Phone: 604-683-2554 | Email: welcome@gordonhouse.org
It takes a village! Generations of children have grown up at Gordon House, and many maintain relationships with us that last to this day. Our goal is to foster the physical, social, emotional and cognitive well-being of every child in our care, and foster a place where all families can have access to high quality resources and be part of a loving community.
Gordon Neighbourhood House proudly provides a welcoming space for all families. From LGBTQ+ families to multilingual families, or from single parent rockstar families to chosen families — we understand “family” in the fullest sense of the word. You are welcome here.
Families may also be interested in our Counselling/Mental Health, Childcare/Camp, and Special Event programs.
Current Programs
West End Family Place
The West End Family Place is a program for young children and their parents or caregivers. The program features a variety of activities that promote healthy child development such as circle time with songs and stories, free play with lots of toys available, arts and crafts, and parenting resources.
Details
Times
Tuesday – Fridays
9:30 am – 11:30 am
*No playtime on every last Wednesday of the month (Family Breakfast is hosted on that day; by Registration)
Location
Gordon Neighbourhood House- 1019 Broughton St.
Eligibility
Parents or caregivers with kids ages 0-5.
Cost
Starting April 1st, 2023 the cost for the playtime is $2/ per kid with GNH membership ($5/ a year for 1 adult and $7/ a year for 2 adults attending) and $3/ per kid without a membership.
How to Enroll
Toddler Playtimes are Drop-ins!
Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org if you have any questions.
Update:
We offer online and in-person special events, workshops, and mental health support sessions dedicated to supporting parents, family members, and caregivers. Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org to learn more.
Single Mothers Connection Group
This group is dedicated to supporting single mothers with younger kids.
Single Mothers Connection Group includes monthly group meetings, workshops, educational and wellness sessions, as well as support with finding employment and gaining financial stability. Special events and educational opportunities are planned according to the needs of the moms within the group and our neighborhood.
During monthly group meetings we will be hosting an open conversation about what kind of support/events/programming single moms in our community would like to see. This will also be an opportunity for moms to create new connections.
As a part of the Single Mothers’ Connection Group we are now offering monthly By Donation Lunches for single moms around Downtown Peninsula with young kids. April lunch is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th, 12 pm – 1 pm. To register or to learn more please email us at familyplace@gordonhouse.org
Details
Times
We’re currently accepting participants for this group. If you are interested in joining or learning more please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org
Location
Gordon Neighbourhood House 1019 Broughton Street
Eligibility
Single mothers with young kids.
Cost
Free with Gordon House membership ($5/ a year)
How to Enroll
Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org to register or learn more.
Family Breakfast + Playtime
Our regular playtime is followed by breakfast for families and caregivers. The meal will include Vegan and Gluten Free options.
While introducing this event to the Family Place, we’re guided by our Food Justice principles, which include:
- An understanding that food brings us together and can act as a vehicle for community-building.
- A commitment to sharing food that is nutrient-dense, low in refined sugar and sodium, and not overly processed.
- A commitment to working toward increased access to food for those who are nutritionally vulnerable.
*Limited spots available.
Details
Times
Every last Wednesday of the month, 9:15 am – 11:15 am
Location
Gordon Neighbourhood House, 1019 Broughton ST.
Eligibility
Available to parents, family members, and caregivers with kids ages 0-5.
Registration is required to attend this group.
Cost
By Donation (pay what you can) with GNH membership ($5/ a year). Membership can be purchased at the Front Desk.
How to Enroll (Registration is required)
Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org or call (604) 683-2554
Family Resource & Support Hub
Our experienced family support workers are available on an ongoing basis to provide care, resources, and support to families as needed.
Learn more about: community resources and programs available to families (physical and mental health, parenting groups, English Language Classes, etc.); BC subsidies and benefits; access support.
Details
Times
Ongoing
Location
Gordon Neighbourhood House
Eligibility
Parents with young children living on the Downtown Peninsula.
Cost
Free
Language
English and Russian
How to Enroll
1:1 meetings and support via phone calls are available. Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org to register.
Single Mothers Group (YWCA)
Co-sponsored by the YWCA, the goal of the Single Mothers’ Support Group is to provide peer support for single mothers in the West End. The group’s priority is to create a safe and supportive space for women to access information, resources and a caring community. This support group is professionally facilitated and is free, although registration is required. Child care is also provided.
Details
Times
Saturdays 10:30am to 12:30am
Eligibility
Single mothers are welcome to attend with their children. Childcare is provided.
Location
Gordon Neighbourhood House
Cost
Free
How to Enroll
Please visit YWCA Support for Single Mothers
Clothing Exchange at the Family Place
This program is available for families and caregivers with young kids. Participants are welcome to drop-in during Family Place Playtime hours (Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 am – 11:30 am) to either donate or pick up clothing for kids ages 0-5 (limit of 5 pieces per family for every 2 weeks).
*We do not accept toys, accessories, or any clothing for kids older than 6 years old.
*The program is only active Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am – 11:30 am.
Program Details
Eligibility
Available to families and caregivers on the Downtown Peninsula with young children.
Cost
Free with Gordon House membership ($5/ a year for single parents, $7/a year for families with more than 1 parent)
To learn more
Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org
Family Place Special Events
Each month we host different special events dedicated to supporting families living in the neighborhood. Registration for the events is required prior to attending.
April events
Easter at the Family Place on April 6th, Thursday, 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Drop-in)
Cost: regular playtime cost ($2/ per kid with GNH membership ($5/ a year for 1 adult and $7/ a year for 2 adults attending) and $3/ per kid without a membership)
Easter egg hunt, egg decoration and other Easter crafts, snacks and beverages, and lots of FUN.
Playtime + Special Storytime led by a VPL librarian, Tuesday, April 11th, during the playtime, starting at 10:30 am (Drop-in)
Our regular Family Place toddler playtime with free play + special Storytime facilitated by VPL children’s librarian with reading and singing.
Cost: regular playtime fee
Monthly Nurse Visit, from Vancouver Coastal Health: Friday, April 21st, 9:30 am – 11:30 am (Drop-in)
Great opportunity to ask questions, address any specific concerns about early childhood development and/or parenting, and learn about community resources.
Cost: regular playtime fee
Single Mothers’ Connection Lunch: Thursday, April 20th, 12 pm – 1/1:30 pm (By Registration)
A vegetarian meal and dessert will be offered to mothers and their young children. A great opportunity to meet new neighbours, expand your network, and learn more about our Single Mothers’ Connection group.
Cost: By Donation
Eligibility
Available to all families and caregivers on the Downtown Peninsula.
Cost
Different for each event
To Register or to Learn more
Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org or follow EventBrite instructions if the link is provided.
