Support for Families
Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP)
Program focuses on the child as a whole, to include health, intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
The program is culturally safe whether the family lives on or off reserve and offers support for aboriginal families and infants who are at risk or have developmental delay. Our voluntary family center is for children birth-5 years of age supports families by providing home visits, activity planning, developmental assessments and recognizes the role of elders and extended family in parenting.
Also provides referrals to other health and social services as needed.
Adoption Centre
Provides confidential, supportive services to birth parents and adoptive parents; includes home studies/updates; educational component, information on available options in the adoption process; domestic and inter-country adoptions
Adoptive Families Association Kelowna Chapter
Parent support network offering understanding, support, guest speakers, film and discussions for families and individuals involved in the adoption process - Contact is Diana Mortinson
Baby Talk
Various health topics ranging from nutritional requirements to infant massage to safety and childhood illness. Parents can socialize with other parents while gaining information and resources. There are a series of topics that rotate approximately every three months.
Bible Barn
To plant the good news about Jesus, and to embrace each child with the love of God. An exciting barn full of games, songs, snacks and funny animals. Jesus is the shepherd at this barn. We'll be learning how much he loves his sheep! Supervised activities in the gym during Sunday evening service.
Big Brothers & Sisters of the Okanagan
Match sincere, caring volunteers to children who are growing up in lone-parent families; providing adult friends to boys and girls for the purpose of friendship and positive role modeling.
Block Parent Program - RCMP Crime Prevention Unit
Parents in residential areas offer their homes as a place of safety to children when they find themselves in dangerous or frightening situations.
Breathing Room
provides the opportunity for parents to socialize with other parents over coffee while their kids play
Bridge Community of Faith (The)
Bridge Youth and Family Services (The)- Family Resource Program (FRP)
This program offers a change of scene for parents where they can have some creative fun with their child, connect with other parents, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee, access a toy lending library and find out more about resources in the community.
These creative playtimes are led by an early childhood educator. The playtimes are free and registration is NOT required. Sessions are held at the Martin Community Center (1434 Graham Street). For further information please contact the Kelowna Child Care Society at (250)762-3536.
Westside Family Resource Program sessions are held at Westbank United Church (3572 Brown Road).
Bridge Youth and Family Services (The)- Giggles and Hugs
Parent education and support groups for moms, dads and their children ages 0-2 years of age. Siblings are welcome. Enjoy songs and rhymes with your child as well as fun group activities and/or discussion. Free quality child care and snacks.
All groups are co-facilitated by a Parent Support Facilitator from The Bridge Youth & Family Serivces and a Public Health Nurse from Interior Health Authority.
For referral information contact:
Rutland - Sheryl Sargent, The Bridge Youth & Family Services 763-0456
Downtown - Anne Barnes The Bridge Youth & Family Services 763-0456
Westside - Jennifer Scott, The Bridge Youth & Family Services 763-0456
Bridge Youth and Family Services (The)- Tots Making Tracks
A parent education and support group for parents or caregivers and their children ages 2-4 years of age. A qualified group facilitator and Early Childhood Educator lead parents and their children in song and rhyme time, interactive play, group activities and/or discussion for parents.
Quality child care and a light, nutritious meal provided at no cost.
Bridge Youth and Family Services, (The) - Family Counselling
Family Counselling works to promote healthy children and healthy families in our community through intensive, supportive and community based activities.
This service is designed for families who are experiencing emotional and behavioural challenges that may be impacting a child. Families are supported through both in-home and office based meetings and are provided opportunities to enhance skills through education, communication and relationship building. Referrals to the program are primarily through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Bridge Youth and Family Services, (The) - Parent Resource Library
Books and Videos are available on a variety of parenting subjects.
Building Healthy Families Society - First Step
First Step is designed for parents with
children 0 – 2 years, and for those
expecting their first child.
First Step provides group and in-home
training and support. It focuses on helping
parents gain the ability to nurture and
promote growth in their children as well as
themselves. We all, parents and children,
need nurturing!
Weekly in-home visits with a family support
worker provide coaching to parents as they
work on achieving their personal and
parenting goals.
Building Healthy Families Society - Nurturing Fathers Group
This is a program designed to help fathers let go of fathering practices that don't work, learn new practices that increase their self-confidence, and work toward more nurturing, rewarding relationships with their children and partners. This program consists of 12 group sessions one evening a week for 12 weeks.
Building Healthy Families Society - Parenting Through Recovery
This is a training and support program designed to improve health, well being, parenting and life successes of substance addicted mothers.
Building Healthy Families Society - S.H.O.P.
This program is designed for parents
with children over 2 years of age.
S.H.O.P. has two main components:
The parenting component provides training
and support, focusing on building healthy
parent/child relationships by learning how to
effectively communicate and discipline their
children.
The life skills component provides
experiential learning, information, and skill
building to challenge old habits and ways of
coping that are not working, while providing
opportunity to set goals which bring about
positive change.
Weekly in-home visits with a family support
worker provide coaching to parents as they
work on achieving their personal and
parenting goals.
