CONNECTION. CELEBRATION. ENGAGEMENT. LEADERSHIP.
Family Resource Programs
Family Resource Programs
Family Resource Programs at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House follow the guidelines set by the Family Resource Programs of BC (https://frpbc.ca/). Those guidelines include:
- Providing family-focused programs for children under six years old and implementing “My Tween and Me” program (parents with children 7-12 years old) since 2013
- Ensuring programs are of general interest
- Recognizing the unique strengths and needs of each family
- Engaging in positive interactions on an individual level
- Maintaining confidentiality and ethical practices
- Ensuring that families interact in a multicultural, multilinguistic environment as possible (staff can speak more than 7 languages)
- Encouraging peer positive parenting support.
Our Philosophy
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.
Family Resource Programs cover five core service areas:
- Family Support
- Play-based Learning
- Early Learning and Literacy
- Parent Education and Learning
- Information and Referrals
Family Drop-In Programs
Family Drop-In Programs for families with children under five years old. Parents and children engage in play-based activities that promote cooperative interaction, social networking and access to in-house and community services. The program also encourages positive parenting practices and safety-based attachment that nurtures children’s development in a multicultural environment. During Circle Time, parents and children participate in singing, movement and rhyme that promote language development and regulation. We have three drop-in programs on-site and two off-sites.
MPNH Family Drop-in – Fridays 10:00-11:30 am (MPNH)
“Oruguitas Latinas” – in Spanish for Latin-American families
Saturday 11:00 am -1:00pm (2nd & 4th Saturday of the month) (MPNH)
Dads at Play a program for dads with children 0-5 years old. Saturdays at 10:00 to 11:30 am (MPNH)
West Village West Village Children’s Centre, 131 West 2nd 7th floor. Saturdays 10:00-11:30am
Babies Sing and Grow: This is a program for parents with babies 0-12 months old. This program features baby and me nursery songs and rhymes, exploration of parenting issues, baby development and brain dance. $3 suggested donation per family. Location: Creekside Community Centre (1 Athletes Way)
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program
This is a Canadian National program for families with children under 5 years old. This is an informal supportive parent-led group facilitated by certified facilitators of NPP (English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese). 6-8 sessions – 2 hours each.
Circle of Security Program
This is a parent-child attachment theory-based program (USA) that focuses on exploring the reasons why sometimes parents need to understand in a more comprehensive and constructive way their children’s needs, environment and sense of exploration and emotional development skills. 7-8 sessions, 2 hours each.
FUN-damentals Program
This promotes healthy eating, active living, positive body image and positive parenting through Fun, Unique and Nurturing activities for families with young children (2-5yrs). Games, songs, stories, snacks and other activities and resources. 6 weeks, 11/2 hour sessions.
My Tween and Me (middle years 7-12yrs)
This program is partially funded by BC Council of Families
My Tween and Me is a parenting program intended for families with children aged 7-12 years. This program is intended to strengthen the confidence of parents to positively influence the lives of their school-aged children in order to prevent high-risk behaviours. Childminding provided for under 5 years old children. Child Minding Provided. (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish).
Cost
By donation. Membership and registration required. No registration is required for Family Drop-In.
The Staff
FRP Children’s program staff are trained in Early Childhood Education. All have valid First Aid and CPR training and each has successfully passed a Criminal Record Search. FRP coordinators and facilitators have a background in extensive parenting education and training.
Contact Information
For program dates and further information please contact the Family Resource Programs Coordinator at 604-879-8208, ext. 202 or email ccontreras@mpnh.org. For Settlement Family programs please contact the Family and Settlement Support Counsellor at 604-879-8208 ext. 201 or wtam@mpnh.org.
During COVID times:
We have only been able to have one program on-site and with limited participation:
- Dads at Play (description above) for in-person sessions (limited number of participants).
Online Zoom Programs
Since March 2020, FRP Staff decided to keep providing some programs on-line. This proved to be a very successful idea, as dozens of families were served and supported on a group or one-to-one basis.
In 2021 we’ll continue to serve families in this way, in an effort to follow updated COVID guidelines.
Some of our current programs include:
- Nobody’s Perfect (for parents with children 0-5 years old, please see description above) from January 13 to February 24, 2021, Wednesdays 10:00 to 11:30 am.
- Latinamerican Families Drop-in (Oruguitas Latinas). Zoom sessions every second and third Friday of the month from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. For more information contact larias@mpnh.org
- Family Zoom Drop-in – families with children 0-5yrs old. Play activities, circle time, community resources and special guests or topics. Springtime dates to be determined (TBD).
- Circle of Security – Please see the description above. Spring dates. TBD.
- My Tween and Me – see description above. Please contact FRP Coordinator for dates
- One-to-one parenting sessions – parenting topics and tools in zoom. By appointment. Please contact FRP Coordinator.
Nilda Borrino
Director of Family Resource Programs
bac@mpnh.org
604.879.8208 ext 221
Carmen Contreras
Family Resource Programs Coordinator
ccontreras@mpnh.org
604.879.8208 ext 202
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