Family

Diverse children playing with colorful plastic toys in water outdoors, with a clear plastic container and a yellow strainer.

Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Family Resource Programs promote a multicultural learning environment that supports children and families from all cultural groups. We believe that children learn through play and that they have the right to be in an environment that is safe, healthy, and free from discrimination and abuse. We have an open-door policy and encourage parents to visit, give feedback and participate within the program.

We follow the guidelines set by the Family Resource Programs of BC.

Our Family Resource Programs are designed to support the well-being and development of families through a holistic and inclusive approach. Rooted in community values and guided by the diverse needs of those we serve, these programs focus on five core service areas:

  • Family Support

  • Play-based Learning

  • Early Learning and Literacy

  • Parent Education and Learning

  • Information and Referrals

We follow a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and strong family support systems. Each year, this model helps connect thousands of families across BC—especially those facing vulnerabilities—to meaningful programs and services tailored to their unique situations.

Our services are designed with flexibility and care to meet the distinct needs of every family, creating an inclusive space where all families feel respected, supported, and welcome.

All of our Family Resource Programs are free of charge, but require both membership and registration to participate. While there is no cost to join, we gratefully welcome donations to help support and sustain our programs!

See detailed schedule of programs here

Our Family Resource Programs

Family Food Preservation Class

Join learn fun, practical skills for a healthier home. Together we’ll make delicious homemade jams, dehydrate fruit and herbs to enjoy as tea, create safe, organic cleaning supplies, and discover many more simple, sustainable tips

This hands-on class is designed for all ages, come learn, taste, and create together! Classes will be held the last Monday of every month. There will be free childminding available.

Date/s: Every last Monday of every month

October 27, 2025 - March 26, 2026

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Indigenous Monday Night Dinners

We invite you to join us for our Indigenous Monday Night Dinner, a welcoming gathering for Indigenous families and individuals. Each time, families come together to share a delicious meal, while enjoying meaningful cultural programming, including guest speakers who share their knowledge and stories. It’s a space to connect, learn, and celebrate Indigenous traditions in a supportive and vibrant community setting.

Click to learn more »

Infant Massage (babies 0-12 months)

This International Association of Infant Massage program consists of 5 consecutive, weekly sessions with parents and their babies. Sessions include theory for success with massage as well as guided discussions among parents. Mari Pighini is a certified infant massage instructor through the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). She brings her passion for children and families into the IAIM infant massage instruction sessions for parents with infants ages birth to one year old. Mari conducts IAIM infant massage instruction sessions in English and Spanish. For families with babies 0-12 months.

Date/s: Every Tuesday

November 4 - December 2, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Little Explorers (0-6 years old)

Explore the nature that exists within our own backyards! Little Explorers invites young children and their caregivers to build lasting connections with the natural world through: joyful storytelling - sparking their imagination and senses, gentle walks to nearby parks - observe birds, bugs, trees, and flowers up close, and hands-on nature-based activities - opportunities to dig, touch, build, and create using natural materials. Families with children 0-6 years old.

Date/s: (TBD - 2026)

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

My Tween and Me (7-12 years old)

Come and meet other parents and caregivers, and discuss topics and concerns with two peer facilitators. In this parenting program, you will learn ways you can continue to positively influence your pre-teen's choices, values and goals and discuss how to best support your pre-teens in their behaviour and in navigating through the changes in their lives. For families with children 7-12 years old.

Date/s: January 9 - February 13, 2026

Time: 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program (0-6 years old)

Join a supportive space where you can: connect with other parents of young children, share your questions, concerns, and parenting ideas, learn about child development, health, behavior, and emotions, and discuss real-life challenges and explore positive parenting strategies. Whether you're a new parent or have a little more experience, this program offers practical tips, real talk, and lots of encouragement—because nobody’s perfect, and that’s perfectly okay! For families with children 0-6 years old.

English, Tagalog, and Spanish Support

Date/s: Every Thursday

October 30 - December 4, 2025

January 16 - February 13, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Oruguitas Latinas Drop-In (0-5 years)

This is a welcoming and culturally meaningful space for Latin American families, where play, connection, and mutual learning between mothers, fathers, caregivers, and their children are encouraged. The program includes art activities such as painting, crafts, and creative expression, as well as informative sessions on topics of family interest (health, parenting, community resources, etc.). The “Nobody’s Perfect” program and other supports may also be available. For families with children 0-5 years old.

