Daybreak has a long history of contributing to the optimal development of children and families. The overall work of Daybreak is firmly grounded in a strengths –based approach, with focus on supporting families’ existing capabilities and strengths. In 1972 Daybreak was known as Teach a Tot Children’s Centre and was located in the basement of Wesley United Church on Patrick Street. From the onset, the program was a non-profit agency run by a volunteer community board. Teach a Tot provided care to preschool children to allow their mothers (single parents) to obtain employment outside of the home.
Photo: Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (link)
By 1979 the importance of working with the entire family was realized as many of the families had complex, social needs. In 1981 the centre was renamed Daybreak Parent Child Centre to reflect the involvement with the entire family. Melba Robinowhiz was the Executive Director from 1979 to 2002 and is regarded as the Founder of Daybreak.
“3 Barnes Road was occupied by Daybreak Parent and Child Centre for 23 years. The facility provides optimal learning, development and programming for children and families experiencing challenges and it strives to enhance community capacity to support families with young children. Daybreak moved from the building in 2006 to a new facility.”
– Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (link)
Over the years Daybreak has been housed in several locations in the community and is currently located at 74 The Boulevard, however many of Daybreak’s programs operate throughout the city and the Northeast Avalon region.
Land Acknowledgement
St. John’s is home to a rich, diverse, and vibrant urban Indigenous community. Located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Beothuk, the lands and waters in and around the City have traditionally served as a gathering place for the Mi’kmaq. The broader region of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. We honour and pay respect to the past, present, and future caretakers of these territories.