If you’re a new parent with a pre-mobile baby (0-9 months) and need to find your people and how to navigate this new life, you’ve come to the right place!
This free, unregistered program is a chance to meet others like yourself weekly with snacks and coffee, where you and your baby can discuss routines, sleeping, breastfeeding, development and stages, health, transition from couple to family, and resources in the community. Each week we have a special expert guest presentation on a topic relevant to you.
This week we are joined by Kate Von Schellwitz from Gravida Physiotherapy who will discuss your pelvic floor health post-baby!
Our safe and clean space at Quayside is a great place for you and baby to connect with others in your community!
If you’re a new parent with a pre-mobile baby (0-9 months) and need to find your people and how to navigate this new life, you’ve come to the right place!
This free, unregistered program is a chance to meet others like yourself weekly with snacks and coffee, where you and your baby can discuss routines, sleeping, breastfeeding, development and stages, health, transition from couple to family, and resources in the community. Each week we have a special expert guest presentation on a topic relevant to you.
Our safe and clean space at Quayside is a great place for you and baby to connect with others in your community!
We are thrilled to share the completion of another wonderful Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program series in the Tigrinya language! Over six weeks in May- June 2024, our third group of Eritrean and Ethiopian parents and caregivers came together to connect, share their stories, and learn from each other while their children played in our adjacent room with childcare providers. Our incredible facilitators, Aida and Yodit, guided these sessions, allowing the interests and needs of the participants to shape the discussions. The series wrapped up with a heartwarming Eritrean potluck feast, filled with delicious food and joyful moments.
Showcasing Our Values
At New West Family Place, our mission is to connect families to one another and to resources in the larger community through our programming. This series exemplifies some of our core values of Community, Love, Growth, and Celebration.
By offering this course in Tigrinya, we created a space where newcomer families from Eritrea could feel understood and supported. Participants built connections with each other, fostering a community of belonging and mutual support.
Our facilitators, Aida and Yodit, brought love, warmth and compassion to each session, creating an environment where parents felt safe to share their experiences and challenges.
The “Nobody’s Perfect” program empowers parents with knowledge and skills, helping them to grow in their parenting journey. The topics covered were driven by the participants’ interests, ensuring the content was relevant and impactful.
The final meeting’s Eritrean potluck feast was a beautiful celebration of culture, community, and the bonds formed over the course of the program.
Offering Programming in Tigrinya
New Westminster has seen an influx of newcomers from Eritrea, and we recognize the importance of providing programming that meets the diverse needs of our community. By offering parenting courses in Tigrinya, we aim to bridge language barriers and ensure that all families have access to valuable resources and support. Connecting these newcomer families to the community helps them build strong networks, find local resources, and feel a sense of belonging in their new home.
This was our third session of the Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program in the Tigrinya language, which we began offering in January 2024. Thus far we have touched 31 families through the course!
About the Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program
The Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program is designed to support parents and caregivers with children from birth to age five. It provides a safe space for parents to discuss their experiences, share their challenges, and learn from each other. The program covers a variety of topics, guided by the interests and needs of the participants. Some of the subjects we touch upon include:
Child Development: Understanding the physical, emotional, and cognitive stages of early childhood.
Positive Discipline: Strategies for managing behavior in a constructive and loving way.
Health and Safety: Tips for keeping children healthy and safe in various environments.
Stress Management: Techniques for managing the stresses of parenting and maintaining mental health.
Building Strong Relationships: Fostering positive relationships with children and other family members.
We are proud to have expanded our offering of programs like “Nobody’s Perfect” in Tigrinya over the past year. By connecting families to each other and to community resources, we help build a stronger, more inclusive community. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this series a success. We look forward to continuing to support families through our diverse and inclusive programming.
After a morning drop-in at New Westminster Family Place Quayside, a proud mother and her soft-spoken teen wheeled up with a wagon full of care packages. This begins a heartwarming story of a local teen and long-time Girl Guide, who embarked on a mission to spread joy through her innovative community giving project. With the support of her mother, Megan’s project became a shining example of how the Neighbourhood Small Grant Program we administer for New West can spread love.
Megan envisioned a unique way to bring happiness to those in need. Her idea was simple yet profound: “Birthday in a Box.” This thoughtful care package would include all the essentials to make a birthday cake, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, could celebrate their special day. Megan’s innovative solution even included using sprite as a substitute for eggs and milk, making the boxes accessible and inclusive. The bonus: she has packaged them with a cute Hello Kitty graphic on the top!
