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.

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.

Our Mission

To strengthen families and build community by offering free, accessible programs that reduce poverty, support healthy child development, and create belonging for children and families in Thunder Bay.To strengthen families and build community by offering free, accessible programs that reduce poverty, support healthy child development, and create belonging for children and families in Thunder Bay.

What We Do

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.

Our Values
  • Accessibility — no family should face a barrier to belonging
  • Respect — for the dignity, choices, and strength of every person we serve
  • Community — built by the people who use it, not just for them
  • Integrity — honest, transparent, and accountable in everything we do
  • Collaboration — partnering with other organizations to serve the whole person
  • Accessibility — no family should face a barrier to belonging
  • Respect — for the dignity, choices, and strength of every person we serve
  • Community — built by the people who use it, not just for them
  • Integrity — honest, transparent, and accountable in everything we do
  • Collaboration — partnering with other organizations to serve the whole person
Our History

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.

Our Funders

Our Kids Count is made possible by the support of funders who believe in accessible, community-based services for families. We are grateful to our core funding partners for their sustained investment in Thunder Bay families.

Financial Statements

In the interest of transparency, Our Kids Count's three most recent audited financial statements are available below.

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