The Children's Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing specialized treatment, counselling, and attentive care to children, youth, and families facing complex challenges. Established with the mission to improve the quality of life for children and youth in need, the foundation offers a broad spectrum of programs and services aimed at addressing various social, emotional, and developmental difficulties.

Mission and Vision

The Children's Foundation's mission centers on ensuring that all children and youth in the communities it serves have access to social and physical opportunities to explore, learn, play, and thrive. Its vision is that no child or youth will lack positive experiences and equal opportunities to help them realize their full potential.

Programs and Services

The foundation operates numerous programs designed to support children and youth through educational opportunities, life skills development, mental health support, and recreational activities. Key programs include:

• Reach for Success: Provides bursaries and scholarships to youth pursuing post-secondary education, along with awards recognizing personal growth among youth in care.

• Camps of Hope: Offers funding for various camps including day, overnight, summer, March Break, Christmas, and Professional Activity Day camps.

• Strive to Thrive: Supports mental health and life skills classes.

• Training & Development: Funds participation in life skills-based programs.

• Playing for Keeps: Provides financial support for sports, music lessons, art classes, and other recreational activities.

• Keep Baby Safe: Supplies essentials such as cribs, mattresses, and car seats to ensure infant safety.

Specialized programs are also available for individuals supported by Highland Shores Children's Aid, including holiday support through the Angel Tree initiative and assistance with prom and graduation events to make these milestones accessible to all youth.

Clientele and Areas Served

The foundation primarily serves children and youth in Hastings, Northumberland, and Prince Edward Counties. It focuses on individuals experiencing challenges such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), severe social and emotional disorders, developmental disabilities, and trauma-related issues.

Governance and Staff

The Children's Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors comprising professionals from diverse fields including education, social services, law, and business. The organization is managed by an experienced team committed to strategic development, communications, and effective fundraising to sustain its programs.

Legal Status

The Children's Foundation is registered as a charitable organization in Canada under the business registration number 108076688RR0001. It complies with the Canada Revenue Agency's regulations and maintains transparency through audited financial statements available upon request.

Impact

Through its comprehensive approach, the foundation has made significant contributions to the wellbeing of children and youth facing adversity. Events such as their annual Guardian Angel Gala have successfully raised funds to support ongoing and new initiatives, ensuring continued access to vital programs.

This summary reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering brighter futures for children and youth by providing essential services that empower them to overcome challenges and achieve success.