Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara
8 Forster St. L2N 1Z9 Saint Catharines, ON, Canada

Keeping children and youth safe is everybody's responsibility! If you suspect that a child is being abused, please contact Family and Children's Services Niagara at 905-937-7731, Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111 or 911 if a child is in imminent danger. Share this message so that everyone has the necessary information in order to report abuse.

Do you know who the Centre's core partners are? Once you've commented below with your answer, swipe to find the answer and learn more! For additional information about our core and collaborative partners, visit https://bit.ly/CACpartners.

We want to say that you are a rare kind of generous, Margo Smith! It is difficult to put into words how much your generosity means to all of us. A valued and dedicated volunteer for the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, who has volunteered her valuable time; has generously donated to all our events & initiatives; and has remained actively committed to the success of our Kids Golfing for Kids event since the Centre opened in September 2008. Margo is a passionate and amaz...ing woman with extraordinary commitment and a heart of gold. A former teacher with over 35 years with the District School Board of Niagara, Margo knew volunteering with the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre was a perfect fit for her, as she spent a career advocating for children & youth. Margo joined the events committee to help with event preparation, the most memorable event was the September 16, 2008 Ribbon Cutting to officially open the Centre and the Garden of Hope at the Forster Street location. When Doug and Donna French cut the ribbon and Donna released a box of butterflies symbolizing hope for abused children & youth, Margo knew she was volunteering for the right organization. In her own words, Margo looks back over her 13 years of giving and states, Being a volunteer for the Centre has enriched my life and I could see that my help and support was greatly needed. After many years of volunteering and realizing the need for financial support, Margo decided to name the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara as a designate for Planned Giving. Not only was Margo passionately involved and committed at the beginning she continues as an active volunteer who is always willing to help out in any capacity. She says it is a privilege to work with the staff and volunteers at the Centre, as we share one goal helping kids who have been abused if you are looking for a place to volunteer, you won’t find a more rewarding place than the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre and we at the Centre, will not find a more dedicated volunteer. The time and energy Margo puts forward for our Centre is not for personal gain or recognition, but to help our community meet the needs of children & youth who have experienced abuse.

We are currently accepting applications for the 2021 Board Of Directors - Treasurer [volunteer position]! The deadline for applications is this Friday, April 23rd at 5:00 PM. Visit the link below for more information about the role and to apply.

Bidding for our Build 4 The Future Online Auction is now open! This exciting fundraising event showcases beautiful creations from Niagara’s backyard builders and local crafters. Auction items include unique garden accent pieces, birdhouses, home décor and much more! Funds raised from the auction will support ongoing programs & services designed to provide immediate support to children, youth and their families in the aftermath of abuse or trauma.... Visit http://bit.ly/CACBuild4TheFutureAuction to begin bidding!

Spring is in the air! Warmer temperatures are upon us, which means you'll soon be spending more time outdoors! Bidding opens tomorrow (Sunday, April 18th) at 8:00am for our Build 4 The Future Online Auction, which showcases beautiful creations from Niagara’s backyard builders and crafters. ... Proceeds from our Build 4 the Future Online Auction will directly support much needed programs & services for children & youth in Niagara who have experienced abuse or trauma.

There are 4 commonly recognized categories of child abuse. Emotional Abuse Neglect Sexual Abuse... Physical Abuse Every child will react to stress, trauma and abuse uniquely. Swipe to learn more about common indications that abuse may be occurring. Please note that these indications are not specific to abuse and can be occurring for different reasons. If you do suspect abuse, please report it immediately. Call Family and Children’s Services Niagara at 905-937-7731 or 1-888-937-7731. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reports can be made anonymously or you can remain confidential. Please do not attempt to make a report or referral by email, they should be made by phone or in person only.

Save the Date Sunday, April 18 online bidding opens! Begin to plan your outdoor oasis with a one-of-a-kind item from our Build 4 The Future Online Auction! We invite you to shop local and support local artisans whose skills & talents are as unique as the custom pieces they have donated.... All proceeds from this unique spring event will directly support the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre’s efforts to continue to build better futures for children & youth who have experienced abuse.

Everyone wins with Jackpot Flowers! The flowers growing with the jackpot! Jackpot Flowers adds 10% of every purchase to their progressive jackpot. Once it reaches $600, they donate $500 to their spotlight cause, a charity or not-for-profit that serves our Niagara community. Our Centre, Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara is their current charity so brighten your day with a gorgeous spring bouquet. Order online https://jackpotflowers.ca/ for next day delivery in Niagara, from Grimsby to Fort Erie or stop by their pop-up shop at 3 Hwy 20 in East Fonthill to browse the amazing selection of bouquets and potted plants!

We're very grateful to have Family and Children's Services Niagara as one of our core partners. Since 1898, Family and Children’s Services Niagara has offered a wide range of programs that protect children, strengthen families and help youth and adults to be the best they can be. FACS Niagara works with the Centre to conduct forensic child abuse investigations on site. Their mission is to protect, support and strengthen the lives of children, youth, adults and families.

We wish you well on your next chapter Jan! Thank you for all of the great work you’ve done over the last 6 years. Congratulations on your retirement

"Kids these days" are extraordinary Generation Alpha - kids born in or after 2010 - will be growing up in a very different world from the one we've known. Here are a few things that we already know about Gen Alpha: Diversity will have a positive effect on this generation... Technology will influence them They will have a greater understanding about the importance of mental health They may prioritize the planet and other complex issues Read more in this article by Parents https://bit.ly/CACGenAlpha

One week left until our Build 4 The Future Online Auction event, and we are so thankful to our friends at Niagara’s Classic Rock, https://www.giantfm.com and today’s best country https://www.country89.com for their continued support of children & youth in Niagara. It is the support of our community that allows us to continue to provide programs & services to help, heal, end child abuse in Niagara.... #Build4theFuture #Build4Change #EndChildAbuse

It's important to remember - you are never alone! Based on a youth's perspective, this impactful video takes you through the process of reporting and ending abuse. Thank you to KFCACN’s Youth Advisory Council for their great work under the guidance of our Program Coordinator.... This video could help someone you know. Please take the time to share and let people know they are not alone. * Video was previously recorded

From each of us at Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara, we hope you and yours have a magical holiday season full of love, compassion and celebration. It's not too late to become a Kristen's Helper - please consider donating this holiday season by visiting https://bit.ly/CACKristensHelpers2020.

