The Saint John Family Resource Centre supports families with young children through free programs, resources, and a welcoming community.
From pregnancy through age six, parents and caregivers can connect, learn, and grow together in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space.
We are here for every family, every step of the way.
Mission
Through a supportive environment, the Saint John Family Resource Centre provides information, education and resources to caregivers of children and expectant parents by encouraging them to develop and affirm their abilities, aspirations and potential.
Vision
Resourceful, resilient families in a supportive community.
Our Values
The Family Resource Centre works within the principles of community development. The activities are planned with our participants rather than for them. The FRC’s three core values are as follows:
Supportive Environment
We strive to maintain an environment where people feel valued, respected and safe, that contributes to learning, empowerment and mutual benefits.
Participation and Involvement
In supportive environments, people develop the confidence to participate, become involved and contribute in whatever ways they feel capable and comfortable.
Capacity Building
People’s capacities for learning, mutual support and collective action can be further developed and enhanced in supportive environments where there are opportunities for growth and meaningful participation and involvement.
When people develop, and enhance their capacities, they can feel empowered to take action as individuals, which, in turn, can set the stage for people with common interests to take action on a collective and community level.
Our History
The Beginning: A Vision for Families
In 1984, the Saint John Family Resource Centre (FRC) was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to support families and nurture the healthy development of children in our community. Recognizing a growing need for accessible family services, a group of dedicated community leaders came together to establish a welcoming space where parents and caregivers could find education, resources, and a supportive network. From its earliest days, the FRC focused on early childhood programs, parent education, and community-building initiatives, setting the foundation for the work that continues today.
Expanding Services to Meet Growing Needs
As the needs of families in Saint John grew, so did the FRC. By 2005, the Centre had expanded its services to include a broader range of programming, such as prenatal support, literacy programs, and community outreach. Partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, and social services strengthened the FRC’s ability to provide comprehensive support to families facing challenges. This period marked an important shift towards a more holistic approach—one that empowered parents and caregivers while fostering strong, resilient children.
A Hub for Family Support and Education
With a continued commitment to serving the community, the FRC reached another milestone in 2017 by launching new initiatives focused on mental health, nutrition, and early learning. Recognizing that strong families build strong communities, the Centre introduced innovative workshops, drop-in programs, and play-based learning activities designed to give children the best possible start in life. This year also marked significant growth in volunteer engagement and community partnerships, reinforcing the FRC’s role as a trusted hub for family support in Saint John.
Continuing Our Legacy of Care
Today, the Saint John Family Resource Centre remains dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for families. As we look to the future, we continue to adapt to the evolving needs of our community, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and every caregiver has access to the tools and support they need. Through expanded outreach efforts, digital resources, and enhanced programming, the FRC remains steadfast in its mission: strengthening families and building a brighter future for generations to come.
OUR TEAM
Silvia Borsic
Karen Kincade
Randi O’Brien
Samantha Middleton
Kim Ryan
Jennifer Murphy
Lyndsi Creamer
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
I still think this is the best place I ever could have come. You say to yourself everyone else has kids the same ages as mine, so they must be going through the same things. It does make you feel a lot better to know you’re not the only person. It also feels good to speak with other “big people”, not just your own “little people”.
[At the parenting program] you can share some great stories, as you all have so much in common as parents. Having come to the parenting program, I’m a lot more sure about what to do. It doesn’t always work, but I have a plan and some strategies. I’m doing something and that gives me confidence.
You really feel like you are part of something active. It’s a learning environment not just for kids, but for parents as well. It helps parents in the neighbourhood come together over snack and coffee, and they become friends as their kids play together and form relationships. These types of programs are strong neighbourhood builders.