The following free programs and services are offered by the Etobicoke Brighter Futures Coalition, in partnership with our Member Organizations.

• Etobicoke Pre and Post Natal Nutrition Program
• Parent Child Mother Goose Program
• Parent Child Preschool Readiness Program
• Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Education Program
• Mobile Parent Child Program
• Parent Resource and Advocacy Project
• Welcome Baby Cupboard

• Willowridge Parents and Tots Drop In
• Room to Grow Drop In
• Reading Circle
• Mabelle Parent Relief Program
• Parent Child Drop In
• Home Visiting
• Parent Relief
• "Raising Healthy Children"

- For information about programs and services available in your area, contact the following Coalition members:

Etobicoke Pre & Post Natal Nutrition Project
The Etobicoke Pre & Post Natal Nutrition Project provides healthy snacks, supplementary food packages, social support and nutrition/health information to women facing hardship during pregnancy and the first year of their baby's life. The project supports Eating for Two, a Prenatal Nutrition Program aimed at encouraging healthy pregnancies and reducing the risk of low birth weight for pregnant women and teens, and Feeding With Love, a Postnatal Nutrition Program that encourages healthy eating for women during their baby's first year.

Program Location
L.A.M.P.
185 5th Street

Program Days/Times
Mondays
9:30 -11:00 am – Eating For Two
1:00 – 2:30 pm – Feeding With Love
4:00 – 5:30 pm – Young Moms

For More Information
Frances Antwi-Amposah
416-744-6312 x. 281

Albion Library
1515 Albion Road

Wednesdays
9:30 - 11:00 am – Eating For Two
1:00 – 2:30 pm – Feeding With Love
3:30 – 5:00 pm – Young Moms

Thursdays
9:30 - 11:00 am – Eating For Two

Fridays
9:30 – 11:00 am – Feeding With Love

Parent-Child Mother Goose Program
The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program is a group experience for parents and their babies and young children focusing on the pleasure and power of using oral rhymes, songs and stories together. The SIWA program is a partnership program that serves the Somali community in particular although it is open to any parent. There are staff who can teach rhymes and tell stories in both English and Somali.

Program Location
SIWA (Somali Immigrant Women’s Centre)
1735 Kipling Ave. at Dixon Rd.

The entrance is at the back of the Westway Plaza next to Shopper’s Drugmart. Go downstairs to Lower Level and the door is on the right.

Program Days/Times
Wednesdays
10:00 am to 11:30 am.

For More Information
Falis or Batun
416-741-7492

P-CMGP Office
416-588-5234

Parent and Child Preschool Readiness Program
Parents and children ages two to six participate together in a free school readiness program. Children have free playtime, learn songs and participate in activities such as arts and crafts, water play, singing, dancing, drama, play/groups and reading circles. Guided by trained staff, the children have opportunities to interact with other children, develop and enhance their physical skills, problem-solving skills and learn English; all in preparation for attending school. Children receive nutritious snacks. Parents have the opportunity to discuss their children's behaviour and development with staff. NOTE: Children of parents attending the Toronto District School Board ESL Program at Taber Road are given priority for enrollment in this program.

Program Location
8 Taber Road, Etobicoke

Program Days/Times
Monday-Friday
9:00 - 11:30 am

For More Information
Rexdale Women's Centre
416-745-0062

Nobody's Perfect Parenting Education Program
The Nobody's Perfect Parenting Education Program assists and supports parents and caregivers, helping them feel more confident in their ability to parent.

Topics include:

• Parenting and praising children
• Child behaviour and discipline
• Child health and nutrition
• Child development and growth
• Parenting and conflict resolution
• Parenting stress and time management
• Safety
• Parenting in Canada and family support

The program is a series of six sessions offered on a weekly basis. While parents/caregivers participate in the program, children participate in craft-making, play activities and reading circles. The program is currently available in the following languages: Somali, Punjabi/Hindu, Urdu, Tamil, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, Twi, Spanish, West Indian Dialects and English. TTC tickets are available for participants.

