilities. The "Play-Garden" is to provide safe, fun play and learning opportunities with a connection to the natural environment for children. This project cost is approximately $250,000.00 to complete but we are optimistic that we will succeed with donations/contributions from Daybreak’s generous partners and the community at large. Contributions can be directed to Debbie Swyers, Business Administrator, at 726-8373.

Clothing Room
Gently used clothing is accepted and distributed through our Clothing Room to any family involved in Daybreak Parent Child Centre.

Barbara Hammond Food Cupboard
Canned and dried foods are accepted for the Food Cupboard, which provides any family involved in Daybreak Parent Child Centre, with food for a meal in emergencies.

Baby Help Cupboard
Diapers, baby-soap, baby-wipes in addition to baby food and formula are accepted for the Baby Help Cupboard, which provides any family involved in Daybreak Parent Child Centre, with help for their babies in emergencies.

Charitable, tax-deductible receipts are issued for cash and in-kind donations.

To make a donation contact the General Office, for telephone numbers and/or email addresses.