“You define family. We support it.”
This is the simple messaging Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) has for families across Metro Vancouver.
Family Day is marked on Feb. 20 across Canada. In the days leading up to the holiday, FSGV aims to address the challenges faced by all kinds of families, and support them through hardships with a special pop-up at the New Westminster Public Library on Feb. 18.
The public library pop-up will help families seek support and guidance as they navigate through the daily challenges — from affordability, food security and housing challenges to mental physical health — and prepare for the future.
“Serving families, in all their many forms, is foundational work of the New Westminster Public Library,” said Rebekah Adams-Brush, Supervisor, Children and Youth Services at New Westminster Public Library. “In Children and Youth Services, we strongly feel that we must put families at the forefront to further the library’s mission to engage, strengthen, and connect the community. We’re excited to partner with Family Services of Greater Vancouver to continue the conversation of helping families thrive in New Westminster and beyond.”
Anyone can drop by the New Westminster Public Library on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to discuss the challenges faced by families today and receive support from FSGV. The pop-up is free and open to the public.
Those unable to attend the in-person pop-up can still access an at-home activity for the whole family to enjoy.
In addition to the pop-up, throughout February, FSGV will update its website and social media channels with free resources exploring affordability, financial literacy, parenting supports, mental health, gender equity and other topics that are important to BC families.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver has been supporting families in the greater Vancouver community since 1928. There are community specific programs and support for families year-round.
In Burnaby, FSGV provides a year-round Family Supports program called the Early Childhood Community Consultant (ECCC), in which Burnaby residents caring for children aged up to five years old can receive free, one-on-one, community-based and in-home consultations.
Maria Howard, CEO of Family Services of Greater Vancouver, said, “Being a new parent often comes with a lot of questions. Our Early Childhood Community Consultant provides one-on-one support to parents and caregivers of young children. This opportunity for free consultation means that families can be directed to the resources that would most benefit their them today, and sets them on the path to a brighter tomorrow.”
Family Day Public Library pop-up
When: Feb. 18; 10 a.m. and 5 p.m..
Where: New Westminster Public Library Main Branch (716 Sixth Avenue) – near the children’s section.
Cost: Free
