Room to Heal
Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara
For children who have experienced trauma, having a safe, supportive space where they can simply be kids again is life-changing.
Thanks to a generous grant from NCF’s David S. Howes Fund, the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre of Niagara created just that with its new multi-purpose play and activity space.
What was once a dimly lit room in the centre’s basement is now a welcoming hub for therapeutic programming that features a rock- climbing wall and sensory room to help children emotionally regulate through textures, comforting lighting and sound.
There’s also an open area for activities, a reading nook, and mini- stage for performances. Full audio-visual capabilities, allowing for movie screenings, music therapy and interactive play, complete the room that was designed using a trauma-informed approach.
The NCF funding, worth $27,500, contributed to outfitting the transformative space with furniture, lighting, artwork, sensory and kinetic play equipment, and some audio-visual gear.
“Before, we made do with what we had,” said Brian Bratt, the centre’s executive director. “Now, this space allows us to serve more kids in more meaningful ways. It’s more than just a room—it’s a tool that helps us rebuild trust, self-confidence, and resilience in the children we support.”
It’s more than just a room— it’s a tool that helps us rebuild trust, self-confidence, and resilience in the children we support.
Brian Bratt,
Executive Director
The centre provides critical services for children and youth who have experienced trauma from abuse, neglect or witnessing violence. The new space inspires healing through therapeutic art, drama, music therapy, and play. It’s also home to after-school programs, and Camp Acorn, Niagara’s first and only trauma-informed day camp, which the NCF supported in 2023 and 2024 with Summer Camp grants.
Each year, the Centre helps about 2,500 children and their families. Thanks to grants from NCF and donors, the organization is better equipped to ensure that every child who needs help receives it— today and for years to come, Bratt said.
“Kids walk in and immediately feel at home. They tell us they love it here. They feel safe. That’s exactly what we hoped to create.”