Who We Are
Our Mission
Kootenay Family Place is a registered non-profit organization with charitable status whose staff is passionate about serving the needs of children, youth, and families throughout the West Kootenay Boundary region.
Our Purpose
To offer a gathering place that connects families to each other.
To provide support and early intervention for children and their families.
To provide quality, licensed childcare services.
We are committed to creating safe spaces where families can express their cultural values, morals, and religious beliefs.
We are committed to reconciliation and work with Indigenous organizations to provide culturally safe services.
Our Vision
Services to families, children, and youth in the West Kootenay Boundary area are coordinated.
All young children in the catchment area receive the supports and services they need for a healthy start in life.
Services are focused on intervening early in life and/or in the challenges faced by individuals and groups in the area.
Individuals are supported in finding their own solutions.
The organization has a diverse funding base that contributes to its financial security and stability.
We work in partnership with the people and organizations of Castlegar and the surrounding areas.
The community is supported in finding it’s own solutions.
Our Commitment
Kootenay Family Place will build on current programs, based on priorities established in consultation with the community and the service network.
We will diversify our funding, services, volunteer, and staff base in order to provide quality services and programs in the West Kootenay Boundary Region.
History
Kootenay Family Place (KFP) was originally founded as the Kootenay Columbia Child Care Society, which was incorporated as a charitable, non-profit organization on January 17th, 1972. At its inception, the society operated a small child care program at Hobbit Hill, an old CPR building that was later acquired by the society. Hobbit Hill became the second integrated child care program in British Columbia, designed to serve both children with special needs and typical children.
In 1977, the West Kootenay Infant Development Program began serving the region, followed by the introduction of physiotherapy services for preschool children under the KFP umbrella in 1988. The society expanded further in 1990 with the addition of speech therapy services.
In 1995, the Community Action Program for Children was established as a parenting program aimed at supporting families. Two years later, in 1997, Selkirk College Children’s Centre was launched. This state-of-the-art facility served children aged 3-5 and infants and toddlers, located at Selkirk College.
The organization continued to grow and, in 1998, began offering the Supported Child Development Program, which covered the West Kootenay Boundary Region. The Millennium Year marked the opening of The Station Youth Centre, the addition of Occupational Therapy Services, and the launch of the Family Resource Drop-In Program.
In 2001, KFP added Kinnaird Kids Club, an after-school program based at Kinnaird Elementary School, though this program has since closed. In 2003, the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, known as Beautiful Beginnings, was introduced, complementing the CAPC and Family Resource Programs. The same year, KFP also brought the Castlegar Youth Employment Program, which enhanced youth services through The Station, though this program has also closed.
In 2006, the Neighbourhood House was established, offering a wide range of programs for families. This hub became a busy center for community activity, with many local partners collaborating to provide activities, programs, and resources for families.