Program Location
Program offered in various locations in North Etobicoke. Please call the Rexdale Women's Centre for information about locations.

Program Days/Times
Program offered on a variety of days and times. Please call the Rexdale Women's Centre for information about days and times and to register.

For More Information
Guadalupe Herrera
Rexdale Woman's Centre
416-745-0062

Mobile Parent Child Program
The Mobile Parent Child Program is a drop-in program. It includes a variety of early-learning activities that build children's interest in learning and provide a range of creative learning opportunities. Children have access to a range of age and stage-appropriate learning materials. Parenting skill building activities and information workshops are offered on a range of topics of interest to parents of young children. Parents have the opportunity to talk with professional Early Childhood Educators about their children's development and behaviour. A small parent relief component allows parents to have a break while their children participate in a stimulating and safe environment with other young children. The program also includes a Toy Lending Library which encourages parents to borrow educational toys, videos, books and other materials to take home for their children to play with.

Program Location
Rexdale Community Health Centre
8 Taber Road

Program Days/Times
Mondays:
1:00 - 3:00 pm

For More Information
Leslie or Karen
Braeburn Neighbourhood Place and Boys and Girls Club
416-745-3113

Wednesdays:
9:30 - 11:30 am

Wednesdays:
1:00 - 3:00 pm

Saturdays:
10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Parent Resource and Advocacy Project
Parents facing the challenge of raising a child with special needs find that other parents and caregivers can be a vital source of support and practical information. A parent-run advocacy program that supports the unique needs of parents of children with special needs, and their typically developing children, the Parent Resource Room is outfitted with a computer, Internet, phone, library resource materials, and adapted technology toys for children. Parents will find information on available resources for children with special needs and assistance in accessing them, particularly government funding issues; disability tax; equipment and ADP funding; alternative therapies; special services at home; sibling issues; school transition; respite care; accessibility renovations; trust funds and visual communication materials.

Program Location
65 Hartsdale Drive

Program Days/Times
Please call to schedule a convenient time.

For More Information
Susan Kawa
Silver Creek Pre-School
416-249-9770

Welcome Baby Cupboard
The Welcome Baby Cupboard provides material assistance to young families in need of child clothing, toys, maternity clothes and baby items, as well as information and referrals. Items can be picked up free of charge by appointment only.

Program Location
10 Willowridge Road, Suite 105

Program Days/Times
Monday - Thursday
Please call for an appointment.

For More Information
Marva Headley, Coordinator
Welcome Baby Support Programs
647-439-6334
416-241-5259 ext.23

Willowridge Parents and Tots Drop-in
This program is open to all parents, caregivers and families with children birth to six years. Activities include arts and crafts, circle time (with rhymes and finger plays), drama time and Rainbow Fun exercise program. Parents/caregivers are encouraged to interact and work together with their children throughout these activities.

Program Location
10 Willowridge Road, Suite 105

Program Days/Times
Mondays to Fridays
9:30 - 11:30 am
12:30 - 3:30 pm

For More Information
Marva Headley
Willowridge Information and Resource Centre
416-241-5259 ext.23, 647-439-6334

Room to Grow Drop-In
This family resource program offers drop-in activities, family outings, clothing and small equipment exchange, a resource library, referrals and information, and a children's program (birth to five) with creative and sensory activities, gross motor activities, free play, circle time and healthy snacks. Other activities include parenting workshops, school readiness programs and Mother Goose programs.

Program Location
8 Templar Drive

Program Days/Times
Tuesday, Wednesday 9:30 - 12:00 pm
Thursday 9:30 - 11:30 am, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 - 12:00 pm

For More Information
Judy Webb
Room to Grow
416-245-5767

Reading Circle
Reading Circle is a community prevention project for children between 4 to 9 years of age. The goal is to promote literacy. The children are involved in a variety of reading activities with the assistance of volunteers. The children will also enjoy an evening of family-rated movies with popcorn after the reading circle. Program is free but pre-registration is required.

