Year in Review: A message from the Board Chair & Chief Executive Officer
So much has changed over the past six decades, but one thing has remained constant — our commitment to serving Niagara’s children and families. At the heart of all we do is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As we mark our 60th anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable legacy of our founding Chair and Medical Director, Dr. William Orr. His vision for a Centre that would support children in Niagara, from Niagara, remains a guiding
light. Dr. Orr’s passion, integrity, and deep belief in doing what’s best for children shaped our earliest days and continues to inspire our mission.
Since our beginnings in 1964 as the Niagara Peninsula Crippled Children’s Society, the Centre has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. What began with a focus on physical disabilities has expanded into a Centre that now supports nearly 6,000 children and youth with a range of physical, developmental, and communicative delays. We’ve
Angela Davidson, Vice-Chair of Board, alongside Oksana Fisher, CEO, and Lois Ouellette, Chair of Board.
Annual Report, 2024-25
grown from a team of just six staff to a dedicated workforce of 148 professionals across ten clinical disciplines.
Our services now reach families where they are — not just at our Glenridge Avenue location, but also through three satellite sites and in homes, schools, childcare settings, and EarlyON centres.
Throughout the past year, a major focus was addressing long wait times. With leadership from our management team and the dedication of our staff, we introduced new service models aimed at reducing waits and improving access. We are deeply grateful to our team for their commitment to enhancing the experience of children and families.
This year also brought a key milestone in the Centre’s development. The Board approved the transfer of the Infant and Child Development Program from Niagara Region Public Health to the Centre, effective April 1, 2025. This transition recognizes our capacity to provide a more connected and coordinated continuum of services, particularly in the early years of a child’s development.
In preparation for long-term growth, the Centre completed a Needs Assessment and Business Case with Colliers Project Leaders, which was presented to the Board. Following
careful review, we committed to pursuing government support for a new facility that would house both Niagara Children’s Centre and the School Authority. This is a major step forward in ensuring our Centre is equipped to meet future needs across Niagara.
This past year also underscored the importance of our workforce. In a competitive staffing landscape, we emphasized recruitment and retention. In 2024, we welcomed 33 new staff, nearly one-quarter of our team. Today, 40% of our employees have been with the Centre for two years or less, and we ended the year with a record-low vacancy rate of just 3.5%.
Finally, in March, our CEO, Oksana Fisher, announced her intention to retire after 15 years of service. We thank Oksana for her leadership, vision, and passion for improving the lives of children and families.
As we celebrate this milestone year, we do so with deep gratitude for the families who trust us, the staff who lead with heart, the donors and volunteers who give generously, and the community that continues to believe in our mission. Together, we’ve honoured our past, embraced the present, and are boldly stepping into the future.
Oksana Fisher, CEO Lois Ouellette, Chair
LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ms. Lois Ouellette, Chair
Ms. Angela Davidson, Vice-Chair
Ms. Lynne Burnside, Director
Mr. Frank Demizio, Director
Ms. Dolores Fabiano, Director
Mr. Lorne Gretsinger, Director
Mr. Larry Kent, Director
Dr. Jorin Lukings, Director
Ms. Funmilayo Olatiregun, Director
Ms. Barb Van Der Heyden, Director
Ms. Kate Wiley, Director
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Oksana Fisher, Chief Executive Officer
Kathy Bell, Director, Clinical Services
Tammy Davey-Wiebe, Director, Corporate Services and Finance
Monica Fenton, Director, Human Resources
July 2024 to present
Marla Smith, Director, Development
April 2024 to November 2024
Pam Sharp, Director, Development
January 2025 to present
1960s:
Laying the Foundation
Our story began with community visionaries and a commitment to supporting children with special needs in Niagara.
• 1964: Niagara Children’s Centre, chartered by May Court Club, Rotary Clubs, and Port Colborne Lions Club, was named Niagara Peninsula Crippled Children’s Society
• Operated from St. Catharines General Hospital and Hotel Dieu, serving 43 children
• 1965: Officially incorporated with Dr. William Orr as founding chairman
• 1969: New building; current Glenridge Avenue location in St. Catharines
1970s: Expanding Facilities & Services
To meet growing demand, we expanded our physical space and strengthened partnerships.
• Demand for therapy and education services grew
• 1978: Opened therapeutic pool and gym to better support physical rehabilitation
• Strengthened partnerships with healthcare providers and local schools
1980s: Growing Programs & Partnerships
We broadened our reach with new services and welcomed future professionals into our Centre.
• Expanded mandate to serve children with speech and language delays
• Welcomed co-op students from Brock University, Niagara College, and local high schools
1980s: continued
• Commenced provision of Resource Consultant Services, in conjunction with Niagara Region Children’s Services
1990s: Transformational Growth
This decade marked a turning point in our capacity, philosophy, and provincial role.
• Began serving children with developmental delays
• 1996: Completed $4.8M redevelopment project, expanding and modernizing facilities
• Capacity increased to serve 3,000 children and families annually
• Led the design and implementation of a regional Preschool Speech and Language system; subsequently named lead agency
• Formally adopted a Family-Centred Care approach
• Founding partner of Quality Child Care Niagara with Niagara Region Children’s Services
Annual Report: Celebrating six decades of impact & growth
2000s: Leadership in Early Intervention
We became a leader in early intervention, guiding system-wide improvements across Niagara and provincially.
