Find a Printable Version of Jenna’s Story Here

Jenna works in the field of child development. She and her husband, Michael, live in the City of Kawartha Lakes with their two children. Their youngest, Watson, was born with mild cerebral palsy.

As Jenna notes, contacting Five Counties Children’s Centre for support was the best decision she ever made — for Watson and her family: 

“Every day, I work in this field doing psycho-educational assessments for youth, counselling children, or helping parents navigate the bumpy roads that come with raising kids who need a little extra support. You might think that my professional background would make it easier to recognize the signs in my own child, but in truth it made things complicated. On one hand, it gave me tools to advocate. On the other, it made me second-guess myself. Was I worrying too soon? Was I overanalyzing? Or was I missing something important?

“At just five months old, I made the decision to self-refer Watson to Five Counties Children’s Centre. Looking back now, I can say without hesitation that it was the best decision I have ever made. Not only for my son, but for myself, and for the many families I’ve since been able to support who are walking a similar journey.

“Over the past 18 months, we’ve accessed physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized support through the feeding clinic. Each service has met us where we were, helping Watson overcome challenges and grow stronger step by step. And it wasn’t just the therapy itself that mattered. It was the bonds we formed with the therapists, the office staff, and the teams who welcomed us. Even when his older sister Harper had to come along to a session, they found ways to include her and to make our whole family feel welcome. That kind of compassion has made this journey lighter for all of us.

“And through this, I’ve gained a new appreciation for my sister-in-law, who is a Communicative Disorders Assistant. For years, I admired her dedication to her career, but I didn’t fully understand the depth of her impact. Now, living this experience with my own child, I see why she chose this path. I see the patience, the creativity, and the heart it takes. I see how children’s lives are changed because of professionals like her. What once felt like “her work” now feels personal to me, because I’ve watched how profoundly those efforts shape a child’s future and a family’s hope.

“I’ve watched Watson’s journey with awe. In those early days, the gap between him and his peers felt enormous, and that was scary. But with time, with therapy, and with the support of a caring team, that gap began to close. Slowly, steadily, beautifully. And every milestone felt like a miracle: a smile, a grasp, a step, a word. Each one reminded us that progress comes in many forms and that hope carries us forward.

“I know I am fortunate. Being self-employed has given me the flexibility to attend appointments without the fear of missing work. Not every family has that privilege. And yet, even with flexibility, the journey can feel heavy. What has made it lighter is the warmth, expertise, and encouragement of a team who believed in my child just as much as I did, along with the sense of community found among other parents walking the same path. Because the truth is, progress is never made alone. A team makes it better. A supportive family and a group of friends make it possible.

“What I have learned as a parent through Five Counties has also made me a better professional. I now understand the process and the services from both sides, and that has allowed me to guide the families who come into my clinic with not just professional advice, but lived experience. When a parent sits across from me, filled with fear and uncertainty, I can look them in the eye and say: I’ve been there. I know how it feels. And I promise there is hope.

“Five Counties has given my family that hope. They’ve given Watson opportunities I once wasn’t sure he would have. And they’ve given our community a gift that is beyond measure.”

Share your story by emailing us at development@fivecounties.on.ca

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LINDSAY, ON (Sept. 16, 2025) – You don’t have to be a fashionista to embrace this clothes call, which aims to mix fun, fashion and fundraising all into one exciting night.

Back by popular demand, Couture for Kids returns on Thursday, Oct. 2, for its second year. Couture for Kids brings together local businesses and community spirit for an evening to showcase fashion and support Five Counties Children’s Centre in providing kids’ treatment services in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The fashion show feature clothing from local retailers, including Brittany N Bros, Brittany’s Shoes, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, The Lingerie Loft, Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan and Nisbett’s Clothiers.

“We’re delighted to welcome everyone back for our second annual Couture for Kids,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties Children’s Centre. “By showcasing the creativity of our local retailers, this event not only shines a spotlight on community talent, but raises vital awareness and support for the life-changing services provided by Five Counties in the City of Kawartha Lakes.”

Couture for Kids takes place at Celebrations Lindsay (35 Lindsay St. N.). Doors open at 6 pm, with the fashion show starting at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 and include light snacks provided by Milk and Honey Eatery. Tickets can be purchased at participating retailers or by going online.

People attending Couture for Kids can look forward to a raffle, including flower arrangements from Hill Florist, a diamond jewel handbag and earrings from Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan, gift baskets and gift cards from local businesses, and much more. Pass the Purse will also return, with any attendee who puts a donation in the purse being entered in a draw to win it.

All proceeds from Couture for Kids will support Five Counties kids in the City of the Kawartha Lakes, helping them access needed life-changing treatment services close to home. In 2024/25, the Centre supported 1,359 kids and youth in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Couture for Kids is sponsored by: Homestead Oxygen & Medical Equipment, Homestead Kids Medical Equipment, IG Private Wealth Management Mazziotti & Associates, Lindsay Chiropractic & Wellness, Nicole Naylor and Wards Lawyers.

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Family 50-Fest in Lindsay – Sept. 6

(Join us for Family 50-Fest in Peterborough on Sept. 27)

• What: Five Counties is pleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an event for our kids, families, and community. Join us for a celebration that includes: games, kid-friendly activities, petting zoo, circus performers, touch a fire truck, food, music and much more. An open house/tour of our Lindsay site will also be available.
• When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 am to 1 pm
• Where: Five Counties Children’s Centre (9 Russell St. E.) in Lindsay
• To Join: Drop by and help us to celebrate our anniversary of helping children with physical, developmental and communication needs. To help us better plan, please pre-register for the event. You can also call 1-888-779-9916, ext. 200, or email 50@fivecounties.on.ca

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Fashion meets philanthropy at the first-ever Couture for Kids event set for Thursday, October 3, at Celebrations (35 Lindsay St. N.) in Lindsay. Couture for Kids is a fashion show fundraiser for Five Counties Children’s Centre, featuring clothing from local retailers like Brittany’s N Bros, Bonita Clothing & Co, Cathy Allan Ladieswear, John G’s, Homethreads Boutique, The Lingerie Loft, Lizzy’s by Cathy Allan and Nisbett’s Clothiers.

“We are excited to mix fashion and fun at our first-ever Couture for Kids event in Lindsay. This fundraising event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and support the life-changing work that goes on every day at Five Counties,” says Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at the Centre.

The doors to Couture for Kids open at 6 pm, with the fashion show starting at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 each and include light snacks provided by Milk and Honey Eatery and Brouwer Bake Shop. Tickets can be purchased at participating retailers or by going online.

Couture for Kids will feature a raffle, consisting of flower arrangements by Hill’s Florist, skin care basket, hair care basket, gift cards for local businesses and much more. Pass the Purse will also be on the agenda, with any attendee who puts a donation in the purse being entered in a draw to win it.

All proceeds from Couture for Kids will support Five Counties kids in City of Kawartha Lakes, helping them access needed life-changing treatment services close to home. In 2023/24, the Centre served more than 1,300 kids and youth in Kawartha Lakes.

Couture for Kids is sponsored by: IG Private Wealth Management Mazziotti & Associates, Homestead Oxygen & Medical Equipment, Pasquino Productions, Wards Lawyers PC, RX Cosmetics, Days Inn & Suites Lindsay, Kawartha Home Hardware Group of Stores, and Lindsay Chiropractic & Wellness.

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