About Us
The Kings County Family Resource Centre strengthens the lives of families and inspires growth by providing quality programs and resources in a respectful, supportive learning environment. The Centre has been in operation since 1989 and is a non-profit, charitable organization located in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
Through the commitment and dedication of our staff and volunteer Board of Directors, the Centre has grown from offering 3 programs in 1989 to now delivering over 20 programs.
The continued support of the Department of Community Services and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has made it possible to provide a wide range of diverse, fun and interesting programs to children and parents in our community.
Our Centre is staffed by 14 employees who are dedicated and committed to making a difference in the community. On a personal and professional level, families always come first!
Our Mission Statement
Kings County Family Resource Centre provides community-based programs and services that promote healthy family development through acceptance, communication, and education in a supportive and respectful environment.
Our Vision
That all families have the opportunity and the resources to reach their full potential.
Our Core Values
The core values which guide the Centre in its operation are:
Respect – We value differences and treat others and ourselves in a considerate, dignified manner. We accept everyone for who they are.
Compassion – As families experience the ups and downs associated with life. The KCFRC offers support in a non-judgmental and empathetic way.
Commitment – We are dedicated and devoted to providing diverse programs and services. By building strong relationships in the community, we make a difference in the lives of families.
Teamwork – We work cooperatively and collaboratively through active participation and diversity to achieve a common goal.
Integrity – We are honest, loyal and dependable regardless of the circumstances.
Accountability – We take responsibility for our words and actions. We take ownership of the outcomes.
Inclusivity – We strive to provide equal and fair access to opportunities and resources for everyone.
Our Goals
Increase the visibility and profile of the Centre by:
- Relocating to a more visible and purpose-designed facility
- Increasing our presence in local, regional and provincial forums. Joining committees and being a strong presence in the provincial association of resource centres.
- Promoting Centre staff and programs using media including social media.
- Encouraging our partners and stakeholders to promote our programs and services.
Remove barriers to using Centre programs and services by:
- Relocating to a more visible and always available facility.
- Offering programs in the evenings and on weekends for working families.
- Partnering with those serving working families.
- Expanding satellite programs.
- Providing transport to and from programs or partnering with. a transport provider.
- Making it easier for those with school-age children to participate in our programs.
- Developing and delivering targeted programs for fathers and couples.
Our Mission Statement
Kings County Family Resource Centre provides community-based programs and services that promote healthy family development through acceptance, communication, and education in a supportive and respectful environment.
Our Vision
That all families have the opportunity and the resources to reach their full potential.
Our Core Values
The core values which guide the Centre in its operation are:
Respect – We value differences and treat others and ourselves in a considerate, dignified manner. We accept everyone for who they are.
Compassion – As families experience the ups and downs associated with life. The KCFRC offers support in a non-judgmental and empathetic way.
Commitment – We are dedicated and devoted to providing diverse programs and services. By building strong relationships in the community, we make a difference in the lives of families.
Teamwork – We work cooperatively and collaboratively through active participation and diversity to achieve a common goal.
Integrity – We are honest, loyal and dependable regardless of the circumstances.
Accountability – We take responsibility for our words and actions. We take ownership of the outcomes.
Inclusivity – We strive to provide equal and fair access to opportunities and resources for everyone.
Our Goals
Increase the visibility and profile of the Centre by:
- Relocating to a more visible and purpose-designed facility
- Increasing our presence in local, regional and provincial forums. Joining committees and being a strong presence in the provincial association of resource centres.
- Promoting Centre staff and programs using media including social media.
- Encouraging our partners and stakeholders to promote our programs and services.
Remove barriers to using Centre programs and services by:
- Relocating to a more visible and always available facility.
- Offering programs in the evenings and on weekends for working families.
- Partnering with those serving working families.
- Expanding satellite programs.
- Providing transport to and from programs or partnering with. a transport provider.
- Making it easier for those with school-age children to participate in our programs.
- Developing and delivering targeted programs for fathers and couples.
A Message from the Executive Director
The last two and a half years have been a time like no other in our lives. It has produced uncertainty, stress and trauma in our community and has impacted us in many ways.
Despite these challenges, I have seen the amazing power of positivity, kindness, and resilience from families, the KCFRC team, and our community partners. We have worked together to focus on what matters most to meet the unique needs of families.
As an essential service, we continue to serve families across Kings County and provide community-based programs and services that promote healthy development in an inclusive, supportive, and respectful environment. Our space is safe, accessible and welcoming and we encourage families to connect with us.
We are dedicated to our mission and strive to make a difference in families’ lives. Thanks to all of you who are invested in their future.
Meet Our Staff
Donna Hatt - Executive Director
Born and raised as a Valley girl, my affiliation with the Centre started as a Board Director. Since March 1, 2021, I have been the Executive Director and I’m loving my role.
