Brighter Futures Coalition of St. John’s

Address: Suite 200, Nuport Building, 44 Torbay Road, St. John’s, NL A1A 2G4

Mandate:

The healthy development and well-being of children and families within supportive communities.  To provide quality programs and services that promote the healthy birth, growth and development of children aged 0-6 years and their families.

Target Population:

Children 0 – 6 years and their families.

Highlights of Programs/Services Offered:

• Healthy Baby Club: A flexible, continuous-entry program that provides support, nurturing and guidance to pregnant mothers.
  • The weekly group meetings provide an opportunity for participants to get together with other pregnant women in a relaxed and friendly environment.
  • You can self-refer to this program if you are in need of some additional support during your pregnancy.

• Mother Goose: A group experience for parents/ caregivers, their babies and young children; it focuses on the please and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories together.
  • Up to 14 children per group, and generally offer 3 sessions per year (September, January, and April). Sessions vary between 8-10 weeks.
  • To register, email mothergoose@brighterfutures.net

• Physical Activity Program: Children and their parents/ caregivers are given an opportunity to run, jump, skip, and play in a large gym. Materials are provided that encourage active play. Free Drop-in Service offered at 2 locations: Paradise Youth Rotary Centre (Contact: veronica@brighter-futures.net) and Gloria Pearson Community Centre (Contact: angela@brighter-futures.net).

• Family Resource Centres – Play Groups: A supportive environment that recognizes the value of family in the development of happy, healthy children.
  • Offers 7 free, play based programs for parents/ caregivers with their children, ages 0-6.
  • For a list of Family Resource Centres, click here.

• Breast Feeding Support Program
  • Provides an opportunity for any breast feeding mothers to receive support, encourage each other, and socialize in a friendly, nurturing environment.
  • The group consists of a Public Health Nurse, a Healthy Baby Club Coordinator, and a Resource Mother.
  • For more information, contact Karen Pynn at (709)-739-8011)

• Little Learners (Baby-Only Program)
  • Program for babies, ages 0-1.
  • One a week for 90 minutes, free of charge.