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firefly
820 Lakeview Drive, Kenora, ON, P9N 3P7
Phone: 807-467-5437
Fax: 807-467-5553
Toll Free: 1-800-465-7203

FIREFLY is a multi-service, non-profit organization providing a wide range of services for children, youth, and families in communities across Northwestern Ontario. We are dedicated to supporting and strengthening the health and well-being of families, children, and youth through emotional, physical, developmental, and community services. 

Under the governance of a volunteer Board of Directors, FIREFLY is an accredited organization with a team of respected professionals working with input from and in partnership with children, youth, families, and service system of care to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people and their families. 

The expertise of our professional staff are drawn from the fields of social work, speech and language, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, developmental services and early childhood education. 

Mission Statement

Mission:

As a multi-service agency, FIREFLY supports and strengthens the health and well-being of children, youth and families, and communities across Northwestern Ontario. 

FIREFLY services focus on responding to the diverse and often critical needs of families and communities by utilizing a wide range of physical, emotional, developmental and community services.

Vision:

Healthy People. Resilient Families. Vibrant Communities.

Our Story

FIREFLY has a proud and progressive history with over 40 years of deep roots in the delivery of quality children’s services and supporting partnerships in care. The Lake of the Woods Child Development Centre began in 1976 as a small store front service and, in 1980, a neighbourhood house held the Patricia Centre for Children and Youth’ children’s early years of children’s services. Over the years, new programs were added and other programs joined to support a wide range of services. 

In 2011, with the amalgamation of the Lake of the Woods Child Development Centre and the Patricia Centre for Children and Youth, our name changed to FIREFLY. 

Today, FIREFLY is a leading provider of mainstream children’s services in the area with over 150 staff serving in communities across the Kenora and Rainy River Districts. 

FIREFLY offices operate on the original lands and territories of the Anishinaabeg, the Mushkegowuk and the Métis peoples. Treaties 3, 5 and 9 were signed upon these lands. We strive as guests on these lands to honour our responsibilities to care for this land and uphold the Treaties that were signed therein. 

Our People/Our Team

Meet our Strategy and Performance Team: 

  • Karen Ingebrigtson - Chief Executive Officer
  • Darcia Curtis - Director of Service Excellence and Partnerships (Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Coordinated Services, and Access/Intake)
  • Jackie Hummelbrunner - Director of Service Excellence & Partnerships (Child and Youth Development Services)
  • Michelle Gaudet - Director of Human Resources
  • Jenn Marquis – Director of Systems and Performance Management
  • Kirby Parks – Acting Director of Finance

Achievement/Awards And Recognition

In 2022, FIREFLY was Accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada's Qmentum program. FIREFLY attained the highest level of performance, achieving excellence in meeting the requirements of the accreditation program. 

Our Partners

FIREFLY is committed to building strong relationships with our clients, families and our communities. In order to advance or expand the services and programs that support our vision of creating healthy and resilient families and communities, we often partner with many organizations throughout Northwestern Ontario.

Learn More About Us

Visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (@fireflynw) to see all the amazing ways we’re making Northwestern Ontario a place where children and families can thrive!

OUR MEMBERS

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Did You Hear?!

EKO Spring Symposium is Back in 2025!

Every two years EKO hosts this pinnacle event for the child development sector and the largest gathering of professionals and stakeholders from Ontario and across Canada.

learn more about the event!