• Participated in provincial committees, focused on early intervention
• Partnered with local organizations to enhance early identification and prevention. Created the Joint Implementation and Planning Committee
• Reorganized clinical services into multi-disciplinary programs, leading to improved integration and coordination of services for families
• Launched Early Literacy initiative; organized annual provincial early literacy conference
• Infant Hearing program was launched and operated out of our Centre
• Partnered with Brock University to offer a clinical analysis of communication disorders course
2010s: Innovation & Expansion
A focus on innovation and family engagement drove service growth and deeper impact.
• Introduced new services: recreation therapy, behavioural consultation
• Launched family engagement initiatives: advisors, mentors, online support
• Awarded provincial pilot project for SLP services, integrating community and school-based services.
• Brought fundraising in-house, enabling revenue and program growth
• Transfer of School-Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS) from HNHB LHIN
• Established on-site Complex Care Clinic in partnership with McMaster Children’s Hospital
• Served ~3,000 children annually with 90+ staff
• Partner in Niagara’s Coordinated Service Planning program
2020s: Adapting & Advancing
In a decade defined by challenge, we embraced innovation, accessibility, and expansion.
• Shifted to virtual therapy and telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Began to directly deliver School-Based Rehabilitation
• Opened satellite locations to improve accessibility across Niagara
• Received significant government investments for program expansion
• Serving 6,000 children annually with 145 employees
• Implemented new programs:
◦ Ontario Autism Program (Caregiver-Mediated and Entry to School)
◦ Special Needs Resource Consulting
◦ Extensive Needs Program
◦ Infant and Child Development Program
A Legacy of Listening
Each week, Dr. William Orr would personally review new referrals— taking time to sit with staff, ask thoughtful questions, and truly listen. His approach was genuine and grounded in deep respect for the Centre’s mission and the children it served.
As founding Board Chair and first medical director, Dr. Orr’s dedication laid the foundation for the Centre’s lasting impact. He volunteered for over 30 years, never taking a salary, and championed care that was once unavailable in Niagara. His heart never left the Centre—and his legacy lives through the therapy wing that bears his name, the Dr. Orr Trust Fund, and the annual award in his honour.
Our First Computer
In 1979, we welcomed our very first computer—an Apple IIe. With only a handful of basic programs like plotting and graphing, it was a novelty few knew how to use. One OPP officer, familiar with technology, visited regularly to help children explore its capabilities.
By 1982, staff began using computers to enter data, though access was limited to administrative roles.
What began as a single machine sparking curiosity marked the start of our digital journey—one that would evolve to support thousands of children through innovation, data, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Holiday Sleepover
In the 1980s, our staff hosted an annual Holiday Sleepover to give parents a well-deserved night off to enjoy dinner or finish Christmas shopping. Dozens of children spent the night in the gym, transformed into a cozy, festive space. Staff from all departments pitched in— helping with bedtime routines in the evening and getting kids dressed in the morning. The event created lasting bonds between staff and families, reflecting the deep sense of care and community that defined the Centre. For many, it became a heartwarming holiday tradition—and a true expression of support beyond therapy.
Spring Play Days
For many years, springtime at the Centre meant one thing for our co-op students: Play Day. As part of their 13-week placements, university students from across Ontario planned and hosted a themed celebration for children attending the Centre’s on-site school.
The playground was transformed into a festival of activity stations —sometimes with a Hawaiian flair, other years with different creative themes—all designed to
Annual Report: Celebrating six decades of impact & growth
encourage play, movement, and joy. It wasn’t just fun for the kids; it was a hands-on learning experience that brought together education, therapy, and community in the most colourful way.
A Northern Mission
In 1994, a small team of staff braved the coldest January on record to visit Kenora, Ontario. Invited by the local child development community, the Centre’s feeding team flew from Thunder Bay in a four-seater plane, eventually landing in the icy heart of Northwestern Ontario.
Staying on the edge of the frozen bay, the team spent days consulting with local professionals and visiting nearby Indigenous communities—sometimes working in rooms as cold as -20°C. Together, they explored how to assess and support children with feeding disorders, bridging clinical knowledge with cultural understanding.
A Dream Delayed, Not Denied
On September 11, 2001, a group of our clients boarded a plane bound for Disney World through the Dreams Take Flight program. Mid-air, the world changed. With U.S. airspace shut down, the plane
landed in Florida—but Disney had closed.
Stranded for three days with only one day’s worth of medication, the group found unexpected support. Local doctors refilled prescriptions, and Boy Scouts stepped in to entertain the children.
In a moment of global crisis, strangers became caregivers. It was a powerful reminder: compassion knows no borders— and every child still deserves a little magic.
Bridging Borders
In the early 2000s, two Centre staff travelled to Slovenia on a three-week Rotary International exchange. Hosted by the Rehabilitation Institute of Ljubljana, they shared Canadian approaches to AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) while learning from local practices. From programming unfamiliar German-language devices to lecturing 90 doctors with less than a day’s notice, the experience was both demanding and unforgettable.
