Sunrise Youth Group

.Sunrise youth group Supports adults with developmental disabilities and provides a safe and positive environment upon high school graduation. Our vision is to foster friendships, promote independence, acceptance and integration of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Sunrise was incorporated as a not for profit organization back in 1991. Sunrise was created by three high school students. These students believed that young people who had developmental disabilities should have the same opportunities to participate in recreation activities within the community. Sunrise began as a one-week camping trip in the summer with a small group of volunteers. Skipping forward to 2018, Sunrise currently provides services to 72 members in the Durham region. These services are provided through our day program and recreation program. Our day program is currently operating Monday to Friday at full capacity with 30 member’s total. Our day program offers programs such as life skills, literacy, baking, humanities, fitness, cooking, and more. Our recreation program provides services through regular evening and weekend events such as dances, club nights, dinner and movie nights and my personal favorite camping trips. Our biggest and most expensive event is Wabikon. Wabikon is a weeklong camp in Temagami, ON, an approximate 6 hour drive from Whitby. It is the highlight of everyone’s year, members, staff and volunteers. It is practically a holiday, even more exciting than Christmas.

Sunrise is very proud of their volunteer base that continues to dedicate their time to run and participate in all activities Sunrise offers. We currently have 65 volunteers and growing. We aim for a 1:1 volunteer to member ratio in order to provide sufficient support at rec events.