Pathways Health Centre for Children Wins Non-Profit Award
November 10, 2025
Pathways Health Centre for Children is the recipient of the Outstanding Business Achievement Award for “Non-Profit of the Year” from the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce, a recognition that highlights the charity’s 50 years of dedication to children, families and community wellness.
Pathways Health Centre for Children is a family-centred community agency that supports children and youth in Sarnia-Lambton with physical, developmental and communication needs. A proud member of Empowered Kids Ontario, Pathways offers a wide range of on-site and community-based programs, from childcare and clinical services to aquatics and lifelong learning.
Since its founding in 1975, Pathways has grown from a small team of 30 serving 200 clients to nearly 200 staff supporting more than 5,000 children and youth each year, and continues to expand its impact across the region.
For Chief Executive Officer Alison Morrison, the award is both humbling and affirming. “When you see the nomination list, you can’t help but be proud of the community,” she said. “Every organization nominated is worthy. It’s exciting that there’s so much good happening here.”
Winning the award is incredible for Pathways, and it’s also a well-deserved recognition of the people who make Pathways what it is.
“It feels good for our staff. They work so hard and carry the weight of complex caseloads on their shoulders,” said Morrison. “People call what they do magic, but it’s really science blended with art and creativity. They use evidence-based methods, but they make it fun so kids engage.”
2025 is a Year of Reflection on Community Impact
As Pathways celebrates its 50th anniversary, the milestone has been a walk down memory lane, but also a community-wide conversation about impact and hope.
“We’ve really focused on telling our story,” said Morrison. “We’ve shared stories, hosted events and celebrated the progress of the children and families we serve. I hope our increased visibility this year has helped people understand that Pathways is a community resource, a place families can turn to when they are looking for help with their child's development.”
At a recent fundraising sing-along, 400 community members gathered to celebrate the occasion. When asked how many in the room had been touched by Pathways, almost every hand went up.
“That moment said it all,” Morrison reflected. “One person helped means many lives changed. The impact ripples through families, workplaces, and the community.”
Providing a Wide Range of Services Makes the Difference
When asked what sets Pathways apart as a Children’s Treatment Centre, Morrison celebrated that all Children’s Treatment Centres are exceptional in their delivery of community-based care for kids, saying, “We all offer essential health care services at a critical time in an individual’s development, a time that sets the foundation for growth, education and full participation in society.”
When pressed about what’s special about Pathways, she shared that “when you look at the range of services we offer, it’s clear why our community sees us as a hub for support.”
In addition to their full range of SmartStart Hub, community and school-based developmental and rehabilitation services, Pathways also provides many other services, including newborn infant hearing screenings, pediatric audiology, and special needs resource support services in all licensed childcare centres.
“The breadth of what we do, and our reach in the community, is significant,” Morrison said, adding that the Outstanding Business Achievement Award for Non-Profit of the Year is “a wonderful affirmation of the essential work of Pathways and its importance in Sarnia-Lambton.”
Looking Back on 50 Years of Supporting Families
This year’s celebrations included a 50th Anniversary Open House that drew nearly 1,000 visitors, including some of Pathways’ first clients. One of them shared a moving story about how the centre helped him attend public school, graduate high school and eventually find work.
“He came back to speak to our staff and remind them that what they do for a three-year-old makes a difference when that child is 7, 12 or 20,” said Morrison. “There are so many people in this community who can point back to Pathways as an important resource in their journey.”
Pathways’ history is deeply connected with the Rotary Club of Sarnia, whose dedication to children with special needs dates back nearly a century. Rotary donated the land where Pathways stands today (still leased for just one dollar a year) and has continued to play a pivotal role in the centre’s growth.
Rotary recently presented Pathways with the final cheque of its $600,000 pledge toward the refurbishment of its therapeutic pool, the only one of its kind in Sarnia. The pool is used for both children and adult services, from stroke recovery to pediatric physiotherapy and sensory swims, and operates entirely through user fees and donations.
Looking Ahead at Dreams for Expansion
With a waitlist of over 1,400 children for childcare, Pathways is planning for the future. The organization hopes to double its childcare capacity and expand its on-site clinical and therapy spaces.
“We’re bursting at the seams,” said Morrison. “We’ve put together a committee to explore what expansion could look like and how we can continue to meet Sarnia-Lambton’s growing needs.”
In the meantime, Pathways continues to champion inclusion through anti-ableism training, community partnerships and its role as the region’s SmartStart Hub, which is the first stop for families seeking developmental support.
When asked what advice she would share with others hoping to make a difference in children’s healthcare, Morrison’s words reflected the heart of Pathways’ mission, “Be bold…Know your mission and stay true to it. Real impact comes from listening and partnership. Working together for the health of kids builds stronger futures for individuals and for the collective. What a privilege it is to be part of this critical work!”