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We envision a world where people with FASD are valued for the gifts they bring to all; a world where it is safe to be a person with FASD. We believe that greater community understanding will lead to the prevention of FASD and to a healthier, happier society for all people.
The figure of the white crow appears in the traditional stories, myths, and legends of many world cultures. Initially shunned for its differences, with understanding the white crow comes to be valued for its unique contribution to community. The allegory of the white crow serves as a reminder to look to the gifts and strengths that exist in everyone. Its journey speaks to the vision of Whitecrow Village, offering hope as we work toward a society in which the diverse perspectives and abilities of all members are recognised and valued as important and equal.
Our mission is to connect people who have FASD with others who can also improve the world in a setting that strengthens our understanding of what it means to be human. We strive toward something that benefits us all as we play and work together to make changes leading to the world we envision; one where everyone belongs and contributes. Whitecrow Village works to create and share a model of that world.
Communities world wide are coming to recognise that FASD touches all facets of life and society. The experience and awareness of Whitecrow Village, brought by our participants and staff, continues to both identify and clarify the aspects of our lives that are adversely affected by misunderstandings of FASD. We began by identifying the needs of children, and then the needs of their parents and caregivers. We have since extended our reach to include professionals from the numerous fields that are touched by FASD.
Many of the children with FASD who came to our initial programs have grown into young adults and now participate as L.I.F.E. Session team leaders. These young adults are competent and successful as members of a team in our live-in training environment; however, away from this setting and on their own, they are vulnerable to the many secondary characteristics associated with their disability (i.e. homelessness, addiction, incarceration and legal problems, social isolation, and suicide). Similarly, parents and caregivers who find support, knowledge and understanding within Whitecrow Village programs often remark on how the safety and success engendered by the Whitecrow community stands in contrast to their experiences in broader society. Professionals with whom we collaborate, including those from legal, medical, education, and social service, backgrounds, speak of the risk of isolation and burn out due to misconceptions of FASD.
The immediate need is for an understanding of FASD to be available in everyday social settings. The implications of misunderstanding FASD pervade all societal spheres; there is an ongoing and pressing need to disseminate an active understanding of FASD to all members of society. Whitecrow Village has demonstrated success in response to this need, and offers a model that continues to serve and to be sought after by people of many social and professional domains.
From its inception, Whitecrow Village has attracted emerging and practicing professionals in many fields including medicine, education, law, and social services; those who are interested and have the ability and desire to make the world a better place. We have had the support of a Juno nominee, a Governor General Award winning scholar, Dean’s Honour Roll students, emerging and established medical researchers and educators, the captain of the Canadian Rugby team, Ashoka fellow, FASD experts and champions, those who have FASD and those who do not. The best and brightest, the most hard-working and dedicated people, are those who have joined us as volunteers and staff. It is this dynamic mix of people that both highlights the issues around FASD and provides the depth and strength for Whitecrow Village to address them.