Six Rivers Fund provides therapy room for Children North in La Ronge

May 27, 2019

“To have $10,000 come in at once – we did a little a happy dance. We’ve been able to offer so much more.” Daina Lapworth, executive director with CNECIP. ”

Children North Early Childhood Intervention Program (CNECIP) received $10,000 from the Six Rivers Fund this past February to build a multi-purpose therapy room. The need was so great, they called contractors immediately and the work began the next day.
CNECIP offers a full suite of programs including diagnostics and treatment for early ages, but what sets it apart is the holistic approach it takes to support the whole family. When a child comes to see a specialist, the team sees the rest of the family.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback from families,” said Daina Lapworth, the executive director at the centre. “We have a 98% success rate of people keeping their appointments, compared to 40% at the Alvin Buckwold Centre in Saskatoon where northern families used to have to go for this care.”
In addition to regular services, three times a year for three days, families have access to an education psychologist, pediatric psychologist, pediatric occupational and physiotherapists, speech and language pathologist and a medical social worker all in one place. Following this, community supports such as doctors and teachers are contacted to look at how remaining gaps can be filled.
The new room, which also includes a kitchen, provides space for these therapies. Lapworth says support groups for families often include making a meal to provide food and hands on learning.
“The space is comfortable and cozy and people want to be there.”