Reflecting on the final three months of 2024 (October to December), our team is brimming with pride. It has been an inspiring and heartwarming few months filled with connection, support, and joy—all thanks to our dedicated team, volunteers, and community partners.
Highlights of the Quarter:
59 Days and 295 Hours of Service
Over the span of just 59 days, our team poured their hearts into 295 hours of service across 7 locations around New Westminster. These spaces, including our Quayside and Massey Theatre drop-ins, provided families with consistent and accessible support, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
53.5 Hours of Expert Support During Drop-ins
We know that families often need specialized guidance, and we’re proud to have offered over 53 hours of expert support during our drop-in sessions from our community partners who regularly volunteer their time. From dental health to developmental needs and assessments, this time was invaluable in addressing unique challenges and empowering parents with the knowledge and tools they need.
12 Parenting Program Sessions and 4 Community Events
From insightful parenting programs including the Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program, Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting, and the Spanish Parent Support Circle, to vibrant community events such as Hallowe’en on the Promenade, and over the holidays at Steel and Oak and the New Westminster Secondary School, our activities have strengthened bonds and shared wisdom. These programs and events are a cornerstone of our mission to nurture thriving families by accessing caregivers in diverse ways.
4,670 Moments of Engagement and Celebration
Every interaction matters. This quarter, we celebrated a remarkable 4,670 engagements that brought smiles, comfort, and encouragement to our community. Each moment represents a step towards a brighter future for families.
Fostering Positive Experiences
Children are at the heart of what we do- they are the future of our community. This quarter, we facilitated 2,381 positive child experiences, creating safe and joyful spaces for exploration and growth. Equally important, there were 2,350 adult interactions filled with empathy and encouragement, ensuring parents felt supported and heard.
Welcoming 252 New Participants
We’re thrilled to have welcomed 252 new participants into our programs! These fresh faces bring new energy and perspectives, and we’re honored to be part of their journey.
45.25 Hours of Individualized Support
Everyone needs a little extra help navigating life’s challenges from time to time. We provided 45.25 hours of one-on-one time to connect families with specialized supports tailored to their unique needs that include assistance in accessing assessments and registering for school.
696 Referrals to Essential Supports
Collaboration is key. This quarter, we facilitated 696 referrals, connecting families to vital services and resources to help them thrive. Whether it was housing, childcare, or mental health services, these referrals are a testament to the strength of our network. We could not do this without the continued connection we share with local service providers.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is a time for giving, and we’re overjoyed to have made 265 families smile with donated goods thanks to the generous people of New Westminster. From Christmas gifts and hampers for families in need, to contributions from the Amazon Cares program, these acts of kindness warmed hearts and brought joy to our community.
Thank You to Our Community
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors, and community members. We are proud to share that we have been lifted up by over 385 hours of volunteer time this quarter and $10,000 of support toward our future programming from your generous donations and care from our end-of-year campaign. Together, we’ve created a ripple effect of positive change that will continue to impact families for years to come.
As we step into 2025, we’re excited to build on this momentum and reach even greater heights. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another year of connection, compassion, and celebration at New Westminster Family Place!