Our Kids Count has been part of Thunder Bay's community since 1990. We are a nonprofit family resource centre — a place where children and families can access programs, connect with others, and find support without cost or judgment.
We serve families at every stage: expectant parents preparing for a new baby, toddlers taking their first steps toward socialization, school-age kids building skills and friendships, dads looking for space to connect with their children, and adults navigating food insecurity, mental health, or the challenges of raising a family with limited support.
For all individuals to be nurtured and supported by a caring and inclusive community.
To empower individuals to build stronger families and inclusive communities by enhancing their lives through personal growth and development.
Our programs are organized around the real life experiences of the families we serve — not by department or internal category. Whether a family comes to us through a drop-in breakfast, a kitchen program, a mentorship match, or a home visiting appointment, every program connects back to the same purpose: helping families thrive.
We offer over 20 programs across eight program areas, available at our three locations: Mackenzie, Westfort, and Simpson. All programs are free.
Belonging - every child and family has a place here, no matter what they're facing
Dignity - every individual is worthy of respect and has true talents worth discovering
Empowerment - when parents get the right tools, children succeed
Community-Led - programs are shaped by the people who use them, through direct input at every stage of planning and decision-making
Partnership -building collaboration and connection is how we build a stronger community
Volunteerism - volunteers are essential to how OKC runs, from planning teams to the Board of Directors
Accessibility - programs stay flexible, economical, and easy to access
Early Foundations - healthy prenatal care sets every child up for a healthy start
Our Kids Count opened its doors in 1990 with a small team and a clear purpose: to support the families in our community who needed it most. Over more than 35 years, we have grown our program offering, expanded to three sites, and built partnerships with organizations across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
In 2017, we welcomed Big Brothers Big Sisters Thunder Bay as a program within Our Kids Count, expanding our reach to mentorship for school-age children and youth. In 2022, we became a Licensed Home Child Care Agency for the District of Thunder Bay, coordinating licensed childcare providers across the region.
Recent updates from OKC
