Local Charity Inundated – 2nd Play Centre Critically Needed for Children with Autism and Peers

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - April 2, 2014 - PRLog -- “Of course we knew when we launched our East Vancouver Play Centre in 2012 that the programs were very badly needed in our community, but we had no idea we would reach capacity less than a year after opening,” says Heather McCracken, the founder and executive director of Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society. “Since January 2014 we have turned away more than 60 families. As a parent of a child with autism, I know all too well the heartbreak and worry of the ‘wait-list’.”

Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society launched their state-of-the-art Play Centre in East Vancouver in September of 2012. The programs include; early childhood, after school, weekends, spring and summer camp Integrated Play Groups®, as well as free parent training, support groups and training for professionals. The Centre is the first of its kind to combine the award-winning Integrated Play Groups®, SCERTS® and Friend 2 Friend Autism Demystification® models into comprehensive, inclusive programs for children with autism and their peers and siblings. These evidence-based models help all children (those with and without special needs) improve social, communication, emotional regulation, and peer social play, which are the cornerstones to healthy development and lifelong learning and relationships.

“Any family can access our programs, regardless of their child’s needs or abilities. All of our programs are offered to families at 1/3 of the actual cost or completely free of charge whenever possible. These programs are essential for any child suffering from peer isolation, rejection or bullying within their school or community setting. For children with autism and related needs, I am sorry to say the need is great,” states McCracken.

Friend 2 Friend is now seeking funding and support from the community for the launch of their second Play Centre site in January 2015. The second location will assist in meeting the staggering demand for their programs by allowing the society to more than double the number of children currently being served, as well as add in new teen programs.

Friend 2 Friend is a non-government funded, non-profit charity that has been designing and delivering their unique and innovative Autism Demystification® and Integrated Play Groups® to children and families in B.C., Canada, the US and abroad for more than 12 years, with satellite organizations in Alberta, Vermont, San Francisco and another underway in Germany. Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society was founded in 2002 by Heather McCracken — a parent of three, including a son who has autism.

URL: www.friend2friendsociety.org, Email: friend2friend@shaw.ca

Twitter @F2FHeather, @F2FPlayCentre

Heather McCracken

Cell: 604-528-0560