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Children & Families

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 toddler drop-in 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.

How to Enrol

All of our 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.

*Coming early 2025 Single Mothers’ Connection Circle
This group will consist of casual gatherings where single moms get to gather together, create new connections, share their stories, and simply have some time to themselves. Snacks & refreshments will be offered.
Free childminding for kids ages 2+ is available.
*If you are interested in being notified when this program will start, email us at familyplace@gordonhouse.org to get on the list.

Cost: Free

To register or learn more:

Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org or call us at 604-683-2554

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.

How to register (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 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.

How to request an appointment:

1:1 meetings and support via phone calls are available. Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org to register.

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 (Monday-Thursday, 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 for donations).

*We do not accept toys and accessories for donations and items for kids older than 5 years old.*

We are currently only accepting clothing for ages 3-5 (0-12 and 1-3 bins are currently full).

*The program is only active Monday-Thursday 9:30 am – 11:30 am.

To learn more

Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org

Parents’ Flow Yoga w/ childminding

*The program starts January 21st, 2025

This vinyasa style class combines gentle movements with deep breathing techniques to create a calming flow, helping parents to unwind after a busy day of caring for others. The pace is slow and deliberate, with an emphasis on mind-body alignment, with modifications being offered for strength-building.

All levels are welcome!
Bring your own mat (extra mats are available with an advance request via email).
Blocks will be provided.
Led by a registered 200h yoga teacher.

Free childminding is offered for kids ages 2+ By registration via email at familyplace@gordonhouse.org
Childminding registration opens 1 week prior to class.

To learn more or to register

Visit Eventbrite by clicking HERE

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.

To Register or to Learn more

Please email familyplace@gordonhouse.org or follow EventBrite instructions if the link is provided.