We are stronger together, which is why we are so grateful to Niagara Home Builders Association for supporting children & youth impacted by abuse and their continued support of our Build 4 The Future Online Auction event. Together we are building a better future for children & youth in Niagara. Visit: http://nhba.ca for more information. #Build4theFuture #Build4Change #EndChildAbuse

Holiday cheer can spread throughout the year when you give Niagara children and youth the gift of a safe place! If you're looking for a last minute stocking stuffer, consider becoming a Kristen's Helper and donating any denomination on behalf of someone you love. Special thanks to Penner Building Centre for sponsoring this campaign.... Visit us at https://bit.ly/CACKristensHelpers2020 to learn more and donate!

Our annual Build 4 The Future Online Auction is only a couple weeks away! If you enjoy woodworking, building, and completing DIY projects, we'd love for you to submit your creations for our online fundraiser. Proceeds from the auction will support Niagara children and youth who have experienced abuse. Some items we're looking for include:... Bird Houses/Feeders Dog Houses/structures Play structures/jungle gyms Patio Furniture Planter Boxes/Garden boxes Pool accessories/towel storage Utility/storage bins/cabinets, sheds, playhouses etc. For more information on this event, please visit http://bit.ly/CACBuild4TheFuture.

There are 8 million kids in Canada and they all have something in common - their rights! Today is #NationalChildDay in Canada - a time to come together and celebrate our country’s commitment to upholding the rights of children. This special day recognizes two historic events: the 1959 signing of the UN Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Globally, the day is known as International Day of the Child.... Children First Canada is hosting an interactive digital event today at 1 p.m. ET. Children and youth from across the country will discuss what it means to be #SeenAndHeard. You’ll also hear from youth activists, Canada’s leading voices for children’s rights, government and industry leaders, and more. Visit http://bit.ly/CACNationalChildDay for more information.

Christmas is upon us and one question that you may have is - how do I tell my children about Santa? Whether your kids find out on their own, from an older child on the playground, or from you, there are ways to talk about the meaning of Santa. How he embodies the spirit of giving that lives in our hearts during the holiday season, the Christmas traditions, and of joy and good cheer. We don’t stop believing, we simply change our beliefs of Santa as we grow up! Read more about how to handle this conversation by visiting https://bit.ly/CACSanta.

With only 2 weeks to go until our Build 4 The Future Online Auction event, we are so grateful to the team at @Mountainview Building Group or your generous support again this year as FRIENDS Sponsors and your ongoing commitment to continue to provide a safe place to help, heal, end child abuse for children & youth impacted by abuse visit Mountainview Homes at https://www.mountainview.com #Build4theFuture #Build4Change #EndChildAbuse

Paint a better future for children and youth this holiday season! Crock A Doodle is the perfect way to keep busy and have fun at home as temperatures drop and the holidays set in. Bring hours of fun home for you and your family or order a gift for someone on your list who loves to paint! 10% from each purchase made from Crock-A-Doodle St. Catharines this month (November) will go towards the Centre.... To purchase, visit https://bit.ly/CACCrockADoodle and don't forget to add our name in the notes section!

All relationships have challenges, but being able to distinguish what's healthy and unhealthy is important. Healthy relationships have: Respect, caring, trust, fun, compromise, honesty, listening, tolerance, and acceptance. Warning signs for unhealthy relationships include: Rejection, bossiness, put-downs, rumours, guilt, threats, and violence.... If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy relationship, get help as soon as possible. Tell a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or counsellor Kids Help Phone: (1-800-668-6868) In the event of an emergency, call 911 For more information on healthy relationships, visit https://bit.ly/CACRelationships.

You can be a hero just like these dynamic teams from past Amazing Races! Amazing Race Niagara 2021 is on its way back and it's taking place on Sunday, September 12, 2021! Register for this fun event and support the important work of the Centre by visiting https://amazingraceniagara.ca/.

FAQ After the interview, Family Counselling Services are called upon to provide counselling at no cost and without a waitlist. Family Enrichment Workers provide referrals and ongoing support. Other resilience enhancing programming is also available when supported by grants or donors. Learn more about the Centre and this structured process by visiting http://www.kristenfrenchcacn.org/.

We provide a safe and comfortable place to help and heal The environment we provide is child-focused and private, providing a safe and non-threatening place for children and youth who have been impacted by child abuse. If you suspect that a child is being abused, please contact Family and Children's Services Niagara at 905-937-7731, Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111 or 911 if a child is in imminent danger.

Add some colour to your day and support the Centre at the same time! 10% from each purchase made this month will go towards the Centre, just be sure to mention our organization's name when you checkout! Click here to shop now: https://bit.ly/CACCrockADoodle

As a registered charitable organization, the Centre operates without any core government funding and needs your help to continue providing the necessary support Niagara’s children, youth & their families need as they cope with the life-altering impacts of child abuse. Here are 5 reasons you should donate: Financial benefits/tax time... Teach kids the importance of giving. Giving promotes feelings of happiness. Experience lifelong benefits when you donate your time. Donating gives you the opportunity to show gratitude. Please donate by visiting https://bit.ly/KFCACDonate.