A Mother-Daughter Duo
Megan’s inspiration and determination were matched by the support of her mother. The bond between them was strengthened by their shared history with New Westminster Family Place, where they had participated in various programs when Megan was very young. The opportunity to give back to the community that had given them so much was a powerful motivator for both.
With the help of the Neighbourhood Small Grant Program, Megan and her mother set their plan into motion. They gathered supplies, designed the boxes, and organized a distribution event in a public area. The community’s response was overwhelming. Families, individuals, and local organizations came together to support the initiative, turning Megan’s vision into a beautiful reality.
Spreading Joy and Connection
The “Birthday in a Box” project won’t just provide cake supplies; it will deliver joy, dignity, and a sense of belonging to those who receive the packages. We know that the community will feel the impact of Megan’s generosity and creativity. Her initiative highlights an essential aspect of community giving: connecting with and understanding the needs of those around us. The “Birthday in a Box” project will be integrated into New Westminster Family Place programming. We are proud to see how the families we support continue to pay it forward, fostering a culture of kindness and generosity.
Megan’s story is a testament to the power of community support, family bonds, and the incredible impact that young people can have when given the tools and encouragement to pursue their dreams. At New Westminster Family Place, we are honored to be part of such inspiring journeys and look forward to nurturing more projects that bring joy and connection to our community.
Stay tuned for more stories of community, innovation, and the incredible people who make New Westminster a wonderful place to live and grow.
This past Sunday, we had the pleasure of hosting the family zone at Steel and Oak’s 10th Anniversary party. It was a day to remember, as thousands gathered to celebrate with music, local craft beer, a variety of food trucks, a roving magician, and, in our special area, a space dedicated to play and community.
With Steel and Oak’s signature themes of towers and trains, we created engaging activities that captivated children and families alike. Our LEGO building station, train set, and paper bag crafting corner—where kids could design their own buildings or homes—were all big hits. The faux lawn we were provided became a lively hub of connection, conversation, and play.
We were thrilled to welcome 583 people to our activities. Among them were familiar faces from our regular programming and many new friends we hope to see more of in the future. Building a strong community of families in New Westminster is at the heart of what we do, and events like this reinforce our mission. Steel and Oak shares this vision, and their partnership means so much to us.
One of the most heartwarming sights was a group of parents forming a circle on our “lawn” with their babies, spending hours in comfort and connection. It brings us immense joy to provide a space where parents feel included and at ease during such celebrations.
Why We Joined Steel and Oak’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
Our relationship with Steel and Oak has grown over the years. Last year, they chose us as their spring charity, donating a percentage of every drink sold in their tasting room to support Family Place programming. Their support has been invaluable, and we are proud to maintain a strong, community-focused partnership with them.
As neighbors on the New West Quay, Steel and Oak have shown their dedication to community support in numerous ways. We are grateful for their thoughtful and community-minded crew, who continually help us in our mission to support families.
Opportunities for family fun at community celebrations foster positive connections, which are crucial for the healthy development of growing minds. These experiences strengthen family bonds, providing a supportive environment for children to thrive. For parents, especially those navigating big life transitions, these events offer stress relief and a sense of community, enhancing overall well-being. Ultimately, such connections contribute to a happier, healthier family dynamic.
Highlight of the Day
One memorable moment was when a parent who works for the BC Minister of Housing thanked us for supporting housing through our paper bag house craft. It was a touching reminder of the broader impact our activities can have and the connections we build within our community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us at Steel and Oak’s 10th Anniversary celebration. Your presence and participation made the day special. We look forward to more opportunities to connect, play, and grow together as a community.
Stay tuned for more events and activities from New Westminster Family Place out in the streets. Together, we continue to build a vibrant, supportive community for all families in New Westminster.
New Westminster Family Place recently hosted a lively Neighbourhood Small Grant (NSG) cheque presentation party to welcome new project leaders and kick off the 2024 season. The event was a huge success, with attendees enjoying food, drinks, an art activity, and discussions on making the program inclusive. Many shared how connected and warm the event felt, creating great momentum for the year ahead.
