Families Matter Society of Calgary

1) our family learning & play centres provide play-based programs for children aged 0-5 and their parents; parents also access information guidance developmental screenings referrals and parenting strategies. 2) our individualized family support programs include parenting consultation and home visitation. These programs serve families in their home and in community settings to help strengthen family cohesion reduce isolation improve child development outcomes and build positive parenting skills. 3) our perinatal mental health program offers support information and tools to cope with mental health challenges that emerge around the birth of a child. 4) our family life education program offers classes for parents and caregivers that teach positive respectful parenting techniques. 5) our fathering for the future program provides individual coaching group support and parenting classes specifically for fathers to support and encourage healthy involved parenting. 6) our frontrunners after-school program provides school-based group activities for youth to promote social-emotional wellbeing healthy habits positive self-esteem and leadership skills. Volunteer support: in 2021 our programs and operations benefitted from the involvement of 20 volunteers who provided over 1 465 hours of their time to support. Early learning across cultures program is dedicated to enriching the lives of families through a blend of education and connection-based activities. This program celebrates cultural diversity by incorporating traditions customs and festivities of various backgrounds creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.