Help Parents Be the Best They Can Be

When Dr. John McKim founded Childreach in 1975, he knew that a child’s first years shape them for life. He also knew that their healthy development was dependent on giving practical and emotional support to their parents. This remains true today.

We work with families and our community partners to pinpoint underserved early childhood needs; then we initiate programs and services to fill the gaps.

We know all parents face challenges along with the joys of raising a family; and during the difficult times, specialized support is needed. Your donation will help us:

• To provide a parent educator to work directly with parents in crisis, offering them support and building on their strengths to help them cope. When more intense help is needed, we refer families to clinical services or become the case manager for a specialized team approach.

• To offer the MotherReach support group for mothers experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. This one of a kind program in London reduces isolation and distress experienced by many women with the profound life change that accompanies the birth or adoption of a child.

• To develop a peer support network for teen parents where they can meet in a trusted environment to learn from parenting professionals and from each other. The focus is on nutrition, early childhood development and strengthening life skills while their children participate in our early learning programs. (The poverty rate among women-led single parent families is 21 per cent.)

Research shows that $1 invested in the early years of a child’s life can save up to $9 in future spending in the healthcare system. As well, it will ensure children will grow up to be happy, healthy and caring adults.

In 2020, we must raise $60,000 to offset the costs of meeting these needs. Every dollar counts – please be as generous as you can.

With gratitude,

Kate Placide, Board President