Their days were long, their nights full of prep work—and yet, what stood out most was the shared dedication to helping children reach their full potential, no matter the country.
Big League Inspiration
Over the years, children at the Centre have had the thrill of meeting their sports heroes. From the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, Raptors, and Buffalo Sabres to local favourites like the Niagara IceDogs, River Lions, and Welland Jackfish, these visits brought smiles, autographs, and unforgettable memories.
Thanks to a generous gift from the Smilezone Foundation, the Centre’s pool and gym now proudly sport a Niagara IceDogs theme—creating an energizing, team-spirited space for therapy and play. These moments remind us how community support and star power can inspire courage, joy, and determination in every child.
OUR MISSION
We enable children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays or disabilities to achieve their optimal potential within their home, school and community environments.
We do this through delivering a continuum of therapeutic supports and services to children and families and by working with our partners to deliver coordinated, integrated and family-centred care.
OUR VISION
Niagara’s Children & Youth at their best.
Children & families come first Excellence and innovation are the cornerstones of our achievement Teamwork &
53,687
2,982
A closer look: Breaking down our services
100,957 Hours of service
4,075 Waiting for assessment (as of March 31, 2025)
479 Waiting for treatment (as of March 31, 2025)
5,784
60th Anniversary: Celebrating six decades of impact & growth
Extensive Needs Service Program: Transforming Support for Families in Niagara
In 2024, Niagara Children’s Centre co-led the local design and implementation of Niagara’s Extensive Needs Service (ENS) program alongside Contact Niagara. With leadership from McMaster Children’s Hospital and funding from the Ministries of Health and Children, Community and Social Services, Niagara’s ENS model was uniquely built to leverage the strengths, roles, and deep expertise of six local partner organizations: Niagara Children’s Centre, Contact Niagara, Bethesda, Pathstone Mental Health, Niagara Training and Employment Agency and De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre.
Together, we’ve created inter-agency teams to support children and youth (ages 0–18) who live with a combination of neurodevelopmental, physical, and mental health conditions, often resulting in interfering behaviours that limit their participation in home, school, and community life.
What makes Niagara’s model distinctive is its commitment to continuity and family choice. Many of the children supported by ENS have been involved with more than one of the partner organizations—often receiving services in a siloed manner. This new model allows families to continue working with trusted professionals, when possible, and have a say in who supports their child’s care. Teams are intentionally built to draw from clinicians already known to the family or who may continue supporting the child after ENS involvement ends.
ENS partners across Hamilton, Niagara, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, as well as MCCSS/MOH, celebrate the expansion of the program at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre. Photo credit: Hamilton Health Sciences.
Annual Report, 2024-25
Niagara Children’s Centre’s contributions are foundational to this integrated approach. We offer a range of disciplines— speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, social work, communication assistants, and service planning— and bring the added benefit of strong relationships with school boards through our School-Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS), Specialized Seating & Mobility Clinic (SSH), and Expanded Level Assisted Devices Program Clinic.
Other partners bring equally valuable contributions. Contact Niagara, as the region’s single point of access for many developmental and autism services, provides critical leadership through its Coordinated Service Planners. Bethesda offers expertise as an Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provider. Pathstone’s MITT team supports children with co-occurring mental health and developmental diagnoses. Niagara Training and Employment Agency provides regional respite and autism programming, while De dwa da dehs nye>s brings essential cultural and health navigation services for Indigenous families.
Participant Profile:
Jimeeka, 10, lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and frequent health complications. When ENS began, Jimeeka was experiencing severe dysregulation, self-injurous behavior despite in-patient treatment/hospitalizations, 24/7 behavioural supports, and frequent use of community services. One year ago, the unique service delivery model of ENS allowed a collaborative, interdisciplinary/inter-agency team the time and flexibility to provide the holistic supports desperately needed. As a result of the ENS program, Jimeeka is happier, healthier, and more interactive. She is spending more quality time with her family, enjoying time in the community, and her contagious smile and belly laugh have returned!
This model goes beyond coordination—it’s true collaboration. Professionals don’t just bring their unique expertise to the table; they work together to integrate goals, strategies, and delivery models that are sustainable across all environments. Together, we identify and address the root causes of behavioural challenges and support goals that extend beyond skill development. These include strengthening family relationships, creating inclusive environments, and promoting quality of life through a “6 F’s” lens: Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future.
The result is wrap-around care that is flexible, traumainformed, and deeply personalized. It’s not just about services—it’s about belonging, resilience, and giving families confidence that their child is supported at every step.
Through the ENS program, Niagara Children’s Centre continues to lead in innovative care, working alongside our community to help children with extensive needs thrive—in every space they live, learn, and play.
ENS Model in Niagara:
60th Anniversary: Celebrating six decades of impact & growth
Better together: Physiotherapy groups reduce wait times and expand access
Niagara Children’s Centre is transforming its physiotherapy services, introducing innovative group screenings and treatment programs to reduce long waitlists and improve efficiency. These new initiatives not only streamline assessments but also create engaging environments where children can develop their skills alongside peers in a natural play setting.
