Belonging doesn’t always come easy, especially when navigating the unknown. For families of children with developmental needs, that journey can feel difficult, discouraging, and confusing. But sometimes, all it takes is one courageous step to change perspectives.
Wanting more for their child and others facing similar challenges, a family opened up their home and hearts to create a small playgroup where families of children with developmental needs can gather, share experiences, and support each other. What began as a gathering of a few families in a living room quickly expanded into a thriving community. However, when their home could no longer accommodate the growing circle, they partnered with BGC East Scarborough (BGCES) to carry on its legacy, creating a space where every child could feel seen, supported, and celebrated. That step, motivated by love, dedication, and a desire for community, was the start of something much bigger than they could have thought.
Circle of Friends was born.
Now held every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Galloway gym, Circle of Friends welcomes children from birth to 12 years old with developmental needs. While most children in the program are on the autism spectrum, its doors are open to any child with developmental needs. The program comes at no cost, registration, or even diagnosis. Families who need support can simply drop in.
This isn’t just a program; it’s a haven that focuses primarily on nurturing participants’ social and emotional skills in a safe and inclusive space. The primary objective is to create a community where families facing similar challenges can connect, learn, and, most importantly, play! The open-ended structure allows each child to choose how they engage, reinforcing the idea that inclusion isn’t about fitting in, but about making space for everyone.
The name is a reflection of its goal, Circle of Friends. A community built on friendship, empathy, and shared experience. A place where families facing similar challenges can come together, not just to support their children, but also each other.
One caregiver shared with us,
“I like bringing my granddaughter to circle of friends because she truly enjoys playing with the other children. As her caregiver, I also learn some activities to do with her at home. I wanted her to learn how to share with other children, and since bringing her here, she’s slowly starting to.”
Although the pioneering family has since outgrown the program, their legacy lives on in every smile, shared moment, and new connection made within the Circle.
Inclusion for All
At BGCES, inclusion is a commitment. Through the Inclusion Services Department, BGCES works to ensure that every child, regardless of their needs, has the opportunity to thrive. Inspired by the ‘Every Child Belongs’ model developed by the City of Toronto, the team provides personalized support tailored to a child’s unique journey.
From specialized tools that support developmental growth, to individualized plans that extend from program to home, to continuous staff training, every detail is designed to protect children from discrimination and help them flourish in their community.
As the Manager, Inclusion Services, Taiseer puts it:
“This role is kind of like juggling multiple balloons in the air. There’s staff training, family consultations, and specialized resources all at once.”
Looking ahead, the BGCES Inclusion Services Department is looking to develop more programs like Circle of Friends to help every child and family succeed.
Finding the comfort of belonging isn’t always easy. However, at BGCES, through programs like Circle of Friends and many more to come, finding a place where every child feels seen, heard, and valued is made easier.