Raising a child is expensive and challenging at the best of times, but even more so for a single parent. All parents, but single parents in particular, require comprehensive programs and supports such as child care, education, health and wellness.

Child Care

Early Learning Centre: St. John the Baptist/King Edward School is home to one of four demonstration Early Childhood Centres in New Brunswick. The Early Learning Centre is a prime illustration of interagency cooperation. Child care, pre-school, parent programs and additional resources will be available this fall. For more information, please contact, Janet Powers, 646-2106 or 634-2908.

School Completion

The Saint John Learning Exchange provides training and education to adult learners from improving numeracy and literacy skills to GED to Essential Skills to homework help. Over 300 adult learners were assessed in the last year ready to participate in some form of learning.

First Steps Housing Project has mastered the art of continuum of supports to meet the needs of their young mothers including on-site education and child care. Young mothers have successfully completed high school curriculum and gone to college and university showing that integrated services and supports work.

A partnership of First Steps Housing, Saint John Early Intervention, The Family Resource Centre and Vibrant Communities developed a demonstration project of trainned volunteers matched as mentors with young mothers.

Health and Wellness

The undisputed hub of the Lower West Side (Carleton Community Centre) just got better with the announcement of the West Side Wellness Centre. Services and supports to benefit those living in the Lower West Side will be co-locating this fall. Services include: specimen collection, the food bank, a nurse practitioner, wound care, social development, and the Neighbourhood Assistant.