Altona and Area Family Resource Centre reflected on their challenges and triumphs at last week’s annual general meeting.
Now in her second two-year term as board chair, Dana Bergman emphasized the importance of community engagement and support.
“It has been challenging to learn the breadth of the work that AAFRC does and understand the partnerships in place. But it’s humbling to see business and community engagement resulting in a balanced budget over the past year, along with modest growth.”
Bergman emphasized the value and care that AAFRC coordinator Nina Edbom-Kehler brings to the centre.
“She continues to be patient and supportive, with discussions, questions, and opportunities for the centre’s growth and personal development in her role. Her wealth of knowledge and history of the organization at multiple levels is both educational and inspiring.”
Reflecting on their growth, Bergman says they started to see a resurgence in spring, with more people coming to in-person programming. The hybrid model of in-person and take-home programming for families in Altona, Rosenfeld and Gretna offers one in-person program weekly, between September and June.
“One of the things we piloted during the pandemic is the take-home kits, which really have been a fantastic addition to the programming. It was a great investment, and where we see the greatest engagement with families. It allows them some flexibility. We used to do 30 kits biweekly, and now we’re up to 40. There’s a lot of preschool supports going out, that families and children and caregivers can access, in a structured way so that it supports not only education but is also presented in a play-based context, looking for fun ways to engage cognitive, behavioral and motor skill development, as well as social and emotional development that’s based on the in-person programming.”
In 2023, AAFRC focused on stability, responding to family needs and program demands, while aiming for modest growth in their programming options.
“We continue to look for community connections that would increase board representation to better reflect the community as a whole.”
New programs introduced this past year were well-received and will continue into the new year. Those programs include a partnership between Gardens on Tenth where families and children connected with some of the seniors to build gardens.
“Working in nature and connecting with people intergenerationally is a really neat approach to education for preschoolers,” Bergman said.
AAFRC is also working with Regional Connections to connect with and provide resources to newcomer families. They’re also taking children on tours of local businesses.
“Those connections really support the feeling of belonging in the community and makes things more approachable and familiar,” said Bergman. “AAFRC relies heavily on community connections. It is those business connections, along with other supports, that provide financial stability, and we are looking to expand that.”
Looking ahead, a balanced budget with a five to seven per cent increase in spending is forecasted for 2024-2025 to support new programming and increased wages.
Bergman said they will continue their efforts to engage with families in Emerson, with hopes for increased participation in the coming year. Additional in-person programs coincide with special events, specific seasons, or the transition of preschoolers to kindergarten.
“If you want to be involved in meaningful work, this is at the ground level. Preschoolers are going to be supporting our workforce development in 18 to 20 years. These are the kids who are going to be building our community in the coming decades. So, starting out with those baseline skills and having that advantage when you get to school, just makes that transition to the education system so much smoother.”
Thanks to a dedicated board and a committed community, Bergman says they anticipate continued success and growth.
“We are sincerely thankful for all our supporters, donors and families from the community, and from those from healthcare, education, and business communities for their ongoing support. The work we do is vital, and we couldn’t achieve it without the incredible support we receive. We’re excited about what the future holds for AAFRC.”
