Building Connections & Learning from Program Innovation: FRP-BC Hosts Andrew Russo from the International Family Support Network

In early October, we had the privilege of hosting Andrew Russo, Co-Founder and Director of the new International Association of Family Support Networks (IAFSN), and previous Director of the National Family Support Network in the United States. Andrew’s expertise in sustainability and engagement within member-based organizations provided us, and the representatives of agencies we visited, with a valuable opportunity to exchange insights on BC’s Family Resource Programs (FRPs) at both program and systems levels. 

In conversations with Andrew, Tara and Delanie also explored some big topics in family support work, including: 

• Navigating complex & ever-changing funding landscapes 

• Community-based research as a powerful tool for showcasing family programs’ impacts 

• Fostering purposeful community engagement 

• The importance of networks for capacity building & strengthening our collective voice for meaningful advocacy  

During his visit to Vancouver, Andrew met with Delanie and visited two of our member organizations: Eastside Family Place (EFP) and Burnaby Family Life (BFL). A heartfelt thanks to Brenda Lohrenz, Executive Director at EFP, and Casey Wang, Manager of Family Support Services at BFL, for warmly welcoming us into your vibrant spaces, programs, and communities! 

• Brenda shared insights around EFP’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation, including their efforts in creating a welcoming Indigenous family drop-in program, incorporating local Indigenous artwork into their spaces, and The Land, The People: An Introduction to Reconciliation resource, which we co-developed with them in 2019. Brenda also spoke about EFP’s involvement with the Family Place Partnership and their collective efforts to enhance and highlight the impact of Family Places across Vancouver.  

• At BFL, Casey shared insights around supporting newcomer families, including embracing intergenerational engagement in family programs and strengths-based parenting education. We also spoke about the increasing demand for, and challenges associated with providing flexible program options, such as BFL’s often “sold-out” weekend drop-ins, and encouraging consistency for multi-week parenting programs. Andrew shared some of his diverse experiences with fostering parent advisory groups as well as Grand Connections, a free workshop series for grandparent caregivers.    

These conversations and visits collectively helped underscore the immense value of collaboration, community innovation, and the incredible impacts of family support programs both here in BC and beyond. We’re grateful to Andrew for his visit and are excited to see how our connection with the IAFSN will grow and evolve through time.