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Now in its second year, the Sun Life Bright Futures Kids Wellness program is helping children and youth involved in the child welfare system across Canada build lifelong tools to support their mental well-being.
Delivered in partnership with Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada and generously funded by Sun Life, the program brings evidence-based, mindfulness-focused mental health support to children and youth aged 8–14 who have experienced trauma and instability.
Through Bright Futures, children learn practical strategies to manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and improve their overall mental wellness. The program directly supports the Foundation’s Impact Framework and new wellness-focused funding priority, which prioritizes early intervention to help young people from care build healthy, resilient futures.
Bright Futures builds on the success of the Mindful Kids program, developed by Sheena Bousanga of Mindfulology and first implemented by Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region. The national initiative was launched in October 2023 and is now being scaled across Canada.
In its first year, the program was delivered by:
- Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region (ON)
- Pacific Community Resources Society (BC)
- Batshaw Youth and Family Centers (QC)
- Partners for Youth (NB)
- Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (ON)*
*While Catholic Children’s Aid Society completed training, they were unable to continue with program delivery. York Region Children’s Aid Society will begin participation in 2025.
Children and youth participated in small-group classes where they explored simple mindfulness tools like deep breathing, mindful listening, mindful eating, and grounding exercises using balloons or homemade “mind jars.” These fun, sensory-based activities help kids navigate stressful moments and build lasting emotional resilience.
From Anxious to Empowered
A 17-year-old girl who identified as Indigenous, had long struggled with severe social anxiety. She would often leave group settings early or avoid them altogether. Despite her initial hesitation, she agreed to participate in the Bright Futures workshops at her local youth center.
With the support of trained facilitators, she discovered tools that helped her manage stress and connect with her peers. Over time, she began staying longer, engaging in conversations, and even signed up for a second workshop at another youth hub.
“Her growing engagement has not only allowed her to enjoy being part of the community at the center but has also inspired her to sign up for another workshop,” said a program lead.
In 2024, Bright Futures exceeded expectations and delivered meaningful results:
- 212 children and youth participated in the program (goal: 182)
- 42% of participants self-identified as Black, Indigenous, or 2SLGBTQ+
- 100% reported improved mental resiliency
- 100% reported improved ability to cope with stress
- 100% reported improved awareness of available mental health supports
- 56% said the program helped them live a healthier life
These outcomes reflect the importance of creating safe, culturally relevant spaces where young people from care can learn strategies that support their emotional growth and connection to others.
What’s Next
In Year 2, partner organizations will continue to deliver classes and strengthen program evaluation efforts. The Foundation is also working closely with its partners to enhance long-term data collection, helping us better understand and demonstrate the impact of this program over time.
Thanks to Sun Life’s visionary $1 million investment over five years, children and youth from care are accessing life-changing support—and learning that they have the power to manage stress, calm their minds, and care for themselves.
“The mental health challenges facing young people in Canada today are unprecedented, and we believe it’s our responsibility to take action,” said Jacques Goulet, Executive Chair, Sun Life Canada. “We are proud to partner with organizations such as Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada to ensure youth have access to the tools and resources they need. By investing in mental health support today, we are helping to build the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future for generations to come.
