Annual Report 2025-2026

Message from our CEO and Board Chair

To Our Community, 

Many of us had our eyes glued to the sky in April 2026, when the Artemis II crew members captivated the world with their successful flyby of the Moon and their safe return to Earth. In looping around the far side of the Moon, the spacecraft crew went further from Earth than anyone in human history.

The Artemis II exploits bring to mind the words of Norman Vincent Peale, an author best known for popularizing the concept of positive thinking. Peale once said: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

At Five Counties Children’s Centre, reaching for the stars happens every day. It’s evident in our kids who work diligently with our clinical staff and their own families to build their abilities for life. Whether it’s a child with physical, developmental or communication needs, Five Counties is grateful to be a launch pad of sorts. We work to help kids — like our client, Arthur, who is pictured on the cover of this year’s Annual Report — achieve maximum liftoff by supporting their independence, well-being and quality of life, while helping and empowering families in our region.

As you will see in this year’s Annual Report, it was a busy and banner year in 2025-26. From a record number of clients served, to gaining public recognition for our work, to launching an innovative new campaign that asks families to Rethink Therapy, to celebrating our 50th anniversary, it was truly a rich and rewarding 12 months.

Zimbabwean-Canadian author, philosopher, and entrepreneur Matshona Dhliwayo once said: “Gravity is no match against one who is determined to reach the stars.” Stop by our Centre and you’ll see those words in action, no rockets required!

Scott Pepin, CEO, Five Counties Children’s Centre

Ziyad Sidawi, Chair, Board of Directors, Five Counties Children’s Centre

Stories of Impact

Your Support Matters

To Our Supporters, Donors and Volunteers:

This year, Five Counties Children’s Centre is proud to share that an extraordinary $747,283 was raised to support life-changing treatment for children at the Centre.

These funds have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in our region. Your generosity allowed us to hire more therapists, helping ensure more than 500 children can access critical services without the burden of waiting. Your gifts are helping to provide specialized therapy services like speech and language support, occupational therapy, and much-needed equipment.

Every day, the kids and families we serve rely on the Centre — and on caring supporters like you — for programs and services that help build abilities for life. YOur suport and generosity is doing more than funding programs; it is creating opportunities, inspiring hope and changing lives.

Because of you, children in our community are receiving the support they need to grow, thrive and reach their full potential. Please know how thankful we are for your belief in our work and for standing alongside the children and families who need us most.

Your care and compassion is making a lasting difference, close to home! Thank you for being an important part of their journey and success.

Kassie, Maddie, Lyn, Lisa and Linsey

(currently on mat leave), Fund Development Team