Funding to expand program benefiting vulnerable children and their families
09 September 2024
FREDERICTON (GNB) – A social program that helps vulnerable children and their families is expanding to the Fredericton region, with support from the provincial government.
“I am very excited to see a program like Bee Me Kidz come to the Fredericton area,” said Social Development Minister Jill Green. “This program has made a wonderful impact on the lives of children and youth in other areas of southern New Brunswick, and knowing it is now available to help Fredericton children and their families is very heartwarming.”
Bee Me Kidz, a free, weekly program held on Saturdays, focuses on boosting children’s social connections and nutrition. There is also a parent group that supports the well-being of the whole family and a smaller version of the Saturday program offered in schools during the week.
“We are so pleased we are able to expand to the Fredericton region and bring our programs to the children here,” said Lynn Macdonald, interim executive director of Bee Me Kidz. “We are grateful the provincial government understands the impact we have and continues to support us.”
The government is providing $300,000 to support the expansion.
Bee Me Kidz partners with parents, families, schools and communities to build the learning potential and resiliency of children and their families by offering:
- The weekly Saturday program, which includes a social and emotional learning component.
- A nutritious family brunch and healthy snacks, along with take-home snack bags for children.
- A free parental education component (called Parent Group) that helps parents support their children’s social and emotional needs and enhances their own well-being.
- Free child care during the parents’ support component.
- A scaled-back, in-school version of the Saturday program available to children in kindergarten through Grade 5.
More information on Bee Me Kidz is available on its website (only available in English).09-09-24