With over 35 years in the education field, from nursery school to community college level, from teaching grades 5 and 6 in a private school in Great Exuma, Bahamas, to facilitating my own program called “Ms. D’s School-Readiness Program”, my teaching experiences are broad.
Family, yoga, baking, travelling and the ocean bring me the greatest joy. In my leisure time, I am happiest in my kitchen and on the beach.
Tina Murphy - Assistant to the Director
My name is Tina Murphy. I started at the Centre in January 2005.
My role has changed over the years from Child Care Information and Support Coordinator to Parent Facilitator, to Assistant to the Executive Director since March 2011. My passion is helping others.
I enjoy making jewelry, cards, walking the beach and getting lost in a good book. I have a husband, 3 boys, 1 stepdaughter, and 2 grandchildren.
After spending 5 years as a teacher in Northern Manitoba on a Reserve called Pukatawagan, I moved back home to join the community of Port George on the Bay of Fundy. Home is where the heart is.
Angela Hebb - Program Facilitator
My name is Angela Hebb. I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 1 and live on a little mini farm where we enjoy our farm animals and wagon rides.
For 8 years, I have been a program facilitator of multiple programs but my childcare background dates back thirty-plus years.
My involvement with the Centre started 14 years ago as a participant with 2 of my children. I became a Board member until a position became available at the Centre in childcare.
I love to watch families grow and succeed. I enjoy having my own family gatherings.
Cassidy Ellsworth - Program Facilitator
My name is Cassidy Ellsworth and I am a Program Facilitator at the KCFRC. I have been facilitating a variety of parent-child interactive programs for 6 years.
In my spare time, you can find me with a camera in my hand, frolicking in the woods and exploring our world. I love the natural beauty of the outdoors!
I enjoy delicious food with my partner and cuddling my Bernese Mountain dog, Waylon.
While we all live in a messy, confusing world, I am an empathetic, loving human who wants to share warmth with others.
Stephanie Ruggles - Parent/Program Facilitator
My name is Stephanie Ruggles, but everyone calls me “Teacher Stephanie”. I am the mother of two teenage boys.
I have been with the Centre for 16 years. I am now a Parent Facilitator, who also facilitates Parent-Child Interactive programs.
I’m always trying to create new and exciting programs that meet the needs of our families in the community.
Besides offering programs, I enjoy coming up with ideas and organizing fundraisers. If you are looking to find out what’s going on in the community, I’m your gal!
In my spare time, I enjoy ticket auctions, horse pulling and camping.
Annie Young - Childcare Facilitator
Hello everyone! I’m Annie! I am a mother to 4 kids, but you’ll always find me with a couple of extras! I enjoy spending time with children and giving them a safe environment to express who they are.
I am currently a student working to complete my Early Childhood Education, and I work closely with the KCFRC.
I opened my in-home childcare program with the Agency in May 2019 and I haven’t looked back! More recently, I have transitioned my home to an after-school program and joined the on-site team in the Childcare Room a few mornings a week.
Tiffany Hebb - Childcare Facilitator
My name is Tiffany Hebb. For 6 years, I’ve been working in Childcare for KCFRC families.
Initially, I started in the Nursery with babies and toddlers and currently, in the multi-aged Childcare Room with children aged 6 months to 5 years old.
I completed a Nursing Program at NSCC in Amherst in 2016.
My beautiful little boy, Sullivan, is 3.5 years old and keeps me on my toes.
In my spare time, I enjoy life on the lake, walks in the woods, crafting and snuggles with my little man.
Susan Hillis - Childcare Facilitator
Hello! I’m Susan, but the kids know me as “Ms. Sue”. I’m a wife, and mother of 2 kids and I live in the Kentville area.
I am a Level 1 Early Childhood Educator with over 15 years of experience working with children. I have worked as an ECE since 2020 and as a Family Home Childcare Provider since 2014, operating a home-based after-school program.
My passion is in creating safe, nurturing experiences for children and families. My joy comes from God and the family He has blessed me with.
I enjoy travelling, camping, reading, being outside, drinking coffee and spending time with family and friends.
Meet Our Staff
Donna Hatt - Executive Director
Born and raised as a Valley girl, my affiliation with the Centre started as a Board Director. Since March 1, 2021, I have been the Executive Director and I’m loving my role.
With over 35 years in the education field, from nursery school to community college level, from teaching grades 5 and 6 in a private school in Great Exuma, Bahamas, to facilitating my own program called “Ms. D’s School-Readiness Program”, my teaching experiences are broad.
Family, yoga, baking, travelling and the ocean bring me the greatest joy. In my leisure time, I am happiest in my kitchen and on the beach.
Tina Murphy - Assistant to the Director
My name is Tina Murphy. I started at the Centre in January 2005.
