R Jeff introduced Nicole:
Nicole has been working with Five Counties for the past 22 years. She is an occupational therapist who works with clients and their families from the age of 1-19 on daily living skills, coordination and anything they need to do in their daily life. She works both in our offices as well as in the school system in the Brighton and Campbellford area.
Nicole on behalf of Five Counties Children's Centre expressed appreciation for Rotary and our continued support for them in general and for specific families over the years.
Five Counties started in 1975. They now serve 4 Counties including Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. They once served North Hastings too.
They have 140 employees and work out of offices in Peterborough, Cobourg, Campbellford, Lindsay and Minden.
They provide innovative solutions and techniques to help children from birth to 19 years of age. At 19 kids transition to adult programs.
They provide support for communication, physio, therapy, social skills and needs, speech and language therapy. They provide and help with specialized techniques. They work with families to determine how best to support and help.
Respect for the family is paramount. The families know the situation best. Their input is valued. They work with the families and partners.
Five Counties are accredited every five years.
In 1976 they served 130 children. In 2022 they served 6,203 and there is a waiting list. In Northumberland 1,615 kids served in 2022 and in Brighton 156 kids served.
Nicole shared David's story. Age 10 1/2 and athletic and never gives up. David was adopted from Haiti with speech and physio challenges. His right side needs strengthening. He is learning to navigate a two handed world with one.
Every child has unique needs. Five Counties seeks to meet those needs.
"Building Abilities for Life Campaign" A big fund raising activity each June is their Adult BBQ.
How we can help - share their story and need, volunteer, and donate.
Their next event is a day with the Cobourg Cougars. Getting kids on the ice for the day.
Most of their revenue comes from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. They have lots of kids on their wait list.
R Daniel thanked Nicole.
President Joyce presented Nicole a cheque to Five Counties Children's Centre for $500 from the Rotary Club of Brighton.