Empower Simcoe opens new EarlyON Centre amid growing demand

Empower Simcoe has officially opened its new EarlyON Child and Family Centre in Thornton, marking a significant expansion of its services for families and children in Simcoe County.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Michele Kapteyn of Empower Simcoe highlighted the importance of the centre’s mission. “Our intention here is to ensure that kids have their best chance to thrive and that they will experience healthy growth and development for their lifetime because they have had an excellent start in the early years,” she said.

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This is the third main full-service EarlyON location operated by Empower Simcoe, with other centres in Barrie and Bradford. The organization also runs four satellite programs across the county to meet growing demand.

Empower Simcoe provides support to families and caregivers with children from the prenatal stage through age six. The centres offer resources, workshops, and tailored support to help children thrive.

Thornton resident Julia Royal, a grandmother who has used EarlyON services, praised the program for fostering connections. “I have met so many wonderful parents. Lila has so many friends now, and it all started in EarlyON,” she said.

Parent Shavani Patel described how the program has positively impacted her family. “They gave me back support. Whatever it feels like, [they’d say] ‘Why don’t you try this?’ That was really helpful. For me, EarlyON is just like my family,” she said.

Funding for the centres comes from the County, the provincial government, and Ottawa. Despite this financial backing, Kapteyn emphasized the role of staff in making the program a success.

“Demand is great because people are looking to connect with each other. They want to connect with other families, and they need a place where they can get solid answers to their questions,” she said.

The Thornton centre is set to officially open its doors to the public on Monday, with approximately 10,000 people expected to access its services annually. Families interested in participating can contact Empower Simcoe directly.