ABOUT US

The Canadian Foundation for Creative Development and Innovation (CFCDI), the Society is a registered [S-0059138] non-profit organization, incorporated in the Province of British Columbia. It advocates supporting community based arts in the DTES through art therapy, restorative justice, training, education, mentoring and new job skills, as well as offering opportunities to persons to give back to their community through the creation of art related projects.

CFCDI's goal is to foster a commitment to persons on the verge of homelessness, of low income as well as emerging artists, to promote pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a sense of hope in the future. Only through personal relationships can a sense of individual responsibility be reestablished that will give individuals the commitment to follow through on a path that breaks the cycle of homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse and provides a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Through the development of destructive habits, at-risk persons have lost faith in the possibilities that await them if they are successful in putting their lives together. To accomplish this goal, CFCDI provides a caring, inclusive artistic learning environment that promotes our best efforts and reinforces personal respect through art therapy and restorative justice.

CFCDI is a society with a mission that is in direct response to the growing number of persons that are either falling through the cracks or are already entangled with the judicial court system. One of the societies goals is to identify persons who are having a turbulent transition getting off the streets and offer a positive support system to avoid the pitfalls that can derail their lives. The focus is slightly different at each level but the goal remains the same; empower a person to make positive changes in his/her life.

Over time, CFCDI will create a learning environment that will be an invaluable resource to young people, aspiring mentors and the community at large.

IMPACT ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Since its inception, the Canadian Foundation for Creative Development and Innovation has tirelessly worked to establish relationships with several non-profits organizations in the DTES, believing that partnerships strengthen the community. Working with RainCity Housing, CFCDI facilitated the donation of bedding, blankets and linens to temporary shelters. The society has also created workshops alongside Emily Carr University of Art + Design. CFCDI operates with a spirit of openness and transparency, the society recognizes that collaboration will create new and exciting opportunities for marginalized persons and will mutually benefit partnering organizations.

Our projects focus on the DTES and promote aspiring artists to create one-of-a-kind artistic works from a memorial plaque carved by aboriginal artists to mural restoration, CFCDI has made sure to leave a lasting and positive impact in the neighbourhood.