Building Healthy Families Society - S.H.O.P. Outreach
S.H.O.P. OUTREACH is an in-home
service provided to families, which offers
support, training and information through
modeling, coaching, and information sharing
in the areas of parenting and life skills.
Central Okanagan Family Resource Program
Provides outreach support to families with young children through drop-in sessions and parenting education opportunities. Parent child drop-in sessions are free and available in a variety of locations in the Central Okanagan. Partnership program between Kelowna Child Care Society, Okanagan Families Society, and Okanagan Boys and Girls Club. Call the phone number below for information on current times and locations.
Child & Youth Mental Health Program
Counseling for children and youth who are experiencing difficulty adjusting to parents' separation/divorce and affected by other issues. Must be referred. The office is closed from 12-1, and referrals can be made by fax.
Child & Youth Mental Health Services
To promote the emotional health and well-being of children, youth and their families by providing a broad range of mental health services, with a focus on those experiencing serious emotional disturbance. Must be referred. The office is closed from 12-1, and referrals can be made by fax.
Child & Youth Sexual Abuse Intervention Program
Assessment, counseling and support for children and adolescents who have disclosed recent or historical sexual abuse, assault or exploitation.
Childcare Resource & Referral Program
Providing support services to parents and caregivers through information, education and referrals to screened child care providers and facilities. For more information, see: www.kelownachildcare.ca/trellis/referral
Children and Families Child Protection
Clothing Exchange
exchange children's clothing with other parents for free
Community Access Program (CAP)
In the Central Okanagan there are numerous CAP sites where the public has access at no cost, to computer terminals, the Internet, scanners, printers, and more.
Community Information and Volunteer Centre - Information & Referral Service
Information on community services and programs. Annual Directory of Community Services
Counseling & Support
Advocacy and liaison/counseling according to need: support for families with child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
Crisis Line
24-hour telephone line offering emotional support, information and referrals, and crisis intervention services
Evangel Church - Bible Barn
A safe place for your baby to play or be held and monitored sleep rooms for naps. Mother's nursing room and diaper changing areas close by.
Bible Barn: Age 2, Room 16
Bible Barn: Age 3, Room 17
Bible Barn: Age 4-6, Room 18
Evangel Church - Noah's Ark
ONGRATULATIONS. . .
. . . on the birth of your child! We sincerely hope that the Lord will continue to bless your family as your children grow and give you great wisdom to guide them. We hope you take advantage of all the Nursery has to offer. Our goal is to be a safe and loving environment for your child and to help them in their first steps to knowing Jesus.
Family & Aboriginal Services
Child protection services
Family Friend Program
Provides single parent families with friendship, support, mentoring and connections to community resources
Family Magazine
Focus on the family magazine
Family Matters
Family Matters is focused on meeting the needs of Dads, Moms and families with children up to 11 years of age.
Father's Nurturing Program
Designed to help fathers let go of fathering practices that don't work, learn new practices that increase self-confidence, and work towards more nurturing rewarding relationships with their children and partners.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Support Group
Information and support for parents and caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
First Step
Nurturing program for young parents helping them gain the ability to care for and foster growth in their child and self; training sessions
Giggles and Hugs (Downtown Kelowna)
Support group for parents and children 0-2yrs who live in Kelowna
Interested people should contact Okanagan Families Society 763-0456 or Public Health Nursing through Interior Health Authority, Rutland, Downtown or Westside.
Giggles and Hugs (Rutland)
Support group for parents and children 0-2yrs who live in Kelowna
Interested people should contact Okanagan Families Society 763-0456 or Public Health Nursing through Interior Health Authority, Rutland, Downtown or Westside.
Giggles and Hugs (Westside)
Support group for parents and children 0-2yrs who live on the Westside
Interested people should contact Okanagan Families Society 763-0456 or Public Health Nursing through Interior Health Authority, Rutland, Downtown or Westside.
Helpline for Children
Toll-free line resource, putting people in touch with information/help; report cases of suspected child abuse, be it physical, emotional or sexual.
Infant Development Program
Provides support primarily in the home, to parents of infants from 0-3 years that are developmentally delayed, or at risk of delay.
Kelowna Child Care Society - Toy Lending Library
Toy lending library
Kelowna Christian Center
Offers family support and free counselling
Kelowna Community Church of The Salvation Army
Kelowna Family Center
The Kelowna Family Centre is a non profit counselling agency staffed by professional therapists all with Masters degrees. Most services are free of charge although donations are always accepted
Kelowna Family Center - Men's Drop-In Relationship Group
Provides information and support for men experiencing separation/divorce
Kelowna Family Center - Parenting Wisely
groups that support parents in developing skills needed to deal with challenging behaviours in their child or teen.
Kelowna Family Centre - Children of Change
A group for children whose parents have separated or divorced.
Kelowna Family Centre - Mothering After Abuse
Moms who have experienced abuse in their childhoods or in relationships work with a therapist in a group to explore, heal and celebrate both their own lives and their childrens'. Many families who have experienced separation and are challenged in co-parenting have found this group extremely helpful.
Kelowna Family Centre - Parenting After Separation
A 1/2 day workshop for parents undergoing a separation/divorce with lots of information on the court process, alternatives to court, family change and supporting children through the process. Sponsored through the Ministry of the Attorney General.
