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December Newsletter

January 14, 2020

2910 St. George Street
Vancouver, BC V5T 4L9
604-872-6757
www.mpfamilycentre.ca

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

Executive Director's Winter Report

Dear Members
I can hardly believe that December has arrived and we are half way through the school year! Since September and my last report the Early Years Refugee Program and the Family Drop in staff have been pretty busy organizing and facilitating not just the day to day programs but also organizing special events including our 43rd Annual General meeting/potluck and the 10^th Anniversary celebration of the Circles of Care & Connection Program.
Highlights from the AGM include a fabulous multicultural dinner, guest speaker, Chris Frieson, Director of Immigrant Services, ISS Welcome Centre and special guests, Jenny Kwan MP and Lisa Dominato, City of Vancouver Councillor. Everyone in attendance enjoyed an inspiring good bye speech from our outgoing Board Chair, Anthony Fast and we were all reminded of how important it is these days to keep our spirits up and to contribute in whatever way we can to healing our world!
These are very challenging times for all families and I want to reaffirm that the Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society staff is here for you and that we all look forward to yet another eventful year full of goodness, peace and joy!

With kind regards,
Gini Bonner
Executive Director, MPFCS

Please see the pictures below of our 43rd AGM and 10th Anniversary celebration of Circles of Care and Connection Program

Featured staff of the Month: Ewa Paciorek

I was a newcomer to Canada when I joined the Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society over 25 years ago. Initially, I was a volunteer; however, the centre’s inclusive and welcoming environment quickly stole my heart. The rest is history. What has kept me here for so many years are the values of the centre, which greatly resonate with mine. I cherish the children that come to visit, love watching them grow up, and enjoy creating a collaborative learning experience for our members. Running ABC Time and facilitating the Circle of Security parenting program has brought me great joy for these reasons.

Please join us for our annual Christmas Party at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House on Thursday Dec 5th from 10 AM to 1 PM.

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Family Drop-In

December 5th, Thursday: 10 AM - 1 PM Please join us for our Winter Celebration Party at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House (800 East Broadway). Activities include a walk through winter wonderland, crafts, cookie decorating, face painting and music. Feel free to bring a seasonal treat (finger food only please). The Family Centre (Drop-In Program) will be closed and no programs will be offered on this day.

The last day for Family Drop-In is Thursday Dec. 19th before the Winter holidays. Program will reopen on January 6, 2020 with regular program hours.

The Baby Drop-In Program will be open Thursday Dec. 19th for the last session before the holidays. Program will reopen on January 9, 2020.

The Dads’ Drop-In Program will be open Saturday Dec. 14th for the last session before the holidays. Program will reopen on January 11, 2020.

Jan 2020, Fridays: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Circles of Security The Circle of Security is a relationship based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Participants must be current members of the Family Centre. Please speak with Flora for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Jan 28 – Mar 20, 2020, Tuesdays PM- School Readiness Program/ ABC Time is a free program available to children 4-5 years old and their parents. This program prepares young children entering the school system to improve their language, reading, and social skills. The first day of kindergarten can be stressful for both children and parents, so that the School Readiness program gives families proper tools for creating enriching and supportive learning environments for young children. This program is delivered by well experienced facilitators and guest speakers with very beneficial and informative topics such as: separation anxiety, sleep routine, bullying, family literacy, and social and emotional development.
For more information about our School Readiness /ABC program, please speak with Maria or Ewa. A family centre membership is required in order to participate.

Feb 17, Monday: Family Day Holiday The Family Centre is closed today.

Please check our event calendar in our website regarding the visit from Community Health Nurses, Librarian and Certified Dental Assistant.

Circles of Care and Connection Program
ISSofBC Welcome Centre
3^rd Floor Playroom
2610 Victoria Drive

Family Drop-In Hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Tuesdays & Wednesday from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Programming:
Sound, Movement and Play - Tuesdays, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
Fun folk song approach developed by the Living Language Institute that engages children and their parents/caregivers in singing, movement and social play. It’s an easy, fun program for parents with young children.

Check out our website calendar for community visits from the Vancouver Public Librarian, Certified Dental Assistant and Public Health Nurse.

On November 29th, our Child and Family Settlement Workers assisted the CCC families at the Salvation Army Toy Shop. Parents were able to pick out each of their child’s gifts, which gave them a sense of dignity in a supported and respectful environment. “It was really nice to be able to choose the toys for my

children and surprise them on Christmas day. I would not have been able to buy gifts for them on my own," said one of our families. Another family said, "Our holiday season was made better because of this program. Thank you”. We typically refer over 50 families each year to the Salvation Army Toy Shop program.

Join us for our holiday party!

