Jayden's Story

Meet Jayden, a proud graduate of the ErinoakKids Independent Living Program (ILP). You may recognize him from his feature in our 2022-2023 Annual Report.

The ILP offers ErinoakKids clients ages 16-19 an opportunity to learn life skills while living in an accessible dorm room at the University of Toronto, Mississauga. From buying groceries, to taking transit, to navigating activities around the city, Jayden and his peers in the ILP graduated with skills they can use to live a more independent life.

Jayden goes grocery shopping with some friends

Jayden learning how to cook at the ILP

The ILP didn’t only benefit Jayden, but his family, too. His sister was so happy to see him connecting with others. His dad shared that this program taught the family it’s okay to push Jayden a bit out of his comfort zone. His Mom expressed how overjoyed she was watching Jayden become the kind of self-advocate she always knew he could be.

Now living independently in residence at Mohawk College (and loving it!), Jayden really appreciates the financial literacy he learned during his time in the ILP. He can budget his finances and calculate how much he has left on his student access card. He tracks his money, budgets weekly for meals and keeps an eye on his spending outside of his student access card as well. Jayden now knows to always ask for his receipts to ensure he stays on budget, all thanks to the life skills he learned during his time in the ILP.

Jayden stands in front a of banner that reads "welcome to residence"

Jayden in his dorm room at Mohawk College

That is just one of the many ways the ILP helped Jayden and his friends!

Independence is something many of us take for granted. For Jayden and his friends in the ILP, many of whom have been clients of ErinoakKids for many years, it has been truly life changing.

An Update on Jayden...

Hayden holds his plaque for the Academic Excellence Award
Shortly after graduating from the ILP, Jayden worked hard, transitioning to college life at Mohawk College, living independently and supporting his local community.

In April 2024, Jayden received the Academic Excellence Award! Recipients of this award are recognized for outstanding achievement and their positive contribution within their program of study. They are involved in community outreach and demonstrate a passion for life-long learning.

Jayden posing with Cebert Adamson, VP of Academics at Mohawk College, holding the plaque for the Academic Excellence Award

Jayden with Cebert Adamson, VP of Academics at Mohawk College

Jayden's mom says, "we are eternally grateful for this recognition for Jayden and we are so proud of him too! He could not have done this without the help of all of his ErinoakKids family/friends/therapists."

Jayden holding a sign that reads "Award recipient" with his mother who is holding a sign that reads "proud parent". There are balloons in the background.

Jayden also added, "I graduated from Mohawk College in June 2024 with honours. I managed my schedule and coursework, while I lived with a roommate at the college campus. I had to live independently and I went home for the weekends.

I am not 100% sure what I will do in the fall. I am searching for a job and so far I have not found anything. I still volunteer at the Oakville Public Library and also at ErinoakKids Oakville. I help Jessica Sacco in the resource centre and I also help with the Infant Hearing Program. I may take the online courses for the Library and information technician program on a part-time basis with Mohawk College and OntarioLearn."

Your donation will help us continue to deliver exceptional care and support for children with disabilities. We wouldn't be where we are today without your kind and generous support!

With your help, this program will give teens just like Jayden the opportunity to learn critical life skills.

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