New centre for kids, families to launch

Residents are invited to attend an open house marking the launch of a new outreach services centre for family and children programs, which is set for this Monday (June 22) from 1:30-4:30 p.m.
The centre—located at 1018 Webster Ave.—was made possible through the partnership of various community organizations for the purpose of providing child and family service programs for local residents.

The partnership’s lead agency is the Fort Frances Children’s Complex/Best Start Hub funded by the local District Social Services Administration Board.
Other members of the partnership include the Northwestern Health Unit, Family & Children’s Services, Sunset Country Métis, United Native Friendship Centre, Fort Frances Public Library, and the Fort Frances Museum.
Programming and services scheduled to be provided at the site include:
•Best Start Hub children’s programming for those up to age six;
•parenting workshops and seminars;
•Storytime and library access information;
•Healthy Babies/Healthy Children programs;
•preventive dental services, sexual health, basic home skills, quick meal ideas, family support, child development, stress management, and employment workshops; and
•an urban aboriginal “Healthy Living” program that is community-based and open to all people.
“As families begin use of the facility, their input and ideas or requests for specific needs or programming will be taken into consideration for future and ongoing programming,” noted a press release from DSSAB.
All partners involved have donated program supplies, equipment, furniture, and other needs for provision of services, in addition to their staff involvement for programs.
“Group collaboration and sharing of resources makes this program a true community-based effort making the most of existing local services,” the release added.
Additional funding for the project was awarded by the Moffat Foundation this year, which has been earmarked for the set-up and maintenance of the centre.