South Shore Family Resource Association
Our connection to the Public Health Agency of Canada
Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
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In the late 1980s and early 1990s, much attention was paid within Canada and abroad, to the notion that child health outcomes and behavioural development are profoundly impacted by the socio-economic status of a child's family. Income, education, employment and housing were clearly linked to quality of life for families, and in particular children.
In 1989, the House of Commons unanimously passed an all-party resolution to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000.
In 1990, the United Nations held its World Summit for Children, with Canada as co-chair. Participants committed to improve the well-being of the world's children through the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children. Canada’s response was to develop the Child Development Initiative (CDI) in 1992 including the creation of the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC).
Health Canada requested a proposal be submitted by a coalition consisting of Queens, Shelburne and Lunenburg Counties. In 1994, funding was received. The program is now managed by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The History of Family Support CentreIn 1991, a small group of concerned parents came together to find ways of supporting families. They moved into the Family Support Centre at 156 York Street (a vacant group home in Bridgewater). The centre was operating two days a week with volunteers and two family skills workers. In 1992, a grant was received from the Department of Community Services and managed by Family & Children's Services. A coordinator and two part-time childcare workers were hired and the centre began operating five days a week. In 1993, the South Shore Family Resource Association was formed with a Community Action Program for Children grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada. This is a tri-county board that manages funding for the CAPC projects in Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne counties. The Lunenburg County Project entered into a partnership with the Family Support Centre. Today, the Department of Community Services and the South Shore Family Resource Association make up the Family Support Centre and provide free programming to all families in Lunenburg County. |
The story of Buccaneer Bay/Heritage House Outreach CentreIn 1996, the Community Action Program for Children recognized the need to support the families and children of Buccaneer Bay and Heritage House apartment complex. Because programs offered at the Family Support Centre in downtown Bridgewater were not easily accessible, the families wanted an Outreach Centre based at BB/HH. Twelve community partners came together to assist the families in the work to realize their vision. In 2000, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) got behind the idea. Assessments were done and with the help of some of the residents, a three-year proposal including goals and objectives was written. In the summer of 2000, we opened the doors to the Buccaneer Bay/Heritage House OUtreach Centre. Staff was hired and trained. The Outreach Centre was officially opened November of 2000. The community-at-large was invited to an Open House and enjoyed food and fellowship. It was a chance for them to see how far we'd come and share plans for the future. Over a period of time, groups from Bridgewater and surrounding communities were invited to help with fundraising and support. We continue to work with our funders and supporters to sustain and expand our programs and services. |
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