Family Drop-in

☆ Tuesday and Thursday 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Email:  fdi@dtesnhouse.ca

The Family Drop-In (FDI) program works to serve the needs of all families residing in the Downtown Eastside and the surrounding Strathcona and Oppenheimer area. Parents who are picking up their children from Strathcona Elementary, or leaving programming from YWCA’s Crabtree Corner, are welcomed into the DTES NH at 3:00pm. All parents/caregivers and children are welcome.

One of the key aims of FDI is to improve the social determinants of health for families and children in our community. We do this through a program emphasis on food literacy, healthy and culturally affirming meal preparation, and culinary exploration. This program works to mitigate the effects of material poverty now, by providing access to healthy food, but also in the long term as participants acquire the skills and knowledge of healthy food preparation. The DTES NH space offers opportunities for children and caregivers to explore arts, crafts, activities, and games with skilled and caring staff and volunteers.

FDI strives to create a welcoming environment and respectful culture, in which there is no competition or strife between families of differing ancestries. Parents who enter our doors may be materially and nutritionally vulnerable and live with a multiplicity of other physical/mental health complexities. As well, children who access FDI may be equally challenged by the same barriers as their adult counterparts. FDI reminds all our neighbours, that the world is their oyster and their deservedness inherent. The demands and strains of family life can often lead to isolation, and the Neighbourhood House looks to address that by providing a safe place to connect with other parents, children, youth, and helpful staff.