A longstanding challenge facing families
has been lengthy wait times for accessing services. Recognizing these challenges, the Centre set out to reduce wait times through a tiered model of service delivery. This approach ensures that children receive the right level of intervention based on their specific needs. Also incorporating CanChild’s F-words framework—focusing on fun, fitness, and friendships—new physiotherapy groups were designed to provide timely and effective support while encouraging social connections.
One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of the Physiotherapy Group Screening Clinic. Traditionally, children waited long periods for one-on-one assessments, often experiencing delays before receiving the care they needed. The new screening clinic offers a more efficient approach by assessing multiple children at once in a structured but playful environment. Since August, more
Jennifer Johnson, Physiotherapist at Niagara Children’s Centre, interacts with children during a recent group session.
PHYSIO
GROUPS AT A GLANCE:
159
Visits
PEOPLE-GROUP 90
Clients
60
Children Screened
28
Sessions
than 60 children have participated in group physiotherapy screening, significantly reducing the backlog. The clinic, designed for children over two years old who are already walking, brings together small groups of four to five children for a one-hour session. Physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants observe how children move and interact, making real-time assessments in a setting that closely mirrors their daily activities.
This model has led to shorter wait times for assessments, fewer missed appointments, and a great setting for observing motor skills. It also allows
therapists to spend their time more efficiently. Since launching the clinic, some children have been discharged with only requiring home programs, while others have been referred to group-based treatment or one-on-one therapy, ensuring that each child receives the most appropriate level of care.
Building on this success, we expanded our physiotherapy treatment groups to support children at different developmental stages. For preschool-aged children, programs like Jump & Jive and Wiggles & Giggles provide an interactive way to develop foundational motor skills. For school-aged children, new programs such as Skip & Squat and Zip & Dip are designed to improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance.
Skip & Squat, a six-week after-school program, focuses on helping children build confidence in movement through activities like basketball, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, and dance. Divided into two age groups—four to seven years old and eight to twelve years old—the sessions provide a structured but playful environment where children can challenge themselves while having fun. Physiotherapists track changes in balance, coordination, and endurance from the beginning to the end of the program.
We will continue to evaluate the needs of the children by offering a variety of groups throughout the year.
Megan Walker, OTA/PTA, and Narmeen Akhtar, Physiotherapist, at the Centre, support a child during a recent group session in the pool.
60th Anniversary: Celebrating six decades of impact & growth
OTA/PTA’s supporting therapy in schools
Niagara Children’s Centre has always been committed to finding innovative ways to support children in their development while also addressing the growing demand for services. This year, we piloted an initiative that brings Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants (OTA/ PTAs) into schools to provide earlier intervention and universal support, helping to reduce waitlists and enhance service delivery.
Through this model, OTA/PTAs collaborate with therapists and educators to introduce strategies that benefit all students in the classroom. Time is spent observing classroom environments, providing recommendations, and supporting teachers with modifications that do not require individual assessments. This includes setting up visual schedules, designing cozy corners, and implementing participation strategies such as timers and flexible
seating arrangements. Educators can request consultations on topics like self-regulation, fine motor skills, gross motor development, and executive functioning. By working directly with teachers and students, OTA/PTAs help build capacity in the classroom, ensuring that more children receive the support they need before challenges escalate to the point of requiring oneon-one therapy.
The response from local school boards has been overwhelmingly positive. Niagara Catholic District School Board
Niagara Children’s Centre’s team of OTA/PTAs supporting therapy in schools
has embraced a full rollout of the tiered model, while the District School Board of Niagara recently added five new schools to the program. The French Catholic board has also introduced the model and has been a strong supporter of the initiative. These partnerships are key to expanding our reach and ensuring more children benefit from targeted strategies within their learning environments.
589 hours with clients in Service Delivery (Tier2/3) OTA/PTA
The impact has already been significant. A young student struggling with fine motor and printing skills initially resisted support but, with strategies tailored to their interests, saw remarkable improvement. Not only did the quality of their work improve, but their confidence soared, and the strategies were adopted by other students in the class. Another OTA/ PTA worked closely with a teacher to develop a classroom-wide approach to different functional grasps, reinforcing that there is more than one way to hold a writing tool effectively. This shift in thinking has encouraged educators to embrace alternative methods that meet the needs of all learners.
Testimonials
Grade 2 teacher:
70 schools served PEOPLE-GROUP 239 clients
822 schools visits
340 hours educating or guiding student support
Beyond the classroom, OTA/PTAs have played a crucial role in supporting children with extensive needs who are reintegrating into school environments. Their involvement has helped improve attendance, adapt activities, and provide the necessary support to promote full participation in learning. By offering intervention both at home and in school, we are setting children up for success in every aspect of their daily lives.
The pilot program was made possible by a generous donation from Barbara Cornelius, an educator for 35 years who witnessed the need first-hand and continues to recommend families she encounters to our services.
Her approach, utilizing small group settings, allows for personalized attention and targeted practice in areas like letter formation. This not only improves academic performance but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence, thanks to her encouraging and supportive guidance. It is also very important to note that her presence and expertise allows me as the teacher to discuss certain concerns and helps me explain to parents what might be a good idea to help their child progress. The weeks she has been present and working with the kids has also helped me grow in confidence.
