FREE Programs Offered
FAMILY CENTRE ART PROGRAMS for Children and Youth
Join any of our creative classes around the Family Center and feel free to bring a friend or family member!
Age: 6-19 years old (Some exceptions may be made; please contact the email listed below.) Note: We are accepting only 20 participants (so be sure to reserve your spot early)
Register for all programs here: Referral Link
Creative Space – Mondays 6:00-7:30 pm
The Family Centre Creative Space is a safe environment for children, focusing on the individual and group development of their artistic skills. We encourage them to discover their style and build resilience throughout the creative process. Connecting with peers, volunteers, and facilitators is a key element of our program, as together we can find and share solutions to progress in the creative journey.
Contact Facilitator: Pamela Rojas - E-Mail: pamrojasp@gmail.com
Creative Space – Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 pm
We are also expanding the Family Centre Creative Space to include youth and adults who want to explore their creative side. Creative Space Monday classes are for children only, while Wednesday classes are for youth and adults or families
Contact Facilitator: Pamela Rojas - E-Mail: pamrojasp@gmail.com
Music Academy – Tuesdays 6:00-7:00 pm or 7:00-8:00 pm
The Family Centre Music Academy is a place for everyone to come and explore the joy of making music. We play musical games, learn how to improvise, write our own songs and make covers of our favorite hits. Participants can learn how to play an instrument of their choosing. We can provide instruction in ukulele, guitar, and piano as well as provide an instrument for you to borrow for the duration of the program. We also learn about electronic music, playing with synthesizers, and making cool beats all while exploring sound design.
The Music Academy offers a wide variety of musical exploration in a fun, friendly, and laid-back environment. Sign up today!
Contact Facilitator: Kevin Saltarelli - E-Mail: kev.saltarelli@gmail.com
Mini Act Theatre - Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm
The Family Centre Mini Act Theatre is a free, weekly, two-hour theater workshop designed for children and youth. If you are passionate about acting and want to improve your skills, make friends, and even earn volunteer hours, this is the perfect space for you! The program will conclude with an exciting mini show, written and performed by the kids themselves. Join us for a fun, creative journey on stage!
Contact Facilitator: Yazan Maarouf - E-Mail: yazan.maarouf@gmail.com
Register for all programs here: Referral Link
Child and Youth Programs
Incredible Kids
Children 6-10 years of age
This fun after school program is packed with interactive activities that support children to develop tools; such as to improving their relationships with both children and adults, empathy, self esteem, identification and labelling of feelings, problem solving, mindfulness and much more!
In partnership with Grow Community Centre
Where: 1 Groh Ave., Cambridge (Grow Community Centre)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 3:30-4:30
Dates: April 22-June 3
***Co-delivered with Grow Community Centre. FACS staff to obtain verbal consent for the sharing of client contact information with Grow Community Centre prior to submitting the referral.
Power
Children/Youth 12-13 years of age
Power is a free, afterschool group for youth in Grade 7.
Join us for fun and interactive games that promotes personal safety through development of healthy relationships. Topics include, learning to build and maintain healthy relationship through effective communication, emotional self-regulation and the safe use of communication technology.
In partnership with Women’s Crisis Services of the Waterloo Region
Where: 65 Hanson Ave., Kitchener (Family Centre)
Day: Thursdays
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Dates: April 23-June 11
***Co-delivered with Women’s Crisis Services of the Waterloo Region. FACS staff to obtain verbal consent for the sharing of client contact information with WCSWR, prior to submitting the referral.
I AM
Children/Youth 13-14 years of age
A free, afterschool group for youth in Grade 8.
I AM is a self-esteem-building program designed to help participants explore the messages of stereotypes that shape our lives, including those found in social media. The program offers tools to build healthy relationships with ourselves and those around us.
In partnership with Women’s Crisis Services
Where: 505 Franklin St. N., (Stanley Park Community Centre)
Day: Mondays
Time: 4:00-5:00 PM
Dates: April 13-June 8
***Co-delivered with Women’s Crisis Services of the Waterloo Region. FACS staff to obtain verbal consent for the sharing of client contact information with WCSWR, prior to submitting the referral.
Young Men’s Group
***Students 12-13 years of age attending Oak Creek Public School
Focused on the prevention of violence through the promotion of positive, healthy relationships. Safe space for young men to discuss issues such as bullying, dating and group violence. Designed to increase the participant’s relationship-building capacity, impact of gender roles, the importance of enthusiastic consent, address risky behaviour, encourage healthier decisions related to relationships, substance use and sexual behavior.
In partnership with Sexual Assault Support Centre (Male Allies) and the Waterloo Region Public School Board.
Where: Oak Creek Public School (80 Tartan Ave., Kitchener)
Day: Thursdays
Time: 12:50-1:50 PM
Dates: March 26-May 7
***Co-delivered with Sexual Assault Support Centre of the Waterloo Region and Waterloo Region District School Board. FACS staff to obtain verbal consent for the sharing of client contact information with SASC and WRDSB, prior to submitting the referral.
Child and Caregiver Programs
Coming Soon!
Caregiver Only Programs
Trusting Loving Connections
Caregivers of children 0-12 years of age
A group for caregivers parenting children between birth and 12 years. The program seeks to offer support to caregivers to gain a better understanding of how their own childhood experiences and attachment relationships affect their parenting and their relationships with their children.
In partnership with Women’s Crisis Services
Where: 700 Heritage Dr., Kitchener (Anselma House)
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 10:00-11:30 AM
Dates: April 15-May 27
***Co-delivered with Women’s Crisis Services of the Waterloo Region. FACS staff to obtain verbal consent for the sharing of client contact information with WCSWR, prior to submitting the referral.
Caregivers of children 0-12 years of age
An 8-week program to support caregivers to see their child’s behaviour through an attachment lens. The program supports caregivers in understanding their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional cues and needs.
The caregivers learn ways to help their child manage emotions, develop better self-esteem, and enhance their attachment.
In partnership with Cambridge Neighbourhood Association
Where: 200 Christopher Dr., Cambridge (Kinbridge Community Centre)
Day: Thursdays
Time: 9:30-11:00 AM
Dates: April 16-June 4
***In collaboration with Kinbridge and Greenway Chaplin Community Centre’s of the Waterloo Region. FACS staff to obtain verbal consent for the sharing of client contact information with Kinbridge & Greenway, prior to submitting the referral.
Connect
Caregivers of youth 13-18 years of age
An 8-week program to support caregivers to see their child’s behaviour through an attachment lens. The program supports caregivers in understanding their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional cues and needs.
The caregivers learn ways to help their child manage emotions, develop better self-esteem, and enhance their attachment.
Where: 65 Hanson Ave., Kitchener (Family Centre)
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Dates: April 21-June 9