Date/s: Every 2nd and 4th Saturday | Ongoing

Time: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Lina at Larias@mpnh.org

Parent-Child Mother Goose Program

A community based-program, helping parents and children bond through rhymes, songs, and stories. Join us for this joyful, physical and interactive experience fostering attachment and parent-child interaction. For families with children ages 0-6 years old.

Date/s: Every Monday

November 3 - December 8, 2025

January 12 - March 23, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Staged for Possibility (8-12 years old)

Discover the Magic of Musical Theatre! All experience levels welcome, whether your child is brand new to the stage or already loves to perform! Over the course of six exciting weeks, students will: (1) learn the basics of acting, singing, and dancing through fun, hands-on games and creative activities, (2) build self-confidence and express themselves in a supportive environment, and (3) Connect with new friends while working together as a team. For children ages 8-12 years old.

Date/s: (TBD - 2026)

Time: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Yoga and Families (everyone is welcome)

Please come out to practice some wonderful yoga together! Fahreen is a mom and a yoga enthusiast! She has benefitted greatly from yoga prior to, during, and after pregnancy, and she thinks doing some down dog with the little ones is a great way to build back strength, flexibility, and energy as a busy mom. She has been practicing yoga for approximately ten years, and she is keen to share this healing practice with others. Childminding is available, but you don’t have to have children to attend.

Date/s: Every Wednesday | Ongoing

Time: 09:45 AM - 10:45 AM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

You Matter (0-12 years old)

Come together with us for a free community circle designed for parents and caregivers, where we will: (1) foster meaningful connections with others who share your experiences. (2) provide mutual support and encouragement in a warm, welcoming space, (3) create a strong network of like-minded individuals who understand the unique journey of parenting and caregiving. For families 0-12 years old. Childminding services are available for children aged 2 and up.

Date/s: (TBD - 2026)

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

YWCA Single Moms Program

In partnership with YWCA, Single Mothers’ Support Groups are free, facilitated, closed groups. We do not accept drop-ins and ask participants to commit to attending weekly for each cycle. Self-identifying women who are parenting alone of all ages and from all backgrounds are welcome!

Date/s: Every Monday | Ongoing

Time: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Location: MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Our Off-Site Family Resource Programs

Sing and Grow (0-3 years)

Come together with other families for a joyful morning of singing songs and nursery rhymes at Creekside Community Recreation Centre! This engaging and interactive session is a wonderful way to bond with your child through music and movement in a warm, welcoming environment. It's also a great chance to meet other parents and caregivers, share experiences, and build a sense of community. For families with children 0-3 years old.

Date/s: Every Friday

January 8 - April 24, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Baby Time - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Toddler Time - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Creekside Community Centre (1 Athletes Way, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Under The Tree (0-6 years old)

Meet us in the park and let’s enjoy this outdoor summer program together! Interactive games and hands-on play to encouraging your child’s curiosity. Sing songs, rhymes, and engage in stories that spark imagination to strengthen language development and emotional connection. Enjoy visits from community guests who bring exciting new experiences like music, nature education, or cultural activities. This play-based program is designed for families and caregivers with children aged 0–6 years.

Date/s: (TBD - 2026)

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Location: Robson Park (599 Kingsway, Vancouver)

Contact: Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org

Our Funders and Community Partners

Logo of the BC Council for Families with green and yellow abstract shapes on the left and black text to the right.
A purple logo featuring a mother and a child inside a circular border with text around it.
Logo of the BC Center for Disease Control, featuring a blue emblem resembling a stylized bird or wings above the text.
Logo of the Ministry of Child and Family Development featuring a yellow sun rising over blue water with the organization name in blue text.
City of Vancouver logo with a stylized leaf and blue and green text
Public Health Agency of Canada
Logo for the Creekside Recreation Centre featuring green mountains, a blue sky, and text.
Vancouver Coastal Health logo with blue and green text and a stylized mountain and wave graphic.
Westcoast Family Centres logo with colorful letters 'WFC' followed by the text 'Westcoast Family Centres' in black.
  • I feel very confident about being a mother. I appreciate that the program offered me many solutions. I also really appreciate the love and support the group gave me.

    -Participant, FRP

  • This program was very educational and it was very interesting.

    -Participant at FRP

  • I loved how it helped me. I'm happy I was able to do it. I learned a lot of new things.

    -Abby H., FRP Participant