Young moms and grandparents unite.
Cochrane’s Parent Link Centre is adding two new programs this fall to ensure there is support for all age groups.
The Young Parents Link, which welcomes parents 24 years old and younger, is kicking off in September, while the Adventures in Grandparenting group will start in October.
“We took a good look at our community and we are trying to offer something for all ages,” Kim Krawec, the co-ordinator explained.
There was a pilot program young parent group that ran out of the centre for eight weeks last year but staff wanted to create a more consistent schedule with accessible drop-in times.
“We spoke to different agencies who had similar programs and we wanted to connect to young parents, who typically feel more comfortable surrounded by people in their age group,” said Tanya Corbett, Parent Link early childhood educator.
“It is great for the parents to be able to connect in a common group and it is good for the kids to be able to interact with each other too … there was an interest in the program and hopefully it can grow.”
The Young Parents Link will offer parents a chance to drop in for a couple of hours twice a month, with coffee available while the kids can play at the different learning centres or create crafts with scheduled circle time for storytelling, singing and other activities.
“We are excited to be able to give young parents a safe place where they are welcome to come out and try things and have some fun,” Corbett said.
“We wanted to make sure we are providing a safe place and that is why we are reaching out to the two new groups.”
The centre’s staff recognizes that all parents need support and want anyone who has children in their life to know the centre is there to help.
“We want to provide support for everyone out there,” Krawec said.
Cochrane’s Parent Link Centre runs in partnership with Alberta Human Services, Calgary & Area Child & Family Services Authority and Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
Adventures in Grandparenting will kick off Oct. 7, every Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Parent Link Centre, welcoming grandparents with grandchildren from birth to six-years-old.
Young Parents Link starts Sept. 15 and is held the first and third Thursday of the month from 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., welcoming young parents with children from birth to six-years-old.
Both programs will be hosted at the Parent Link Centre, located at 127 First Ave. W.
For more information go to cochrane.ca/161/Parent-Link-Centre