Grade 1 teacher:
I am starting to see improvements in some of the students writing. I think it’s wonderful that she works with a group of kids and shows the students and the adults new strategies to better assist the students. She has shared ideas on how to improve core strength, recommended lined paper that is progressively smaller and less confusing for students. I have also been able to share some strategies with parents so they can work on the same strategies at home.
60th Anniversary: Celebrating six decades of impact & growth
Chris Tawil has transitioned from career as a physiotherapist to the Centre’s Pathway Coordinator.
Supporting Families Every Step of the Way: The Role of the Clinical Services Pathway Coordinator
Navigating services for children with physical, developmental, and communicative challenges can feel overwhelming. To ensure families receive the right support at the right time, we introduced the Clinical Services Pathway Coordinator (CSPC) role this fiscal. This dedicated role serves as a primary point of contact for families, offering guidance, answering questions, and ensuring timely access to appropriate services.
With over 30 years of experience as a physiotherapist, Chris Tawil brings invaluable knowledge to this role. Having worked closely with families in various capacities at the Centre, she now helps manage waitlists, assigns clinicians, and provides families with helpful resources during their wait. Tawil ensures that every family feels supported, informed, and empowered.
“Families have been understanding about waitlists but seem to appreciate
the opportunity to share their concerns, have knowledge of how long the wait is, and access resources in the meantime,” she explains.
When faced with the challenge of more children needing services than available clinicians, we adopted innovative approaches to improve access. These include providing educational resources online and in print, introducing group screening clinics, and expanding therapy programs. Therapy assistants also play a key role in offering timely support, allowing therapists to focus on children with more complex needs.
These proactive measures are making a noticeable difference. Children are being screened sooner, wait times have improved for some programs, and families benefit from having a single, reliable point of contact. With the CSPC role in place, we are strengthening our commitment to ensuring every child receives the care and support they need — as quickly as possible.
Scorecard
We are pleased to share our performance scorecard, based on key indicators in the areas of client service delivery, human resources and financial resources. These indicators form part of our quality program and are monitored regularly by the Management Team and the Board of Directors. Where required, performance improvement plans are developed.
their individual goals
Access to service Programs will meet expected wait times
Access to service Programs will meet expected wait times
of clients that have a discharge status of “achieved appropriate outcomes.”
of clients seen for initial assessment (IA) within 3 months of referral
for service initiation (SI) within 5 months of IA
Inside the numbers
Niagara Children’s Centre achieved most of its performance targets, though wait times remain an issue as demand continues to exceed capacity. This is a long-standing challenge, however the Centre continues to implement strategies to reduce wait times, across all programs.
In the Community
Shining a Light on Caregiving
Date: April 20
We hosted our 5th Annual Parent & Caregiver Conference at the Four Points by Sheraton in St. Catharines. With 165 in attendance, the event created a powerful space for connection, reflection, and recognition of the challenges caregivers face.
The conference featured a screening of Unseen, a documentary that explores the emotional realities of caring for children with physical, developmental, or communicative delays or disabilities. It sparked meaningful conversations about the need for greater societal support and systemic change.
Sara Pot, advocate and representative from CanChild, led a discussion that encouraged participants to explore their caregiving journey, strengthen identity, and advocate for change.
The event celebrated the resilience of caregivers and fostered lasting connections within the community. Thank you to all who helped make this our most impactful conference yet.
Date: July 3
AA Day at the Ballpark
group of families receiving services from the Centre embarked on an exciting journey to the Rogers Centre in Toronto to watch the Blue Jays take on the Astros. For families of children with varying needs, navigating Go Transit and the bustling streets of downtown Toronto required careful planning, teamwork, and resilience.
Upon arrival at Rogers Centre, the families were warmly welcomed into Jays Care Foundation Community Clubhouse overlooking the field, where they could relax and enjoy the game in an inclusive and supportive environment. For many, this was not just a day at the ballpark but a rare opportunity to create joyful memories together in a setting that accommodated their unique needs.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Jays Care Foundation for their exceptional hospitality, creating a memorable experience that highlighted the power of community and the importance of accessibility for all.
In the Community
ASD in Primary Care: Grand Rounds
Date: Nov. 26
In partnership with Niagara Health, a session was hosted to help primary care providers diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) earlier, improving access to the Ontario Autism Program.
Fifty-five participants—including pediatricians, physicians, and nurse practitioners—joined in person or virtually. Dr. Katie Siu led the presentation, covering diagnostic criteria, distinguishing ASD from similar conditions, treatment options, and strategies to support families. She also discussed funding resources and Centre services.
The session received excellent feedback, with 100% of respondents stating it met educational goals and improved their knowledge. Participants suggested future topics such as differentiating speech delays from ASD and managing complex behaviours.
We remain committed to working with Niagara Health to support providers and meet the growing needs of children and families.
Date: Jan. 17
Our Recreation Therapy program hosted a family movie day to celebrate the first school PD Day of 2025. Over 150 families joined us at Landmark Cinemas at the Pen Centre in St. Catharines for an exclusive screening of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, filling two theaters with excitement and joy.
