CONNECTION. CELEBRATION. ENGAGEMENT. LEADERSHIP.
Family Resource Programs
Family Resource Programs at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House follow the guidelines set by the Family Resource Programs of BC (https://frpbc.ca/). Those guidelines include:
- Providing family-focused programs for children under six years old and implementing “My Tween and Me” program (parents with children 7-12 years old) since 2013
- Ensuring programs are of general interest
- Recognizing the unique strengths and needs of each family
- Engaging in positive interactions on an individual level
- Maintaining confidentiality and ethical practices
- Ensuring that families interact in a multicultural, multilinguistic environment as possible (staff can speak more than 7 languages)
- Encouraging peer positive parenting support.
Our Philosophy
Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Family Resource Programs promote a multicultural learning environment that supports children and families from all cultural groups. We believe that children learn through play and that they have the right to be in an environment that is safe, healthy, and free from discrimination and abuse. We have an open-door policy and encourage parents to visit, give feedback and participate within the program.
Family Resource Programs cover five core service areas:
- Family Support
- Play-based Learning
- Early Learning and Literacy
- Parent Education and Learning
- Information and Referrals
Create and Learn (For families with children ages 1-6 years)
Come join us as we learn through creativity. In this program we will guide children and caregivers through activities such as: making playdough, building DIY toys, and making healthy snacks. This is also a place where you can connect with other parents and network.
Dates/Times: Mondays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Duration: January 13 – March 31 2025
Registration: Fill out the registration form here or contact Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org.
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Indigenous Monday Night Dinners
For indigenous community members! Gather over a home cooked meal, community kitchen nights and cultural activities!
Dates/Times: Every first and second Monday of the month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Registration: Please contact Lisa Henderson at 778-772-5770
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
YWCA Single Moms Program
Are you solo parenting? YWCA Single Mothers’ Support Services provides you with individual or group support, connects you to resources and empowers you to move forward.
Dates/Times: Mondays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Registration: Fill out the registration form here
Please select “Vancouver – Mount Pleasant (Mon eves)” to attend sessions at MPNH.
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Nobody's Perfect Parenting Program
An interactive, informative and fun program for parents/ caregivers with children 0-6 years of age where you can: MEET parents of young children, SHARE questions, concerns, and ideas about parenting and kids, LEARN about child development, health, behaviour and emotions, and DISCUSS real-life parenting situations and positive parenting strategies.
This can be facilitated in Arabic, Spanish, and English. Free childminding is provided.
Dates/Times: Tuesdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Registration: Fill out the registration form here or contact Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org for more information.
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Community Yoga with Farheen
Fahreen is a mom and a yoga enthusiast! She has benefitted greatly from yoga prior to, during, and after pregnancy, and she thinks doing some down dog with the little ones is a great way to build back strength, flexibility, and energy as a busy mom. She has been practicing yoga for approximately ten years, and she is keen to share this healing practice with others.
Please come out to practice some wonderful yoga together! You don’t have to have children to attend.
Dates/Times: Wednesday 9:45 am – 10:45 am
Registration: Fill out the registration form here or contact Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org for more information.
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Little Explorers
Explore the nature that exists within our own backyards! Join us to build lasting connections with nature through intergenerational storytelling, guided exploration, and nature-based crafts!
Dates/Times: Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Registration: Fill out the registration form here or contact Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org for more information.
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Infant Massage (For families with babies 0-12 months)
This International Association of Infant Massage program consists of 5 consecutive, weekly sessions with parents and their babies. Sessions include theory for success with massage as well as guided discussions among parents.
Mari Pighini is a certified infant massage instructor through the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM).
An experienced early childhood educator, resource teacher, infant development consultant, and post-secondary instructor.
Mari brings her passion for children and families into the IAIM infant massage instruction sessions for parents with infants ages birth to one year old. Mari conducts IAIM infant massage instruction sessions in English and Spanish.
Dates/Times: Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Duration: February 25 – March 25 2025
Registration: Fill out the registration form here or contact Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org for more information.
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Sing and Grow (0-6 years)
Featuring: nursery rhymes and songs, information about infant development and connection to community resources.
Dates/Times:
Baby Time – Fridays from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM.
Toddler Time – Fridays from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.
Duration: January 17 – March 21 2025
Registration: Fill out the registration form here or contact Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org
Location: Creekside Community Centre (1 Athletes Way, Olympic Village, Vancouver)
Donations are welcome!
Oruguitas Latinas Drop-In (0-5 years)
This program is for Latin-American families with children 0-5 years old to play, socialize, participate in art and crafts, sing songs and learn! This program is facilitated in Spanish.
Dates/Times: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Registration: Please contact Lina at larias@mpnh.org or text 236-756-2000
Location: MPNH (800 East Broadway, Vancouver)
Staged for Possibility
A musical theater program for children aged 8 -12, and all exprience level are welcome!
Over six weeks, students will:
- Learn acting, singing, and dancing basics through fun games & activities
- Build self confidence and creativity
- Connect with new friends
Dates/Times: Thursday 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Duration: January 16 – February 20 2025
Registration: Fill out the registration form here or contact Bilquis at bhirani@mpnh.org
My Tween and Me
This program is partially funded by BC Council of Families
My Tween and Me is a parenting program intended for families with children aged 7-12 years. This program is intended to strengthen the confidence of parents to positively influence the lives of their school-aged children in order to prevent high-risk behaviours. Childminding provided for under 5 years old children. This program is available in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish.
Dates/Times: Thursdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Duration: February 20 – March 27 2025
Registration: Register HERE for English and Spanish programming. For Mandarin and Cantonese please contact Winnie at wtam@mpnh.org.
Location: In-person at MPNH (800 E Broadway, Vancouver)
Cost
By donation. Membership and registration are required. Registration is also required for Family Drop-In.
The Staff
FRP Children’s program staff are trained in Early Childhood Education. All have valid First Aid and CPR training and each has successfully passed a Criminal Record Check. FRP coordinators and facilitators have a background in extensive parenting education and training.
Contact Information
For program dates and further information please contact the Family Resource Programs Coordinator, Bilquis Amarshi-Hirani at bhirani@mpnh.org or call 604.879.8208 ext 128.
Dulcy Anderson
Director of Community Programs and Development
dulcy.anderson@mpnh.org
604.879.8208 ext 210
Bilquis Amarshi-Hirani
Family Resource Programs Coordinator
bhirani@mpnh.org
604.879.8208 ext 128