Administering the NSG program is a key part of New Westminster Family Place’s mission to build a strong, connected community. By supporting residents in creating their own initiatives, we foster a sense of belonging and strengthen our local networks for young families and across New Westminster.
Applications for the NSG program poured in during April, showcasing a wonderful variety of projects. We are especially excited to see participation from multiple generations and diverse cultural backgrounds this year with over 80 projects happening between now and the fall season. This rich diversity reflects the vibrant and inclusive community spirit we strive to promote in New Westminster.
Neighbourhood Small Grant Summit: Sharing Stories and Building Connections
On June 7th, the Neighbourhood Small Grant Summit was held at the Inn at the Quay, bringing together project leaders from various communities from as far away as Vancouver Island. Participants shared stories about their projects and the profound impacts on their communities and their lives as project leaders. We heard from passionate individuals about the big differences that a small fund can make in building confidence and connecting people through Head, Heart, and Hands.
The event featured inspiring hosts, including our own Dana Osiowy, who led a walk along the Quay with a fun stop at Family Place. The summit was opened by Niis Miou, a repeat Vancouver project leader and a two-spirit member of the Nisgaa nation. Niis Miou shared stories of protocol, emphasizing the importance of introducing oneself as a relational gift to others. They highlighted how “to belong is to share your presence, that you’re here. Stand up and let your presence be known!”
Announcing the 2024 New Westminster Neighbourhood Small Grant Recipients!
Here’s a list of the fantastic projects that have received grants this year:
Carolyn Armanini: Block Party
Donabelle Goyengko: Five-year anniversary of the “Rockstars of Queensborough” painted rock garden event
Cindy Blaison: The 2024 Ninth Street Gathering
Louise Cournoyer: COMPASS: Live Rehearsal Workshop
Jessica Roca Muncaster: Halloween celebration for newcomers from Peru
Edward Dela Luna: Friendship Club Board Gaming at the River Market
Stephen Gbongon: Sport Day at the Conevy
Thomas Ciprian: Tomapalooza 2024
Melinda Michael: Northbank Block Party
Tina Fan: New Westminster connection and block party for mamas and babies
Teri Pittman: Pizza Party for Single Moms
Ashley Sotoodeh: International finger foods
Sarah Elder: Postpartum reunion
Susannah Fradley: New Westminster Townhall
Adriana Grillo: Planting, growing, and harvesting
Nikki Pataracchia: Postpartum Support Group
PengLing He: Professional Photography Workshop
Maki Cairns: Building Community & Experiencing History through Films
Kelly Cannon: New West Pickleball Picnic and Playday
Elizabeth Alvarez Alfaro: Latin American Heritage Fiesta
Andres Diaz: Kids, Karaoke & Kilos of fun
Selamawit Hagos: Financial awareness and consumer rights
Z Deres Secondary School: Celebrating Habesha culture
Mary Chan: Plant It Forward
Lorena Gutierrez Sanchez: Latin American cooking classes for all ages
YE WINT KO: Moody Park Aliens
Shelley Brown: Connaught Heights Carnival
Elizabeth Cottam: Burnaby Block BBQ #3!