The event was designed to create an inclusive and welcoming experience for families of children with physical, developmental, and communicative delays or disabilities. For many, it was their first opportunity to enjoy a movie in a theatre together. Families could relax and feel at ease, knowing they were surrounded by others who shared similar experiences and challenges.
Without the fear of judgment, children could make noise or take movement breaks during the film, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the magic of the big screen.
Family Movie Day
Statement of Operations
YEARS ENDED MARCH 31
REVENUES
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Regional Municipality of Niagara
Home & Community Care Support Services
Other Income
Amortization of Deferred Capital Contributions
EXPENSES
Salaries and Benefits
Building Services
Contracted Services
Operating Amortization of Property and Equipment (DEFICIENCY)
Excess of Operating Revenues over Expenses for the year
FUNDRAISING
Contributions
Salaries and Expenses
Excess of fundraising revenues over expenses
EXCESS (deficiency) of Revenues over Expenses for the year
Total 2025
$11,909,383
$654,872
$88,459
$2,509,745
$82,908
$15,245,367
$11,690,109
$236,685
$1,469,073
$1,354,451
$82,908
$14,833,226
$412,141
$1,013,953 ($470,139)
$543,814
$10,816,941
$422,205
$66,008
$1,535,586 $88,719
$12,929,459
Revenues
$10,067,571
$230,022
$1,359,657
$1,193,613 $88,719
$12,939,582 ($10,123)
$955,955 Total 2024
$1,317,867 ($461,580) $856,287 $846,164
Expenses
Thank you to our funders:
and Benefits
Services
operating Amortization of Property and Equipment
Auditors: Grant Thornton LLP, St. Catharines. A complete set of audited financial statements is available upon request.
Niagara Catholic Celebrates 27 Years of Empowering Change
Backwards days, creative hair days, and jersey days are more than just a chance for students to express themselves—they’re a powerful tradition of giving at the Niagara Catholic District School Board.
Each February, schools across the board participate in Kids Helping Kids, a week of themed activities where students donate to join in the fun. These joyful events build school spirit while reinforcing values of compassion, community, and generosity. Funds raised are shared between Niagara Children’s Centre and the Niagara Foundation for Catholic Education, recognizing the vital roles both organizations play in supporting local children and families.
“I learned very quickly about the strong connection between Niagara Catholic and Niagara Children’s Centre,” said Camillo Cipriano, Director of Education at Niagara Catholic.
Since launching in 1998, the Kids Helping Kids campaign has raised nearly $893,000 in support of Niagara Children’s Centre. In that time, students and staff stood proudly behind children with physical, developmental, and communicative delays or disabilities —many of whom are their peers.
Even when the campaign was paused during the pandemic, the spirit of giving remained. Since returning, it has
reclaimed its place as a beloved annual tradition.
Beyond fundraising, Kids Helping Kids fosters empathy and awareness of the challenges some children face, helping to build a culture of inclusion throughout Niagara Catholic schools.
“[It] creates greater empathy, understanding, and awareness among our students and fosters a culture of inclusivity in our schools,” added Cipriano.
The Centre also contributes to Niagara Catholic’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), helping ensure that the voices and needs of children with
disabilities are reflected in educational planning.
“We are very grateful for the role Niagara Children’s Centre plays in the lives of our students and all the children it serves in Niagara,” said Gino Pizzoferrato, Family of Schools
Superintendent of Education. “We’re proud to repay that contribution each year through Kids Helping Kids.”
We thank the Niagara Catholic District School Board for 27 years of remarkable support. Through Kids Helping Kids, they’ve inspired a generation of students to become compassionate changemakers—and helped Niagara children be their best.
• Oksana Fisher, CEO of Niagara Children’s Centre, pictured alongside Niagara Catholic senior administration in 2024.
60th Anniversary: Celebrating six decades of community support
FThe mission of May Court to support women and children made our partnership a long-term destiny...
or 60 years, Niagara Children’s Centre has been shaped and strengthened by a remarkable network of donors, volunteers, and community organizations. Their passion, dedication, and belief in the potential of every child and family have inspired generations — and continue to fuel the Centre’s work every day. Here’s what a few of these cherished partners have to say:
May Court Club of St. Catharines:
“The mission of May Court to support women and children made our partnership a long-term destiny, and your contributions to families
who need help or guidance is one we truly have loved to support and will look forward to doing so in the future. We have nothing but respect and admiration for all you do, and we are honoured to be your partner.”
— Penny Dickenson, President, May Court Club of St. Catharines
Niagara Community Foundation:
“On behalf of Niagara Community Foundation, congratulations on 60 years of making a difference for children and families across Niagara. We’re proud of our long-standing partnership and
have granted over $500,000 to support life-changing programs and equipment that have brought hope to so many. We look forward to many more years of working together to build a brighter future for the families we serve.”
