FIREFLY PROVIDES WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO

Posted by John Borst on May 08, 2019
Best Start Program Children and Family Services Dryden Firefly Lake of the Woods Child Development Centre Making Connections for Children and Youth Northwestern Ontario Patricia Centre for Children and Youth Sioux Lookout kenora
Karen Ingebrigston, the executive director, explained the background on Firefly and a soft push to see if there were any potential future board members in the crowd.
In 2011, with the amalgamation of the Lake of the Woods Child Development Centre and the Patricia Centre for Children and Youth, FIREFLY commenced its existence.
 
FIREFLY is a multi-service, non-profit organisation providing a wide range of services for children, youth, and families in communities across Northwestern Ontario. They dedicate themselves to supporting and strengthening the health and well-being of families, children, and youth through emotional, physical, developmental, and community services.
 
FIREFLY has over 150 staff serving in communities across the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.
 
In 2017-18, 3773 individuals and their families received service. Over 5000 child visits at Kenora and Sioux Lookout Best Start hubs serving 1000 children Kenora area child care services served 160 families 172 children supported with Making Connections for Children and Youth ( in Dryden). As a result, these children were able to partake in activities that they normally may not have been able to engage.
 
Some of the programs and services operated by Firefly include:
 
Child Care: FIREFLY operates six licensed Child Care Programs in Kenora. Full day Early Learning programs are located at Cameron Bay Children’s Centre, Evergreen School, and King George Schools.
 
Before and after school (BASE) programs: FIREFLY’s operates the program at Valleyview School, St. Louis School, Evergreen School, King George School and Keewatin Public School.
 
Early ON:  Provides information and support on child development and parenting to families with children up to the age of 6 years in Kenora and Sioux Lookout.
 
Outreach Programs: Triple Play Kenora and Making Connections for Children and Youth – Dryden are the two incredible programs provided.
 
Karen’s last pitch was to highlight the qualifications of board members as she once again asked the audience to consider putting their name forward.