Jen's Story: Finally Heard, Forever Changed
After years of feeling rejected when advocating for her children, Jen finally found somewhere that listened. “These programs at Starling Mental Health Services… they’re so important. They’re closing the gaps so children like mine don’t fall through the cracks.
Having a school like Starling gives kids built differently the opportunity to thrive.” Jen recognized signs of autism and behavioural issues in her son James from a young age. “But when I took James to our family doctor, they didn’t seem concerned,” she explained.
“I knew this was not normal.” The years to come brought more dismissals from James' doctors and teachers. Then, Jen called Here 24/7, which connected her with Starling.
By then, James finally had an official diagnosis that included autism and ADHD from a new, supportive pediatrician. At Starling’s Day Treatment program, that support continued.
“I never felt judged or like I couldn’t ask for help, no matter what the issue was,” Jen explained. “I am so blessed to everyone who was a part of our Starling story.”
Jen especially appreciated our Recreational Therapy program, with Dave, our Recreation Therapist. “James was in sports before, but he would never participate. Once he and Dave started doing one-on-one sessions, we saw him flourish,” she said emotionally. “Suddenly, he’s playing basketball and football with other kids. And he wasn’t just playing, he was learning how to play. How to become a team player. That was huge for him.”
While Jen was seeing amazing growth in James, her older daughter, Gemma, was struggling in school with similar mental health diagnoses. “We felt so bad that we had missed it in her, because she was suffering quietly.”
Luckily for their family though, Jen knew exactly where to turn. After James graduated from Starling, Gemma enrolled, and came out of her shell with a new passion for drumming in Music Therapy.
"I’ve been blown away at the progress made in such a short amount of time for both of my children,” Jen concluded. “Those gaps I once saw have nearly vanished. We have so many tools in our toolbox now to say, ‘we can do this,’ and I thank Starling every day for that.”
**Jen, James and Gemma’s names have been changed to respect the family’s privacy.
*Dave McCowan, Recreation Therapist pictured above
Community Impact
Year One: Birchlands Changes Lives
Birchlands Step Up Step Down proudly marks the completion of its first successful year, demonstrating what is possible when compassionate care meets urgent community needs. Since opening in January 2025, Birchlands has grown from two to seven beds, supporting 25 youth so far with complex mental health needs through a unique Step Up Step Down model. Over three‑quarters of participants completed the program, with low hospital readmission rates and strong positive reviews from youth and caregivers alike. By freeing up inpatient beds and preventing hospital admissions, Birchlands has strengthened the local mental health system and laid a solid foundation for long‑term impact in our community.
Front Door Brand Refresh
As Front Door to Child & Youth Mental Health prepares to move into our new home at 67 King Street East in Kitchener, we have also undergone an exciting brand refresh. Front Door knows the importance of easy visibility and access to the youth we serve, so we have launched a new website complete with a new logo, video and Instagram page. All of this to better serve the community as your starting point for accessing children and youth mental health services and supports across Waterloo Region. Visit us at www.frontdoormentalhealth.com.
Barrier-Free Substance Use Support for Youth
A year after launching, Starling’s Substance Use services are helping more youth access the support they need, barrier-free. Starling now has dedicated substance use clinicians whose services are integrated across Safe Haven Youth Services, our Children’s Mental Health Centre and our Community Mental Health Services so young people can connect in familiar, trusted spaces without having to navigate separate systems. This seamless approach helps break down the barriers to substance use support, build relationships first, and provide a continuum of care that supports young people throughout their journey toward wellbeing.
“Being a Starling employee has been a life-altering experience. Being able to say with absolute certainty, 'you are making a difference in the lives of children, youth and their families' is something I will forever cherish. Thank you to all the staff that support our Children’s Mental Health Programs. Your passion, commitment and dedication to the clients in our community is top tier and should be celebrated every day! Thank you for all that you do and never forget the difference that you make.”
My role as a Recreation Therapist is to support children and youth to engage in activities that make their heart sing. To understand how the pursuit of their leisure interests fuels self-confidence, self-efficacy, and overall well-being