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Children ’ s art on display at Family Centre West .
“ We want to create a space where we can have respectful conversations between indigenous and non-indigenous families about Blackfoot culture , a space for reconciliation ”
This little girl gets her face painted at Family Centre West ’ s grand opening in September .
For members of the community who are interested in donating their time , there are plenty of ways to do so . From stuffing envelopes , to being on the board of directors , Peter says there are many ways to get involved . “ There is a huge variety that we can offer [ volunteers ] and most of it is centred around working with people at some level , but there are many other opportunities .”
Volunteering time and contributing financially are not the only ways community members can help . Peter says spreading the word to those who can make use of the services is one of the best ways to show support . “ That is still the strongest way to bring people to Family Centre – when they hear from others .”
Although the centre provides resources directly to families , the end goal is to add value to the community as well . “ It ’ s important to support our young children and give them a good start so we can build our community into the next generation ,” says Peter . He believes proper early childhood development plays a crucial role in fostering successful adults . “ There are some really critical learning windows during those early years ,” he explains . “ We can use those windows and strengthen children in their brain development .”
Peter says understanding appropriate development and dealing with issues early on can prevent many problems in adulthood . “ Getting the brain wired right in the early years really helps to avoid complications , stressors , and damage down the line .”
Creating a healthy community through relationships with Blackfoot culture is another goal for the new location . “ We want to create a space where we can have respectful conversations between indigenous and non-indigenous families about
Blackfoot culture , a space for reconciliation ,” says Peter . He hopes the new Family Centre can be a place where these dialogues will take place .
The new Family Centre in west Lethbridge has been years in the making , and according to Peter , it was not an easy feat to develop a location in an elementary school . “ It was through years and years of collaboration between the Lethbridge School District No . 51 and Family Centre .” Although developing the space and obtaining financial resources took time , it is a concept Peter hopes will grow .
“ In a sense , I think this is a pilot ; this is a model to see how we can deliver services in neighborhoods , how we can deliver services where people make their homes .” By doing so , Peter believes deeper connections with community members will form , and stronger support systems will exist for people in need .
“ When stuff goes sideways for whatever reason , I will only be strong if I have strong relationships ,” explains Peter . “ That ’ s a key piece for resilience . That is where we really need help from others – whether that ’ s a family member , friend or neighbour , that is how we strengthen communities .”
Visit www . famcentre . ca to become a volunteer or learn more about Family Centre programming .
20 LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM NOV-DEC 2017