Safehaven’s New Book One in 100 Raises Awareness, Emphasizing Inclusivity and Compassion

Everyone has the right to live a valued life within their community. However, for 1 per cent of Canadian children living with medical complexities and disabilities, this dream can often be overshadowed by a system and society that overlook or forget them.

Safehaven, a non-profit organization in the Greater Toronto Area, is breaking down barriers for people with complex medical needs while providing essential community-based services to individuals and their families.
The organization recently created and published a unique picture book titled One in 100. In a search-and-find format, the colourfully illustrated book features children with medical complexities interspersed in crowds near notable Toronto landmarks and streetscapes. Readers must find the child with a medical complexity. Each child and setting is different, highlighting the unique needs of children with medical complexities.
A medical complexity refers to a medical or behavioural condition affecting more than one body system. One out of every 100 children in Canada is born with or develops a medical complexity. Examples include cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, genetic conditions, and other rare or undiagnosed developmental disabilities.

Safehaven’s CEO, Susan Bisaillon, said the book aims to increase visibility and awareness for the one in 100 children with medical complexities while showcasing the valuable services the non-profit provides. It highlights the stories of students like Arnica, a 13-year-old whose family began using Safehaven’s respite services in 2018. Arnica now permanently lives in one of Safehaven’s residential care homes.
For her father, Hossein Khodadadi, the decision to move his daughter into residential care when her needs became too complex to manage safely was difficult and emotional. However, seeing how happy and well cared for Arnica is has brought him reassurance and peace. With the home close by, Khodadadi visits his daughter regularly, knowing she is in good hands.

Safehaven offers safe and inclusive residential, respite, and transitional services to children and adults with medical complexities and disabilities and their families. Over its 35 years of operation, the agency has helped more than 1,000 individuals live meaningful lives while receiving the care they need. Safehaven’s service model is uniquely designed to meet the complex needs of each person, ensuring everyone can attend school, socialize, and live meaningful lives within their communities. The organization currently operates six community-based locations in the Greater Toronto Area.

For families benefiting from Safehaven’s services, knowing their children are safe and thriving is essential to both their short- and long-term goals. Funds raised from the book will help ensure that current and future programs continue.
Safehaven’s beautifully illustrated One in 100 is a valuable educational tool for readers of all ages. It gives individuals with complex medical needs and their families a voice while highlighting their importance and value within the community.
One in 100 is available for a limited time in digital and print editions. Interested readers can purchase copies for $20 through the organization’s website, with all proceeds going to Safehaven’s programs and services.
Learn more about Safehaven and its services by visiting their website at safehaven.to