History
Daybreak Parent Child Centre is a non- profit, community based organization governed by a Board of Directors and comprised of four programs. They are the Children’s Program, Parenting Program, Community Programs and Family Home Visitation Program.
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.
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.
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.