December 3, 2019

Christmas party flyer 2019 1

New Videos - Talk With Me, Play With Me, Comfort Me

November 5, 2019

Here at the family centre, we focus on connection. The videos in this public awareness campaign, created by the talented folks at the Langley Infant Mental Health Collboarative, are great examples of how parents need to drop their phones and take a digital diet from all forms of technology when the kids are around in an effort to positively impact kids' mental health.

We hope you enjoy these videos.

Click here to view the video focused on preschool aged children.

Click here to view the video focused on babies.

Credit: Langley Infant Mental Health Collaborative

Nobody's Perfect Program

October 31, 2019

Nobody s Perfect poster NPP logo 2

Holiday Bake Sale

October 30, 2019

2019 Bake Sale poster

43rd AGM at Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society- Oct 15 From 5:30 to 8 PM

October 3, 2019

AGM Invitation resized

September Newsletter

August 30, 2019

2910 St. George Street
Vancouver, BC V5T 4L9
604-872-6757
www.mpfamilycentre.ca

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

Executive Director's Autumn Report

Dear Members
September at the Family Drop in is typically an extremely busy month with families returning from vacations and picking up their local routines. Fortunately for everyone, the Family Drop in remains steady and we are fortunate that Maria, Ewa, Flora and Alma, led by our Program Manager, Betisa remain devoted to supporting your visits and ensuring our programs are warm and welcoming.
Close by, at the Early Years Refugee Program our staff team (Theresa, Manjit, Jasmine, Laila), are adjusting once again to a new schedule and increased case load while they welcome new arrivals from Syria, Iraq, Iran and the Congo and anticipate the return of Maaly (Family & Child Settlement Worker) from her maternity leave. Farnaz and Rashida however, remain steady at the Welcome to Canada Family Drop in program located at the ISS Welcome Centre on Victoria Drive and look forward to welcoming local and refugee families for their specialized programs including the circles of learning and fun!
Regarding our Board of Directors, Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society will be welcoming 3 inspiring new Board members at our October AGM. We are incredibly fortunate to have 10 returning Directors who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to our mission. And lastly, I want to give a heartfelt THANK YOU, to Anthony Fast and Alexis Stoymenoff who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to our collective wellbeing and who will be leaving the Board this October!
In closing, please join us on October 15^th at the ISS Welcome Centre for our AGM when we celebrate the 10^th anniversary of our Circles of Care and Connection Program (early years refugee program). For more detailed information please check with the Drop in staff team and I will look forward to meeting you at the AGM.

With kind regards,
Gini Bonner
Executive Director, MPFCS

Featured Board Member of the Month: Klara Cigankova

I first attended the Mount Pleasant Family Centre when my son Frank was 4 months old, and it took only 30 minutes for me to realize how amazing it was. When I arrived on that rainy day, I received a warm welcome, one of the staff took Frank to the play area, and I was told to have a little rest and some snacks. I became quite emotional, because the idea of someone taking care of my child and me seemed very special. Frank is now almost 2 years old and we continue coming to the Family Centre twice a week. It’s a pleasure to be there, and we always feel so supported by the amazing staff, who quickly became part of our extended family.

Like many people in Vancouver, my extended family lives in another part of the world. Because of this, I have sometimes felt lonely and isolated, particularly when Frank was first born and my family was not around. I was happy with my husband and my in-laws, but I still felt that something was missing. I think I just wanted Frank to be around more family; he needed some cousins, some aunties, and some uncles, and so did I! I feel that we got that family at the Family Centre—we got a whole bunch of amazing ‘aunties’, all the incredible staff, who Frank adores, and who have helped him grow as a little man, and helped me grow as a mother.

Through the Family Centre, I have also become more connected to other parents. Before I became a mom, I expected it would be easy to connect with other parents when I was out with the baby. But it wasn’t easy at all! I did meet many parents and their children during different activities and programs, and we did make some small talk, but to get really connected with someone was difficult. I felt I needed a "parent matchmaker" who was not sleep deprived, stressed, or distracted by watching their running toddler. At the Family Centre, I got something very close to this matchmaker: I got a group of lovely staff who facilitated conversations with other parents, and who provided a wonderful, safe space where I could forget my stresses and distractions, and focus on connecting with other parents.

I really can’t imagine what I would do without the Family Centre; it’s truly a home away from home. It has given me so much, so I joined the Board of Directors last year to try to give a little back. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Family Centre, and I’m very excited that I get to be a part of it.

