CPCC marks 30 years of service to the community

February 14, 2018 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
It was born from the tragic death of woman and children who were in her care.
And it’s grown into a wide-ranging agency offering programs and supports for families with young children.
Caledon Parent-Child Centre (CPCC) recently held a celebration to mark 30 years in existence.
Several dignitaries were on hand for the celebration, and others sent their congratulations, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones had read a statement in the legislature at Queen’s Park marking the occasion.
“Under the leadership of executive director Teresa Colasanti, dedicated staff and committed volunteers have been helping families in Caledon for 30 years,” she told her colleagues. “Caledon Parent-Child Centre provides a variety of programs and supports for families in the Caledon area, including family time drop-in sessions; prenatal, postnatal and child development programs; and assistance and support for children with special learning needs and their families.”
“I know that parenting isn’t always easy,” she added. “I’m proud to live in a community where such dedicated volunteers and staff strive every day to help their neighbours be better parents.”
It was also an occasions for recognizing the contributions of Program Manager Ailsa Stanners-Moroz, who has been with CPCC since the start. She recalled that a group of women got together after the fire in 1985 to try and support the needs of local families. The first day saw them driving a van to set things up in the Alton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, during a time when the smell of cigaret smoke would have been very string.
“It was a lot of fun,” she said.
Stanners-Moroz added things have progressed over the years.
“There’s so much that’s happened in our time with families,” she said, watching the wonder of children learning and supporting new-found friendships. “We’ve dried tears; our own and others’.”
“You have been a strong, steady influence throughout the years,” Heather Baker, chair of the CPCC Board, told her, adding she has been a role model, and that her support has guided many parents and caregivers.
“Ailsa’s been at the heart of everything that’s ever happened here,” former executive director Maureen Thornton said, as she observed they never forgot how to laugh, even during the tough times. “Ailsa, you have a heart as big as the world.”
“It’s really not about me,” Stanners-Moroz replied.
Baker also expressed her thanks to the funders and donors over the years, as well as the partners and volunteers.
Leanne Flood, the first executive director of the agency, recalled it all started with a decated steering committee who wondered if anyone would care about what they were trying to do.
Mayor Allan Thompson praised the contribution CPCC has made to the growth and development of children over the years.
“They’re our future,” he said.

Mayor Allan Thompson joined Teresa Colasanti, Maureen Thonton, Leanne Flood, Ailsa Stanners-Moroz and Heather Baker in cutting this ceremonial cake.

Caledon Parent-Child Centre Board Chair Heather Baker and Executive Director Teresa Colasanti made a presentation marking the years of service of Program Manager Ailsa Stanners-Moroz.