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History of the project
The idea of creating a directory of Parent Resource programs in Nova Scotia grew out of a brainstorming session of the Parenting Committee of the Nova Scotia Council for the Family in the summer of 2002. The committee was identifying possible projects for the upcoming year and wanted to select an initiative which would be useful to parenting programs across Nova Scotia. Specifically, they wanted to support the staff and volunteers of programs who may feel isolated from one another and seldom have the opportunity to come together to share expertise or problem solve. It was hoped that the online directory would create a sense of connection and allow easier networking amongst the programs. It would also be a useful tool for parents and other professionals supporting families. In addition to the directory, the committee wanted to establish an e-mail group to disseminate and collect information for future initiatives such as a newsletter, workshops, or to explore common interests. If adequate funds were found, we wanted also to produce a version of the directory in hard copy and perhaps host a directory launch event. This project was a departure for the Parenting Committee as they have, for many years, sponsored an annual training event; but it seemed the time was right to explore a new direction. The Committee proceeded to develop a draft work plan and expected the project to take up to two years depending on the scope of data collection and finding financial support for staff and equipment. As a first step, the Committee researched other data collection projects and directories, reviewed websites, and developed the framework for the project work. This work was completed in the spring of 2003 resulting in a project entitled "Family Connections". The announcement of the Early Childhood Development Initiative was timely for our work and we were delighted to receive a grant to assist us with the project. In the summer of 2003 we hired Eileen Kilfoil as the Project Coordinator of Family Connections. Over the summer and early fall the data collection instrument was refined with the guidance of the members of the Parenting Committee and we were ready to begin data collection. The scope of the project was defined by a list provided by the Department of Community Services to complement a geographical mapping initiative they had recently completed. The Committee added the names of programs submitted by Nova Scotia Council for the Family members and, in all, just under 50 possible contacts were identified. It was decided to contact each program and conduct a telephone interview rather than rely on a mail back survey. While this was more time consuming, it boosted the number of respondents and we were able to make alterations to respond to their needs. Often several calls were required to complete the interview and, where possible, the data collected was reviewed and approved by the originator to ensure completeness and correctness. Despite a September hurricane, the birth of Eileen's daughter Katherine in December, and a February blizzard, the directory project proceeded. The Committee began to explore the possibilities of a spring 2004 launch given our limited funds. Again we were fortunate as Invest in Kids came forward as a co-sponsor of the Directory Launch. Plans were made to invite all of those who were featured in the directory and to host a one-day celebration on June 2, 2004. The directory was introduced in the electronic format as well as the distribution of hard copies. From beginning to end, this project depended on collaboration, cooperation, and participation -- just like a family... |