New family centre to help children and families

Kelowna-based not-for-profit society Childhood Connections has announced the soft opening of their new Family Centre on Highway 97.

Located at the corner of Harvey Avenue and Burtch Road, the facility will help support families in the Central Okanagan through a variety of programs. Some of those include a free toy lending library for children from birth to 12 years of age, information for families to find and afford childcare, childcare provider education and resources, free play therapy for children in financial need, and the Nourish Families Initiative, which helps provide nourishing meals, child development resources and support for vulnerable families and more.

Later this spring, they will open a Drop-in Childcare program out of the new space. The program will provide occasional, flexible childcare for children between the ages of 18-months to entry into Grade 1 (5 to 6 year-olds).

The Drop-in Childcare program will be for families who need limited, part-time childcare for any reason, such as attending appointments or waiting for a full-time childcare space to open up. Families will be able to access registered, drop-in childcare in a safe and welcoming environment for up to 8 hours a day and 40 hours a month. Those who are interested are encouraged to register for more information.

Melissa Hunt, the executive director of Childhood Connections, says they are delighted to see the new family centre open to the public:

“Given the pandemic and supply chain challenges, it hasn’t always been an easy journey, but the doors are now open, and we’re thrilled. A lot of care and thought has gone into our new facility to ensure it is an awesome resource and support for our community, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our new home! Stop by and see us,” said Hunt.

Launched in 1977, Childhood Connections supports children and the people who care for them. The organization aims to ensure that all children in the Central Okanagan get a healthy start in life. The team at Childhood Connections connects families with the people and resources they need to help children thrive, including childcare providers, community partners, agencies, high quality programming, services and support.

In addition, they connect childcare providers with training and educational opportunities that help them improve childhood development outcomes.

Childhood Connections’ new location is at #101 – 1505 Harvey Avenue. You can learn more about the organization at ChildhoodConnections.ca.