Year in Review
A message from the Board Chair & Chief Executive Officer
As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable achievements we have accomplished together at Niagara Children’s Centre. This annual report is not just a documentation of our milestones but a celebration of our collective effort, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.
Our mission to serve children and families has been at the forefront of our endeavors. This year, we proudly served more than 6,500 children over 49,000 visits delivered in person, virtually or by phone. We received 3,339 new referrals, a testament to the growing need for our services.
Innovation has been key to our growth. We embraced "Doing Things Differently," a strategic priority aimed at building capacity within our existing resources. We expanded our School-Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) program to deliver occupational therapy through a tiered model in 12 pilot schools, developed innovative programs for parents and caregivers, and implemented new program offerings for youth. We expanded our “while you are waiting” resources and implemented Assessment Clinics as a way to address our waiting lists. Additionally, our Recreation Therapy program saw significant growth, with the Challenger Baseball program and Volt Hockey program thriving and providing unique opportunities for our kids and families.
We also strengthened our partnerships with various organizations to enhance our service delivery. From collaborating with school boards on transition planning to working with settlement services, EarlyON Centres and McMaster Children’s Hospital, these partnerships have been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact. Notably, the development of the Extensive Needs Service and our new satellite in Fort Erie are significant milestones in our journey.
Our focus on workforce recruitment and development remained strong. We hired 24 new employees, with 35% of our workforce now having been with us for less than two years. We implemented additional strategies to create a welcoming and supportive onboarding experience for new employees.
Fundraising and community support have been pivotal. Our record-breaking campaigns, major donations, and strong media presence have increased public awareness and support for our Centre. The successful completion of our three-year accreditation and the implementation of our new Client Information System, AlayaCare, are testaments to our commitment to excellence and innovation.
The historic investment from the provincial government through the Pediatric Recovery Fund was a significant recognition of the important work we do. This funding, along with the incredible support from our donor community, has enabled us to address pressures, support growth, and drive innovation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Board of Directors, leadership team, staff, volunteers, donors and community partners. Your support and dedication are the pillars of our success. Together, we will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to improving access to services, supporting our workforce, creating a regional network of accessible centres, and continuously evolving our practices. Our management team and staff are dedicated to our mission, and we are confident in our ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Oksana Fisher, CEO
Lois Ouellette, Chair