About Us
VISION
To create an inclusive community that fosters belonging and empowers individuals and their families affected by autism.
MISSION
FOOTPRINTS 4 Autism provides recreational respite for families with children and youth who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Respite is provided in a safe, fun, supportive and social environment.
Our Story
A request for assistance at Dunbarton-Fairport United Church was the catalyst to provide respite care to families with children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. It was a group of like-minded community members that sought to find a way to support this family.
That was 2004 and today we continue to provide recreational respite services to children on Saturdays. In addition, children’s camps are offered during summer and winter break. As a continuum of support, Together We Hang Youth Social Program was created in 2016 for individuals that age-out of
recreational respite. The program promotes youth confidence and supports them in their journey to adulthood. All programs are held in Pickering and/or Whitby.
FOOTPRINTS 4 Autism is a volunteer-led nonprofit charity governed by a Steering Committee with members from various industry sectors that provide expertise and leadership to our diverse operations team. Programs are executed by trained volunteers in Autism education, health and safety protocols, crisis intervention and First Aid/CPR. Participants and volunteers are supervised at all times by experienced and qualified child and youth supervisors ensuring that each experience is positive and memorable.