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Family Literacy Internet Project The focus of Family Literacy Internet Project is enhancing and supporting family literacy. This project places computers in homes and provides Internet access along with Information Technology (IT) training and support. We serve rural families living in low-income circumstances that have young children. This strategy allows families living at a distance from support services to gain information that is meaningful and relevant to them - while increasing computer and general literacy. Most usually, such families would not be able to enrich their lives by visiting friends and neighbours in the "global village." The Family Literacy Internet Project (FLIP) The Family Literacy Internet Project (FLIP) is primarily funded through Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). FLIP was launched within the Apple Tree Landing Outreach component of the Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children - with the intent that it would expand as resources were located. FLIP focuses on increasing family literacy, play and learning by building upon the existing skills and competencies. The project's priority population are families who, due to their socio-economic circumstances, are often excluded from technological advancements. The twenty-five (25) families randomly selected to participate in the project, were supplied with computers along with Internet access. Through FLIP, staff and trained parents help each family involved to build computer and Internet Technology skills. Activities are designed within the project to provide parents with computer-based strategies for enhancing their own skills as well as the computer skill, literacy and play activities of their preschool and/or school-aged children. Training takes place during group sessions, through phone and on-line support as well as home-visits. This addresses each family's needs in personalized ways which maximizes learning. It also increases parents' level of comfort with computer technology and its many applications to home and family life. With 24-hour, home-based access to computers and the Internet, parents are readily exploring "IT" ways to connect with the services, supports and information they and their children need. In turn, all families in this project participate in the building and/or the ongoing maintenance of the "up2us" Site. A description of FLIP would be incomplete without recognition of the commitment, dedication and motivation of the parents, families and staff who continue to piece this innovative, developmental project together. Their collective effort provides many opportunities for families to grow technologically, to learn and support one another in new endeavours, and to continually build their very own domain - the "up2us" website - within today's "global village" - the Internet. The Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children began in 1994 in response to the federal government's "Brighter Futures" initiative. AVH-CAPC receives funds through 2 contribution streams administered by Health Canada's Population and Public Health Branch. Firstly, the Community Action Program for Children and, secondly, the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program. While AVH-CAPC endorses the broad principles of both programs, its overall mandate is providing families living in low-income circumstances with whatever forms of support best met the specific needs of parents and children. Our approach Our approach follows generally accepted principles of community development. Our starting point is to build services and supports based on needs identified by community members. As we move forward we pay particular attention to the recommendations of those who will be impacted most. Importantly, we seek to build useful, user-friendly programs by focusing on the strengths and resourcefulness of individuals in contrast to perceived shortfalls or weaknesses. Who Are We? The Annapolis Valley-Hants Community
Action Program for Children (AVH-CAPC) is a Our overall goals are to:
The AVH-CAPC network of family resource programs offers three types of interrelated services and supports. More information about current programs can be found on the "up2us" website:
Through an active outreach component we aim to serve families who may not otherwise participate in community-based programs because of one or more of many factors that can create barriers. Examples of these barriers are: family poverty; violence; abuse and neglect; poor health and nutrition; developmental delay; social and emotional issues; inadequate local support services (especially in times of change and/or crisis); injury or disability; and social or geographical isolation. Transportation support, free or low-cost programs and the creation of supportive, user-friendly environments are central to ensuring that prioritized families can be active participants in AVH-CAPC programs. Together with volunteers, and other parents, a multi-disciplinary group of staff members find ways to help and support parents and children alike. About The Partnering Organizations
Apple Tree Landing is a registered not-for-profit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors drawn from community of Canning and surrounding areas. It began in 1988 in response to a lack of services for children with special needs. Through the concentrated effort of concerned parents, services were developed to meet a broad range of needs related to early childhood development as well as parent support. Apple Tree Landing is a respected organization within Atlantic Canada's network of family support programs. It has gained provincial, regional and national recognition for outstanding achievement in the field of early childhood and parent education. Along with Chrysalis House Association, it played a key role in the development of the Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children. The Outreach and Support Program at Apple Tree Landing has been developed through the Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children. It serves communities in Northeast Kings County and the Town of Kentville. Building Blocks Family Resource Centre Building Blocks Family Resource Centre serves families in North East Hants County. It began "from scratch" in 1994 through the initiative and energy of local volunteers who invited the Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children to offer help and support as needed. It is a registered not-for-profit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors, most of who are parents who use the centre's services. Throughout its 7-year history, Building Blocks has grown steadily and today is well-recognized as a dependable source of family support for the following rural communities: Walton, Noel, Maitland, Nine Mile River, the Gore, Central Rawdon and Mosherville. In recent years, this vibrant family resource centre has become a hub for many community initiatives. Most recently, the centre is spearheading a community development project aimed at creating a rural facility for families, youth, entrepreneurs and small business people. The Kennetcook Rural Sharing Centre is scheduled to open in 2002. Chrysalis House is located in Kentville, Nova Scotia and is a leader among Nova Scotia's nine Transition Houses. Chrysalis House works cooperatively with other organizations across the counties of Annapolis, Kings and West Hants to ensure the best possible support is available for abused women and their children. It is an incorporated, not-for-profit grass roots organization that provides shelter, support, counselling, advocacy and outreach for abused women and their children. It operates on a 24-hour, 365 day a year basis. Public education and community development are also vital components of Chrysalis House's work. Staff, board and volunteers alike understand that "breaking the cycle of violence" requires ongoing outreach and social action. Importantly, Chrysalis House chairs the Kings County Committee on Woman Abuse. This Association is unique among Nova Scotia's transition houses in that it also provides programs that specifically address the needs of children who have witnessed violence. Through its Children's Outreach Program the Chrysalis House is breaking new ground and building effective ways to meet children's needs. The Children's Outreach Program is a fundamental component of the Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children network. |
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