Grant aims to reduce barriers for families with young children
Options Community Services has received new funding to enhance its weekly drop-in family resource program operating in Newton, Cloverdale, Guildford and Whalley, adding equipment and supplies intended to make play-based learning more accessible to children aged 0–6 and their caregivers. The support comes through Surrey Cares’ Free to Play initiative, the organization confirmed.
The program offers open, no-cost sessions where children can play and share a snack while caregivers access guidance on parenting, child development and early literacy, as well as information connected to health and safety for young kids. No pre-registration is required, which program staff say helps reduce administrative hurdles for families juggling shifting schedules or transportation needs.
What the funding will provide
Options says the new dollars will be used to strengthen outdoor and all-weather activities, and to add learning supports for adults who attend alongside their children. According to the organization, purchases and improvements will include:
- Outdoor play equipment to expand learning and movement opportunities
- Education sessions for parents focused on early years topics
- Sun shirts and all-weather clothing kept on-site for families to use during outdoor play and workshops
Keeping gear on-site is designed to ensure children can participate regardless of what they arrive with on a given day. Staff say this approach supports consistent engagement, particularly during Surrey’s variable weather.
Play-based approach underpins the model
Program staff emphasize that the sessions are built around learning through play and a focus on each family’s existing strengths. In a video about the program, family resource program manager Shelby Gordon said the model is designed to meet participants where they are and adapt to individual needs.
“At the Family Research Programs, we believe children learn best through play. The staff really strive to adapt the program to meet the unique needs of every child and every family. We do believe in a strength-based approach. So we believe that every family comes to us with a strength, and then we work within those strengths and build upon those strengths for each family.”
The emphasis on caregiver support alongside children’s activities aligns with recognized early-years strategies that pair child development with coaching and resources for adults who play a central role in day-to-day learning.
Where sessions run in Surrey
The program operates across multiple communities, broadening reach to families in different parts of the city. While schedules and specific venues were not detailed in the announcement, Options confirms the four service areas below:
| Neighbourhood | Access |
|---|---|
| Newton | Weekly drop-in; no pre-registration |
| Cloverdale | Weekly drop-in; no pre-registration |
| Guildford | Weekly drop-in; no pre-registration |
| Whalley | Weekly drop-in; no pre-registration |
By maintaining a drop-in format, the program is positioned to serve families who may not be able to commit to fixed registrations, and to accommodate newcomers who hear about the sessions through community networks.
Why this matters for Surrey families
Early years programming often hinges on reliable access to safe play spaces, weather-appropriate gear and informed support for caregivers. The targeted purchases—particularly outdoor equipment and on-site sun and rain wear—are intended to keep play active through all seasons, while parent education sessions aim to deepen understanding of child development and literacy strategies at home.
For Surrey’s diverse communities, centralizing supplies at program sites can help reduce cost and logistical pressures for families with young children. The addition of more learning tools for adults also reflects a whole-family approach: when caregivers receive practical guidance, it can reinforce the skills children are developing during play.
Options did not disclose detailed timelines or procurement specifics, but indicated the enhancements will be integrated into the existing program footprint in the four neighbourhoods. Families seeking to participate can attend on a drop-in basis and access snacks, activities and information during weekly sessions.
