We’re proud to announce the Canadian Mothercraft Society’s Breaking the Cycle program as the 2026 recipient of the Giuseppina Gagliano Family Wellness Grant. This annual grant honours the legacy of SJC’s matriarch, Giuseppina Gagliano, whose compassion and generosity continue to inspire support for charities that improve the lives of children and families.
Each year, one selected charity receives a $2,000 donation and two advertising pages in SJC Media publications to help raise awareness for their important work.
Supporting Healthy Child Development
For more than 90 years, the Canadian Mothercraft Society (Mothercraft) has supported healthy child development and strengthened families through a range of services for children aged 0–12 and their caregivers. Their programs include family support services, infant and early childhood mental health supports, prenatal services for high-risk women, special needs navigation, and licensed childcare.
Mothercraft’s work is grounded in research and evidence-based practices, and the organization also operates an accredited post-secondary institution that offers a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and training for early learning professionals.
Supporting Families Facing Complex Challenges
Through programs like Breaking the Cycle, Mothercraft supports pregnant people, mothers, and young children experiencing complex life circumstances, including trauma histories, substance involvement, limited social or financial supports, and precarious housing.
By providing integrated, wrap-around services—including counselling, developmental supports for children, healthcare, parenting programs, and basic needs assistance—Mothercraft helps reduce barriers and create safe, supportive environments where families can build strong relationships and healthy foundations for the future.
“Families who come to Mothercraft’s Breaking the Cycle program are often navigating incredibly complex life circumstances, and even small supports are meaningful and can make a big difference,” says Bhupinder Heer, Director, Child and Family Services at the Canadian Mothercraft Society. “This grant will help us remove practical barriers for pregnant women and mothers, so they can focus on building safe, nurturing relationships with their children during the most critical early years.”
The Giuseppina Gagliano Family Wellness Grant will help Mothercraft provide families with access to food, transportation, and essential program supplies, including materials used to support children under six during home visits and developmental programming.
Join Us in Supporting the Canadian Mothercraft Society
We encourage you to learn more about the Canadian Mothercraft Society and their impactful work supporting families and young children. Visit mothercraft.ca to explore their programs, learn more about their services, or find ways to get involved.
Congratulations to the Canadian Mothercraft Society! We are honoured to support your important work strengthening families and promoting healthy child development in our community.
Past Giuseppina Gagliano Family Wellness Grant recipients
2025: Baby Love Beginnings
2024: Girls Inc. of Durham
2023: SMILE (Single Mothers Inspiring Leadership in Education) Foundation
2022: George Hull Centre
2021: First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada (Caring Society)
Read Giuseppina’s story.
The application period for the sixth annual Giuseppina Gagliano Family Wellness Grant will open in fall 2026. Email sjc.connect@stjoseph.com to be notified.
Hero image photo credit: Canadian Mothercraft Society
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