What is

Kids On Track?

Kids On Track is a community-building organization that provides hope, direction, and ongoing support for children, youth, and their parents.

Educational, social, spiritual, and recreational elements are combined to deliver well-rounded programs. We cultivate relationships, encouraging participants in faith, character and leadership development, social skills, and a healthy lifestyle. We strive to support families experiencing limited opportunities due to various socioeconomic challenges.

Kids On Track started in September of 1992. On October 31, 1995, Kids On Track was officially registered as a non-profit society in the province of Alberta. In August of 1996, we received our charitable status with the Government of Canada. This longevity has created credibility with families and other service providers such as schools, police, and social workers. Our long-term commitment to at-risk families builds trust and provides stability for children and youth.

Our Founder, Linda

In 1992, Linda Roussel, a dedicated community health nurse with a specialization in multicultural health services, founded Kids On Track. For over three decades, this organization has been a beacon of hope, tirelessly serving historically underserved children, youth, and parents in Edmonton. Linda's journey began as a response to the needs of the West Edmonton community, where she initiated a grassroots community outreach for children and their families. Fueled by a profound passion for nurturing responsible and contributing citizens among youth, Linda laid the framework for Kids On Track, building lives one child at a time.

Grounded in the powerful belief that "There are no hopeless kids, only kids without hope," Linda, supported by a handful of committed volunteers, introduced a weekly Saturday night program featuring puppets, games, lessons, and songs—a program that started as a small kids club and evolved into a transformative organization with multiple programs catering to kids, youth, and parents. Today, Kids On Track continues to deliver impactful community programs, embodying Linda's enduring legacy of compassion and positive change.

Linda retired in 2021 and continues to serve Kids On Track as President of the Board.

Our

Core Values

Authentic Faith

We have Authentic Faith, serving as Christ would serve.

Cultivating Community

We are Cultivating Community, making room for connection and belonging.

People First

We put People First in our decisions and actions.

Generous Hearts

We share our resources, time, and talents with Generous Hearts.

Pursuing Excellence

We are Pursuing Excellence, always putting our best foot forward.

Responsible Stewardship

We look after all we have been given through Responsible Stewardship.

Why our Work Matters

“Our longevity in the community speaks to the commitment we have to our local families and demonstrates the responsibility we feel to our continued work. We have the experience and knowledge to help our participants be more effective. We are proud of the work we do and are committed to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families in our community.”

MEET THE TEAM

MEET THE TEAM

Staff

  • Josh Dewling

    Executive Director

  • Kristy Chaisson

    Program Director

  • Jessica Campbell

    Program Manager

  • Aaron Steenhof

    Operations Manager

  • Naomi Rutagwena

    Youth Coordinator

  • Stephie Teta

    Assistant Program Coordinator

  • Musse Dese

    Assistant Program Coordinator

  • Amelia Saison

    Marketing Assistant

  • Linka Tona

    Kids Team

  • Simone Aubert

    Kids Team

  • Queen Gasaro

    Kids Team

  • Emma Panasuik

    Kids Team

Board of Directors

  • Linda Roussel

    President

  • Noella Lee Pong

    Vice President

  • Stephanie Pearson

    Treasurer

  • Kendra Thompson

    Secretary

  • Mathew Omina

    Director

  • Macha Abdallah

    Director

Report

Community

2022/2023

“As I think back on our 2023 year at Kids On Track, I am reminded of the adage, “just pick up where you left off.” Many thought that we could go back to the the way things were pre-pandemic. However, this was not the case.  During the pandemic, some programs were dropped or modified and new ways to deliver programs were developed. Of greater importance, the community had changed and the needs of the families we served had changed.

All of this triggered a revisiting of who we are as a faith-based, community serving organization. As a board we evaluated the vision and mission statements and added a statement of core values to these foundational documents. These core values really delineate the “how” of what KOT does, which is so crucial in reflecting Jesus in everything we do.”

Linda Roussel, President