For three decades, our Early Years Services have been providing programs and resources for families with children from birth to six years. We have tailored programs over the years to meet the evolving needs of families, encompassing prenatal and postnatal education & support, caregiver drop-in programs, and essential food security.

Early Years programs empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge, skills, and support systems necessary to navigate the challenges of early parenthood. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, these programs strive to strengthen social ties within communities, reduce isolation and promote collective well-being.

Additionally, these programs support healthy child development, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Through education, social support, resources, & community connections, caregivers gain the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the journey of pregnancy and parenthood.

The current Early Years program offerings are:

Creative Playtime – This is one of the cornerstones of our Early Years programming. These parent and caregiver drop-in programs offer welcoming spaces for families and provide informal education and support for families seeking community, guidance, and social connection.

Prenatal Wellness – This program supports prenatal people through weekly perinatal education & fitness sessions. Topics include healthy lifestyles and nutrition tips, exercise guidelines, stress management, and connections to community resources.

Food Support – Addressing the fundamental needs of families facing food insecurity, this program collaborates with local partners and donors to provide essential food items and support.

Beyond the Blues – This is a therapeutic referral-based program for people who have been identified as experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. Through this 10 session series, the program provides education and coping tools to promote recovery from postpartum depression and anxiety. Individual one-to-one sessions offered to participants who are unable to access the program or who need additional support.

Special Deliveries – Pregnant people and those who are postpartum up to 6 months, can access this weekly program to receive support, education, a healthy lunch and nutrition support through vouchers to a local grocery store.

Parent Talk – Weekly drop-in sessions for parents and caregivers with children under age 6. Adults are provided the opportunity to meet while the children are supervised in our playroom to talk about parenting, wellness and child development.

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Team Member Nadine Edis has been with The Bridge for 18 years and leads our Prenatal Wellness program. Laura Banman facilitates Parent Talk, Special Deliveries, Beyond the Blues, Creative Playtime (Kelowna) and Food Support. She has been with The Bridge for 8 years. Program Manager Jen Scott has worked for The Bridge since 2006 and also leads the Beyond the Blues, & Creative Playtime (Peachland) programs. Andrea Prochazka is the Clinical PPD Counsellor and has been working with us for 1.5 years.

We couldn't run our programs as effectively without our incredible Program Assistants, Heather Yeats, Erin McAllister & Sydney Nicholson, who work so hard behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. We’re also fortunate to have a number of wonderful volunteers who support these programs.