Heather Latter
Although no longer a toy lending library, the Fort Frances Best Start Hub continues to be a great place for parents with younger children, particularly new mothers.
Located within the Fort Frances Children’s Complex (1150 Portage Ave.), the “hub” offers a wide array of resources for families.
“New moms can come to learn together and ask questions,” noted Shawna McRitchie, Best Start Hub/Private Home Day Care co-ordinator.
“It’s a great place to network with other moms,” she added.
Parents can begin getting involved at the Best Start Hub by joining in any of the weekly programs offered there.
In fact, Shelley Sisco, Best Start Hub assistant and outreach co-ordinator, said they have a few new programs directed specifically to new moms, such as “Cuddle Castle,” which runs Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. until April 1.
“It’s just a time for new mommies to come down out of the cold, and share experiences and ideas, all the while bonding with their babies in a warm, cozy environment,” she explained, adding there is plenty for the older children to do, as well.
Then beginning April 19 and running for eight weeks, they will be introducing a “Baby Steps Stroller Club,” where parents and caregivers will meet at the “hub” with their strollers or wagons and walk around the neighbourhood, returning afterwards for a healthy snack.
“We network with many other groups in the community to bring in programs, workshops, resources, and support,” McRitchie said.
For example, on April 12 at 1:30 p.m., the “hub” will host a baby food-making workshop presented by Janet Drennan, a registered dietitian from the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre, and Anne-Marie Armstrong of the Aboriginal Healthy Baby, Healthy Children Program (Métis Nation of Ontario Health Branch Services).
Then on April 15 at 10:30 a.m., Becky Holden from the local Northwestern Health Unit office will provide a short presentation on “picky eaters.”
Beginning in May will be the next session of “Making the Connection,” a program for first-time parents with Miranda Sigurdson, also from the Northwestern Health Unit.
“We really want to encourage the importance of bonding and attachment between mom and baby,” McRitchie said.
“Attachment with the child at the beginning plays an important role for the rest of their lives,” echoed resource teacher Carly Rich.
The Best Start Hub also offers support through pre-natal classes, speech and language, infant massage, and breastfeeding.
“We promote breastfeeding and know it can be difficult for some moms, so we try to offer assistance for whatever we can,” McRitchie noted.
“It doesn’t matter what the question is, if we don’t know, we will find out for you or point you in the right direction of someone who can,” added Sisco, noting the “hub” also can provide referrals to other services in the community if needed.
And although the Best Start Hub has plenty of resources for new parents, it also is a great place for families with children of any age.
“We offer lots for older children to do,” said Sisco, referring to a number of weekly programs, including “Kids Craft Club” on Tuesday mornings, a “Music and Movement” session on Wednesdays, and a “Laugh and Learn” fun time on Fridays.
“And we have different theme for each week, too,” she added.
Sisco said they also hold some fun activities Thursday evenings (when they stay open until 8 p.m.) and Saturdays so school-aged children can join in. These activities include everything from family game night and family meal time to movies, scrapbooking, and even a Hawaiian luau.
And on holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc., the “hub” celebrates with a party for all ages.
“The next one will be an Easter party [on April 16] and we’ll have games, crafts, snacks,” enthused Sisco.
“It’s just a lot of fun for the kids and it’s all free.”
The Best Start Hub also offers outreach programs in the community.
“Have a Ball Together” is located at St. Michael’s School gym on Tuesdays from 10:45 a.m.-noon while a “Play and Learn Club” meets Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-noon at 1018 Webster Ave.
On Thursdays, there is a “Kids Being Kids” program at the Sunset Country Métis Hall from 9 -11 a.m.
“We have lots for people to do, or they can use the ‘hub’ as just a place to come and get together with friends and other parents,” McRitchie explained.
“It’s just a great place for children to build self-esteem, for discovery, growth, and development,” she added.
“Everyone is encouraged to come check it out.”
For more information, call 274-8588 or follow the link at http://childrenscomplex.fort-frances.com
