About Us
The Children’s Foundation (TCF) has been helping children and youth in Hastings County since 1991. In 2015 we expanded to include Northumberland and Prince Edward Counties.
The Children’s Foundation is an autonomous organization governed by its own Board of Directors and is the charitable arm of Highland Shores Children’s Aid (HSCA). TCF also supports families who have no affiliation to HSCA with funding and access to resources in their local communities.
Our Mission
We strive to improve the quality of life for children and youth in need by providing educational opportunities, inspiring activities, engaging experiences, and resources, that empower children and youth for future success, in the communities of Hastings, Northumberland and Prince Edward Counties.
Our Vision
No child or youth will do without positive experiences and equal opportunities to help them realize their potential.
Our Values
In pursuit of our Vision and Mission and in our work with each other and other community partners, we are committed to:
A Focus on the Child & Family
We will focus on children, youth, and the needs of their family. We strive to understand the needs of children in our community and to remember that family means different things to different people.
Integrity & Accountability
The staff and Board will be accountable to our stakeholders for the effective and efficient management of The Children’s Foundation. It is vital that the community is confident in the transparency and integrity of the decisions made and the people who make them.
Compassion & Inspiration
Respect, confidentiality, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude guide all our actions. The Children’s Foundation will always promote hope and the belief that change can and does happen. Inspiring children and youth to realize their potential.
Our community
We are committed to the children and families in our community and will work to improve the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children and youth through prevention, enrichment, and educational programming.
Leaders & Partners
We recognize that our community is best served by organizations working together toward achievement of common goals
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Liz Lehtinen
Chair
Occasional Teacher, Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board
Cassandra Bonn
2nd Vice-Chair
Account Executive, Quinte Broadcasting Ltd - Mix 97, Rock 107, 800 CJBQ, Quintenews.com
Jack Miller
Director
Sports Director, Quinte Broadcasting Ltd., Mix 97, Rock 107, 800 CJBQ, QuinteNews.com
Tami Callahan
Ex-Officio
Executive Director, Highland Shores Children's Aid
Sarah Rozema-Seaton
Director
Founder and CEO of Big Red Bow Digital Marketing
Sheri Thompson
Past Chair
Partner, Pretsell Davies Thompson Benton LLP Lawyers
Cynthya Schmidt
Treasurer
Owner/Operator, McDonald's Quinte West & Brighton
Suzanne Hunt
Director
Partner, Templeman Menninga LLP
Allyson Williams
Director
Chief Operations Officer, Williams Hotel
Mike Callaghan
1st Vice-Chair
Chief, Belleville Police Services
Rick Phillips
Director
Reeve of Tyendinaga Township and Warden of Hastings County
Leslie Pallant
Director
Clinic Manager
Alyssa Parks
Secretary
Shopify Coordinator
TCF Staff
Executive Director
Melanie Cressman
Melanie has over 20 years of experience as a small business owner providing programming to children and at-risk youth in North Hastings. No stranger to the non-profit sector, she worked with United Way Hastings & Prince Edward for over 5 years in the role of Director of Strategic Operations as well as Director of Donor Relations. She has extensive experience in leadership, strategic development, communications as well as a proven track record of leading successful fundraising initiatives.
Manager of Finance & Administration
Jackie Foster
Jackie Foster graduated from the accounting program at Loyalist college and is very excited to strengthen her experience as the Financial Coordinator with The Children’s Foundation. Jackie brings her love of finance and experience in various types of industry to the role. She loves being involved in the community and helping those in need. Jackie feels inspired by working with others who share the same affection with community involvement.
Special Events Coordinator
Zoey Jouwstra
Zoey is an energetic and resourceful Event Coordinator with expertise in event promotion and marketing. Zoey is committed to building a strong community together and is thrilled to do just that with The Children’s Foundation.
In her spare time Zoey can usually be found camping, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Programs & Marketing Coordinator
Donna Wood
Donna is a Records and Information Management specialist, and she also holds a diploma in Web Design and Development. She is a dedicated professional with a passion for organizing and streamlining information systems.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Donna is committed to making a difference in her community and is excited to be part of the team at The Children’s Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her spouse and exploring all that Hastings County has to offer.
Donor Relations Coordinator
Kali Morris
Born and raised in Belleville this community is her home. From volunteering to being an advocate for young teens, Kali has a strong connection with the individuals within our small city that she absolutely cherishes.
Kali obtained her diploma in Health & Fitness Promotion at our local Loyalist College and then worked as an administrator for a financial firm. Kali is so grateful to be part of such a great cause and to be part of this community.
Special Events & Marketing Assistant
Olivia Jelley
Olivia has a passion for communications and marketing and is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in public relations at Humber College.
She enjoys spending her time horseback riding and being with her family. She is excited to be part of the The Children's Foundation team and help make a positive difference in the lives of at risk children and youth!