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Bayers/Westwood Family Support Centre      Page last updated March 23, 2005. 3499 McAlpine Avenue Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 3X8 Tel: (902) 454-9444 Fax: (902) 454-0008 bayersfam@ns.sympatico.ca Programs & Services offered at Bayers/Westwood Family Support Centre (Click for a complete listing) Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed from 12:00-12:30) Setting: Bayers/Westwood Family Support Centre is located in the heart of Metro Halifax in the centre of the region's largest housing project. This project extends to a 5 block radius housing 358 families. Established: 1981 Clientele: Parents and families of the Bayers/Westwood Housing Project and the surrounding area. Main focus is children ages birth-six. All families live below the poverty line; the majority of which are female headed homes averaging 3 children per household. Volunteers: Numerous community volunteers and many others from outside agencies 6 regular volunteers Board of Directors ongoing student placements (great learning ground) Are user fees charged? No.  Majority of programs have free child care provided. Any eligibility requirements? No Major Funder: Public Health Agency of Canada (CAPC) and United Way of Halifax Region Other Funders: Department of Community Services, Halifax Protestant Infants Foundation, Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority, donations, fundraising Annual Operating Budget (range): $150,000-$200,000 Best Practices: New initiative: Parenting Journey: Learning & Celebrating Together (in partnership with Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association) -- addresses the needs of new Canadian families within our community. Old favorite: Ready, Set, Go! (school readiness program) Future Program Development: More inclusion for Dads (main focus -- currently working on this) New Canadians. Working with Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association to better serve this group Prenatal support Additional Information: All staff members possess unique experiences allowing them to appreciate the many levels of experience and personal development by participants Centre has a grassroots feel to it. Community members who started out using the centre are now volunteering. Everyone reports a warm welcome feel to the centre. We’re always open for drop ins. Staff is always willing and available to provide tours introducing new people. We love to show off the Centre!