Turning 50 is a milestone that deserves some reflection - a few moments to recall and savour a few “wins” and consider lessons learned along the way.
That warm feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction is in the hearts of employees at Burnaby Family Life this month as the organization celebrates services delivered to three generations of Burnaby families.
In February 1971, the charity opened its doors with the purpose of supporting families going through times of change and stress, and a vision to become a destination where people can grow and strengthen their sense of belonging in our community.
“Burnaby Family Life was conceived by a planning committee of the United Way, including community health nurses, child protection social workers, the Burnaby School District Continuing Education Department, librarians and the City of Burnaby’s Planning Department,” said Jeanne Fike, founding executive director who is now retired, in a news release. “This inspired group had their fingers on the pulse of what was happening to families when Burnaby was transitioning rapidly from a semi-rural green belt into a city of its own. They were faced with multiple problems: integration and settlement of immigrants; poverty and lack of family supports; few places for young families to connect for mutual support and an increasing need for parenting support.”
The first BFL programs served young children and their mothers, with the faith community and the Burnaby School District Continuing Education Department providing access to facilities and resources to host and deliver services in Burnaby neighbourhoods.
Fast forward to 2021, and the commitment to the vision of serving families and those in need in our community endures. BFL continues to thrive as a local non-profit, non-denominational institute offering family programs and services. The organization employs more than 88 professionals who speak 39 languages, and work at a dozen locations across the city.
The City of Burnaby is now honouring BFL by proclaiming this month as Burnaby Family Life Month.
“This is a significant milestone for Burnaby Family Life, and our council is proud to acknowledge the important contribution of the organization’s programs and services to the quality of life of more than three generations of residents,” said Mayor Mike Hurley.
BFL programs continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of Burnaby residents, offering families more than 20 parenting programs, supporting expecting and new moms with pregnancies at risk, counselling women and children who have experienced abuse, and guiding vulnerable newcomers who are settling in the Canadian culture.
The organization operates three licensed child-care facilities and offers pre- and after-school care. In the past year, BFL delivered almost 195,000 hours of programs and services, including almost 5,100 hours donated by all-star volunteers to help meet increasing demand.
Programs and services now receive support from the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development, Fraser Health, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, Community Action Program for Children, MOSAIC, Burnaby School District, BC Centre for Ability and various grants, sponsorships and private donations. Every year, BFL grows its circle of supporters and partners because together we can do more to grow and deliver programs and services for free or very low-cost to those in need.
Is BFL part of your family history? The organization will be celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the year, with updates provided at bflgrowscommunity.org and BFL’s social media channels and people are asked to share their stories.
