one by one®: Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre
Twenty years ago, Crossing All Bridges (CAB) Learning Centre was founded by four mothers with a vision. Their children, who had developmental disabilities, were transitioning out of high school without adequate support. Faced with a glaring gap in care, the moms created CAB—a nurturing sanctuary dedicated to fostering growth, learning and social interaction for youth and adults navigating developmental challenges.
Providing post-secondary education and experiences
At its heart, CAB operates on a simple but powerful principle: everyone deserves a place where they feel valued and can continue to learn. From educational programs to fun-filled after-hours events, like a social club and Monday-night dance parties, CAB mirrors a college experience for people who might otherwise miss out.
Many participants deal with feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety as their high-school peers move away or get busy. CAB works to give participants every opportunity their peers have, providing learning opportunities and inclusive community outings that help participants foster new relationships.
Offering jobs that grow leaders
Shredding Barriers, a CAB social enterprise, provides document shredding services to commercial and residential clients in Brantford/Brant County. It offers meaningful employment to program participants while fostering leadership and camaraderie.
Shredding Barriers recently promoted a 28-year-old participant to team lead. “This person is always so willing to help out peers and be a leader, guide and friend for them to turn to and talk with. Sometimes participants don’t want to ask a staff member about something they don’t know, and they feel comfortable going to this person instead,” said Haidee Scheers, social enterprise and fund developer. “And that’s exactly what we want. We want to foster independence with our participants so they can teach and explain things to their peers without needing to rely on staff.”
In-kind golf tournament gifts save money and show appreciation
Operating without government funding, CAB relies on private grants and donor generosity. For its 20th annual golf tournament fundraiser, CAB used a one by one grant to purchase tee sets as golf tournament gifts.
“Using the grant for these items eliminated the added cost of buying swag for the golfers,” said Scheers. “Everyone looks forward to the tournament. It’s a lot of work but it’s our largest fundraiser and helps fund different equipment and program-enhancement purchases.”
A note from Cheryl
It’s inspiring to see how CAB provides community and continuous learning for people with disabilities. 4imprint is pleased to have provided golf tournament gifts to help make its fundraiser a success. To learn more about a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.