Program Location
The George Hull Centre
620 The East Mall

Program Days/Times
Tuesdays (October to May)
Reading Circle 5:00 - 6:15 pm
Movie Night 6:15 - 7:30 pm

For More Information
Maria Zazzarino
George Hull Centre
416-622-8833 ext. 178

Mabelle Parent Relief Program
The Mabelle Centre Parent Relief Program is based in the Mabelle Community and provides parents with 3 hours of care for their children ages one to six years. The children participate in a high quality program, which enhances their child’s communication, social, emotional, self help, cognitive and motor skill development. The staff working in this program are qualified and trained in child development. Parents are provided with needed time for thems elves and feel secure in the knowledge that their children are in a safe, warm, nurturing and educational environment. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the program.

Program Location
49 Maybelle Avenue

Program Days/Times

For More Information
Dian Bent
George Hull Centre
416-622-8833 ext. 125

Parent-Child Drop In
A Parent Child Drop In program for parents/caregivers/grandparents and their children birth to six years. Activities include a playtime, healthy snacks, arts and crafts and circle time. This parent-child program also includes parent support and education and encourages networking between parents and caregivers.

Program Location
1025 Scarlett Road

Program Days/Times
Please call for current program days and times.

For More Information
Judy Webb
Room to Grow
416-245-5767
or
Lynne Gregory
George Hull OEYC
416-622-8833 ext. 180

Home Visiting
Parent Support Workers visit families in their home to discuss issues and share resources related to raising healthy children. Families receive referrals and information about other community programs and services and assistance in accessing these services. Parent Support Workers can provide some escort service to appointments when necessary. The program can provide some instrumental supports eg. baby clothing, furniture, etc. This program is intended to provide support for parents with children age 0-6 who are in crisis, are living in conditions that put the child(ren) at risk for unhealthy development, and/or are experiencing stress. Newcomer parents, teen/youth parents and women who are expecting will also benefit from this program. Interested parents or families living south of Bloor Street and between the Humber River and Etobicoke Creek are eligible for this program.

Note:
This program is voluntary and does not accept court-mandated participation unless the family is willing.

Program Days/Times
Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

For More Information
Debbie Bridge
LAMP
416-252-6471 ext.285

Parent Relief
The Parent Relief program provides nurturing and stimulating child care from trained staff. Activities are designed to enhance all areas of development. A nutritious hot lunch and snacks are provided. This program offers one day per week of support to South Etobicoke families with children 18 months to six years of age who are in crisis and/or who are living in conditions that put the child(ren) at risk for unhealthy development. Families are assessed for eligibility by the parent support workers based on the conditions of risk they are experiencing, the resources they have available to them and their willingness to develop an action plan to address the families' needs. The parent support worker makes quarterly home visits to all families in the program. Families must live South of Bloor Street, between the Humber River and the Etobicoke Creek. The program can accommodate some children with special needs. TTC tickets available.

Program Location
71 Second Street
Next Door Family Resources

Program Days/Times
Monday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Wednesday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Note: All three sites have waiting lists from time to time.

Raising Healthy Children
An Etobicoke-wide community outreach and information program for parents of children 0-6. Professionals specializing in child development, speech and language, behaviour, early literacy, dental, vision, school readiness and nutrition come together along with community workers from children’s mental health, community living, childcare, children’s services, parenting centres, libraries, health centres and the school boards. Information and brief consultations related to healthy child development are made available to parents, grandparents and caregivers in unique, non-clinical settings such as schools, shopping plazas and community health centres.

Program Location
Raising Healthy Children Community Information Days are held at various locations across Etobicoke

Program Days/Times
Raising Healthy Children Community Information Days are held on various dates and times throughout the year.

For More Information
Kim Curran
Coalition Coordinator
416-622-8833 ext.174