About Us Overview

Ladysmith Family and Friends Resource Program, better known as “LaFF”, is a Family Resource Program and non-profit society offering a supportive, enriching and safe place for families and caregivers with children newborn to age 6.  Our caring and professional staff will ensure an inclusive environment through engaging interactive and play based learning.  Located in the town of Ladysmith (in Aggie Hall) we welcome you to join us in creating a happy, healthy and nurturing place to grow and learn.

There is a suggested donation of $2 per family (punch cards are also available for a suggested donation of $15 for 10 visits).

Each day at LaFF begins with the set up of Aggie Hall (1110-1st Ave., by the round-a-bout).  Together with staff, members are invited to create numerous play and learning stations for everyone to explore and enjoy.  These include a reading centre, craft area, Brio train station, and snack tables.  One of our favorite areas is the indoor car & toy riding arena.  The area is excellent for burning off loads of enthusiastic energy and for using large motor muscles year round.

Once Aggie Hall is transformed, this “community living room”, as it is often called, serves as a gateway for you to:

• connect with other families
• find answers to questions about other community services for children and families
• gain tips on parenting issues from trained staff
• participate in cooking opportunities
• strengthen your ties with the community
• share skills and interests with others through volunteer options such as reading to children, facilitating crafts, working on the LaFF scrap book, leading the group in our daily “circle time”, joining one of our committees (programming, fundraising, communications, special events) or becoming a member of the LaFF volunteer board of directors

In attendance from left to right:
Arlene Kulai, Natasha Rankin, Anita McLeod, Heidi Kulhawy, Tammy McMahon, Cheryl Onciul, Leanne Kelly, Jen Davidson, Laurier Martin, Danielle Eastick, Monica Stieda, Rachel Muller, Sandy Vinnish, Sean Harrison, Jill Collins, Sandra Hendricks, Maggie Handford, Jenna Forester, Jacquie Neligan, Susan McDonald and Pat Ciarniello

Every year, LaFF board members, staff, and volunteers meet to discuss new and innovative ways to improve and grow LaFF. This year (2010) we met at the Elders Centre on the Stz'uminus First Nation community. We were very fortunate to have Jenna Forster, of J. Forster and Associates, lead us through our day. The entire process was energizing and lead to a series of excellent new ideas that will enhance and improve our present programming. We look forward to the implementation of these new initiatives designed to build a stronger community for everyone.