Family Connection Centre

The Family Connection Centre is dedicated to building connected and resilient children, youth, and families through strength-based programming. All programs and services are free, and we welcome referrals from community partners and organizations for any parenting-related challenges or concerns. As a central hub for families, we provide a safe space to land when you’re unsure of what you need.

Individual and Family Supports

The Family Connection Centre provides one-on-one support through our dedicated Family Support Workers. This free service is available to all Bow Valley families either virtually or in person. Our team works with families to identify needs, set goals, and build capacity.

Our Team

Youth Family Support Worker (7-18 years)

• Offers personalized support for youth and families with mild to moderate challenges.
• Focus areas include --but are not limited to-- building healthy relationships, mental health, anxiety, substance use safety strategies, communication, social skills, fostering independence, family dynamics, trauma healing, and healthy coping skills.
• Services include individual support and counseling, parenting education and workshops, resource navigation and referrals, and community programming.
• Offers referrals to other community supports as needed

Early Years Family Support Worker (0-6 years)

• Provides guidance on developmental screening, parenting strategies, sleep support, toilet training, behavior management, and emotional regulation.
• Includes pre- and post-natal support and social skills development.
• Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3™): Identifies children’s strengths and areas for additional support.
• Meets individually with families to identify needs, develop goals, and build family capacity. 
• Offers referrals to other community supports as needed.

Social Connection Specialist

• Creates and facilitates innovative programs for caregivers, children and youth to connect
• Builds community relationships and collaborates with community partners 
• Provides child development resources and referrals to appropriate services.
• Offers referrals to other community supports as needed

Parent Support and Education

The Family Connection Centre proudly offers caregiver capacity-building programs that enhance parenting knowledge and coping skills. These programs empower parents and caregivers to create safe, responsive, and nurturing environments, fostering the healthy development of children and youth. Together, we build stronger families and brighter futures.

Topics and Services

• Workshops: Attachment and positive parenting, child and youth brain development, toilet training, language development, and more.
• Parent Discussion Groups: Opportunities to connect with other parents and share experiences.
• Individualized Support: Personalized guidance to address specific parenting challenges.

Youth Programs

Programs

• Cooking Club
• Girls Connect
• Youth Summer Programming

Child Development and Well-being Programs

Our programs aim to provide children with a strong foundation during their early years. We focus on enhancing social, physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual well-being, helping children reach their developmental potential. Activities are designed to be strength-based, trauma-informed, inclusive, supportive, and respectful, emphasizing connections and resilience.

Programs

• Outdoor Play and Exploration: Encourages physical activity and a love for nature.
• Loose Parts Playtime: Promotes creativity and problem-solving in an open-ended environment.
• Get Messy: Sensory play experiences that foster social-emotional development.
• Sensory-Friendly Playtime: Techniques to help children manage emotions and calm their nervous systems.
• Family Playtime: Strengthens family bonds through collaborative activities.

We also offer opportunities for families to socialize and play together, while young children (up to age 6) develop essential skills across all developmental domains:

• Toys Together: Build community ties in a casual setting.
• Mini Mingles Drop-in: Designed for infants and caregivers.

Discover More

Explore the full spectrum of programs and services available at the Family Connection Centre. Your journey to a strengthened and supported family and community life starts here. For more information, email fccadmin@canmore.ca or call 403.678.2529.