Creating Community and Connection in Strathmore

In the heart of Strathmore, a quiet yet powerful force is at work, bringing people together, creating connections and strengthening families. The Strathmore/Chestermere Family Resource Network (FRN) provides essential family support services, developmental programs and cultural connections, making it more than just a hub for programming - it is a place where parents, children and individuals from all walks of life come together in a safe, welcoming space to find support, friendship and the resources they need to thrive. Through collaboration with multiple spoke partners, including the Trellis Society, Parent Caregiver Support Services and the Healthy Families Program, the FRN offers a holistic approach to community well-being.

For parents, especially new mothers, the journey of raising a child can feel overwhelming and isolating. The FRN provides a sanctuary, a place where parents can bring their children to play, connect with other parents and gain the knowledge and tools they need to support their children's growth.

“I had postpartum depression with my first child, so it was nice to have people there who could point me in the direction of some resources if I needed them. The number one for me was the postpartum support group. They have baby cuddlers upstairs who watch your kids while you’re downstairs,” shared Ashley, a local mom who has found comfort at the FRN. “My favorite thing about coming here is the people, they feel like a little family.”

Jenna, another mother who frequently attends programs at the FRN, echoed the sentiment. “I like having the location in the community so I can make friends in the same community that I live in. I attend several different programs. I do Tot Talk on Tuesdays, on Fridays I come for the open play group with both my children and I also do the Park Playdates in the summertime. It’s such a fun environment, I come here for myself, not just for my child.”

The FRN’s offerings extend far beyond traditional parenting support. Through a range of programs, including messy play, developmental screenings, sensory centers, language-focused activities and social-emotional learning, the hub ensures that every child is supported in their development. For example, a young child who initially struggled with speech delays began attending language-focused playgroups at the FRN. Through engaging activities and support from staff, they gradually gained confidence, started forming words, and now eagerly communicates with their peers, the hub ensures that every child is supported in their development. “I’ve done developmental checklists with the staff here, which has benefitted me as a parent to know that my children are on par with where they should be developmentally,” Jenna added. “I think it’s important for all parents to do because you can stay on top of how your children are and what they should be learning and they’re meeting all of their milestones.”

For families living in rural areas, access to community support is even more critical. Nicola, a mother who lives in a more isolated area, described how the FRN has been a lifeline for her and her children. “It’s been a huge impact. When I had my first born, she was about 5 weeks early so she was in NICU for about a month. I don’t have any close family here and suffered from depression during those early months. Meeting Natasha from that first event, having that support. Not just a professional support, a personal support. Being a first-time mom, you’re learning. You don’t know how to navigate it. So, I honestly don’t know who I would have turned to, if it wasn’t for Trellis.”

The Strathmore/Chestermere FRN is also a place where cultural diversity is embraced and intergenerational programming thrives. Indigenous programming plays a crucial role in ensuring that families and youth have access to cultural knowledge and traditions. Verona, a Family & Youth Support Worker with Trellis Society, emphasized the importance of these programs. “It’s really good to be able to share our culture, to share our traditions, to educate people, and create a safe space for them,” she said. “In Strathmore, we have a lot of Cree, Métis, Blackfoot and Stoney families, as well as foster parents raising Indigenous children. We offer cultural programs like ribbon skirt making, drum-making workshops, and blanket exercises. It’s important for them to understand their history.”

Collaboration among spoke partners is at the heart of the FRN’s success. A prime example of this teamwork is the Family Carnival in Gleichen, where organizations joined forces to create a vibrant event attended by over 400 people from Strathmore, Siksika Nation and Gleichen. This collaboration not only strengthened community bonds but also showcased the FRN’s ability to bring together diverse groups for meaningful engagement. Sumeet, a Parent Caregiver Support Services Coordinator, highlighted how their partnerships have allowed them to provide a more comprehensive range of services. “One of the biggest accomplishments is how well we cohesively work with other people in the community, not just with our spoke partners but with other non-profit organizations. We don’t overlap services, so instead of working against each-other, we work together to create programming that benefits the whole community.”

From postpartum support and early childhood development to youth programming and community events, the FRN ensures that families and individuals never have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Whether it’s through programs like Coffee and Chat, where caregivers find solace in shared experiences (like a mother who, after feeling isolated in a new town, found a close-knit group of friends through these gatherings) or larger community events like the family Christmas Dinner they held last year, the FRN fosters a sense of belonging and togetherness. “If a space like this didn’t exist, I think it would be a very big loss. Families would feel that impact because there would be no connection,” said Sumeet.

Elena, who moved to the area without nearby family, shared this feeling, “I think it would be lonely without this place. I have a few friends with kids but they’re all in Calgary so it’s a bit of a trek to get there.”

The FRN’s impact goes beyond structured programs, it’s about reducing barriers and building a support system for families at every stage of life. Natasha, an Early Childhood Development Specialist with Trellis Society, explained, “Working together with spoke partners opens up what we’re able to provide. Being rural, we don’t always have access to larger resources, so it helps with that – being able to outsource and refer families to where they’re able to go and get what they need. It brings a more cohesive partnership and service delivery.”

At its core, the Strathmore/Chestermere FRN is about more than services, it’s about people. It’s about creating a space where families, no matter their background, can come together, support each other and build lasting relationships. It’s about making sure that every child, every parent and every individual feels seen, supported and part of a larger community. Because, as the FRN proves time and again, it truly takes community to create belonging.