Five Counties Children’s Centre speech-language pathologist Diane poses with one of her clients.
Five Counties Children’s Centre is set to celebrate 50 years of helping kids and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs in 2025. Since its inception in 1975, the Centre has grown from supporting 126 children in Peterborough to serving clients across Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton.
CEO Scott Pepin says the Centre has grown since 1975 to serve over 6,100 last year.
“While the numbers have changed, our commitment to enhancing children’s independence, well-being, and quality of life has remained constant for 50 years,” says CEO Scott Pepin.
Founded through the efforts of Rotary Clubs from across the region, the Centre opened its first location in Peterborough and now operates facilities in Lindsay, Cobourg, Campbellford, and Minden. Its services have evolved to meet the needs of families, including the ability for parents to self-refer their children starting in 2001.
Pepin says the Centre’s golden anniversary will feature year-long events and stories from clients, staff, and volunteers.
To commemorate the milestone, Five Counties will host events throughout the year at its various sites. The celebrations will centre around stories of success from clients, families, and staff, which will be shared on social media and a dedicated anniversary webpage.
One featured story is that of Mike Hannah, a Kawartha Lakes resident with cerebral palsy, who credits the Centre with transforming his life. “I would probably not be where I am today. Five Counties changed my life,” says Hannah, who received therapy at the Peterborough site in the 1970s.
According to Pepin these stories are at the heart of Five Counties work.
From its beginnings to its continued efforts in providing care close to home, Five Counties remains a vital resource for children and families. Pepin adds, “The Centre is much more than bricks and mortar. It’s built on the magical memories and moments of thousands of clients and families.”
Learn more about Five Counties at Home – Five Counties Children’s Centre
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
