Families in High River and Okotoks will have the chance to connect with local organizations and community resources this summer through a series of playground resource events.
The initiative, organized by the Foothills Local Immigration Partnership (FLIP), was inspired by a local Filipino immigrant mother who identified the challenges newcomers face when settling into a new country, including language barriers, navigating services, finding housing, registering children for school, and building social connections.
“She recognized that there were so many incredible resources available to these families, but it’s a matter of being able to access them, knowing where to go, and knowing what questions to ask,” said Stacey Trim, FLIP Coordinator. “She asked if we could bring the resources to the playground where families already gather.”
Making an impact
The event series was piloted last summer in High River’s George Lane Park and at Rich’s Playground in Okotoks.
The first events attracted more than 50 attendees in High River and over 80 in Okotoks. By August, attendance had nearly doubled, with more than 80 participants in High River and 120 in Okotoks.
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“There was an interest, it made an impact, it was positive,” Trim said. “There was a lot of social connecting and interacting, people meeting new families and learning about these incredible resources.”
This year, because the event series was received so well by the Foothills region, FLIP decided to bring it back.
“It’s not always about just sharing new information, it’s also about that social connection component,” Trim said. “Getting to know your neighbours means you get to rub shoulders with them and see them face to face.”
Resource rich
The event series kicks off on June 16 at High River’s George Lane Park, and June 17 at Rich’s Playground at the Okotoks Lions Campground from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
The series continues in High River on July 14 and Aug. 18, and in Okotoks on July 15 and Aug. 19.
“It’s a really fun way to be active, be outside, get to know your community, get to know your neighbours, learn about programming, and play some games,” Trim said.
Organizations scheduled to attend include FLIP, Foothills Community Immigrant Services, Literacy for Life, High River Library, Okotoks Public Library, Orenda Society, Okotoks Food Bank, the Town of Okotoks, Rowan House Society, MCG Careers, McMan, Salvation Army, RCMP, and the Greater Foothills Family Centre.
Meeting a need
Trim attributes the success of the series to developing an event in direct response to a need identified by local newcomers. Adding that listening to community members helped ensure the program addressed real needs and generated strong interest from the start.
“That was really helpful. Being willing to listen to what some of those needs are is really important,” Trim said. “If you want to know what would really help and benefit the community, you listen to the community.”
She added that the events have also helped strengthen social connections throughout the Foothills region.
“We want everybody represented, and we want everybody to feel welcome,” Trim said. “Then you also get to meet who lives in the community, and you get to know each other.”
While the initiative was inspired by the experiences of newcomer families, Trim emphasized that the events are open to everyone.
“This event is for the whole community, it’s for every family,” she said. “When we do any kind of activity, the real benefit is we’re all part of the community.”
