Program Profile: Precious Moments parent and tot program, Dartmouth (NS) Community Church

by Maritime
Categories: News Archive
Share:

    The Salvation Army’s Dartmouth Community Church is abuzz with excitement as families come together on Tuesday mornings to enjoy the Precious Moments parent and tot program. “Loud but fun,” is how Lieutenant Monika Gillard, describes a typical morning at Precious Moments.

    Precious Moments provides a safe, nurturing environment for toddler-aged children to interact, and gives parents the opportunity to socialize, build friendships and support each other. As children play, moms and dads enjoy coffee over conversation, sharing experiences and offering advice where they can.

    WEB1“Precious Moments is a really great program for our community,” says Lt. Monika. “It’s an outreach program that serves as a playgroup for the kids and a support system for the adults.”

    The program opens at 10 a.m. with a song-circle where favourites like the Itsy Bitsy Spider and the Hokey Pokey are sung by all, and then the children get busy colouring pictures, sliding on the slide or just running around. Food bank items are available for parents to bring home to their families, and a clothing exchange gives everyone the opportunity to share and swap too-small clothes. As the program comes to a close, everyone can enjoy healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, cheese and crackers.

    “This program is a great resource to our community,” says Celeste, a single mom. “I’m home alone every day with Phoenix (17 months), and there are times I forget what it’s like to have adult company. I really don’t know what I’d do without Precious Moments.”

    WEB2Parents of children aged 0-5 can attend the program, which runs each Tuesday from September until June, except for days when schools are closed due to inclement weather or holiday.

    “When we miss a week, for whatever reason, the parents really miss the program,” says Lt. Monika. “Some of the parents are sole caregivers or don’t have a great deal of support so this program is a safe place for them to just come and be with other parents. Sometimes just sharing their struggles and hearing another parent is facing the same struggles can be comforting.”

    Those interested in attending Precious Moments can drop by the Dartmouth Community Church at 171 Pleasant Street, or phone Lieutenant Monika Gillard at 466-6847.