Joyce’s & Ann’s story: Cribs kept their babies safe

A single mom without support from extended family, Joyce* was struggling to meet the needs of her busy toddler and eight-month-old baby. Feeling alone and overwhelmed, she called the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS).

“You always think that if you call Children’s Aid, they’re going to take away your kids, but I had nowhere else to turn,” Joyce recalls. “I knew I was a good mother and just needed some guidance.”

An hour later, a CCAS worker and health specialist helped her address an important safety issue: the baby was sleeping in Joyce’s bed because the mother couldn’t afford a crib. Thankfully, a new crib was provided via the Sweet Dreams program, funded by donors to the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF).

CCAF pays for cribs and sleepwear when Toronto families can’t

Many parents don’t realize that sleeping in a stroller, shared bed or on a couch can put otherwise healthy babies at risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Approximately 420 healthy Canadian infants under the age of one died this way between 2015 and 2020, according to Statistics Canada.

Funded by donors, Sweet Dreams covers the costs of new cribs, toddler beds, mattresses and sleep sacks for families involved with CCAS. Thanks to your support, little ones are safe every time they are put down for a nap or the night.

“Financially strapped new moms shouldn’t have to choose between paying rent or buying a crib for their baby,” says Jim Gilligan, Executive Director of the CCAF. Donor-supported programs like this help provide goods and services that aren’t covered by government funding.

Promoting health and safety

The program also demonstrates safe sleeping practices such as “back to sleep,” where infants are always laid down on their back, never their tummy. Parents learn why quality sleep in a safe crib is essential for infant brain development, emotional security and overall health.

“It’s nice to have someone come in and check on you,”  says Joyce, who is grateful for the new crib. “Life would be different if I hadn’t called CCAS. I was feeling really low; I needed resources, and I needed support. They really care.”

From stressed to sleeping safe and sound

Ann* is also a single mom with limited means. Exhausted and dealing with postpartum issues, Ann turned to the CCAS for help.

After a safety assessment revealed that Ann was co-sleeping with her child after he outgrew his bassinet, the worker referred Ann to the Sweet Dreams program . When the new crib arrived, Ann’s worker taught her the safest ways to put her baby to sleep. Knowing her son has a healthy place to rest has been a huge relief for Ann. She’s thankful for the support from her CCAS workers and the Sweet Dreams program, made possible by your generous donations.

*Name changed for privacy reasons.