They say it takes a village to raise a child and because children truly are our future, any way we can support a happy well adjusted home is dollars well spent.
From Big Brothers Big Sisters events happening this month in celebration of an organization that does much for local and area children, to additional organizations that exist to help the younger generation there is much available in Saskatchewan to encourage a positive future.
Among the support networks out there is an initiative called KidsFirst which the province has just announced will receive $14.61 million for programming.
"KidsFirst provides essential services to vulnerable families across the province," says Education Minster Don Morgan. "We recognize and appreciate the incredibly important work they do in our community to encourage strong parenting skills and help children get a good start in life."
"Our province is committed to supporting the health and well-being of Saskatchewan families so that they can raise healthy children," adds Health Minister Dustin Duncan. "Children are our most precious resource and this program gives families and children the tools they need to succeed."
KidsFirst is an early childhood development and family support program that seeks to improve the outcomes of children by supporting vulnerable families in building capacity for nurturing their children. Through home visits, parents are provided with health- and community-based referrals such as: guidance on child development, parenting and connecting to the community; accessing child care and parent support groups; recommendations for early learning opportunities for children and access to mental health and addictions counselling services.
Parenting is perhaps one of the most important jobs a person will have in their lifetime yet it's one that comes without any training and often little preparation.
KidsFirst has nine sites across the province including the Battlefords, Meadow Lake, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, and the North/La Ronge that deliver services via six regional health authorities and two school divisions in high needs areas.
Hats off to the province for it's support of a worthwhile initiative.
