Announcements

Our 2025 Community Report: Moving Forward with Confidence showcases how we’ve embraced innovation, launched new programs, and deepened collaboration to meet the evolving community needs in mental health, employment, and housing.

This spring, a beautiful display of community spirit unfolded at Starling’s Children’s Mental Health Centre, as more than 380 participants came together for our 17th annual Steps for Kids walk in support of children’s mental health.

WATERLOO REGION, ON — Lace up your shoes and make every step count! On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) invites the community to come together for Steps for Kids – a fun, family-friendly walk that supports children and youth facing mental health challenges right here in Waterloo Region. 

Lace up your shoes, grab your friends, and join Starling’s (formerly Lutherwood) Steps for Kids to support kids' mental health!

Starling Community Services is excited to announce the name of our new mental health program: Birchlands: Step Up Step Down Program. This announcement comes following the Ontario government's investment of $2.5 million annually to connect youth with specialized mental health care, ensuring they receive support when they need it.

We often hear from our clients that they are inspired by us; and yet, so often it is the other way around! Our 2024 Community Report shares stories of inspiration from clients, chronicles inspiring words from our staff, and offers a few highlights of initiatives that help those in our community who turn to us for support.

The Ontario government is investing $2.5 million each year to connect youth living in the Region of Waterloo to specialized mental health care where they need it, closer to home. This investment support youth in their transition home from inpatient hospital or secure treatment care, to less intensive community-based services.

Today, Lutherwood announced it is changing its name to Starling Community Services as of Monday May 13, 2024.

Having a sense of community is an essential part of well-being, stability, and how we see success in our lives. In a strong community, people feel safe, heard, understood and a strong sense of belonging. We share ideas, perspectives, and talents which allow for collective problem-solving and growth.

The Lutherwood Child and Family Foundation is thrilled to announce that our week-long Steps for Kids fundraiser was a success! Thanks to the generous support of our community, we were able to meet our fundraising goal, raising an impressive $100,000.