Family help is on the way

A new program being designed for children and families will soon be available to serve residents of Conception Bay South.

Conception Bay Family Resource Program is being designed for children from birth to age six, families and communities from Topsail to Makinsons to promote and support healthy development and well-being.

A steering committee will direct and oversee the developmental phase for Conception Bay Family Resource Program. The committee consists of a group of concerned citizens interested in the development of family services.

Low-income family support

On March 26, 2009 the provincial government announced it was investing $132.2 million as part of its 2009 budget to help individuals and families with low incomes.

A number of new initiatives were announced that would help realize the provincial poverty reduction strategy’s commitment of becoming the jurisdiction with the lowest poverty rates in Canada by 2014.

Part of this announcement included increased funding to strengthen existing family resource programs and support the start-up of new programs in Conception Bay South, Lewisporte and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

New co-ordinator

The Conception Bay Family Resource Program has hired developmental co-ordinator Jamie Collins, set up an office on Cherry Lane in the RNC building, and is carrying out site visits, policy development, environmental scan, community assessment (town meetings, key informant/ partner interviews, community meetings, focus groups and parent surveys), and board development. During this development phase, the needs and priorities in the communities within the catchment area will be identified.

During Part 2 of development, a plan to meet these needs will be developed through the identification of the hub and satellite sites, programs and services to be offered, and staffing requirements.

Conducting parent survey

For the next month, the Conception Bay Family Resource Steering Committee will be conducting a parent survey.  The survey will be used to identify what types of programs and services parents and children in the Conception Bay area would like to see offered.

It will also help to identify where these programs should be located and when they should be offered. The survey may be completed online by clicking on the link www.surveymonkey.com/s/CBFRPParentSurvey.

For more information about Conception Bay Family Resource Program, contact Jaime Collins, developmental co-ordinator, at 834-1833, toll-free at 1-877-860-1833 or by e-mail at CBFRP@bellaliant.com.

Children’s programs

And speaking of programs for children, are you looking for a fun and adventurous program for your child that provides physical activity while learning about our environment?  1st C.B.S. Scouts is made up of Beavers age 5-7; Cubs age 8-10, and Scouts age 11-14.

Registration is Monday, Sept. 13, at St. Edward’s School, Long Shore Road, Kelligrews, from 7-8 p.m. Bring along your child’s MCP number. Both boys and girls are welcome. For more details, contact Denise at 834-8937.

Seeking leaders

The 1st C.B.S. scouts are seeking adult leaders for all programs.  Volunteer registration is on Monday, Sept. 13 from 6:30-8:30 pm. at Paradise Rotary Youth and Community Centre.

Tina Barrett has information concerning leadership opportunities and may be reached at 685-1714.

Spirit of the Sea Festival

All are invited to All Saints Spirit of the Sea Festival, scheduled for Sept. 10-12, with a card game, Newfoundland breakfast, craft/ bake sale, silent/Chinese auction, cake walk, parcel post, fish pond, balloon burst, hay rides, canteen service and a Newfoundland supper featuring a variety of homemade fish dishes.

Activities also include an open-mike show and a gospel hymn sing.

For more info, contact Sandra at 834-4627 or Helen at 834-3325.

Volunteers and donations of meal items, baked goods, crafts and more are now being accepted to help support Spirit of the Sea Festival.

Goods may be dropped off at All Saints Anglican Church Parish Hall by Sept. 8, or you may contact a committee member and arrange for pick-up.

Karen Spencer welcomes your C.B.S. event information at 834-4151 or by e-mail

at eyeoncbs@nl.rogers.com.