Burnaby Family Life: This service agency performs invaluable work in Burnaby.
Charlene SanJenko and Stella Castillo presented an overview of the remarkable work being done by Burnaby Family Life in our local community. BFL describe themselves as a deeply rooted, community-based, social-profit multi-service agency. Their extensive network and broad base of programs and services have built a respected reputation. They are an accredited agency, with highly trained, caring and trusted professionals who provide quality services and opportunities for families and individuals.
The main purpose is to support the successful settlement and integration of immigrants into Canadian society, to provide learning opportunities, emotional and practical supports, childcare and counselling services and to strengthen our community by empowering individuals and their families. Some of their newer initiatives were especially interesting including the Burnaby South Secondary Childcare Centre which will be the home of Burnaby’s first daycare garden thanks to a generous donation from the Burnaby Firefighters who are assisting in the start-up program.
Others include Women of the World, a relationship-building and mentoring program that has been formed to support the attachment of new immigrant women to their communities, and to the workforce, by providing them with personal and professional guidance, assistance and support.
Another program is the Lending Library which offers high-quality, sturdy, and durable hands-on learning materials such as; colour games, flash cards, pattern boards, puzzles, etc. for families to enjoy at home.
The BFL Pregnancy Outreach and Baby and Me Programs provide support to high-risk pre and postnatal women and their families. Due to the present economic conditions, there is a noticeable increase in the number of families and pregnant mothers with food security issues requiring emergency food rations. This demand is met with emergency food packages.
The above represent the tip of a large iceberg of worthwhile services. Community and business supporters are numerous, reinforcing the value and credibility of this organization. Our club has been a strong supporter over the years and will continue to do so.
By William Johnston, Rotary
