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Practical Insights for Busy Caregivers
Program: Child's First Initiative Program
Organizations: Giishkaandago'Ikwe Health Services
Phone Numbers: 807-274-2042
Toll-Free: 1-855-572-4453
Fax: 807-274-2528
Email: reception@fftahs.com
Website: www.fftahs.com/childs-first-initiative-program
Address: PO Box 608
Fort Frances, ON
P9A 3M9
Street
Address: 		375 Scott St
Fort Frances
Location:
  • Children's Services located on Scott St next to the Shopper's Drug Store in downtown area
  • Closest intersection is at Scott St and Victoria Ave
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible      Wheelchair Accessible
Hours: Mon-Thu 8 am-4 pm, Fri 8 am-3:30 pm
Contacts: Lisa Ruppenstein - Program Assistant
lruppenstein@fftahs.org
Service Description: Works under Jordan's Principle to ensure Indigenous children have access to the essential government-funded health, social and educational products, services and supports they need
Focus of the CFI program is to:
  • Improve access for children to services
  • Ensure services are culturally appropriate
  • Ensure services are equitable and accessible regardless of geography
  • Seek more community-based solutions
  • Enhance early intervention and prevention services, and
  • Enable greater community control over services for children and youth
Programs, services and supports can include:
  • Medical supplies and equipment
  • Mobility aids
  • Mental health counselling, assessments and screening
  • Addiction services
  • Cultural services from elders
  • Specialized summer camps
  • Tutoring services and educational assistants
  • Speech therapy
Fees: None
Application:
  • Open to referrals from any source

  • Services are provided in the home, at school, in the community or any location that works best for the child and/or family
Eligibility - Population(s) Served: Children 18 years of age and younger with complex care needs from any of the 10 First Nation communities in the Fort Frances Tribal area surrounding the Rainy River catchment area and living on/off reserve
Languages: English

This information was last completely updated on: 4-3-2025


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