For nearly two decades, KidsAbility has provided life-changing therapy and support services to children and youth with special needs in Guelph. With referrals to our programs increasing year after year, we realized that we didn’t have enough space in our existing facilities to meet the demand from local families. As a result, we decided to create a new Guelph Hub to provide all of our services under one roof.

 

“Providing accessible, seamless and integrated care by bringing services as close as possible to families, has always been a priority for KidsAbility,” says Linda Kenny, Chief Executive Officer of KidsAbility. “In 1999 when we first began offering services in Guelph, we saw just 17 children through a pilot project. The need was evident from the start and we have been proud to be a part of the Guelph community since then providing therapy and support services from two Guelph sites located at the West End Community Centre and on Woodlawn Road.”

 

The design of KidsAbility’s new Guelph Hub will reflect Guelph’s unique needs, community partnerships and best practices in the care of children and youth with special needs. Construction will begin in January 2018 to renovate the over 13,000-square-foot space located at 503 Imperial Road North in time for the planned move-in date of summer 2018. The renovation of the new facility will cost approximately $1.2 million including construction costs, architect fees and equipment.

There are many benefits of an integrated hub for Guelph families, staff, volunteers and community partners. A centralized hub will provide natural opportunities for staff and volunteers to collaborate, share ideas and innovate. In addition, families will not have to travel between locations for services. KidsAbility will also be able to partner and share space with other community organizations enabling a wider range of programming in the Guelph community.

 

“To help make this project possible, KidsAbility Foundation has launched a $700,000 fundraising campaign,” says Lisa Talbot, Executive Director of KidsAbility Foundation. “As a result, we will be reaching out to local businesses and community members in Guelph to support this initiative. Together, we can build a hub that will have a positive impact on children and youth for many years to come.”

 

If supporters would like to make a gift to KidsAbility’s Guelph Hub, they can do so by visiting the organization’s secure website at kidsability.ca/support or calling KidsAbility Foundation at 519-886-8886 ext. 1350. Every donation in support of children and youth with special needs in Guelph is appreciated!

Article written by: Harry Endrulat, Communications Manager at KidsAbility