Every child deserves the opportunity to play, connect, and discover their strengths. This year, thanks to support from the David S. Howes Fund through the Niagara Community Foundation, we expanded those opportunities with the addition of a Recreation Therapy Assistant.

The new role has significantly increased our capacity to deliver therapeutic recreation programs, allowing for twice as many options while creating space for new and innovative experiences. Children and families now have access to a broader range of activities, including music, swimming, arts, community outings, adaptive sports, and life skills programming, while existing favourites such as Robotics Club have expanded to all four Centre locations.

One of the most significant achievements has been the introduction of five new recreation therapy programs for children aged 18 months to school start—an age group that previously had limited recreation programming. The additional capacity has also enabled our Recreation Therapist to focus on individualized assessments and develop new goal-based programs, helping families access services sooner.

Beyond supporting program delivery, the Recreation Therapy Assistant works closely with families and colleagues across the Centre to ensure activities are engaging, accessible, and responsive to each child’s unique needs. These meaningful interactions help build confidence, strengthen social connections, and encourage greater participation both at the Centre and in the community.

"The most rewarding aspect of this role has been building meaningful connections with clients and their families,” shared Heather Spooner, Recreation Therapy Assistant. “Being part of their growth and seeing children gain confidence while families feel more connected has been incredibly fulfilling.”

The investment from the David S. Howes Fund reflects a shared commitment to building community, fostering inclusion, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive through recreation.