— Bryan Rose, Executive Director, Niagara Community Foundation
Niagara Corvette Club:
“The Niagara Corvette Club has proudly supported Niagara Children’s Centre for over 50 years, raising over $450,000 through car shows, auctions, and fundraisers. We’re passionate about giving back
to our community and making a difference for children and their families. Together, we’ve built a strong, growing partnership, and we invite everyone to join us as we launch new initiatives to support the Centre and help put more smiles on the faces of children.”
— Joe Bello, President, Niagara Corvette Club
Ontario Power Generation:
“At Ontario Power Generation, we believe in the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together. Our long-standing partnership with the Niagara Children’s Centre is something we hold close to our hearts. By supporting the Centre, we help ensure that every child, no matter their challenges, has the opportunity to thrive. It’s a privilege to stand beside such an inspiring organization, and the Centre’s dedication continues to create brighter, more inclusive futures for these amazing kids.”
— Nicole Fabbro, Vice President, Niagara Operations, Ontario Power Generation
Rotary Club of St. Catharines:
“The Rotary Club of St. Catharines is proud of its longstanding legacy of service to children. As a founding partner of Niagara Children’s Centre— through the vision and passion of our dedicated Rotarian, Dr. William J. Orr—we have been committed to helping children at the Centre reach their full potential since its inception.
Thank you for all that you do to support children and families across Niagara, and congratulations on 60 incredible years!”
— Jackie Van Lankveld, President, Rotary Club of St. Catharines
Whiteoaks Communications Group:
“610 CKTB, 97.7 HTZ FM and dream 105.7 were honoured to yet again partner with the annual Help Kids Shine campaign. As caring community partners, we continually strive to find the best way to spread the call for help throughout the region. Niagara Children’s Centre understands the importance of helping every child reach their full potential and we are here to provide a megaphone for those that also support that mission.”
— Lisa Vinc, Senior Program Director, Whiteoaks Communications Group
Wise Guys Charity Fund:
“The Wise Guys Charity Fund has been proud to support numerous projects and programs for over 30 years. As a Niagara-wide charity, it’s a privilege to partner with an organization that serves thousands of children and families across our region. Their work is truly life-changing, and their team is caring, talented, and professional. Niagara is incredibly fortunate to have such a world-class resource in its community.”
— Douglas C. Smith, Chair, Wise Guys Charity Fund
Through these cherished relationships, we are building brighter futures, together. We are deeply grateful for every dollar, every hour, every word of encouragement, and every moment of partnership that makes Niagara Children’s Centre such a special place for children and families across our region.
Donor Recognition
Community Contributions
$25,000+
Bell Media
City of St. Catharines
Kiwanis Club of St. Catharines
O’Hara Trucking & Excavating Inc.
Tim Hortons
$10,000 - $24,999
Beaverloch Farms
Cla-Val Canada Corp
Dendres Corporation
(McDonald’s)
Mackenzie Together Charitable Foundation
Niagara Catholic District School Board
Niagara Community FoundationJoseph Olascki Trust Fund
Niagara Community Foundation -Niagara Children’s Centre Fund
Niagara Community Foundation –
Philip & Karen Court Family Fund
Ontario Power Generation
Rotary Club of St. Catharines
Safari Niagara
ScotiaMcleod Charitable Foundation
Stamford Kiwanis Club
The Viola-Salter Group - Scotia Wealth Management
Wise Guys Charity Fund
Marcella McNamara
$5,000 - $9,999
Adam Carter
1832 Asset Management LP
Bayshore Masonry Limited
$5,000 - $9,999 continued
BMI Industrial Breakwater
Investments
Doug & Cheryl Smith
Cooper Wealth Management of RBC
Dominion Securities
Corks Restaurant & Wine Bar
Enbridge Gas Inc
Gordon Wright Electric Ltd.
Grant Thornton LLP
HATCH
Havana Niagara
Hummel Properties Inc
Kyle Allman
Marz Homes
McKeil Family Foundation
Mountainview Building Group
Niagara Corvette Club
PayPal Giving Fund
Plooto Inc.
Rotary Club of Welland
RS Furtney
Sandtrap Pub & Grill Golf Tournament
St. Catharines Professional Firefighters
Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation
- Dr. William Orr Foundation
Sullivan Mahoney LLP
Susan Howlett
David & Susan Siscoe
Tepperman’s
The Steve and Mary Gaida Ohar Foundation
Town Of Lincoln
Wormald Masse Keen Lopinski LLP
April 2024 to March 2025
$2,500 - $4,999
Chris Bilodeau
BenefAction
Boston Pizza - Pen Centre
CIBC Wood Gundy
Dorothy Harvey
Industrial Alliance
MNP Ltd.
Oksana & Bob Fisher
OSEG Foundation
Paul Leon
PBO Group
Picton Mahoney Asset Management
Port Dalhousie Lions Club
Rankin Construction Inc.
Rob & Patricia Neil
Rona Foundation
Scotiabank
Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Sick Kids Foundation
Solmar Development Corp
The Edith and Bernard Ennis Foundation
The May Court Club of St. Catharines
United Way Niagara
$1,000 - $2,499
Al & Janet Schutten
Auld Reid Memorial Tournament Fund
Barica Turkovich
Bill Schenck
Bill & Rose Laurin
Billyard Insurance GroupBIG Hearts
Donor Recognition
Community Contributions
$1,000 - $2,499 continued
Bob & Lorraine Hand
Boldt Realty Inc
Brent Pfab
Bryan & Nancy Hermans
Charles Sansom
CI Investments
Club Richelieu Welland
Colleen Beard
CTM Services Inc.
