Children Deserve Bright Futures. Will You Help?
At each year-end student recognition ceremony, I find myself in tears—not from the immense challenges these children have faced, but from the joy and admiration for all they have accomplished through the support of people like you.
As the supervisor of Starling’s (formerly Lutherwood) Junior Day Treatment Program, I witness the impacts of your support daily. I see once-silent children step onto the stage, beaming with pride. I watch friendships blossom where loneliness once lingered. I hear the laughter of children who, not long ago, struggled to express any emotion at all.
Let me tell you about Emma.*
At just seven years old, Emma arrived at our Children’s Mental Health Centre, battling severe anxiety that silenced her voice. No matter how hard she tried, the words simply wouldn’t come. Beneath her struggles lay a bright, curious child yearning for the right support to help her shine.
Children like Emma carry burdens heavier than their small shoulders should bear. Many have endured hardships and trauma that surpass what most adults experience in a lifetime.
Did you know that 45% of the children we serve are under the age of 12?At that tender age, how can a child possibly articulate the pain they’ve endured? If they aren’t ready to talk, traditional therapy methods—like talk therapy—often fall short.
So, what can we do? We must think creatively.
Our dedicated staff have adopted a personalized approach, tailoring support to each child’s unique experiences and needs. We go beyond conventional methods, discovering innovative ways to help them heal. We create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to express themselves—at their own pace and in their own way.
For some, this means drawing a picture to convey their emotions. For others, it’s finding comfort in a song that resonates with their heart. No matter how they choose to express themselves, we stand beside them, gently guiding them as they find their voice.
Joy is also an essential part of healing. Our weekly aquatic program and winter ice skating sessions challenge children to embrace a new experience, build confidence, and achieve what once felt impossible. It’s often in these moments that we see them laugh or connect with a peer for the first time. And in those small but powerful breakthroughs, we know they are beginning to rediscover themselves.
But healing takes time—sometimes months, sometimes years. That’s what makes our staff at Starling so special. We walk alongside these children through every setback and triumph. We never give up on them. Every small step forward is a victory, bringing them closer to a brighter future.
Can we count on you to walk alongside these children with us?
Every day, countless children in Waterloo Region struggle with their mental health. Far too many aren’t getting the support they need. Many slip through the cracks at school, while their families feel lost in a healthcare system that isn’t designed to meet their needs.
By donating today, you’re not just giving these children a chance at a brighter future—you’re strengthening our entire community.
Your support ensures that more children like Emma receive the specialized care they need to heal and thrive. It eases the strain on local classrooms, allowing teachers to devote the attention their students deserve. It alleviates pressure on our already overburdened healthcare system, ensuring resources remain available for urgent physical health needs. It helps mend families, strengthens relationships and supports happier, healthier communities.
Without your support, programs like our Junior Day Treatment program would not exist. Government funding alone isn’t enough. Your generosity bridges the gap, providing life-changing support to children right here in our community.
Please act now, before it’s too late. The earlier we provide appropriate care, the sooner these children can embrace the joys of childhood. By supporting kids at a young age, we prevent years of hardship, equipping them with essential tools and skills that set the foundation for success both in school and in life.
By the time Emma completed our program, she had made friends, learned how to navigate her emotions, and achieved things she once thought impossible. It started with a little giggle—a small but powerful sign of progress. Today, she’s thriving in her community school. And when she comes back to visit, the sound of her voice never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
Our kids need your help to find their giggles and their own voices. Will you help write the next success story?
Join me today in making a gift to change a child’s life.
Thank you for your support,
Nevena
Program Supervisor, Junior Day Treatment
Starling Children's Mental Health Services