A charity focused on children and family needs is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a yearlong fundraiser.

Family Centre will hold its 35 for 35 Campaign so that people may pledge $35 towards its services over the next year.

The campaign was launched with an open house on May 15, when guests were invited to learn about the history of the organisation.

Sandy De Silva, the executive director of Family Centre, said: “It is important to us that our community is aware that our fully accredited therapeutic programmes and services are offered at the highest quality standards, with no out-of-pocket expense to families.

“At Family Centre, we take great pride in removing as many barriers as we can to seeking help for children and teens.”

Family Centre said it is Bermuda’s only non-profit mental health organisation for children aged between 4 and 18 that is not linked to the hospital or the Government.

The charity began in 1990 when the late Martha Dismont offered free after-school tutoring classes at her home to children struggling with learning challenges.

Parents and teachers noticed the improvements in the children’s grades and emotional states and recommended Ms Dismont’s services to other parents.

A Family Centre spokeswoman said the charity had since evolved to continue Ms Dismont’s mission to address the social and economic factors that impact children.

She added: “Today, thanks to Martha’s vision, donor support, a compassionate community and a dedicated team of therapeutic staff, Family Centre has evolved into a holistic, fully accredited human services organisation.

“It advocates for and provides safe spaces for children and teens to heal from their mental health challenges and have hope for a brighter future.”

Thania Redman, Family Centre’s relationship development director, said the 35th anniversary would be spent reflecting on the charity’s “many milestones”.

She explained: “We were the first to introduce the groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experience Conferences to Bermuda and led on the Bermuda Ace’s Research study.

“Ace’s research continues globally, keeping the conversation going on how adverse childhood experiences affect our adult physical and mental health, which in turn negatively impacts our work life and increases our health risks.

“Family Centre was the first to tackle the subject of multigenerational trauma in Bermuda with a wraparound approach.

“We led the island’s adoption of the National Children’s Agenda and we constantly work towards systemic collaboration.

“We know that we cannot do this work alone if we want to achieve greater impact.”

The 35 for 35 Campaign will continue until April next year.

• To learn more about the campaign and donate, visit tfc.bm/35years