Health News For South West
Thursday, June 11, 2015
City of London
Grand Opening Celebration for Family Centre
Today, representatives from the Child and Youth Network (CYN), the City of London, Thames Valley District School Board, London Children’s Connection, South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, residents and neighbourhood associations gathered to officially celebrate the grand opening of the Family Centre White Oaks.
The centre has been added to White Oaks Public School of the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB).
The development of a Family Centred Service System is one of four strategic priorities that are at the heart of London’s Child and Youth Agenda. By establishing Family Centres in London neighbourhoods, the Child and Youth Network is bringing a full spectrum of valuable family services and supports together under one roof, making it easier for families to find and locate the resources and opportunities that are available in their neighbourhoods. The Family Centres successfully integrate a core group of programs and services including education and child care; information; resources and referrals; health and wellness programs; parenting and early learning programs and recreation and leisure programs. A community development approach ensures that the programs and services are truly responsive to the needs of the families in each neighbourhood, while the culture of inter-professional practice adopted by each of the service providers ensures that families are always at the centre of every program and every decision.
"Family Centre White Oaks is the third of four neighbourhood locations that are being established as part of London’s plan for a network of Family Centres across the city," said Lynne Livingstone, Chair of the Child and Youth Network. "The ultimate goal is improved outcomes for the children, youth and families in our community."
“The centre will make kids and families stronger. It’s a one-stop shop for families to access great programs and services in a convenient way,” said Mayor Matt Brown. “When residents and organizations collaborate to rethink the ways services are provided, it becomes easier for families to find and connect to information, services and a full range of supports right in their own neighbourhood.”
The Family Centre White Oaks is strategically connected to neighbourhood schools. The intention is to help families build a strong, positive connection to early learning, long before children enter the school system, and to continue to support the families’ within their communities once the children have started school.
The Family Centre White Oaks is part of White Oaks Public School, beside the South London Community Pool and London Children’s Connection White Oaks Children’s Centre. There is a co-Leadership model that features London Children’s Connection and the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
"The Thames Valley District School Board staff members are excited to be a part of the Family Centre White Oaks," said Laura Elliott, Director of Education for the TVDSB. "Our Mission at TVDSB is 'We build each student’s tomorrow, every day.' The Family Centre White Oaks is one more example of how we are working together to build a better community, one student at a time."
“London Children’s Connection is thrilled to see the vision, collaboration and hard work of so many service providers and neighbourhood residents, result in today’s Grand Opening Celebration of the Family Centre White Oaks,” said Michael Goodmurphy, President of the London Children’s Connection Board of Directors. “London Children’s Connection has over 35 years of experience providing quality programs and services in response to identified neighbourhood needs. The opening today of the Family Centre White Oaks marks the success of numerous community service providers and residents working in an integrated way, to better meet the needs of families. Congratulations to everyone who helped to create the vision for the Family Centre White Oaks and worked collaboratively to bring that vision to life!”
“The South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre is pleased to welcome a continued dialog between service providers and residents where all can participate in exploring new approaches that meet the current needs in our community. This community development approach to service delivery continues to be an excellent inclusive way to strengthen connections between home, school and community,” said Nancy Needham, Executive Director for the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
“The Family Centre White Oaks has already created opportunities for service providers to expand their knowledge of other resources and families to see new ways to participate in their vibrant community. “This is only the beginning,” said Gary Williams, Chair of the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
Child and Youth Network
The Child and Youth Network (CYN) is a collaborative of over 170 local organizations and individuals from the education, health, recreation and social service sectors. The CYN is dedicated to working together to improve outcomes for children, youth and families in our city.
Family Centre Carling-Thames and Family Centre Westmount opened in 2013.
Media Contact:
Lynne Livingstone
Chair of the Child and Youth Network
City of London - Managing Director, Neighbourhood, Children and Fire Services
519-661-2500 ext 7207
llivings@london.ca
© 2025, thehealthline.ca All rights reserved.