These support circles are under the Parent Support Services Society of BC

Merle is a single parent. Like most similarly situated mothers, she faces a lot of challenges in raising her children. Her situation is more difficult because she is an immigrant.

Joy and her family recently arrived in Canada. She realizes that immigration is a stressful situation for any family as every member has to adapt to a new country.

Elaine comes from a family where physical, sexual and emotional abuse is an everyday part of life. She has three young children.

These three women are not alone as there are people out there struggling with these same problems.

Their burdens, however, were eased when they started participating in meetings of support circles that offer free and confidential discussions for those who wish to learn to nurture and protect their children.

These circles are under the auspices of the Parent Support Services Society of BC, a 30-year-old, province-wide network of approximately 50 self-help groups.

One circle meets regularly on Saturdays from 1-3 at the Collingwood Neighborhood House at 5288 Joyce Street in Vancouver.

Community circles operate in Mandarin, Cantonese, Filipino, Hindi/Punjabi, and Spanish.

There are also circles aboriginal parents and special interest groups such as step-parents and grandparents.

The society ensures that anyone parenting children under 12 years old will be comfortable in joining the circles so it helps parents pay for child care or transportation when needed.

For more information, call toll free at 1-800-665-6880 or 604.669.1616. You can also e-mail at [email protected].