Program Lead:
Patience Obada fdi@dtesnhouse.ca
Program Lead:
Patience Obada fdi@dtesnhouse.ca
Overview
The Family Drop-In (FDI) is a structured program that supports families living in the Downtown Eastside, Strathcona, and the Oppenheimer area. It provides a welcoming space for parents, caregivers, and children to connect, access nutritious food, and participate in activities that support family well-being and early childhood development.
Families often join the program after school pick-up from Strathcona Elementary or following programming at nearby community partners such as Crabtree Corner.
What happens in this program
FDI offers a range of activities that support both children and caregivers, including:
Shared meals focused on healthy and culturally inclusive food
Food literacy and hands-on meal preparation
Arts, crafts, games, and guided activities
Peer connection among caregivers and families
The program operates with registered families to ensure consistency, safety, and meaningful engagement.
Community Impact
FDI works to strengthen the social determinants of health for families by improving access to nutritious food, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for connection.
In the short term, the program addresses material and nutritional needs by providing consistent access to healthy meals. Over time, families build knowledge, confidence, and skills around food preparation and nutrition.
The program also creates a reliable space where children and caregivers can build relationships, feel supported, and experience a sense of belonging within the community.
Our Approach
FDI is grounded in respect, inclusion, and community care. We recognize that many families experience overlapping challenges, including food insecurity, health barriers, and social isolation.
We intentionally create an environment where all families feel welcome, regardless of background or circumstance. The program promotes a culture of mutual respect and shared participation, where diversity is embraced and competition is replaced by collaboration.
The Neighbourhood House provides a safe and consistent space where families can connect with one another, engage with caring staff and volunteers, and experience a sense of dignity and belonging.
Overview
The Early Years Drop-In (EYDI) is a weekly program for families with young children, offering a welcoming and supportive space to connect, play, and learn together. It takes place every Friday from 9:00am to 11:00am and focuses on early childhood development and caregiver support.
What happens in this program
EYDI provides a calm and engaging environment for young children and their caregivers, including:
Guided play and early learning activities
Songs, storytelling, and sensory exploration
Opportunities for caregiver connection and peer support
Light snacks and shared moments around food
The program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of families attending each week.
Community Impact
EYDI supports healthy early childhood development by creating consistent opportunities for children to explore, socialize, and build foundational skills.
For caregivers, the program reduces isolation and creates space to connect with others navigating similar stages of parenting. It strengthens early relationships and builds confidence through shared experiences and access to community support.
Our Approach
We believe that early childhood is a critical time for development and connection. EYDI creates a nurturing and inclusive environment where both children and caregivers feel welcomed and supported.
The program emphasizes play-based learning, cultural inclusion, and relationship-building. Activities are guided but open, allowing families to engage in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful to them.
By creating a consistent and caring space, EYDI helps families build routine, connection, and a strong sense of belonging within the community.