Programs
Since 1894, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House has been the hub of the Westside. It’s a place where all ages from birth to seniors come together to enjoy the following programs and services that make this area a good place to live and do business.
Childcare
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House Childcare
Bumble Tree Childcare (Highbury and West 4th location) – part-time preschool readiness program staffed by early childhood educators for children eighteen months to four years of age, one or two mornings per week.
Dunbar Kids Club: Kindercare and Out-of-School Care (Dunbar location) – following a child-oriented, play-based philosophy, this program serves children between the ages of five to twelve years old, attending one of the schools that we service in Dunbar.
Kitsilano Kids Club: Kindercare and Out-of-School Care – following a child-oriented, play-based philosophy, this program serves children between the ages of five to twelve years old, attending one of the schools that we service in Kitsilano.
Westside ECD Network 4 Community Table – made up of organizations providing Early Childhood Development (ECD) related programs and who are interested in working together to build Westside capacity to provide high quality accessible ECD services.
Parents / Caregivers & Tots Drop-In - for parents or caregivers and children from newborn to five years old. Activities include messy art activities, circle time, outdoor play, and hands-on child activity centres. Meet new friends, receive information, and support from our staff, and guest speakers.
Strengthening Connections Newcomer Parents & Tots Program (UBC partnership) – provides a multicultural resource program supporting health and development to newcomer families with children newborn to six years of age.
Mama & Papa Goose - ten-week program for babies from newborn to twelve months and parents. This one-hour weekly program helps support early literacy and parent-child bonding. Enjoy songs, rhymes, stories, and the chance to make new friends and have fun.
Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Workshop – a supportive program for parents of newborn to five year olds to help understand your child better, learn to cope with stress and share ideas, tips, and experiences.
Youth
Youth Leadership Program – 10-week program where will explore leadership, social and environmental issues, facilitation and lots more! Participants gain 15+ volunteer hours.
Youth Bursary Program – Kits House provides a $700 bursary’s to high school youth who volunteer their time to make their community a vibrant and safe place where everyone thrives.
Seniors Programs
Osteofit – is a specially designed program to help seniors reach their fitness goals while respecting their limitations and expanding their possibilities. The program is designed and continually updated by healthcare professionals from BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre’s Osteoporosis Program.
Westside Seniors’ Links Program – brings together seniors in the community who need a hand around the house with students able to help for a reasonable hourly rate.
Seniors Peer Counselling Program – Provides free peer counseling and support to seniors who may be experiencing loneliness, depression and/or other challenges due to relocation, or bereavement. Our peer counselling volunteers listen, support and provide information to enable seniors to help themselves.
Tuesday Seniors’ Drop-In – Delicious homemade soup and diverse activities, including musicians, speakers, discussions, and games.
Seniors Out Trips – Enjoy stimulating and affordable out trips to various locations with other seniors and Kits House staff. Transportation to and from Kits House is included in the cost of out trips.
Knitting Circle – Free. For many years, Kits House knitters have been knitting hats, scarves, socks, sweaters, mittens, and blankets for local shelters and the homeless. Now they have added knitting teddy bears in partnership with Kiwassa Neighbourhood House to ship to under-developed countries courtesy of the Rotary Club.
Steeves Manor Community Resource Centre Kits House operates an on-site Community Resource Centre, which offers programs for low-income and disabled people living in this BC Housing project.
Seniors Advisory Committee – The committee works to identify the concerns of seniors in the community, create plans for action, and share wisdom and ideas for improving the wellness of seniors in our community.
Building Welcoming Communities
Building Welcoming and Inclusive Neighbourhoods Project (BWIN) – this three year initiative explores the role of Neighbourhood Houses in building community capacity by encouraging inclusion and building on B.C.’s cultural diversity. Activities include monthly potlucks, newcomer programs and the Westside Newcomer’s Hub.
Information and Referral – Kits House provides information and referral services to all those who call, email or drop by.
Income Tax Clinic for low-income earners – Kits House provide free income tax clinics each spring.
Westside Food Security Collaboration – a collaborative made up of community members, health professionals, NGOs, City staff and faith based organizations, who are interested in addressing the issue of food security on the Westside of Vancouver.
