Family Centre at the Project

James Bay Community Project

By Nancy Smith

The Family Centre at James Bay Community Project has been a gathering place for neighbourhood families since 1992. Thanks to the vision and hard work of many creative and caring people over the years, the Family Centre is able to continue to offer support to families in James Bay and beyond. Our hope is to create a space where people feel welcome, connect with others, find/offer support and engage with others in their community. These social connections help contribute to a shared sense of well-being for all of us - staff, volunteers, children and families.

"Here I feel like a member of a family.  I feel comfortable here...I can share stories and we can talk. Staff and volunteers are like friends." - Parent attending one of our family programs

There are a few changes to the Family Centre this fall. Dinah, our wonderful Baby Group facilitator, will be moving on. For the last six years, she has supported dozens (if not hundreds!) of moms and babes in getting off to a great start in her 10-week Baby Group. We will miss her warm, nurturing presence, her gentle humour and her remarkable knowledge and wisdom. We are happy to welcome Janice to the team who will be facilitating our Baby Group and who will also be welcoming families on Monday mornings during Creative Play Drop-Ins. 

Nancy will continue to facilitate morning drop-in programs on Tuesday through Friday. Wednesday morning Toddler Time and Mother Goose (in the afternoon) will still be facilitated by Deb, while Janessa, our Youth and Family Worker, will continue to offer the Family Dinner drop-in on Tuesday afternoons from 4-6 PM.

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful team which includes many treasured, generous and hard-working volunteers. We are deeply grateful for the role our volunteers play in helping all of our Family Centre programs run smoothly and successfully. They make a huge difference!

Here are some things families have said about our programs:

• I feel part of a community. I wasn't sure I could handle being a parent until I started coming here and talking to other parents. (Creative Play Drop-In)
• I have made new friends that my child and I have seen outside playgroup. (Toddler Time)
• It has been amazing for my baby's development and has been one of the best parts of our week. (Mother Goose)
• I have met people I can go for walks with and offer support to and ask for help from; it is the highlight of my week. (Baby Group)
• I have met new friends after moving to Victoria. It made it easier for us to connect with other young families and make friends. (Welcome Playgroup)
• Once a week my son and I look forward to enjoying a nutritious wonderful meal with the people who have come to feel like extended family. As a single parent and on a very tight budget, it is a night to enjoy with my child where I don't have to cook and can spend quality time with others. It is amazing. (Family Dinner)

If you haven't had a chance to check our programs out, please come by and say hello.  We have a little something for everyone! 

Creative Play Drop-In - Mondays and Thursdays -For families with children birth to 5 years.

9-11:15 / No registration necessary - just drop-in/ suggested donation $2

Toddler Time Drop-In - Tuesdays/Wednesdays - For families with children birth to 2 ½ years.

9-11:15 / No registration necessary - just drop-in/ suggested donation $2

Baby Group - For mothers and babies up to crawling (approx. 7 months)

12:30-2:00 Thursdays / FREE but registration required - 250-388-7844 Ext.0

Mother Goose - For families with babies 3 months to 12 months

12:30-2:00 Wednesdays/ FREE but registration required - 250-388-7844 Ext.313

Welcome Playgroup - For families new to Canada (less than 5 years) with children up to 5 years

9-11:15 Fridays/ FREE but registration required - 250-388-7844 Ext.3113

Family Dinner - For families with children up to 12 years. 

4-6:00 PM Tuesdays/ FREE but please call if you plan to attend: 250-415-7721

For more info, check us out at or phone Nancy at 250-388-7844 Ext.313 or Janessa at 250-415-7721.