Children First

Sandra and Jennifer attended the NICU Graduate Picnic last Saturday. The event is described as "A fun outdoor get-together for NICU graduates and their families to celebrate milestones, reconnect with NICU staff and share smiles!" Children First is so thankful to have the opportunity to attend💙

Did you hear? WEConnectKids.org has a newly redesigned website and expanded program directory designed to make it easier for families to find the right mental health and community supports. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, youth, or provider, it’s a simple starting point to help connect to care. Whether you’re unsure where to start or looking for local services, WEConnectKids is here to help connect you to care that fits your needs.

Learn more: WEConnectKids.org

"We may not be able to prepare the future for our children, but we can at least prepare our children for the future." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to shape Canada today. It is also a moment for reflection and to recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization and to reflect on how we can all contribute to reconciliation.

Here's how to get involved this month:
💙read books by Indigenous authors
💙attend events and community gatherings
💙watch films or performances
💙listen to music by Indigenous artists
💙follow First Nations, Inuit and Métis creators on social media
Source: Government of Canada https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1683124800202/1683124846095

Supporting mental health, together💙As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, we’re proud to stand alongside families providing care, support, and guidance every step of the way. Our team of caring professionals is here for you and your family not just this month, but every day of the year.

Getting help for your child or youth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. WEConnectKids connects families in Windsor-Essex to the right mental health & addiction support at weconnectkids.org

Adult support is also available through WEC Connect: wecoss.ca/wec_connect

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we want families to know that support starts right at the start of service... at intake!💙🧠 Our Intake Clinicians, including Social Workers, are available to offer immediate support for the stresses that may come.

They also help families:

🧠Connect with groups that build skills and bring parents together, including Friends Resilience for anxiety, Circle of Security for strengthening connection, and mental health discussion groups
🧠Access Children First Mental Health Services, such as family skill‑building and support, therapy, and psychological consultation. Did you know that in 2025, over 700 families received these supports?
🧠Link to community resources that support both children and the whole family
No family has to navigate mental health challenges alone.

This Mental Health Month, we’re proud to support families every step of the way💙

Our office will be closed today for Victoria Day. We'll be back tomorrow!🍁

We are excited to share that Children First was a Platinum-Level Recipient of the Gord Smith Healthy Workplace Awards for 2025! 🎉🥳 "The purpose of the awards program is to recognize local employers that provide comprehensive workplace wellness programs for the benefit of their employees." Thank you to our Wellness Committee for submitting our application and for representing us at the awards ceremony💙We are so grateful for their commitment to Wellness!