Curtis Custers
Dan Michitsh
Darci & Eric Weinert
Desjardins
Don & Karen Smith
Don & Lois Fretz
Emporium Carpet & Flooring
Fred & Wendy Fretz
Georges Greek Village
Georgia Baum
Grantham Lions Club
Gwen Stickney
Heather Dearing
Henry of Pelham
Jim Yungblut
Joel & Brenda Chatterton
John and Lynda Gammage
John Howard Society of Niagara
Ken & Donna Janzen
Latcham PML Foods
Lococo’s
Lou Biagi
Mackenzie Investments
Manulife
Maplewood Stairs & Railings
Margaret Runka
Maria Tremeer
Mario Durand
$1,000 - $2,499 continued
Marla & Adam Smith
Mary Marrello
Lions Club of Merritton
Michael Mazurek
Niagara Community Foundation - Wills Family Foundation
Niagara Community Foundation-Robert A. Lavelle Memorial Fund
Niagara Construction Association
Niagara Falls Bridge Commission
Niagara Falls Volunteer Firefighters Association Station 6
Oliver Shaw
Optimist Club St. Catharines
Paul Meeks
Polstar Group Ltd.
Ridley College
Rotary Club Of Grimsby
Rotary Club of Niagara Falls
Rotary Club of Niagara Falls
Sunrise
Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore
Royal Canadian Legion #127
SilverLine Group Inc.
Stamford Centre Volunteer Firemen’s Association
Steve & Natalie Brogan
SunOpta Inc.
Ted Mota
Terry & Diane Dick
TJX Canada (Winners)
TMA Law
Vanderzalm Construction
Veseli Hrvati
Walker’s Country Market
Walter Metcalfe
April 2024 to March 2025
$1,000 - $2,499 continued
Welland Optimist Club
Windrush Hill Construction
YHA Foundation
Young Caregivers Initiative
$500 - $999
Alex Zelem
Adriana Katzman
Anita Curran
Anthony Bailey
Arcadis Professional Services
B & A Heaslip Farms Ltd.
Barbara West-Jones
Barry Katzman
BCM Insurance Company
Beatties Basics
Beyond the Classroom
St. Catharines
Bill & Beth Lamb
Brian McKeown
Budget Blinds of Niagara
Carol House
Carolyn & Andy Habjan
Chris Pattison
Chris Barnatt
Chris Hilyer
Cindy & Derek Mewhinney
Colliers Project Leaders
Craig Janzen
Dana Brown
David Cork
David Wells
Diane Watson
Dolores Fabiano
Donald Devreede
Doug Smith
Elaine Digweed
Donor Recognition
Community Contributions
$500 - $999 continued
Eric Andrews
Frank & Debbie Demizio
Gail Norris
Gemini Windows, Doors & Siding
Henry Dyck
Intuitive Shipping
Irfan Lone
Isabelle Sirard
Ivana Komljenovic
Jane Charette
Jeff & Kristine Douglas
Jeff & Linda Sanders
Jim Bradley
Joe Cesnik
Joel Reeds
John Krakar
John Crossley
John Henderson
John Bartlett
John Hughes
Johnny Munden
Joy Vongphachanh
Judith Rock
Kate Wiley
Kathy Bell
Keith Robinson
Kurt Klein
Larry & Eleanor Kent
Laura Schofield
Lauren Foresi
Lawrence Wormald
Leslie & Michael Memme
Linda Duc
Lisa Flynn
Lisa Vinc
Lois Ouellette
Lorne Gretsinger
$500 - $999 continued
Lynne Burnside
Madalyn Weinert
Maletta Realty Inc.
Margaret Guse Estate Foundation
Martin Heikoop
Mat Siscoe & Chrissy Sadowksi
Matt Harvey
Michael Douglas
Michael & Diane Michaud
Michael & Judy Gaudrault
Midas Auto Service
Misty Cavallin
Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse Casual
Niagara Community Foundation - John & Jan Potts Fund
Niagara Home Builders Association
Niagara IceDogs
Niagara Swans Club
Nicky Hobbs
Page Olsen
Patricia Teal
Patrick Myers
Paul Dickson
Lions Club of Port Colborne
Robert Mansfield
Ruth Todd
Sandra Bolibruck
Sandra Arkison
Sara & Toni Mummery
Scott Construction Niagara Inc
Service Master Niagara
Sheila Beiko
Shelley Watson
Sir Winston Churchill
Secondary School
Stamford Lions Club
April 2024 to March 2025
$500 - $999 continued
Stephanie Kirin
Susan Mull
Tammy Davey-Wiebe
Tedco Enterprises Inc.
Teresa Schulenberg
Terry & Rick Parker
Theodora Wensing
Tim & Karen Wright
Tony & Leslie Cirasuolo
Union Lodge No. 16 Independent Order of Odd Fellows