My role has changed over the years from Child Care Information and Support Coordinator to Parent Facilitator, to Assistant to the Executive Director since March 2011. My passion is helping others.
I enjoy making jewelry, cards, walking the beach and getting lost in a good book. I have a husband, 3 boys, 1 stepdaughter, and 2 grandchildren.
After spending 5 years as a teacher in Northern Manitoba on a Reserve called Pukatawagan, I moved back home to join the community of Port George on the Bay of Fundy. Home is where the heart is.
Angela Hebb - Program Facilitator
My name is Angela Hebb. I am a mother of 5 and grandmother of 1 and live on a little mini farm where we enjoy our farm animals and wagon rides.
For 8 years, I have been a program facilitator of multiple programs but my childcare background dates back thirty-plus years.
My involvement with the Centre started 14 years ago as a participant with 2 of my children. I became a Board member until a position became available at the Centre in childcare.
I love to watch families grow and succeed. I enjoy having my own family gatherings.
Cassidy Ellsworth - Program Facilitator
My name is Cassidy Ellsworth and I am a Program Facilitator at the KCFRC. I have been facilitating a variety of parent-child interactive programs for 6 years.
In my spare time, you can find me with a camera in my hand, frolicking in the woods and exploring our world. I love the natural beauty of the outdoors!
I enjoy delicious food with my partner and cuddling my Bernese Mountain dog, Waylon.
While we all live in a messy, confusing world, I am an empathetic, loving human who wants to share warmth with others.
Stephanie Ruggles - Parent/Program Facilitator
My name is Stephanie Ruggles, but everyone calls me “Teacher Stephanie”. I am the mother of two teenage boys.
I have been with the Centre for 16 years. I am now a Parent Facilitator, who also facilitates Parent-Child Interactive programs.
I’m always trying to create new and exciting programs that meet the needs of our families in the community.
Besides offering programs, I enjoy coming up with ideas and organizing fundraisers. If you are looking to find out what’s going on in the community, I’m your gal!
In my spare time, I enjoy ticket auctions, horse pulling and camping.
Annie Young - Childcare Facilitator
Hello everyone! I’m Annie! I am a mother to 4 kids, but you’ll always find me with a couple of extras! I enjoy spending time with children and giving them a safe environment to express who they are.
I am currently a student working to complete my Early Childhood Education, and I work closely with the KCFRC.
I opened my in-home childcare program with the Agency in May 2019 and I haven’t looked back! More recently, I have transitioned my home to an after-school program and joined the on-site team in the Childcare Room a few mornings a week.
Tiffany Hebb - Childcare Facilitator
My name is Tiffany Hebb. For 6 years, I’ve been working in Childcare for KCFRC families.
Initially, I started in the Nursery with babies and toddlers and currently, in the multi-aged Childcare Room with children aged 6 months to 5 years old.
I completed a Nursing Program at NSCC in Amherst in 2016.
My beautiful little boy, Sullivan, is 3.5 years old and keeps me on my toes.
In my spare time, I enjoy life on the lake, walks in the woods, crafting and snuggles with my little man.
Susan Hillis - Childcare Facilitator
Hello! I’m Susan, but the kids know me as “Ms. Sue”. I’m a wife, and mother of 2 kids and I live in the Kentville area.
I am a Level 1 Early Childhood Educator with over 15 years of experience working with children. I have worked as an ECE since 2020 and as a Family Home Childcare Provider since 2014, operating a home-based after-school program.
My passion is in creating safe, nurturing experiences for children and families. My joy comes from God and the family He has blessed me with.
I enjoy travelling, camping, reading, being outside, drinking coffee and spending time with family and friends.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in supporting your community through volunteering? The Kings County Family Resource Centre may be right for you.
We aim to carefully select eager volunteers to fill rewarding positions. Contact us to find out what’s available and begin the application process.
If you are a photographer, esthetician, cleaner, or have another relevant service and would like to donate your time to our cause, please call or connect with us to discuss this further.
KCFRC Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Kings County Family Resource Centre is the governing body of our not-for-profit organization. As a governing body, it focuses on the organization’s mission, strategies and goals.
It is comprised of a group of dedicated, caring professionals who are responsible for overseeing the organization’s activities. With a diverse background of experience, expertise, interest, and energy, the Board promotes community-based programs and services that support the Centre’s “Strengthening Families” mandate.
The Board, together with the Executive Director, set the future of the Centre by developing and maintaining policies along with creating a strategic plan. It operates with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 11 elected members. Currently, with 7 valued Board Directors, we would welcome new recruits.
We meet monthly or 10 times per year as per the Centre’s by-laws and sit on different committees or participate in special projects or events.
The success of KCFRC depends on a Board that is fully invested in seeing our mission accomplished.