Our Vision ...
Our vision is to build up the youth's self-esteem and teach them creative methods of self-expression. There are no waiting lists, no pre-requisites and no financial fees at Harmony, as we accept all students. The youth owe one hour of volunteer service for each hour of programming - this is how they "pay" by ... "Paying it Forward".
Harmony students must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Youth from various demographics gather together to celebrate their differences. Youth are given programming without prejudice or pre-requisites, thus any and all youth are given programming at any point during the course of the year. No child is ever turned away.
Harmony operates with volunteers that assist youth with homework, tutoring, and mentoring. Harmony has incorporated programs that will build the entire child and ensure their all-around well being. This includes social programs to build their social skills, and provides productive and fun activities, for all ages. Social aspects are also important to children. Supervised outings are provided for our students to promote and encourage healthy friendships.
Code of Conduct ...
Harmony believes that young people must have a safe environment for them to open up and express themselves. To ensure that this happens, there is zero tolerance for bullying, teasing, cliques and the like. We do not allow negative talk and aspire to be positive and lead by example.
How we Operate ...
Harmony operates in a multi-level governing body. We have a Board of Directors that monitors all Harmony Chapters and maintains the mandate and policies of the organization, and an Executive Board at each Chapter that govern the day to day operations. Harmony operates with volunteers and has no paid Staff.
Harmony survives solely on the generosity of donations through the corporate community, businesses and individuals. We are not regularly funded by any governmental source.
About our Founder ...
( Joanne Klauke-LaBelle, OMC)
Learn more about Harmony and our founder here.
Through personal tragedy, Joanne founded, marketed and built this successful youth charity. Harmony was founded after the suicide of a youth close to Joanne. Joanne developed this program and financed it for the first few years. Joanne volunteers 60+ hours a week of her time working with the youth, as well as building and promoting Harmony.
Harmony and Joanne have been recognized by; the "Live with Regis and Kelly" show, "Flare Magazine" as one of the volunteers of the year, the Province of Ontario for the "Medal of Good Citizenship", the "Mayor's Honour List" and the "Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism" by the Province of Ontario. Finally, Harmony was recently chosen as one of Canada's best-run non-profit agencies and is a finalist for the "2008 Donner Awards".