Kelowna Moms Meetup Group
Meet friendly local moms to talk about your kids and have fun! Come to a Moms Meetup to share experiences, find advice, give support and make new friends. All moms are welcome!
Kelowna New Parent Website
Is a website which is dedicated to providing information to new parents on activities that they can participate in with their babies as well as health services available to them, baby friendly restaurants, stores which sell baby related items and more.
Kelowna Room for Sharing/Learning
Kelowna Youth and Family Services - Counselling Services
Preventative counseling service for parents, children and/or youth up to 17 years; assistance to parents experiencing difficulties with child behaviour in family, community or involvement with the law; improving relationships, communication and parenting skills
Moms Take a Break/Kids Corner
Come and have a cup of coffee, enjoy crafts, special features and a chance to talk with others. Encourage Care for Others and develop a sense of belonging and community
Morning and Evening Edition
a time to nourish your heart, mind and soul. Children' s program and nursery available
Multiple Births Support Group
Information and support for families and expectant parents of twins and other multiple births.
Nutrition Information
Dial-a-nutrition-Free Nutrition Information
okmommies Website
Welcome to the OkMommies website. A place for Okanagan moms and their children to meet each other, play, chat and have fun.
I started this site because I am new to the Okanagan area and noticed that there are no groups supporting expecting mothers, new mothers and existing mothers. Hopefully this group will change that.
Parenting Through Recovery
This service helps parents in recovery build healthy relationships with their children while maintaining sobriety. Group meetings and weekly in-home coaching support and assist these parents in learning and applying a variety of practical parent and life skills.
Parents Help Line
a confidential service providing support, information and referrals.
Parents Matter
The Canadian Association of Family Resource Programs (FRP Canada) is pleased to announce the launch of Parents Matter, www.parentsmatter.ca, a new web site for parents and those who work with them. This site is also the home of the Making Choices Parenting Program Inventory.
* Resources for parents
* Links to useful sites and materials
* Resources for parent educators and family resource practitioners
* Directories of family resource programs and parenting programs
The Making Choices Parenting Program Inventory, with descriptions of over 80 parenting programs, is a key feature of the Parents Matter site. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can find out and compare details like program objectives, target audiences, costs, training options, and contact information. This interactive database also allows you to read user ratings and comments that will help you to make an informed choice about which parenting program will suit your needs.
Peachland Community Centre - Gymboree for You and Me
This program is perfect for caregivers and the young ones to physical activity such as ball catching, throwing and rolling, skipping, group games that all help to develop motor skills while having fun. Perfect lead in to Parent Talk. Ten spots are available through the Family Picture Passport. Ask us how you can apply for the subsidy.
Peachland Community Centre - Parent Family Resource Program
Caregivers and their children 0-6 are invited to participate in this free drop-in program. Join other families for songs, games and crafts. Once a month, there will be an educational session on various parenting topics (child minding will be provided for these sessions). Snacks provided. No Charge for Parent Talk or Child Minding
Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Program
Provides services to children who have special needs as a result of physical illness, injury, or developmental delay. Families, caregivers and others in the community are provided with support education, and assistance to promote the child's development and to maximize function, health and independence in everyday life.
Play Group
A time for parents to come with their young children, visit other parents and participate in unstructured playtime.
Postpartum Support Group
Loosely structured support group for new moms. Covers topics such as anxiety, discouragement, anger and depression.
Rainbow of Opportunities
Coordinates community-raised funds, personal and corporate donations to provide access to recreational programs for financially disadvantaged persons/youth.
Rutland United Church
Seeking Christ together
Services for Community Living (Children and Adults)
Special Needs Adoption Program
Providing support to special needs children and their families through the adoption process.
St. Michael & All Angels Cathedral
Supervised Access Visitation
Provides specially trained Family Access Supervisors for visits between children in care of the Ministry and their families.
Supported Child Care Program
Consultants work with parents and care providers to ensure children with special needs receive quality child care adapted to effectively meet their exceptional developmental needs
Tiny Blessings
Spend time with other moms and learn new parenting tips, gain important information, form friendships and enjoy fellowship.
Today's Parent
parenting information
Toy-testing
online toy report on the Canadian Toy Testing Council
Twins Club
Information and support for families and expectant parents of twins and other multiple births. Also offers playgroups, library resources, get-togethers, twin club sales and monthly meetings
Webber Road Community Centre - Toddler Talk
(AGES 18MOS - 4YRS & PARENT)
Join us for talks on young children every Tuesday morning at the Webber Road Community Centre. Okanagan Boys
and Girls Club staff along with a Public Health Nurse will be providing a program for families with young children between the ages of 18mos and four years. This program will consist of an educational component, childminding, snacks and songs. Some of
the topics we plan to cover will be Nutrition, Behaviour Management, Bedtime Routines, Toilet Training, Dental Care, Parent Care, and Communication. Parents and children are not required to stay for the full two hours, if you want to plan to come
for just the education component while your child is supervised that is fine too. For more information call Cathy at 768-3049.
