For Charlotte Flowers, the Family Connection Centre (FCC) has become a second home—a place where she has met lifelong friends and where her daughter lights up every time they arrive.

Administered by the Town of Canmore, the FCC provides an array of services for families and youth in the Bow Valley. The Centre empowers families through educational programs, personalized support, and workshops to foster social connections, emotional growth, and mental health skills.

“After my daughter was born, I learned about some educational classes that were happening at the FCC,” Flowers said. “Being new parents, my husband and I were keen to learn how to navigate things with a baby, like sleep, nutrition and milestones. I felt so grateful to know that our community offered this kind of education and support. Little did I know that this place where I felt so supported would become a second home to us.”

Thanks to a recent donation of $15,500 from the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, the centre will be able to expand its offerings by providing additional courses, services, and evening and weekend sessions designed for busy families. Extended support services will also assist families in setting goals, tackling challenges, and building skills through customized support that focuses on specific needs like child development, family dynamics, or postpartum challenges.

“The Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation is deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of families and children throughout the Bow Valley,” said Cathy Geisler, Executive Director of the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation. “By supporting the Family Connection Centre, we are helping make sure every family has access to critical services without any financial obstacles.”

Family Support Workers at the FCC provide tailored support based on families’ unique needs. For children 0-6 years, they focus on child development, sleep support, and behaviour management. For ages 7-13, support emphasizes independence, life skills, and safety. The focus for youth ages14-18 includes relationships, budgeting, coping mechanisms, and boundaries.

“The Family Connection Centre is proud to be a cornerstone of support for Bow Valley families, providing a welcoming space where children and parents can grow, learn, and thrive together,” said Mary Weighell, FCC Supervisor. “Thanks to the Wim and Nancy Pauw Foundation, we can continue strengthening our community and building brighter futures for all.”

The centre makes a significant impact on those it serves. From addressing infant sleep challenges and conducting developmental screenings to providing temporary childcare for parents with appointments, the FCC offers an essential and flexible resource designed to cater to the distinct needs of its families.

“I don’t know what we would do without FCC. It has honestly become our go-to for support in navigating parenthood, for connecting with other families, and for fun and educational activities for my daughter,” Flowers said. “Any chance I get, I will sing the praises of this amazing place that has made such a difference in our lives.”

The Wim & Nancy Pauw Foundation funds projects to improve the Bow Valley community, make it a better place to live, raise families, and enjoy mountain life. This donation to the FCC marks the first time the Foundation has provided financial support to the Town of Canmore.