BRANTFORD – On September 18, 2024, Lansdowne Children’s Centre (which serves children and youth in Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation), hosted an open house as part of the organization’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration.
A number of dignitaries attended the event, including Haldimand Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, who after touring the facilities, said: “Lansdowne is a bright space where families feel welcome but most importantly, supported. Families don’t have time to be bounced from one place to another and that is why Lansdowne’s one-stop point of entry for parents and caregivers is highly regarded and recommended. Families are immediately connected with services, supports, and resources under one roof."
“Helping all children realize their potential is what we should all be working toward, and it was so heartening to speak to staff at Lansdowne who are passionate about the work they do and are continually learning and growing to better serve local children and their families.”
“Lansdowne is a bright space where families feel welcome but most importantly, supported." Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP Haldimand Norfolk
Brantford resident Sandy Werkman was another guest who attended the event. Her daughter received services through Lansdowne from 1998 to 2002.
“We used all the services that were available at the time,” said Werkman. She expressed deep gratitude for the support the centre had offered during that time.
“You come to a place like this, and you think it’s just for the kids, but it’s for the whole family,” she said.
Werkman said she’d noticed “massive changes” to the facility since the last time she’d visited.
“I love the brightness and all the different dimensions that have been added,” she said, adding that she was looking forward to seeing the centre’s new facilities whenever they are built.
“You come to a place like this, and you think it’s just for the kids, but it’s for the whole family.” Sandy Werkman, past Lansdowne client family
In January 2024, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announced that it was beginning planning work to build a new facility for Lansdowne (read more here: https://www.lansdownecentre.ca/post/ontario-building-new-children-s-treatment-centre-in-brantford)
Lansdowne’s executive director Rita-Marie Hadley said that in addition to community partners, past Lansdowne clients, staff, governors, etc. being invited, “What I was delighted by was … (it was) also a chance for our own staff to get a chance to celebrate and do a show and tell, but also learn a little bit more about what we provide in different programs from what they work in.”
Snapshot slideshow of photos taken on September 18, 2024 at the Lansdowne Children's Centre open house event.
QUICK FACTS:
Lansdowne Children’s Centre has received Stage 1 planning approval to complete the necessary planning work for the development of a new facility.
When children in Ontario begin school, almost 30 per cent have at least one developmental vulnerability that could affect their lifelong health, learning and behaviour.
Special needs can include, but are not limited to, communication disorders, physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and chronic and/or long-term medical conditions. They can include specific diagnoses such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Families with questions about their child’s development and support needs can contact their local children’s treatment centre or Surrey Place in Toronto.
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