New to town- By Sue Willgren

New to Victoria!

We arrived in Victoria on July 1, 2010. Having lived in the same City of all of our lives, it did not occur to either myself or my daughter (who was in her first trimester of pregnancy) that we would miss the familiarity of knowing people and knowing where to go for this or for that.

Mel began looking searching for resources and speaking with people to find out what was available to us not only to support her the coming months of pregnancy, but also to make friends and feel as though we were a part of the community.

Island Parent Magazine listed the Young Parent Support Network (YPSN), and Mel immediately contacted them to find out what this organization was all about.

We were both pleased to receive a call back so quickly from Savanna of YPSN, who provided a wealth of information both about the Centre and the programs that were offered. Savanna offered Mel her first real friendship since our arrival.

Mel’s first experience with the Centre was when she took the bus down from our Central Saanich location to attend a Monday morning drop in session. She was beside herself with excitement when she came home and burst into chatter about the Centre, how fabulous it was with the friendly people, the food available to her and the other mothers, and of course the free store where she was able to do her very own shopping for her baby.

The next wonderful experience came when Mel found out about the Pre Natal Classes which were about to begin. The classes were to run from that week right up until her due date in January, 2011. Again, we were both elated about the prospect of learning more about what to expect in the coming months, and to meet other moms who were about to have their babies!

As Mel’s sole support during her pregnancy, I too (in my very new capacity of grandma) am attending the Pre Natal Classes. My first impression of the Centre was that this was a place that was comfortable and safe for everyone regardless of where you come from. I found Centre to be unpretentious and genuinely warm and welcoming.

Being the end of November, the boxes full of winter clothing that welcomed us as soon as we walked in was a wonderful sight to see. In addition, the food was there again – for the moms and the visitors of the Centre, of course, since nutrition is such a critical factor in healthy living. The Centre is well equipped with a mini-kitchen, a meeting room and several offices on the upper level. The downstairs consists of a huge, safe play area for the children, the free store and a resource room which houses a lending library as well as computer which is free for use by anyone.

Aside from the physical impressions of the Centre, I must speak about the atmosphere. Since being introduced to the Centre, we have met Savanna, Jacquelin and Margo. Each of these women are nothing short of phenomenal role models for the young parents who visit the Centre. They each have warm personalities, and are genuinely there for the parents and their children. Each have shown us positive attitudes, openness to each and every individual – they are non judgmental and helpful beyond belief.

I am grateful for everything that the Centre has offered both Mel and myself and look forward to a long relationship with the Centre.