About | Compassion First

It all started as a conversation around the table...

Our journey started like most conversations at the table, with heartfelt comments about how we could truly make a difference in people's lives. We are now a support program for adults, a weekly evening hang out, a weekly youth social group, an after school community peer support program, and workshops to those with mental illness.

All because of a conversation.

Watch as we grow, to create nurturing spaces for individuals of all ages, providing care, support, and opportunities for personal growth. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in our community.

Stay tuned for updates and exciting developments. Together, we can offer compassion and care to those who need it most.

Our "Family"

Deanne Harding is the owner of the Compassion First Care Services umbrella. She has created a support program, a youth social group, and an peer connection program for those with mental illness. She believes that support should start early and last a lifetime.

Deanne has worked in similar fields for over fifteen years, but felt pulled to do more. She earned her Social Services and Addictions Worker certificate, after going back to school, and graduating with honors. She continues to use her drive and passion to push forward, and create an ever-growing company to support those who need her.

Dan Harding is the co-owner of Compassion First. His position in the company is both as treasurer and policy coordinator. He has created all our framework, and is invaluable behind the scenes. Dan often helps with Youth Programs, and around the center.

Dan has always been passionate about helping others, and he enjoys working with Compassion First in addition to his other career. He's our resident jack-of-all trades, working behind the scenes on paperwork and policies, and center improvements, among other jobs. Dan is a familiar face at our youth group, and loves to join our activities whenever he can.

Aurora (Rora, Rory) is our resident cat, and animal assisted learning leader. She loves cuddles, any chair you just vacated, and paper you crumple up.

She's here every day for emotional support... And entertainment.

Sapphire, Blue, and Opal are three budgies who love to listen to music, sass the humans, and love to hop up on your hands and shoulders!

The trick to remember who's who is simple: the one who's more green is Blue, the one who's more blue is Sapphire, and the white is Opal.

Alfredo is our resident beta fish! He loves to swim around and hide so you can't find him, though of course he comes out pretty quick for food!

He may or may not have been named by a staff member craving pasta.

Finnegan is clearly the fiercest dragon around, and loves to go on adventures through the plant room. Everyone loves to give him snuggles, and he loves chilling on peoples shoulders.

Alternative names are Finn, Finnie, Odin (if you ask some people), and Smaug (if you ask Dan).

Dotty is an African Cichlid who loves to be talked to! She'll come out as soon as you start chatting, and will stick around as long as you don't startle her.

Dotty got her name from the polka dots on her fin! It started as a placeholder name, but then it stuck.

Coco is a cockatiel who can say "pretty bird", and will occasionally give kisses when asked! He loves music and will dance to it. He's our newest member, so he's just settling in.