Supporting families, building communities: The impact of Family Services of the North Shore

Family Services of the North Shore (FSNS) has been a foundational part of the North Shore community for decades, providing vital support to children, parents, and families. Under the direction of Executive Director Julia Staub-French, FSNS has helped to build a community through four key initiatives: the Thrive Family Centres, the Community Hub, the gender-based violence programs, and the Clinical Training Centre. These programs address the pressing needs of community members of, fostering resilience and connection for individuals navigating challenging circumstances.

By weaving together these initiatives and real-world challenges, FSNS has developed a holistic approach to supporting families. Each program plays an important role in strengthening the community and helping families thrive.

Thrive Family Centres: Building a Supportive Network

One of the programs closest to Julia's heart is the Thrive Family Centres, which supports parents and children from birth to six years old. FSNS initially ran one Thrive Centre, operating only part-time. Now, there are three bustling centers—at Maplewood Farm, FSNS's Community Hub, and West Vancouver. These centres have become lifelines for families, offering a much-needed space for connection, especially after the isolating effects of the pandemic.

Julia recalls the early days when many parents, particularly with young children born during the pandemic, lacked access to essential community support. "They didn't get the community support they needed, and it's impacted both their own well-being and their children's development," Julia explains.

The Thrive Family Centres provide a safe and welcoming space where families can come together to play, learn, and grow. Activities include child-led play, crafts, songs, and stories guided by staff who offer insights into early childhood development and parent-child bonding. The centres also provide breastfeeding support and one-on-one consultations, helping families navigate the joys and challenges of early parenthood.

The community aspect of the Thrive Family Centres is what sets them apart. They offer more than just a place for children to play—they serve as hubs where parents connect, share advice, and find a sense of belonging. This has become even more vital in a post-pandemic world where social isolation has left many families feeling disconnected.

Parents have expressed their gratitude, with many noting how valuable the centres have been for their emotional and social well-being. Julia recalls parents saying, "If I had this before, it would have made such a difference." The Thrive Family Centres provide a critical safety net for families, offering both emotional and practical support that strengthens relationships and builds resilience.

The Community Hub: A Space for Growth and Support

Another shining achievement under Julia's leadership is the Family Services Community Hub, a welcoming space located in the old Sears building at Capilano Mall. What might seem like an unconventional location has become a central hub for families, volunteers, and community members to gather and access services.

Julia laughs when reflecting on the space. "Only a nonprofit can tell you how exciting it is to be in an old Sears building!" she says. But beyond its unconventional setting, the Community Hub offers a warm and inclusive environment where community support programs can thrive.

During the pandemic, the Community Hub played a pivotal role in helping families and seniors cope with the challenges of isolation and uncertainty. FSNS relocated its food programs and seniors' connection programs to the Community Hub, turning it into a bustling community centre. It also became the home of one of the Thrive Family Centres, along with Connect Days, a program where families can exchange essential items like clothing for free.

The Community Hub has become a symbol of what a community can achieve when people come together with a common purpose. Volunteers play a crucial role, offering their time and skills to help families in need. The annual general meeting, held at the hub, featured Jennifer Charlesworth, BC's Representative for Children and Youth, who praised the Hub as a model for fostering community connection and support.

For families and individuals who are struggling, the Community Hub is a beacon of hope. It offers everything from basic resources like food and clothing to essential emotional support. The sense of community in the Hub goes far beyond its physical space—it is a reminder that no one is alone, even during the hardest of times.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Healing and Prevention

Julia's background in gender-based violence has profoundly shaped the programs offered at FSNS, particularly their gender-based support programs. These initiatives aim to break cycles of violence by supporting families in crisis and offering early intervention to prevent future harm. FSNS's approach is comprehensive, recognizing that every family's needs are different.

"For parents with young children, getting support early is crucial," Julia emphasizes. "It's not just about telling someone to leave a relationship—it's about creating safety in whatever way works for the family." FSNS tailors its approach to meeting families where they are, helping them build healthier and safer lives.

The gender-based violence programs offer support and counselling to those affected by it, ensuring that children and parents have the tools to navigate these complex and traumatic situations. FSNS is committed to both immediate relief and long-term healing, recognizing that cycles of violence often continue from one generation to the next. By intervening early, FSNS aims to stop that cycle and create healthier family environments.

In addition to providing direct services, FSNS offers training for professionals in the community, ensuring that those working with families affected by violence can approach their roles with empathy, sensitivity, and awareness. The work FSNS does in this area underscores its holistic approach to community wellness—supporting survivors, preventing future harm, and creating a safer, more just world.

The Clinical Training Centre: Preparing the Next Generation

Mental health support is critical, especially in a world grappling with the long-term impacts of the pandemic. FSNS recognized this need and responded by launching the Clinical Training Centre, which aims to train the next generation of mental health professionals while expanding access to counselling services in the community.

With a growing demand for mental health services, FSNS has developed an innovative internship program that brings in graduate students and interns to provide therapy and counselling services to families in need. "We have seven interns right now," Julia notes, "and they're seeing children and families across the community."

The Clinical Training Centre not only fills a critical gap in services but also creates a sustainable pipeline of future mental health professionals. By investing in the next generation, FSNS ensures that its services will continue to grow even as demand increases. The program offers hands-on experience for interns while providing cost-effective, high-quality support for community members.

Families seeking mental health support can access timely and affordable services through the Clinical Training Centre, benefiting from the expertise of seasoned professionals and new interns. By creating this easy access to mental health professionals, FSNS is addressing both current and future needs, ensuring the community remains supported for years to come.

A Vision for the Future: Community, Connection, and Prevention

As Julia looks to the future, her vision is clear: prevention, connection, and community will remain at the heart of FSNS's mission. While the organization has accomplished much, Julia sees more opportunities to expand services, particularly in the Community Hub. "If I had $10 million, imagine what we could do," she says, underscoring the importance of continued support and funding in the programs that FSNS offers.

At its core, FSNS's work is about connection—whether it is through the Thrive Family Centres, the Community Hub, the gender-based violence programs, or the Clinical Training Centre. Each initiative reflects a deep commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone can thrive, no matter the challenges they face.

A Model for the Sector: Leading with Compassion and Innovation

FSNS exemplifies what it means to lead with compassion and innovation. Their initiatives address some of the most pressing challenges facing families today—supporting young parents, breaking cycles of violence, and expanding mental health services. These programs, through the people leading them, not only respond to immediate needs but also build the foundation for long-term resilience and well-being.

As the Federation continues to spotlight the work of its members, organizations like FSNS serve as powerful examples of how community-based initiatives can create lasting change.

In telling these stories, FSNS shows us that even in times of uncertainty, communities can come together to support one another, heal, and build a brighter future. Through innovation, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of families, FSNS is helping to shape a more just and connected world for us all.