Precious Minds acts as guardian angel
Published: November 18, 2005
Garrett Orr has a lot to talk about these days.
The 10-year-old from Uxbridge has battled speech problems since the age of two, due to muscular development issues affecting his tongue. Garrett’s mother, Colleen Orr, said the problems slowed his learning progress at an early age.
“If you can’t pronounce words, you can’t read them,” said Ms. Orr, adding that the family had paired Garrett with private tutors to assist him.
The Orr family turned to another solution when Garrett turned six. They enlisted the services of Precious Minds, a charitable organization based in North Durham established in 1999 to help individuals with learning barriers.
Ms. Orr said her son attends what she calls “booster camps” held by Precious Minds, which help Garrett learn and interact with other children.
“Garrett looks forward to the camps, he’s asked me to register him for the fall,” she explained.
The booster camps provide assistance with math and reading, said Ms. Orr. However, she explained that one of the biggest advantages to the camps is the social interaction.
“Garrett didn’t know how to talk to people before,” she said, adding the sessions have greatly increased his self-confidence.
“The kids at the camps act as a support system for each other.”
Executive director of Precious Minds, Elisabeth Graham, said the organization also helps families pay for assessments, therapy, tutoring, and equipment.
She said the organization currently relies mainly on grants (45 per cent of this year’s budget), donations (25 per cent) program fees (15 per cent) and the rest of the costs are covered with fundraising efforts.
The organization also plans to go one step further and help the families of challenged individuals.
“We will have breakaway sessions soon, which will provide quality time and a support group for siblings and caregivers,” she said.
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