Children’s voice heard thanks to donations from the Pomerantz Foundation
“Without the Pomerantz Foundation’s financial support, the Center for Child Development and Mental Health of the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) would be unable to provide the current language therapy services to children who suffer from severe language difficulties, which can sometimes contribute to their behavioural problems at school and in society”, states Doctor Paola Habib.
Paola Habib M.D., DABPN, FRCPC
In addition to heading the Child Psychiatry Services of the Jewish General Hospital of Montreal’s Center for Child Development and Mental Health, child psychiatrist Paola Habib also plays an important clinical role in the treatment of at-risk children at the JGH Day Hospital.
A speech-language pathologist from McGill University
The Jewish General Hospital is one of the teaching hospitals of McGill University. “Recurring donations from the Pomerantz Foundation enabled us to make an agreement with McGill to have a speech-language pathologist from McGill University as well as a speech-language pathology teaching program.”
The importance of speech-language pathology
“When a child is admitted to the JGH, we do a full assessment. Among the battery of tests that we offer, the speech and language assessment is essential to understand why the child is having so much difficulty functioning at school, in the community, in the family. Without the help of the Pomerantz Foundation, we wouldn’t be able to get speech therapy nor do an in-depth assessment of the child’s problems”, highlights Paola Habib, M.D., DABPN, FRCPC.
The impact of language difficulties on a child’s behaviour
Doctor Habib explains: “Very often, we notice that difficulties in speaking or receptive language contribute to the child’s behavioural problems. Imagine for a moment that child sitting in class who, despite his best efforts, cannot understand very well what the teacher is saying. He cannot follow the lessons. He is failing his exams. He feels different. He loses confidence in himself. He becomes more and more isolated and behavioural problems arise, creating interpersonal and academic difficulties.”
Sincerely very grateful
“We are truly blessed to receive such important financial support from benefactor friends such as Mr. Pomerantz. The Pomerantz Foundation allows us to continue to provide quality care that is in keeping with the high standards of best practices in child psychiatry. Honestly, we are so grateful!”, says Paola Habib with heart.
Entrepreneur and prominent figure in Montreal's real estate and manufacturing sectors, Terry Pomerantz approaches every aspect of life with heart and character. At the helm of Domfoam and T.R.A.M.S Property Management, he carries on his late father's legacy while dedicating his philanthropic commitment to the Pomerantz Foundation, which has been actively supporting children's causes since 1991.