Expectant mothers in Sooke who require a variety of supports can turn to the Prenatal Education and Outreach Program to improve the overall health and well-being of their babies.
The program, which debuted in 2010, is an initiative of the Sooke Family Resource Society, and has helped about 200 area mothers 鈥� and their families 鈥� since its inception.
鈥淭he goal of the program is to enhance outreach support to vulnerable individuals 鈥� single mothers, those suffering from mental issues, people escaping domestic violence, those living in poverty, suffering from substance use, individuals with unstable housing and those referred to us by the Ministry of Children and Family Development,鈥� said Daphne Raymond, children and family services manager at the society.
The prenatal program provides pregnancy education, prenatal/postnatal support and outreach services. It offers group and individual services for families from Sooke to Port Renfrew.
鈥淲e typically see 20 per cent of the 150 to 185 pregnancies that take place in the region every year,鈥� Raymond said. 鈥淲e tell prospective clients that there is no waitlist and we don鈥檛 turn anyone away.鈥�
The program is run entirely on public donations and grants from community partners, such as the Victoria Foundation.
Participants in the program can attend three to four group prenatal courses and more than 250 one-to-one outreach sessions. They gain prenatal/postnatal knowledge and confidence, learn protective factors for themselves and their babies, become more aware of community resources and develop a shared sense of community.
鈥淲e reach out to help ease the feeling of loneliness and isolation in pregnancy through our outreach programs,鈥� Raymond said.
While the program currently serves 30 to 65 pregnant women each year, she expects the numbers to rise as more young families move to the region.
Despite the increased client load, the door is always open for new mothers-to-be.
鈥淲hen a pregnant woman reaches out to us, it means that she wants the best for her child.鈥�
The Sooke Family Resource Society has cared for the community since 1984. Programs include an Early Years Centre, community living, family services, counselling, workshops and courses.
The Sooke Child, Youth and Family Centre is at 6672 Wadams Way, Sooke. For more information, go to sfrs.ca.
