Please join us!
ESFP's AGM is on Wednesday, Oct 1, 7 pm
Join Eastside Family Place for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) being held on Zoom on October 1.
The Annual General Meeting for fiscal year 2019-2020 will be held in the evening of Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 7-8 pm via Zoom. Please click HERE for the AGM agenda. To register, please send an email here.
At the AGM we will be launching our webinar series 'Parenting in Challenging Times' with a preview of our first guest speaker, Cathryn McPhee, Parent Educator/Facilitator with Information Children.
Cathryn's webinar 'Taking the Lead – Compassion and Coping' is scheduled for Oct 7, 7 pm. At our AGM, she will be setting the context and providing some examples of challenges and strategies that frame her 'Taking the Lead' perspective. The webinar on Oct 7 will follow this topic up in more detail with the opportunity to participate in Q&A. We look forward to welcoming you at both our AGM and our webinar series.
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NEW! Monthly Speaker Series
Parenting in Challenging Times
Join us as we welcome Cathryn McPhee, BSN, MEd, (above), in this first of our new monthly webinars featuring parenting and child development experts. We'll meet (on Zoom) Wednesday evening the 7th of October, from 7:00-8:30 PM. See how we can tap into our capacity for compassion to help not only our children cope with this rapid pace of change but also ourselves as parents, partners, and workers. Self-compassion can reduce stress and anxiety, and is key for supporting resiliency in ourselves and others. There will be time for Q & A and sharing at the end.
Cathryn McPhee is a Parent Educator and Facilitator with Information Children and also a Heart Mind Well-being Facilitator with the Dalai Lama Centre for Peace and Education.
Taking the Lead - Compassion and Coping, Wednesday, Oct 7, 7:00-8:30 PM All parents and caregivers welcome! Register here!
Note that Cathryn will also be giving a brief overview of her webinar at our Oct 1st AGM. See details above.
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Outdoor Programs
Backyard Play Time
Join us in our backyard play space Mon and Wed from 11 am -12 pm. Enjoy activities and connect with staff and other young families in a stimulating and safe environment. Register on our website every Wed & Thurs and on the Fri we'll confirm with you for the following week.. Our safety plan can be found in our Registered Backyard Play Time Policies.
Creative Family Fun Time
Rain or Shine! Every Tues and Thurs morning 10 -11:15 am we will meet in the Britannia Community Garden to play games and activities, do nature crafts and explore the garden and all it has to offer. This will be led by our two new students, Catherine and Courtney. Register on our website every Wed & Thurs and on the Fri we'll confirm with you for the following week. If you have previously filled out the CFFT registration form, you can also contact the student via email to request your day/s. Come dressed for the weather and we'll have lots of fun!
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Workshops and Programs
MULTI-WEEK PROGRAMS:
Creating Connections and Calming the Self Group in-person.* This is an 8-week program designed for 3-5 year olds and their parents to explore ways to co-regulate through expressive arts and movement. Join Mamata and Krystle to dance, play, and make art together to foster attachment, emotional regulation and self-expression!
Wednesdays, Oct 14 - Dec 9, 10 am to 11 am, Email Mamata to register. Limited space available. *Note: this is an in-person program, however, we may have to switch to on-line based on public health orders.
Family Rhythm, Rhyme + Movement, on Zoom. Join Nuri and Dawn Zoe as they lead you in our Saturday morning early literacy program with songs, rhymes, stories and creative movement.
Saturdays, on Zoom, Oct 17 - Nov 21, 10-11:30 am for 6 sessions. Email to register.
Circle of Security parenting program, on Zoom. Explore child development, needs and behaviours from the lens of attachment. By being more in tune with your children's attachment needs, you can develop strategies to more positively respond to them, and create a closer connection. Limited to 6 participants on Zoom.
Fridays, on Zoom, Oct 23 - Dec 4, 1-2:30, for 8 sessions. Email to register.
WORKSHOPS:
Cooking Skills with Andrea Potter of Rooted Nutrition, on Zoom. Andrea will share her approach to making nutritious, yummy meals in under an hour. The classes are from 5:00-5:45 pm, and you can cook along if you so choose. Ingredients list and recipes will be provided in advance.
- Versatile Sauces from Scratch - Friday, Oct 23, 5-5:45 pm. Registration LInk. Tired of the same weekly meals? Does your cooking need some new flavours, vibrancy, pizzaz? The secret is in the sauce! Learn how to make healthy sauces, marinades and dressings from scratch what will liven up your tastebuds.
- Better Snacks - Friday, Nov 20, 5-5:45 pm. Registration Link. Ditch the unhealthy ingredients, wasteful packaging and extra cost of store-bought snacks by learning how to whip up some healthier versions of your kids' (new or current) favourites.
COUNSELLING:
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Krystle Sivorot, is offering in-person* counselling appointments to ESFP members on Wednesdays. Her practice supports children, youth, and adults struggling with emotional challenges and encourages cultivating the wisdom of the body and mind. Her practice uses breath, movement, and mindfulness to deepen a connection to the body as a resource for well-being and nurturing joy. (remote/tele sessions also available). To book a session, email Krystle. No cost for ESFP members ($20 per year/family, subsidies available).
