Everyone at the Caldwell Family Centre entered the new millennium with a delightful party, and no major problems. We owe much gratitude to the Knights of Columbus from St. Augustine's Parish who served a very delicious meal. The team, under the leadership of Randy Leafloor, was fun to work with.
Many programs fill the slate of activities from one day to another. The Food Bank is always very active and wishes to encourage everyone to use this facility when needed. This program is closed on Mondays to allow the Ottawa Food Bank and other donors to deliver the supplies. Our hours of work are Tuesday to Friday, from 9 to 12 noon, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Day Program/Drop-in is open every weekday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two evenings during the week - Monday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Every morning a simple breakfast of juice, toast and coffee is offered to everyone who comes. Once or twice a month we prepare a special breakfast with ham and eggs, hash browns and toast.
Monday evening's craft class for both men and women is a hive of activity. Our card players are another active group as are the television fans who keep The Price is Right alive. On Wednesday morning and on Thursday evening computer classes are offered for those interested. Other activities are celebrations of birthdays, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, etc. We also take an active part in community programs. There are picnics and barbecues during the summer along with special events that come up frequently.
The Language Classes serve between 50 to 60 people Mondays to Thursdays. There is also a child-minding facility for the parents attending classes.
The Homework Help allows young people from grades 3 to 6 complete their assigned work and to enjoy extra help if needed and to complement their day with pleasant activities such as crafts, educational computer games, etc.
The Sewing Classes are organized by sessions of three-hour classes over eight weeks - a total of 24 hours of teaching time. The sewing machines are available to whomever would make their needs known to the staff. The spring session will be announced in March. Citizenship Classes for those who choose Canada as their homeland are offered on a continued basis. The class of about eight people are helped through the learning of Canadian culture, history and geography. When one group completes the requirements, another group is organized.
The Outreach Room serves much of the population who need help from either the multicultural worker, the crisis worker and for any other appointment with case workers, medical staff, etc.
Above all, The Family Centre strives to create and maintain a safe environment, to offer a wholesome number of activities and to promote a community spirit where it is pleasant to live and work. We appreciate the help of dedicated staff, of a growing number of volunteers and of the many communities agencies who complement the work of The Family Centre.