EarlyON Mobile Services staged its official launch at Holy Angels Learning Centre Thursday, using the program’s centrepiece - a large recreational vehicle that serves as the mobile hub - as a backdrop.
The mobile hub first put rubber to pavement this past summer, rolling out EarlyON programming for parents and children at a number of locations throughout the city, including Parkland Public School, Sault Ste. Marie Community Soup Kitchen, Bellevue Park, Northern Community Centre and Holy Angels.
“It is not only the first of its kind in northern Ontario, it also aligns with Child Care Algoma’s mission, vision and values,” said Child Care Algoma Executive Director Anne Deluco. “The mobile service allows us to provide further opportunities for children and families in our community.”
“We also realize it supports the Ministry of Education’s vision for an integrated, cohesive system of services and supports for children zero to six [years of age], their parents and caregivers.”
The project to deliver mobile services to various schools and community centres was a collaborative effort between EarlyON Child and Family Centres, Child Care Algoma and the local social services administration board.
The EarlyON Mobile Services project cost roughly $100,000 to launch in the city.
Social services board chair Sandra Hollingsworth says that transportation to existing social services-related programming can be challenging to get to for some parents with young children.
“I’m a great believer that we should go out to the families,” she told people gathered for the official launch. “So often in the past, we would expect families to come to us - but going out to the neighbourhoods, going out where the families and children actually live and play is going to be a very successful way to say, ‘we are here for you, and we are listening to you.’”
EarlyON Mobile Services will now look to establish its own steering committee for next season.
“To further enhance our services for the following season, we are in the process of establishing a steering committee to assist us with the continued success and implementation of mobile services,” Deluco said. “The committee will help us to develop strategies and partnerships of services to the broader community that will increase access and meet local need.”
EarlyON Child and Family Centre Site Supervisor Marisa Jarrell says that many of the programs offered by the mobile services hub throughout the summer revolve around physical activity, crafts and nutritious snacks.
“I want them to know that it’s a welcoming place,” Jarrell told SooToday. “We love to have them attend, and we just welcome them to come and feel comfortable in our space - ask us any questions that they may have, have fun, make memories, have a snack and have a good time.”
“Ultimately, we want to support the families and support parents and caregivers in their role as parents. It’s often a difficult job, and we really want to support them.”
The mobile services hub will wrap up its seasonal programming in October.