OCCASIONAL CARE: 'Break Time for Mom and Dad!'
Take a break, get some errands done, see your dentist... we've got you covered! Offered every Tues and Thurs 10-12, must be pre-booked. If you aren't already registered as a child care client, you will need to do a gradual entry process. To register or to get more details, email Gisele McClain, our childcare staff.
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Yum! Pad Thai
Our Cooking Skills class got off to a great start earlier this month with well over 20 people cooking along with Andrea Potter. Pictured here are 2 versions of the Vegetarian Pad Thai recipe she demonstrated, sent in by two enthusiastic home cooks! (see above to register for her 2 upcoming classes).
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These days there are a multitude of programs being offered out of doors, including at ESFP. Of course, the overriding goal is for children to participate in activities that are safe in terms of the pandemic. At the same time, there is a growing awareness of the crucial role outdoor play has in children's overall healthy development, and can reap many rewards in the physical, cognitive and mental spheres. And, the more time children spend outside in natural settings, the more likely they will develop a lifelong love of nature, and become interested in environmental issues.
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Family Place Week
Did you know? The City of Vancouver has proclaimed the week of Oct 4-10 as Family Place Week! Eastside Family Place, in conjunction with the 4 other stand-alone family places in Vancouver (known as the Family Place Partnership), are planning some interesting events and programs that week. We'll also be conducting a social media campaign. Be sure to 'share' or 'like' our facebook page and pass it on!
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We are Family Support Workers and we are here to help!
Staff are here to offer you support and help you find resources. Find us outside in the Grandview Park playground Mon and Wed mornings chatting with parents and caregivers. Call 604-255-9841 or contact us via email. We are here to help! |
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We came across this in the news and thought it was so cute. Meet Bonnie and Henry, a pair of Labrador puppies named in honour of B.C.'s top doctor! They will be trained to be guide dogs.
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COVID-19 testing info and list of testing sites can be found here on the VCH website.
Drs. Bop and Pop (really!) upbeat Youtube song about mask wearing. The good docs have several related vids.
Cute musical family sing their catchy hand-washing song.
Who wouldn't want to sing "Washy Washy Clean Scrub Scrub" to the tune of If You're Happy and You Know It"?
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FUN STUFF:
SELF-CARE:
MENTAL HEALTH:
- Free Counseling Service. If you are struggling and would like to speak with a Registered Clinical Counselor, please email us for a confidential referral
- From Canada.ca - access support workers/social workers/ psychologists for confidential chat sessions or phone calls by texting "WELLNESS" to 741741. If you are a frontline worker, text "FRONTLINE" to same number. The Wellness Together Canada mental wellness portal- wide range of free resources
- Pacific Post Partum Support Society, 10am-3pm, phone / text support for new or expecting parents. 604-255-7999
PARENTING SUPPORT:
- Cathryn McPhee is an East Van parenting consultant from Information Children, and can help with ages 0-12 years. CALL 778-782-3548 for a confidential call-back, or go online for more info on their free services
- Dr. Vanessa Lapointe - parenting author, online classes, blog
- The Neufeld Institute - resources on the pandemic and its effects on children, from an attachment-based, developmental approach
- Hand in Hand Parenting Special Playtime experts/videos/live
- Elevating Childcare RIE based, respectful parenting podcast/newsletter
- Susan Stiffelman Parenting Without Power Struggles
JUST FOR DADS:
ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES:
FINANCIAL AND LEGAL INFO:
- The Vancouver Rent Bank supports individuals and families who need access to a temporary loan to maintain their housing stability/avoid homelessness
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver help with financial benefits, emergency budget planning CALL: 604-368-2469 or e: moneyskills@fsgv.ca
- Helping Women Now, from Dress for Success. Helps women affected by job reduction/loss
- Provincial hotline dedicated to answering NON-MEDICAL questions, CALL 1-888-COVID19 or 1-888-268-4319
- Corona Virus: Your Legal Questions Answered, People's Law School
FOOD:
- Britannia Community Centre runs a weekly farmers market featuring local produce from Fractal Farms and different arts, crafts, and food vendors every week. Tuesdays 2-7 pm in the plaza.
- Map Showing free/low-cost food in Vancouver
- Better Together BC, recipes, inspiration for eating more family meals together
- East Van Cares, by Grandview Woodland Food Connection. Free food boxes to seniors and families with young children
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SIGNAL FOR HELP
The social isolation measures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic are making it more difficult for those who are at risk of abuse or violence to safely reach out for help. “Signal for Help” is a simple one-handed sign someone can use on a video call. It can help a person silently show they need help and want someone to check in with them in a safe way. For more information on the Signal for Help, including tips on how to help someone if you see it on a call, please go to the Canadian Women's Foundation page. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
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Follow Us!
Stay in the loop and don't miss a thing. Check us out on Facebook (@eastsidefamilyplacesociety) & Instagram (@familyplaceprograms) or at eastsidefamilyplace.org
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Eastside Family Place is proud of being the Grandview-Woodland community’s 'home away from home' for over 40 years.
Please renew your membership to help us continue our work. Thanks!
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We wish to acknowledge we are on the unceded, traditional territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) , Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
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