Our History
A Legacy of Supporting Children, Youth and Families in Chatham-Kent
The Linck Child, Youth and Family Services Foundation has a history of supporting vulnerable children, youth and families in Chatham-Kent that dates back more than three decades.
1990–1992: The Foundation’s Beginnings
The Foundation’s origins date back to 1990, when the Lester B. Pearson Centre Foundation was established to raise funds for the construction of a new Lester B. Pearson Centre building. Through community fundraising and support, the new facility officially opened in 1992, providing an important resource for children and youth in Chatham-Kent.
1998: Bringing Children’s Services Together
On April 1, 1998, the Heritage Children’s Centre, Children’s Aid Society and Lester B. Pearson Centre amalgamated to form Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Services. The Lester B. Pearson Centre Foundation became part of this newly unified organization.
The amalgamation represented an important step toward a more coordinated approach to supporting children, youth and families throughout Chatham-Kent.
2002: Establishing a New Foundation
Following the amalgamation, the Foundation’s Board of Directors began exploring how the charitable organization could better reflect and support the newly integrated agency.
Under the leadership of Chairperson Sharon Pfaff, the Foundation undertook the work necessary to establish a charitable organization aligned with the agency’s evolving mission.
In May 2002, the Chatham-Kent Integrated Children’s Service Foundation was formally incorporated.
Its purpose was to raise funds through donations, endowments, bequests and community fundraising initiatives to support programs and services that could not otherwise be funded through the agency’s regular provincial funding.
2022: A New Identity for the Agency
In 2022, Chatham-Kent Children’s Services introduced its new identity, Linck Child, Youth & Family Supports.
The new name reflected the agency’s commitment to connecting children, youth and families with the services, relationships and opportunities they need to thrive.
The Foundation continued its charitable work in support of the agency and the children, youth and families it serves.
2025: Becoming the Linck Child, Youth and Family Services Foundation
In 2025, the Foundation officially adopted the name Linck Child, Youth and Family Services Foundation, aligning its identity more closely with the agency it supports.
Although its name has evolved, its fundamental purpose has remained consistent: mobilizing community generosity to create opportunities and improve outcomes for children, youth and families across Chatham-Kent.
Our Legacy Continues
Today, the Foundation continues to build upon its history of community support through several important initiatives:
- Educational bursaries: Providing financial assistance for post-secondary education to eligible young people who have received services from Linck, including the Lucienne and Raymond Myers Memorial
- Youth housing: Providing housing and programming for youth with intensive needs. The goal of this program is stabilization and family reunification.
Mission, Vision, Values
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Building Stronger Futures for Children, Youth and Families
At the Linck Child, Youth and Family Services Foundation, we believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to grow, thrive and reach their full potential.
Through community generosity, partnerships and strategic fundraising, we help create opportunities and provide resources that strengthen the lives of children, youth and families across Chatham-Kent.
Our Mission
To raise and steward funds that support Linck Child, Youth & Family Supports in creating opportunities for children, youth and families to thrive in safe, stable and nurturing environments.
Through donations, endowments, bequests and community fundraising initiatives, the Foundation provides financial support for educational opportunities, supportive youth housing and programs that address the evolving needs of children, youth and families in Chatham-Kent.
Our Vision
A community where every child and young person has the stability, support and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.
We envision a Chatham-Kent where children and youth are supported by strong families, meaningful relationships and a caring community, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Our Values
Our work is guided by the following core values:
1. Compassion
We recognize the unique circumstances and challenges experienced by children, youth and families. We approach our work with empathy, understanding and a commitment to supporting those who need additional opportunities and resources.
2. Inclusion and Equity
We believe every child and young person deserves equitable access to opportunities, resources and support. We value diversity, respect individual experiences and seek to reduce barriers that prevent young people from reaching their potential.
3. Family and Community Connections
We recognize the importance of stable, nurturing relationships in the lives of children and youth. We support initiatives that strengthen family connections, promote stability and contribute to a healthier, more connected community.
4. Opportunity and Empowerment
We believe in the potential of every young person. By investing in education, supportive housing and meaningful programming, we help create pathways toward independence, personal growth and long-term well-being.
5. Integrity and Accountability
We are committed to responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. Through transparent governance, ethical decision-making and sound financial management, we strive to maintain the confidence of our donors, partners and community.
6. Collaboration
We recognize that meaningful change requires collective effort. We work alongside Linck Child, Youth & Family Supports, donors, community organizations and local partners to advance shared goals and respond to emerging needs.
Our Commitment in Action
The Foundation puts its mission, vision and values into practice through three primary areas of support.
Educational Bursaries
We invest in the educational futures of young people who have received services from Linck. Through general bursaries and the Lucienne and Raymond Myers Memorial Bursary, we recognize perseverance, achievement and the determination to pursue post-secondary education.
Supportive Youth Housing
The Foundation owns a residential home in Blenheim, Ontario, that accommodates three youth with intensive needs. The residence provides a supportive environment and programming focused on stabilization, personal development and, where appropriate, family reunification.
Program Support and Fundraising
Through community donations, planned giving, endowments and fundraising campaigns, we provide additional financial resources to support programs and initiatives delivered by Linck Child, Youth & Family Supports, particularly those that extend beyond regular government funding.
Our Guiding Philosophy
The Foundation’s founding philosophy continues to guide our direction:
To promote opportunities for all young people to mature in stable family environments, with the structure, care and nurturing needed to realize their full potential.
By bringing together community generosity and a shared commitment to children and youth, the Foundation works to help build stronger families and brighter futures throughout Chatham-Kent.