Empowered Kids Ontario-Enfants Avenir Ontario (EKO) is delighted to announce its newest member, HandsTheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca. An accredited, bilingual family service agency, Hands offers a wide range of services for children, youth and adults as well as caregiver supports. Hands’ programs include autism and behavioural services, child development, navigation support and child and youth mental health, as well services for adults. Headquartered in North Bay, the agency has locations across Ontario’s north—from Bracebridge to Timmins, and Sturgeon Falls to Pembroke, and they provide help to kids and families along the James Bay coast and Northwest Ontario. Hands also offers effective virtual service, which is especially helpful in rural and remote areas across the northern region.

“We’re pleased to have Hands The Family Help Network join Empowered Kids Ontario,” says EKO CEO Jennifer Churchill. “As a northern service provider embedded in many communities, and one that is involved in the transition to adult service, Hands brings many benefits to EKO and our membership including a bridge to developmental services. We look forward to a lasting relationship that will be mutually beneficial.”

“Hands is delighted to become a member of EKO. The more connected we are, the stronger we are for our families and our communities,” says Karen Grattan-Miscio, Director of Autism, Behavioural and Psychology Services at Hands. “We’re dedicated to equitable service for northern families. Working collectively through EKO we can build off the strengths of northern providers and create greater stability for services in our region. This is work we can do collaboratively, and with the benefit of the association, resources and partnerships.”

“We are committed to collaboration as partners to advocate for responsive system and provincial policy improvements that will ensure kids with disabilities and their families—in every community across Ontario—live their best lives,” says Churchill.