What We Offer
The Juice Box Social is a drop-in for families with babies and toddlers from birth to two years. Siblings and visiting family members are also welcome to attend. The program is based on the building blocks that community connection between parents, all ages of caregivers and family are the main support for early learning. The weekly program lasts just over an hour, Anie Hepher loves to facilitate a 20-30 minute program with songs, stories fingerplays, musical instruments, and even scarves. She loves to provide parents with music to help with all the daily transitions of young family routines. Using music as a way to connect with your baby and with one another, we spend time chatting and relaxing, with coffee and snacks provided. Once a month soup is provided. In the warmer months, our group meets outside at Fernie Rotary Park and in the winter we gather at the Fernie Seniors Citizen’s Drop -In Centre.
Our Parent Connections program is another place for parents to meet. We have talks on different parenting topics, guest speakers who share useful information, and an open space for parents to talk about the good and tough parts of being a parent. We also provide a childminding service for kids aged 9 months and up, so parents can have some alone time during the program.
- The Juice Box Social is for families with babies up to 2 years. It includes fun music time and a chance for grown-ups to make friends and partners in parenting in community.
- Parent Connections program has talks, guest speakers, and childminding. It’s here to help parents along the way.
- Both of these programs are held from mid-September to the end of May.
Benefits of Fernie Family Connections
- Make real friendships with other families in our community.
- Learn more about yourself and your baby, and grow more confident about your role as a parent-and more kind to yourself when you see room for improvement!
- Get to know more community resources and programs as you meet other parents and those who care for children in our valley/
- The Juice box Social teaches you lots of songs to sing with your baby during the day!
- In the Parent Connections program, come and chat with us about what is great and what is hard about being a parent. It’s a place where everyone understands.
How To Access Fernie Family Connections
The programs run from the middle of September to the end of April. You can check out the Fernie Early Years Facebook page for the schedule or contact the Women’s Centre for more information.
Program Team
Anie Hepher
Meeting new parents, grandparents and families of Fernie babies and seeing all ages connect through music. Being outside by water is one of my all time favourite ways to reset. If my dog is there, even better!