Category: Non-Profit of the Year Award Finalist
Location: 567 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines, ON L2T 4C2
Website: www.niagarachildrenscentre.com
We’re proud to highlight Niagara Children’s Centre as a finalist and runner-up for the Non-Profit of the Year award at the 2025 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. This award acknowledges and celebrates Non-Profit entities that have displayed outstanding best practices, along with a significant positive impact on our community.
About Niagara Children's Centre
Since 1964, Niagara Children’s Centre has been a recognized provider of rehabilitation and support services for children and youth across the region with physical, developmental, and communicative delays and/or disabilities. Last year, the Centre helped more than 5,900 children and youth by providing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language services, in addition to augmentative and alternative communication, family services, and therapeutic recreation.
With four convenient locations, including one inside the Niagara West YMCA in Grimsby, Niagara Children’s Centre ensures that families across the region can easily access the care and expertise their children need to be their best.
Visit their website to learn more.
Achievements & Highlights
Extensive Needs Service (ENS) Program
- Niagara Children’s Centre co-led the creation of ENS, a groundbreaking collaboration with Contact Niagara, local partners, and McMaster Children’s Hospital.
- The program delivers trauma-informed, family-driven care by uniting professionals across disciplines.
- ENS supports children in their daily environments, empowering families and fostering inclusion through the vision of Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future.
Inclusion Resource Services Model (IRSM)
- Niagara Children’s Centre is honoured to be one of two community partners—alongside Bethesda—selected by Niagara Region to help deliver this important program, which strengthens inclusive supports for children, families, and early childhood educators across Niagara.
- Their Inclusion Quality Coordinators (IQCs) will support licensed centre-based childcare and EarlyON Centres in implementing inclusive, high-quality practices that reflect the diverse needs of children and families. The IQCs collaborate with educators, childcare staff, families, and community partners to foster environments that are equitable, accessible, and responsive to all children, including those with identified or emerging special needs.
- Niagara Children’s Centre is proud to support this next chapter in enhancing inclusion for children and families in their community.
OTA/PTA School Pilot Program
- Placed Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physiotherapist Assistants directly in schools to provide early, accessible support.
- Implemented classroom-wide strategies (visual schedules, cozy corners, flexible seating) benefiting all students.
- Educators gained tools for self-regulation, motor skills, and executive functioning.
- Widely adopted by Niagara school boards, expanding reach and collaboration.
- OTA/PTAs also supported children with complex needs in reintegration, boosting attendance and participation.
Team Highlights
In October, Niagara Children’s Centre welcomed Noella Klawitter as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
“As someone who has dedicated my career to supporting children’s development and inclusion, I am humbled to now lead a Centre built by the very community it serves.” – Noella Klawitter, CEO
Noella’s journey has taken her from representing Canada as a Paralympian to leading KidsInclusive in Kingston. Along the way, she has witnessed the incredible impact that perseverance, teamwork, and compassion can achieve.
“As a person who is visually impaired, I’ve experienced firsthand how access, belonging, and belief can open doors that once seemed out of reach. I believe in creating an environment where all children, regardless of ability, can thrive.”
As Noella settles into her role as CEO, she continues to reflect on the spirit of possibility made real through the support of our community. Together, we are changing the lives of children across the Niagara Region. Looking ahead to 2026, Noella is eager to meet the Centre’s community partners and work side by side to ensure the it continues to thrive for generations to come.
2025 Niagara Children’s Centre Holiday Campaign
As the holidays approach, we invite you to support Niagara Children’s Centre and children like Parker. Your gift has an immediate impact on more than 5,900 children and families across Niagara.
Parker is a joyful eight‑year‑old who loves music, dancing, and playing outdoors with his sister. His journey began with significant challenges—born with down syndrome, hypoglycemia, and a congenital heart disorder, he underwent open‑heart surgery at just four months old.
Since coming to the Centre, Parker has grown more independent, no longer needs a feeding tube, and thrives in therapies and programs like Challenger baseball. His family has found a welcoming community, parent education, and family activities that bring them hope and connection.
“Thanks to the services provided by Niagara Children’s Centre, we’ve seen Parker grow by leaps and bounds, achieving successes that wouldn’t have been possible without the Centre’s support. It takes a village to raise a child— especially a child with special needs. Niagara Children’s Centre and their staff are a very large part of our village.” — Derek & Kristy, Parker’s parents
This holiday season, will you be part of Parker’s village? Your donation provides comfort, joy, and hope for families navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs.
Contact Niagara Children's Centre
Contact Information:
Briley Deiter, Development Officer
E: briley.deiter@niagarachildrenscentre.com
P: 905-668-1890 ext: 114