A Call to Serve
Mississippi’s Children
Through Love First
Together, we can surround Mississippi’s most vulnerable children with love, care, and a future filled with hope.
Canopy’s mission is to help children thrive and families overcome extraordinary challenges by providing a continuum of behavioral health, educational and family support solutions.
LOVE FIRST AT PINELAKE
Funding Canopy’s CARES Center Expansion
Canopy Children’s Solutions (Canopy) has served children and families throughout Mississippi for more than 113 years; and for over 30 years, Canopy’s CARES Center, located in Jackson, has provided intensive residential psychiatric treatment to children and youth who have experienced trauma and require
intensive psychiatric care. Children who receive care at CARES Center are with us an average of 3-4 months.
Children who have experienced this higher level of trauma need a special level of care and a stable, therapeutic and loving home environment. Canopy works closely with the MS Department of Child Protection Services and MS Dept of Mental Health. Together, we identified a need for children and youth in Mississippi who have suffered extreme levels of trauma. Until now, there has not been a place in our state equipped or trained to serve children with this level of trauma – leaving them with little to no care or hope.
In 2023, Canopy answered the call and began building a solution for these children who need us most. Canopy’s CARES Center is expanding to include new and upgraded facilities and staff trained to accommodate and provide this level of care for these extremely vulnerable children. In June of 2025, Canopy broke ground on the construction of this expansion.
Pinelake’s Love First offering could help by funding critical elements of this new solution. While we have secured the main funding for capital expenses, the following needs remain to bring this spot of hope and healing to completion:
Campus landscaping & therapeutic outdoor spaces – providing outdoor spaces that foster peace and play
Therapeutic equipment (such as musical, play, brain technology, and more)
Upgrades to the existing Children’s Cottages at CARES Center – creating true “home away from home” spaces that are inviting and full of hope
A SPECIAL CALL TO SERVE | THERAPEUTIC FOSTER FAMILIES
Children who have experienced this higher level of trauma need a special level of care and a stable, therapeutic and loving home environment.
Canopy has a critical need for families who feel the call to provide this for a child. Canopy’s Therapeutic Foster Care Solution will provide training and help families become licensed as a Therapeutic Foster Care Family to serve these children once they discharge Canopy’s CARES Center. These families will work closely with our CARES Center team to create a plan for each child.
Volunteer at Canopy
Pinelake members can come alongside Canopy through hands-on volunteer opportunities:
- Support Ministry for Therapeutic Foster Care Families: Provide meals, respite care, financial support and encouragement for families caring for children in Therapeutic Foster Care.
- Encouragement Ministry for CARES Center Staff: Our teams at CARES Center have very difficult jobs. Volunteers can provide meals/ snacks, small comfort & encouragement items with CARES Center staff who provide round-the-clock care for children.
- Lead Weekly Activities: Use gifts such as bible study, music, art, or a favorite hobby to bring joy and connection to children in treatment.
- Summer Camp Volunteers: Help create safe, fun summer day-camp activities where children can laugh, learn, and grow.
Please note that all volunteers must complete a background check through the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services prior to being admitted on campus at CARES Center. Canopy’s Volunteer Manager assists with the process of all background checks to make it as seamless as possible.