Feb
2
James Bay Community Project
By XXX
Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters. Choosing to ‘give time’ or ‘make time’ is a generous gift in this ever-increasingly fast-paced world. If you drop by the Family Centre at the James Bay Community Project, you will see our many volunteers sharing this most precious resource – the gift of time. To paraphrase a popular adage: ‘If young children could spell, they would spell love T-I-M-E”. In a room full of babies and young children, there isn’t any actual spelling happening but there is a whole lot of L-O-V-E as time is spent laughing, learning, listening, talking and sharing. At a time where technology demands more and more of our precious time, making time to connect with one another is truly a gift. Spending time together allows us to appreciate the power of small kindnesses…a warm smile…a friendly greeting…the tender holding of a baby…the offer of an encouraging word…a playful moment…a quiet conversation…a shared laugh...or a momentary kindness that says “You’re not alone” ‘We’re all in this together” or “I’m happy to help”. Our many volunteers and families help make up the heart and soul of our community; JBCP thrives because people actively participate in the kind of community they might want to live in – one that is welcoming, inclusive, kind and supportive. A community that says “We are grateful for the time that our many volunteers and families give to this organization”.
Some words families use to describe the Family Centre are:
Very inclusive; non-judging; good place for children; a life-saver; a wonderful community experience; a gift; warm and relaxing; welcoming; great; homey; supportive and safe; very helpful especially for us newcomers to Canada; more comfortable than home; fun and useful; well-balanced; friendly pleasant; creative; enjoyable; open, inviting; being part of a community; very interesting and kids love it.
Sharing Some Thoughts from Families Attending JBCP Programs:
It lets me see that none of us is perfect.
I learned that there are different ways to parent than the way I was raised.
It’s such a safe friendly environment for my child and me. Information and resources are very important to me.
My child and one of the volunteers have really connected and my child is excited to see this volunteer every time we come and they spend a lot of time interacting (which is such a help to me!)
Talking to other parents is essential!!! Community, friends and socializing are all really important. It’s a chance to watch my little one(s) explore and play in a really relaxed, friendly atmosphere – a safe place for them to grow and start interacting with other kids.
My child learns how to share and get along with other kids.
A space to gain perspective. Sanity. Learn about events in the community.
This is a very warm, welcoming environment well suited for children and adults. It has helped me feel connected to a community
Wonderful to see my child interact with others, watch how other parents and tots problem solve. Connecting with parents/moms whose kids are close in age and live nearby.
That I am not alone going through the challenges I have with my toddler. It’s been great to hear and support other parents’ stories.
I am making new friends and we have shared stories about countries, cultures and our kids. I feel supported. We are new in Canada and this program has helped me.
Emotional empathy, reduce stress by talking with staff and other parents. We have a social network of friends and family thanks to JBCP. I talk with a lot more people who are in the same situation as me.
Play beside or with other children outside the home is invaluable. Definitely seeing other parents’ strategies is very useful. Helps give a sense of normal development/challenges. Seeing familiar faces makes me feel safe and supported.
This program has helped me to connect with other parents for my children in my community and establish meaningful relationships. Parenting is an impossible task to do alone. This program has kept me from feeling isolated, supported, me; uplifted me when I was struggling with two young children. It has made a great impact on my mental health and consistently supported me and my family.
It has provided me with an amazing and welcoming place to take my child so he can play and I can interact with other parents. I’ve made some amazing friends here who have made the experience of parenthood so much better.
Mainly the interaction with other parents. Support! Normalizing experiences! Bringing fun to parenting.
The Family Centre offers weekly drop-in programs for parents with young children and various other programs that support youth and families. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Family Centre and/or would like to find out more about any of our other programs, check out our website at , give us a call at 250-388-7844 or better yet, drop by and say hello!