About BridgeWay
About BridgeWay Family Centre
BridgeWay Family Centre is a charitable organization that offers free prenatal to preschool (up to 6 years old) programs in Peel Region. Through our prenatal programs, play programs, parent education workshops, peer support groups, nutrition programs, and collaboration with community partners, we provide a place for families to learn, grow, and thrive together.
What We Do
We provide support for parents and caregivers with children, prenatal to 6 years of age.
Prenatal Support
Parents who are expecting a baby can turn to BridgeWay for support and education at our Prenatal Classes and Healthy Start Prenatal Program.
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Programs for Children (birth to 6 years) and Their Families
We provide quality play programs for children (birth to 6 years) and their families. Through play-based learning, children develop the skills they need to be successful in school and beyond.
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Extra Support for Families
Healthy Start (prenatal program) and Growing Together in Peel (programs for children birth to 6 and their families) provide support to those who are facing food insecurity, living on a low income, or are away from their families.
Our support groups provide parents with a space to connect with others based on specific experiences.
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Nutrition Programs
In our nutrition programs, we work closely with Dietitians and Lactation Consultants so families can access support for infant feeding, ask questions about their family’s nutrition, and learn new recipes.
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Parenting Workshops
Alongside expert guests, we provide workshops that cover a wide range of parenting topics.
EarlyON
EarlyON is a community hub where parents, caregivers and children can find programs and services that build on their strengths and provide support through the early years. Children access high-quality early learning programs while parents and caregivers can make connections and build relationships that are essential to realizing a child’s full potential. Families can learn, grow and connect together.
Growing Together in Peel
Growing Together in Peel is available for families with young children birth to 6 years looking for extra help and living on low incomes. We offer play programs, nutrition programs, food security, emotional support, and opportunities for networking and information.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start provides pregnant women experiencing challenging life circumstances, such as: low-income, newcomer, single parent, teen pregnancy and those experiencing family violence, with the skills, confidence and resources needed to keep themselves and their child healthy throughout their pregnancy and in to the first 6 months after birth.
Bridging The Gap
Bridging the Gap is a fundraising initiative that provides programs not otherwise funded. Funds are used to provide perinatal supports, and neighbour support when services are lacking.
5-Year Strategic Plan – 2024-2029
Our 5-Year Strategic Plan outlines how we will continue to support our families, staff, and organization, with our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) woven throughout our plan.
Who We Are
Vision
Caring every day, building stronger families.
Mission
In partnership with families and communities, we enrich the lives of children through our programs, resources and support.
Values
Inclusiveness – We welcome and support all families in our community.
Excellence – We take pride in our outstanding client service.
Support– We believe children thrive when the family is strong.
Collaboration – We place a priority on teamwork and shared goals with families, staff and community partners.
Learning – We pursue and promote professional development in the prenatal and early learning sector.
Innovation – We develop, implement and share new ideas and creative solutions, inspired by evidence-based practice.
History
BridgeWay Family Centre began in 1984 when a group of parents saw the need for a support network as they raised their children. Since then, we’ve grown to become the largest provider of EarlyON services in Peel Region while also providing other family support programs through the Bridging the Gap funding initiative, as well as our Healthy Start and Growing Together in Peel programs. We now deliver programs and services that nurture parents’ confidence at more than 40 different locations across Peel.
2023-2024 Annual Report
BridgeWay is celebrating 40 years of serving families through the programs that we offer, the resources we share, and the community we help create. In 2023-2024 we have seen our once-small organization continue to grow and help more families than ever before. Over the past year, we are proud to share that we had a total of 317,955 adult and children visits to our programs. Continue reading our 2023-2024 Annual Report here.
Past Annual Reports
Meet Our Board of Directors!
Sarah Petersen
Chair and President
Waqqas Shafique
Vice-Chair
Felicia Empey
Secretary
Urooj Khan
Treasurer
Asma Ahmed
Director
Daniella Balasal
Director
Josh Cavric
Director
Amandip Dhami
Director
Deby Ko
Director
James MacDonald
Director
Idalin McKenzie
Director
Shahla Joseph
Director
Lynn Hand
Chief Executive Officer