Rob Hughes: Pride Hoedown
Kathryn Chan: Queensborough Sewing Group
Teresa Rehman: Workshops to improve service for local community leaders and workers
Mahalakshmi Muthaiya: A Day with South Indian Cuisine
Kyle Davison: Fifth Street BBQ
Mary Sosa: Little box of surprises “Matthew & Christopher”
Jennifer Moreau: Discovery Reach social/potluck
Jonathan Baylis: Jazz Night in the West End
Heather Boersma: Block party to celebrate new pollinator pasture
Deisy Maritza Ospina: Macrame and dancing at The Brockton
Prachi Singh: Mind Renewal: A holistic detox workshop for two days of one hour each
Ross Morris: Argyle Street Fall Harvest Block Party
Jodi Harbour: Hamilton Street Holiday Decoration Event
Grace Steyn: Qayqayt Spring Family Event
Amber Orchard: 4th Street Block Party
Nancy Sinclair: Canada Day Breakfast 2024
Quayside Voices: Songs off Quayside
Gerald Sommers: Garrett Street 2024 Block Party
Clarissa Banos: When You Sing: A Special Mother’s Day Celebration for every caregiver of children
Manisha Rajora: 200 Block Celebration
Robert Granewall: Lido Strata know your neighbour barbecue
Jae-Oak Fouquette: StrataBCS 2925
Giovanna Ciprian: NW Book Club
Ruby Campbell and Johanna Bartels: 12th Street Jane’s Walk & Foodie Tour
Eleanor V Sotto: Flower arrangement
Rosa Rivera: Latin Community Integration 2024
Jiayi Li: Seniors Block Party
Rose Xu: Rose’s cooking, gardening, and tea project
Baiying Zhang: English Story Time
Meaghen Taylor-Reid: Kelly Street Gardens
Fengxian Ma: Neighborhood Gardening and Planting Exchange
Gary Lake: The Queensborough Knitting Club to make hats and lap blankets for Seniors Care home
Craig Thompson: Gardens 4 Kids
Nina Priddle: Osborne Avenue Block Party
Wang Shiping: Enjoy Art and Nature—Outdoor Sketching
Jennifer Baetz: Little Rabbits Gardening
Nagham Najm: Community Cooking Classes – Multi-Cultural
Sanju Sanju: Traditional Henna & Indian food by Sanju
Eryn Collins: Brow of the Hill Spring Gathering 2024
Jennifer Orellana: Seminar: Making your home more energy efficient
Pamela Morgan: Rock the Block
Cathy Lawrence: Little Library
Yue Chin Lai: Lookout Community Garden
Essey Teckle: Movie Night
Sophia Donschenko: Beginner Crocheting Class
Pedro Soares: New West Skate Jam + BBQ
Megan Campbell: Birthday in a Box
Destiny Hopkins: Cake Decorating Class
We are excited to see these projects come to life and encourage everyone in the community to join in and support these wonderful initiatives. Here’s to a fantastic 2024 season! Thank you to Mark Strathern for the event photos, and to the Vancouver Foundation and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC for all of your program funding and support!
If you’re a new parent with a pre-mobile baby (0-9 months) and need to find your people and how to navigate this new life, you’ve come to the right place!
This free, unregistered program is a chance to meet others like yourself weekly with snacks and coffee, where you and your baby can discuss routines, sleeping, breastfeeding, development and stages, health, transition from couple to family, and resources in the community. Each month we have a special expert guest presentation on a topic relevant to you.
Today we are joined by a special guest: Nutritionist Whitney Hussain, who will discuss transitioning to solid foods – don’t miss it!
Our safe and clean space at Quayside is a great place for you and baby to connect with others in your community!
Are you looking for ways to meet other people with babies and young children in your community? Are you seeking out things to do with your child outside the home?
Join us in our new location for play and early learning programming for your little ones that has no cost, and no pre-registration…. simply show up with your child (parent participation is required)!
Enjoy connecting with other families and chatting with our staff at New Westminster Family Place (112-960 Quayside Drive) for crafts and activities, free play and circle time. Whether you need someone to talk with or if you need any extra support, our Family Support Workers are available to help you access the resources your family needs to thrive!
*Remember if you or your child are feeling unwell, have a cough, sniffles, or a runny nose, please stay home.
Are you looking for ways to meet other people with babies and young children in your community? Are you seeking out things to do with your child outside the home?
Join us in our new location for play and early learning programming for your little ones that has no cost, and no pre-registration…. simply show up with your child (parent participation is required)!
Today we are joined by Early Childhood Educator with a musical twist, Miss Lori!
Enjoy connecting with other families and chatting with our staff at New Westminster Family Place (112-960 Quayside Drive) for crafts and activities, free play and circle time. Whether you need someone to talk with or if you need any extra support, our Family Support Workers are available to help you access the resources your family needs to thrive!
*Remember if you or your child are feeling unwell, have a cough, sniffles, or a runny nose, please stay home.
Are you looking for ways to meet other people with babies and young children in your community? Are you seeking out things to do with your child outside the home?
Join us in our new location for play and early learning programming for your little ones that has no cost, and no pre-registration…. simply show up with your child (parent participation is required)!
Enjoy connecting with other families and chatting with our staff at New Westminster Family Place (112-960 Quayside Drive) for crafts and activities, free play and circle time. Whether you need someone to talk with or if you need any extra support, our Family Support Workers are available to help you access the resources your family needs to thrive!
*Remember if you or your child are feeling unwell, have a cough, sniffles, or a runny nose, please stay home.
