Lansdowne Children’s Centre, Foundation consolidating

Boards of both organizations unanimous in decision.

GRAND ERIE, ON – A new chapter is starting for Lansdowne Children’s Centre (LCC) and Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation.

Lansdowne Executive Director Rita-Marie Hadley presented outgoing Foundation Board Chair Laura Maddison with a gift as thanks for her service.

The agency, which offers programs and support for babies, children and teens with communications, developmental and/ or physical differences in the Grand Erie area, is launching a new department, Development and Community Relations. This is a consolidation of the work of the Foundation.

“This strategic shift is intended to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of our operations as we move forward,” LCC Executive Director Rita-Marie Hadley said in an email to staff announcing the change, adding that the new department “will lead our efforts in strengthening community engagement and increasing support for our mission.”

The change was announced at the LCC annual general meeting on June 19.

The decision to fold the Foundation’s operations into the centre itself was unanimously supported by the boards of both organizations. While the new department will begin its public-facing work immediately, three members of the Foundation board will continue to operate in the background, winding down that organization’s operations over the coming months. Going forward, some members of the Foundation board will be joining the LCC board, and others will be continuing their contributions through Centre Board standing committees.

This change will not result in any layoffs, reduction of hours, or loss of entitlements for unionized staff.

The timing for this decision is important, as LCC will soon be launching a capital campaign to raise funds for a new, larger building to better serve its growing client base.

“For the public and our donors, the day-to-day experience will remain largely unchanged. What they will see is a closer alignment with the Centre and, we hope, an even deeper sense of connection to the heart of our work,” Hadley said. 

The Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation members were thanked for their service at the June 19, 2025 annual general meeting. The Foundation’s operations have been consolidated into the centre.