Lakeland Family Resource Network launches with chalk drawing contest

The Lakeland Family Resource Network has figuratively opened its doors in Bonnyville this week with a Family Chalk Drawing Contest.

Families looking to enter a drawing need only submit a photo to Facebook with the names of family members included in the post.

The names will then be entered into a draw, and winners will receive an assortment of family games as prizes.

The Network will serve as a hub for “spoke” services provided to Cold Lake, St. Paul, and Native Counselling Services.

The Network will occupy the same building as Bonnyville’s Family & Community Support Services and is introducing a program that will replace Parent Link.

On the differences between the new program and Parent Link, the LFRN’s early childhood specialist Leanne Doonanco said there’s a focus on helping parents and caregivers with their wellness.

“We’re here to provide families with strategies on how to raise resilient, confident children,” said Doonanco.

Other services provided by the LFRN include a parenting coach which will provide group sessions and one-on-one meetings to provide courses on a variety of parenting issues, while also serving as “an ear” that will offer support through the parenting journey.

“Sometimes it’s just good to have someone there to listen,” said Doonanco.

The LFRN program will offer support to newborns to 18-year-olds, while Parent Link previously only offered support for children up to 6-years-old.

Continued restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented the network from opening its doors to the public for the foreseeable future, but Doonanco said that parents can stay up to date through the Facebook page Bonnyville Parent Child Centre.

The network operates as part of a ‘hub and spoke’ model where networks (hubs) will coordinate prevention and early intervention services in all geographic areas and in various cultural communities across the province in either direct means or through collaborative partnerships with qualified service agencies or providers (spokes).

The Family Chalk Drawing Contest is currently live and will conclude June 22nd.

There are no strict criteria to enter, but the network is looking for a focus on family.