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Goodbye Ana!
We would like to take this opportunity to give a warm goodbye to our summer student Ana, her hard work and dedications were an important part of our team. She proved to us every day that she is a great addition to any team that is lucky to have her as her enthusiasm and her intelligence helped our job become easier every day. As she turns a page in her life, we join together in wishing her every success in all her future endeavors.
Best wishes to you Ana

Family Drop-In

September

Annual Participant Survey
Family Resource Programs (FRP) Canada has put together an online participant survey. We will use this information as an evaluation tool for ourselves and to customize our programs for you. The survey will close at the end of September, so please take a few minutes to follow the link below and provide us with your insight!
https://frp-evaluation.ca/psurvey.php?surveycode=P16-954-F

Even in September, Your Membership Counts!
Annual membership runs from May 1st to April 30th, and costs $45 per year. Membership fees are a much needed part of our annual revenue and help fund our Family Drop-In program, parent education workshops, special events and seasonal celebrations
Membership is an integral part of community participation and an effective way to contribute to our sustainability. If you did not have a membership or renewed, please go directly to our membership page, or when you visit the Family Centre, you can pay using cash, credit card, or cheque. Please speak to our staff and they will help you

Every Saturday morning: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Dads Drop-In All Dads/male caregivers are welcome to bring their kids and make connections with other dads in a well-resourced early learning environment!

September 2, Monday: Labour Day Holiday The Family Centre is closed today

September 3 - 6: During the Drop-In Grandparents' Day Crafts All week there will be special crafts to honour grandparents. Grandparents' Day is September 8

September 9 - 13: During the Drop-In Moon Festival Crafts All week there will be special crafts in preparation for the Moon Festival. Moon Festival is September 13

Second Thursday of each month, Storytime with Negar: During morning Drop-in. Come meet our Family Support Worker, Negar and enjoy stories and song with her at our playroom!

Sep 13, Friday: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Family Drop-In, all families/caregivers are welcome to bring their kids for extra morning of playtime

Sep 20, Friday: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Family Drop-In, all families/caregivers are welcome to bring their kids for extra morning of playtime

Sep 24, Tuesday: 10:30 AM Fire Drill during morning Drop-In. It can be a fun and/or interesting experience, but it will definitely be a different sort of day for everyone. We will use a hand-held bell to alert the beginning of the drill

Last Wednesday of each month, Living Language Institute: 2:15 - 2:45 PM during afternoon Drop-In. We are very pleased to welcome Living Language Institute to play folk-song games at our playroom. Family participation is required

Sep 27, Friday: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Family Drop-In, all families/caregivers are welcome to bring their kids for extra morning of playtime

OCTOBER

Oct 4-Dec 13 – Friday mornings (every two weeks): Nobody’s Perfect is a parent support education group that allows parents to get a better understanding of their children’s development and meet other parents. Participants must be current members of the Family Centre. Please contact Flora for more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

October 7 - 8: National Family Week in Canada, this week we celebrate families! The playroom will have family-themed crafts and activities

October 9- 10: Thanksgiving Day Activity The playroom will have Thanksgiving Day-themed crafts and activities

Oct 14, Monday: Thanksgiving Day Holiday The Family Centre is closed today

Please save the date of October 15, Tuesday: 5:30 – 7:30 pm. All current members and guests are welcome to join us for Annual General Meeting at ISS welcome Centre, 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver for 10^th anniversary of the Circles of Care and Connection/ Early Years Refugee Program. The details will be announced! Childcare will be provided!

Oct 15 – Nov 29, Tuesdays PM and Fridays AM: ABC Time On these days, we close off part of our playroom to run a small kindergarten readiness program. The drop-in is still open, but the play space is smaller! For more information about our ABC program, please speak with Maria or Ewa. A family centre membership is required in order to participate

October 31, Thursday: 9:30 - 11:30 AM Halloween Pumpkin Patch During the drop-in this morning there will be Halloween-themed activities including a patch of tiny pumpkins! Please bring a toonie to help cover the cost of the pumpkins, also please bring the wrapped candies or chocolate for trick or treat. Costumes are optional

November

Nov 11, Monday: Remembrance Day Holiday The Family Centre is closed today

Circles of Care and Connection Program

Family Drop-In Hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Tuesdays & Wednesday from 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Programming:
Sound, Movement and Play - Tuesdays, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.
Fun folk song approach developed by the Living Language Institute that engages children and their parents/caregivers in singing, movement and social play. It’s an easy, fun program for parents with young children.

Check out our website calendar for community visits from the Vancouver Public Librarian, Certified Dental Assistant and Public Health Nurse.

Blog

December Newsletter

Join us for our holiday party!

New Videos - Talk With Me, Play With Me, Comfort Me

Nobody's Perfect Program

Holiday Bake Sale

43rd AGM at Mount Pleasant Family Centre Society- Oct 15 From 5:30 to 8 PM

September Newsletter

PICNIC AT THE PARK

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