KINGSTON, Ontario – officially launched in October 2022, A Great Start for Families – Kahwà:tsire Ronwatiyenawá:se Centre (pronounced Gah-WAHd-ji-ray Roan-wah-dee-yen-nah-WAH-zay) began as a collaboration between the City of Kingston · Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (FACSFLA) · & · United Way of KFL&A to pilot a prevention and early support program for families prenatally and with children to six years of age. The centre, initially funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services through the first phase of the prototype program as part of broader work to support the Child Welfare Redesign Strategy, now supports community-run programs for 150 families a month on average, involving over 14 community partners.
On April 19, 2024, Community Foundation for Kingston & Area (CFKA) announced “… a three-year grant, the largest in the Foundation’s history …” to the centre though the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul Community Impact Fund with note that the “… funding will sustain, enhance and expand the ‘A Great Start for Families: Kahwà:tsire Ronwatiyenawá:se Centre’ innovative model for serving families with young children in the Kingston & Area.”
Media Sources