Community Programming
ESL Family Drop-In
Our Family Programs partner with the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) to host a Friday Drop-In for families using English as a second language. This group follows a light curriculum, introducing the alphabet, songs, stories, crafts and preschool learning for children of ESL parents. There is also adult-time learning offered. Check out our calendar or contact CBAL for more information www.cbal.org
Schedule: Fridays 10am to Noon during the school year at Kootenay Family Place.
Aboriginal Family Gathering
In partnership with Nelson Kootenay Kids, we are happy to host the Aboriginal Family Gathering on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month (excluding July and August) from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. The Aboriginal Family Gathering is for families of children aged 0 – 6 years with Indigenous backgrounds. Children hold a sacred place in Indigenous cultures, and with that comes the responsibility to care for them. Families are invited to share in a cultural meal, crafts, sharing and learning.
October 8th & 22nd
November 12th & 26th
December 10th (check for 2nd date)
January 14th & 28th
February 11th & 25th
March 10th & 24th
Contact Ann Marie Smith at annmaries@kootenaykids.ca
Together to Learn
In partnership with Selkirk College, CBAL and KFP, this incredible program allows young mothers who haven’t got their Dogwood certificate to finish their schooling at KFP with a College Instructor while their child is watched on site. This is a free program. If you are interested in registering for this program, please contact Rhonda Palmer, CBAL Coordinator in Castlegar. rpalmer@cbal.org
http://selkirk.ca/together-learn
Nobody’s Perfect
There are no perfect parents, perfect children or perfect people. We can only do our best, and we all need help once in a while.
In partnership with the Kootenay Boundary Social Services Cooperative (KOOP), KFP hosts the Nobody’s Perfect parenting series twice a year. To find out more about Nobody’s Perfect, check out http://nobodysperfect.ca/home/
The next Nobody’s Perfect course will be starting in October of 2019. There is childminding and a dinner included. The times for the series are weekday evenings typically from 5pm – 7pm. To register, or for more information on attending Nobody’s Perfect in Castlegar, email lynnene@kootenayfamilyplace.org
Motherwise
Baby Blues Not Going Away? Being a new mom is an amazing experience. AND it can also be stressful and overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone! Transitioning into life with a new baby is a big job. And it’s not easy for everyone. You are not alone if you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Motherwise is a weekly support group for birthing parents who are struggling with mood in the post partum period. Join us for 8 weeks. Share your experience, connect with other birthing parents and get the support you may need. These series are available with support and collaboration with Interior Health, Apple Tree Maternity, Shopper’s Drug Mart, and the Shared Division of Practice.
If you are interested in the next Motherwise series, email cpnp@kootenayfamilyplace.org for dates and information.
Breast Feeding Support Group
While breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behaviour and can be challenging.
Public health experts have endorsed breast-feeding as being better for babies because the nutritional balance in breast milk is ideal for infant humans. Breast milk has also been touted for giving newborns immunity from disease, because they ingest antibodies their mothers have produced to fight off germs.
“Breast Feeding is the optimal option for babies. Breastfeeding contributes to the health and well-being of mothers; it helps to space children, reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer, is a secure way of feeding and is safe for the environment.
Kootenay Family Place is excited to bring back the Breast Feeding Support Group starting on October 28th, 2019. Join some breastfeeding Moms on Mondays from 2pm to 3:30pm. The group will be led by a Public Health Nurse/Lactation Consultant.
Circle of Security
The Circle of Security Parent Training comes highly recommended as one of the most valuable training tools for parents. Kootenay Family Place have trained facilitators who offer this training throughout the Kootenay Region.
For the next COS session in your area, contact Penny Goupil, Early Intervention Assistant at:
778-460-5094
earlyintervention@kootenayfamilyplace.org