Overview of organisation
Website: www.transformingfaces.org
Transforming Faces (TF) was co-founded in 1999 by a business leader born with a cleft from the UK and a NGO professional based in Canada. From its first project in Mumbai, India, to its current network of partners in more than 11 countries, TF has sought out local professionals in the Global South who are committed to a multidisciplinary, team-based approach to caring for children and families affected by cleft lip and palate.
Aims of organisation
Transforming Faces’ vision is for every child affected by cleft to experience full rehabilitation and inclusion through the support of a trusted local care team. Together, we can ensure that families have access to Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC): including nutrition assistance, transportation support, surgery, speech therapy and audiology, oral and orthodontic care, counselling and community support. Further, TF embraces its role in learning, deepening and promoting sustainable CCC worldwide through partnerships across NGOs, institutions and regions.
Examples of progress made or particular achievements
Transforming Faces celebrates the efforts of its partners to pioneer Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC) approaches with children and parents. For example, our collaboration with Yekatit 12, the inaugural CCC centre in Ethiopia, led to the first Speech Therapy undergraduate program nationwide. This development promises to change the landscape of the profession while making this critical element of cleft care more accessible.
In Thailand, the Northern Women’s Development Foundation blazed a trail for a ‘Medical Social Worker’ NGO to convene multiple health partners ensuring that children and families access a full circle of cleft care.
TF is also grateful to be an active participant in the founding of the World Cleft Coalition, the Circle of Cleft Professionals and in facilitating Solutions for Comprehensive Cleft Care conferences.
Opportunities to get involved
Transforming Faces is focused upon research, training and resources that will help local partners in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) implement Comprehensive Cleft Care (CCC). We’re proud to partner with organizations like the International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP) in mentorship of young professionals, and count experienced CCC professionals worldwide as trusted advisors. We strongly encourage professionals with an interest in cleft care in LMIC contexts to join the Circle of Cleft Professionals (CoCP).
Contact details
info@transformingfaces.org
Hugh Brewster, Executive Director
hugh@transformingfaces.org
637 College St., Suite 203
Toronto, ON, M6G 1B5
Toronto Office: 416-222-6581
Toll-Free: 888-308-2757