Publisher,  Apogee Books : Science Fiction and author James H Gillam believe in the importance of the Family, Children and Youth.   James H Gillam, trained Child Therapist  has long recognized that safety, security, literacy and education are the cornerstones to success . 

To that end, Apogee Books : Science Fiction have partnered with the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton to support this agencies ongoing work with disadvantaged families.  

The Catholic Children's Aid Society of Hamilton (CCAS) has protected children from abuse and neglect in Hamilton since 1954. CCAS service is guided by the belief that each child is entitled to a stable, protective, and loving family. As we carry out our mission of service to children and families we also commit ourselves to the principles of social justice and create social frameworks that are free from poverty, violence, discrimination and harassment and which actively promote well being, especially for the most vulnerable of our people.

Unfortunately, service demand has continued to grow and there are increased numbers of children who are in jeopardy. Reasons for the increased demand for our services include increases in poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues on the part of parents, and a growth in domestic violence.

Since 2000:
The number of children in our care has increased from 393 children to 624.
New referrals to CCAS are over 3,700.
The total number of families receiving our ongoing services has increased from 450 to 800.
With these and other CCAS services combined, last year we assisted 5,200 children and families in serious need of our help.

Children & Youth in Care
While the province funds the most basic needs for children and youth in care – food and shelter – the CCAS Child & Youth Opportunity Fund was established to help us give more to these children. This Fund provides “extras” to enrich a child’s life and to help them reclaim their childhood and reach their full potential with essentials they often miss out on. Essentials like going on school trips, playing on community sports teams, taking music or art lessons, tutoring classes, and summer camp.  

We get no provincial dollars for these “extras” for children in our care. Private funds raised through fundraising efforts make up the Child & Youth Opportunity Fund.

The Child & Youth Opportunity Fund provides emergency clothing for a family of young children rescued from a dangerous environment. It enables a Grade 6 boy to take part in a school field trip with his classmates to the Royal Ontario Museum; a trip his foster family simply couldn’t afford. It puts a soccer uniform on a 7 year-old foster child for the first time. It continues violin lessons for a gifted teen in our care as her family are struggling to make ends meet.

Children and youth learn valuable life skills by taking part in sports teams, music and dance lessons, Girl Guides and Scouts, and other similar activities. Children and youth need to experience success outside of school, where many children in care are challenged. But, there isn’t enough money to go around for these “extras,” and often, this puts children in care at a disadvantage over other children who are able to participate in these activities.

Many youth in our care have also set their sights high with respect to post-secondary education. However, they often do not have family support and can be disadvantaged given the challenges they have had to overcome. In an effort to ensure that these students do no leave school in debt, CCAS tries to provide tuition fees and education related expenses through the Child & Youth Opportunity Fund. These youth are aiming high in their pursuit of education and a better life and CCAS tries to assist them in achieving their goals.

These are just some of the ways gifts to the CCAS Child & Youth Opportunity Fund change lives and bring hope to vulnerable children and youth by building brighter lives and brighter futures.

[Click Here to Visit the CCAS Webpage]