Family Place, a non-profit organization, was established in 1989 to support and enrich family life on Bowen Island. Family Place is a drop-in centre for parents/caregivers and their children ages 0-6. The programs offer developmentally appropriate and inclusive play-based programming for young children, as well as promote connections between parents and their children, families and the community.
New families are always welcome.
Family Place Program
This program is for parents, caregivers and their children up to six years old and includes a variety of developmentally appropriate activities. Please bring a healthy contribution towards a pot-luck snack.
Baby Connections Program
This program was created so that expecting and new parents on Bowen Island would have a means of meeting and supporting each other, and accessing on-island resources. Join us with your 0-12 month old on Fridays at Family Place for tea/coffee and snacks, guest speakers and socializing.
Father Connections Program
ons Program
Father Connections was created so that fathers would have a place to get together with their young children, giving mothers a chance to enjoy some personal time. We believe that fathering is very important in children’s healthy development and we would like to encourage fathers, grandfathers and male caregivers to enjoy Family Place Father Connections with the children in their lives. The program includes a children’s breakfast and circle time.
Our Program Facilitators
0ur program faciltators focus on strength-based support for families and link parents and caregivers to family resources (on and off island) as needed. They provide a safe, hygenic and engaging environment that focuses on developmentally appropriate play-based acitivies for the children.The program facilitators participate in ongoing professional development to support their work with families.
Services We Offer
- Clothing, toy and book exchange
- resource lending library (adult books)
- child care information
- parent/caregiver education
- health information
- monthly e-newsletter
Our Structure
Bowen Island Family Place is a not-for-profit society run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Since 1989, membership participation, community support through fundraising, and the generosity of the United Way's Success by Six program, Bowen Island Municipality, BC Gaming, Family Resouce Program of BC and the Ministry for Children and Family Development have kept this valuable community service running. Subsidies are avaiable for families who would not otherwise be able to participate in the programs.
Family Place adheres to the Vancouver Coastal Health guidelines for cleaning, toy washing, safety and health. To ensure the health and well being of all who participate in our programs, please do not attend Family Place if either the participating adult or child has any of the following conditions:
- fever
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- cough
- severe cold
- head lice
- conjunctivitis
- undiagnosed rash
- or any other communicable disease
Once free of symptoms for 24 hours or with doctor's approval, you and your child are welcome to participate again in the programs.
Please inform the program coordinator or faciliator if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable illness and attended Family Place during the incubation period. Other families will be informed but your privacy will be maintained. Please note that some childhood illnesses can have serious consequences during pregnancy and it is important that anyone who is pregnant and has been exposed is made aware of this.
We ask that all parents/caregivers supervise their children. Your child(ren) will have plenty to do but will need your attention during your visit. It is up to you as parent or caregiver to monitor your child(ren). We aim to make Family Place a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for everyone and we thank you for your support in this.