By Ian Holmes

Nanaimo Child Development Centre celebrates milestone anniversary

May 15, 2017 | 10:28 AM

NANAIMO — One of Nanaimo’s most cherished non-profit groups turns 50-years-old on Monday, May 15.

The Nanaimo Child Development Centre (CDC) opened on May 15, 1967 at a small house on Estevan Rd. and served seven children at the time.

Today, 1,900 mid-island children with developmental challenges and their families are supported annually by 50 on-site staff at a Nelson St. facility.

“I call Nanaimo Child Development Centre the jewel of Nanaimo,” Michelle Kocourek, CDC resource development manager, said. “People move to the area for these kinds of services, to have one building for people to come to for a variety of services.”

Kocourek said the CDC has a ripple effect far beyond the children and families they serve. She said for every dollar spent on early intervention at least $8 is saved down the road.

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“What happens when they enter the school system not able to communicate, not able to interact with their peers in the same years?” Kocourek said. “And then from there, what does this set them up for?”

Kocourek said their longest wait list is about 11 months for speech therapy. One of that program’s participants is 4-year-old Venice McLeod, who also attends pre-school at the CDC. Her mother Aprielle told NanaimoNewsNOW the CDC has been a “lifeline for our family.”

“They are aware of her situation, they have nothing but support and education based around her,” McLeod said. “We don’t worry when she’s there. She always comes out with a big smile on her face.”

McLeod said Venice is able to enjoy all of the educational and social elements that pre-school has to offer. She noted speech therapy has increased her bond with Venice.

“They’ve given us different ways to get her attention and get on her own level so that we can have a better connection with her.”

Before going to the CDC two years ago Venice “never really talked to us at all,” according to McLeod.

The CDC has served nearly 14,000 children in its history, according to Kocourek.

She noted while the CDC receives provincial funding for therapies, every CDC program is supported by fundraising in some way.

ian.holmes@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @repoterholmes