About Us
The Children’s Foundation (TCF) has been helping children and youth in Hastings County since 1991 and in 2015 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 children and youth who may be at-risk of neglect, abuse or otherwise disadvantaged 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
Mike Callaghan
Chair
Chief, Belleville Police Services
Jack Miller
2nd Vice-Chair
Sports Director, Quinte Broadcasting Ltd., Mix 97, Rock 107, 800 CJBQ, QuinteNews.com
Sheri Thompson
Director
Partner, Pretsell Davies Tompson LLP Lawyers
Tami Callahan
Ex-Officio
Executive Director, Highland Shores Children's Aid
Sarah Rozema-Seaton
Director
Founder and CEO of Big Red Bow Digital Marketing
Liz Lehtinen
Past Chair
Occasional Teacher, Hastings Prince Edward District School Board
Cynthya Schmidt
Treasurer
Owner/Operator, McDonald's Quinte West, Brighton, & Campbellford
Suzanne Hunt
Director
Partner, Templeman Menninga LLP
Allyson Williams
Director
Chief Operations Officer, Williams Hotel
Cassandra Bonn
1st Vice-Chair
Account Executive, Quinte Broadcasting Ltd - Mix 97, Rock 107, 800 CJBQ, Quintenews.com
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.
Donor Relations & Events Specialist
Zoey Jouwstra
Zoey is a seasoned, energetic, and resourceful Event Coordinator with expertise in event promotion, marketing, and donor relationship management. 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.
Program & Outreach 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.
Finance Coordinator
Stephanie Olesen
Stephanie is excited to be part of The Children’s Foundation team. Stephanie is a soon to be graduate of the Business Accounting program at Loyalist College, and has previously completed the Social Service Worker program (with some courses in Child and Youth Work). Stephanie has always been passionate about serving her community and being part of the TCF team combines her passions in one place!
Partnerships & Engagement Coordinator
Farhat Zafar
Farhat moved to Toronto with her parents at the age of 12 from Bangladesh. Moving to Stirling from Toronto in August, 2017 felt like a bigger change than immigrating to Canada. Farhat is an animal lover, with four dogs and four cats.
Farhat studied Business and Finance, and has spent most of her career in that industry. She is new to the not-for-profit sector, but knows her experience in customer service will be an asset for The Children's Foundation and is looking forward to this journey of helping others.
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!