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Resources for Families
Being a parent is hard, and the village we were all promised isn't always there or if it is, its not always obvious. Below is a list of resources between Nanaimo and Duncan that support families.
Resources Available Up and Down the Island
Strong Start Programs
"StrongStart BC programs provide rich learning environments designed for early learning development – language, physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Qualified early childhood educators lead learning activities where children find opportunities to make friends and interact with others of similar ages."
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Search strong start programs to find one in your area.
BCAA Car Seat Education Program
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Provides free car seat safety checks
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Vancouver Island Locations:
Public Health Units:
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Provide healthcare and development guidance for baby and postpartum support for Mama.
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Lots of locations have parent and new baby groups. To look into your location check their Facebook page or give them a call.
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Nanaimo:
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Ladysmith:
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Duncan:
Boys and Girls Club
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Central Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island Regional Library Locations
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Free borrowing of books, audiobooks, music, games, movies & more.
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Free Literacy programs.
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Some branches have a 3D printer for public use.
Financial/Recreational Resources for Low Income Families:
Athletics for Kids
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"Through our Sport4Life Grant Program, we remove financial barriers for kids ages 5-18, to get them off the bench and into the game. Whether that's swimming lessons at the rec centre, community lacrosse, or joining a gymnastics club, we provide financial assistance to help low-income families cover registration fees for non-school-based amateur sports."
Canadian Tire Jump Start
"Founded in 2005, Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in an effort to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities."
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Individual Child Grants- "Sometimes, families need financial assistance to get their kids into a sport or physical activity. We're committed to helping all families access a range of activities, from boxing to bowling and skating to skiing, and more."
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Includes resources for parents for play at home activity videos and ideas.
Kidsport
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"The reality is that cost keeps 1 in 3 Canadian kids out of organized sport. KidSport provides grants to help cover those costs to ensure that no kid is ever left watching from the sidelines."
Nanaimo
Mamas For Mamas- Nanaimo
"Starting as a community on Facebook has given moms the opportunity to support one another by exchanging and donating items to those who need it. Money is not exchanged in our community, but replaced with kindness, trades, and compassion. Our Facebook community offers fellow moms emotional support, and also lends a handout when needed."
Nanaimo Child Development Centre
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"The NCDC provides a broad range of health and health-related services to children with developmental needs and works with families to support healthy child development. NCDC services and programs include: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech Language Therapy, Infant Development Program, Supported Child Development Program, Child & Youth Development Program, Family Development Program, Early Childhood Education and the Vancouver Island Children’s Assessment Network (Autism and complex mental health assessments)."
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Also hosts a drop in play group.
Nanaimo Public Health
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Nurses available for Baby and Mama checks and questions as well as postpartum care.
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Also Hosts "Healthy Beginnings" a drop in group for babies 0-8 months & their parents. "Connect with healthcare professionals and other new parents to discuss infant growth, development and adjustment to parenthood."
Busy Bees Family Playgroup - Salvation Army Nanaimo Community Church
Parents/Guardians and their children infant to 5 (not in kindergarten yet) are welcome!
Come play with your kids and get to know new friends!
Time: 9:30am to 11:00 am play time. *New: 11am to 11:20am music and rhyme time.
Once a week on Tuesdays starting September12 & going until November 7, 2023
Place: 505 - 8th Street, Salvation Army Church Gym
City of Nanaimo Leap Program (Leisure Economic Access Pass)
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"The City of Nanaimo LEAP program supports families in financial need to access Parks, Recreation and Culture programs and services."
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Provides to qualifying families:
-50 free admissions per year per person for drop-in swimming, skating, weight rooms and drop-in gymnasium programs per year
-50% off registered programs (maximum up to $40) for all family members up to four times per year per person
Nanaimo Science
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Offers pop up events around the community, Pro-D and school break camps, birthday parties, & after school and weekend science clubs.
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Also offers educational resources for parents & teachers, as well as homeschooling resources.
Ladysmith
LaFF
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"LaFF is a Family Centre for families and caregivers from Ladysmith and surrounding areas with children up to the age of 6 which provides inclusive, interactive opportunities for the development of children, families and community."
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LaFF also provides a community pantry as well as clothing exchange for babies and young children.
Ladysmith Resource Centre Association
"An inclusive, non-profit, multi-service organization that assists people in all stages of life in the Ladysmith community." Some of these programs directed at young families are:
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Born Healthy Ladysmith- "Born Healthy is a community-based support and education program for pregnant individuals and parents/caregivers with babies up to 9 months of age. Join us on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. for conversation, connection, education and a nutritious, delicious meal. We meet in the upstairs program room at the Ladysmith Resources Centre."
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Mother Goose Program- "A FREE Interactive Caregiver and Child program of song, rhymes and stories and is offered every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., provided for children who are newborn to five years old. Sessions include singing followed up with a circle of sharing and a check-in."
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Ladysmith Storybook Walk- Take a stroll through Kinsmen Park and read a rotating storybook as you go! Kids love running from sign to sign to finish the story. Keep an eye on the Ladysmith Storybook Walk Facebook page for upcoming stories, pop up events and contests. Facebook Group:
Duncan
Clements Centre for Families- Childcare Resource and Referral
CCRR programs are located in many communities throughout the province. Each program provides support, referrals, and resources to families and childcare providers. Funding for the CCRR is provided by the Province of British Columbia and serves the Cowichan Valley from Saltair to the Malahat, including Chemainus, Duncan, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Mill Bay, Lake Cowichan, Penelakut, and Thetis Islands. The goals of the Child Care Resource and Referral program are to provide referrals and support to parents in their selection of appropriate child care, to support child care providers in providing quality childcare and work with the Cowichan Valley Community Partnerships to support quality childcare services. When we are not in the center you will find us at fun community events ready to help you with your childcare questions and needs!
House of Friendship Society
Healthiest Babies Possible
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To help you have a healthy baby through nutritional counselling, prenatal education, referrals to other services and one-to-one support
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Meet one-to-one with an Outreach Worker, Nurse, or Dietitian in your home or location of your choice
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Food vouchers and vitamins provided
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Group sessions – Thursday 11 AM to 1 PM, featuring speakers from the community, transportation, childcare, and lunch. Parents and support people are welcome!
Early Years
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Support and information for you and your baby until your child’s 1st Birthday
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Weekly one-to-one visits with an Outreach Worker to learn about infant development, self-care and nutrition
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Weekly drop in groups on Wednesdays, 11 AM to 1 PM, to meet other families and explore topics related to culture & language, baby development and health, and self-care for mom. Lunch, childcare, and transportation available
Mother's Morning Out
Need a break from the hectic life of being a mother?
This is a great chance to meet other busy moms and form new friendships. We are a very informal group that meets weekly for coffee, crafts, guest speakers, chatting, and lots of fun.
Childminding for children newborn to 5 years is provided by the ladies of the United Church in rooms with toys, stories and fun activities.
Tuesdays 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
Weekly cost $2.00 (covers the cost of coffee/tea, juice/cookies for the kids, and craft supplies)
1st visit free!
Mother Goose Program
A FREE, magical 8-10 week group experience for babies, young children (0-4 years) and their parents/caregivers. It is a well-recognized and respected oral language program that returns to tradition by using rhymes, songs and storytelling as a base for enriching parent-child lives and relationships. No toys, just parent and child having fun interacting together.
Let’s Build Our Community
Know of any other resources not included above? Please contact me & I will add them in. Thank you for helping connect our communities!
Jenny- Owner/Operator of Honey Willow Consignment