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We believe healthy families make communities thrive, and Thrive Family Programs reflect our commitment to supporting parents through the joys and challenges that each new day can bring. We know that thriving is not an end point or a single destination. It’s an ongoing journey of growth. We are dedicated to meeting local families where they are presently and providing the resources they need to thrive.

Thrive Family Centres

Our Thrive Family Centres offer free programs where you can play, learn, and connect with your children from birth to six years of age. Enjoy child-led play, crafts, songs, and stories while interacting with other parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Our experienced staff provide support, resources, and referrals to give you the help you need to ensure your child has a healthy start in life. 

Thrive Family Centre at the Community Hub – New Location Open!

Our new Thrive Family Centre at Family Services of the North Shore Community Hub is located in Capilano Mall, 943 Marine Drive, P2, North Vancouver.

Thrive Family Centre at at the Community Hub Fall Hours:
– Babynastics: Wednesday, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
– Family Drop-In:  Thursday and Friday, 9:30am – 11:30am

To view the Thrive Community Hub calendar for December, click here.

Thrive Family Centre at Maplewood  

Thrive Family Centre at Maplewood Fall Hours:
– Family Drop-In: Monday – Wednesday, 9:30am -11:30am and 1:00 – 2:30pm
– Babynastics: Thursday, 9:30 -11:30am and 1:00 – 2:30pm

To view the Thrive Maplewood calendar for December, click here.

Thrive Family at West Vancouver 

Thrive Family Centre at West Vancouver Fall Hours:

– Monday – Friday, 9:30 – 11:30am

To view the Thrive West Vancouver calendar for December, click here.

Information for First Time Participants

For your first visit to our Thrive Family Centres,  you will need to fill out a registration form when you arrive.   For your convenience you can download the form, fill it out and bring it with you.  To download the form, click here.

All programs are first come-first served.  Programming is subject to change during this time, we suggest checking our website and Thrive Facebook page for the most up to date information.

Please see our Covid-19 Safety Protocols here.

Thrive Programs

Thrive Baby Basics and Breastfeeding Support

Baby Basics and Breastfeeding Support Drop-in offers group, 1-1 breastfeeding support, and consultation by a certified Birth Doula and Family Support Counsellor. They are available to answer questions, give information, share resources and offer emotional support about the triumphs and challenges about being a new parent and all things baby.

Topics include: latching,  benefits of breastfeeding, low milk supply, oversupply, breast engorgement, sleep, growth spurts, and postpartum depression.

Thrive Baby Thursdays

This is a dedicated time for you and your baby to meet other parents and caregivers who would like to socialize, have fun, and work on gross motor development all at the same time! Healthy snacks are provided.  For ages 0-18 months.

Thrive One-to-One Parent Support 

Additional parenting support is available on a one-to-one basis. Please contact us at 604-986-9311 to make an appointment with one of our parenting support counsellors who are available on Mondays.

Thrive Pancakes and Play for Dads and Male Caregivers    

Dads and male caregivers are always welcome at all Thrive Family Programs, but we know sometimes dads need different support and can benefit from connecting with each other. If you are a dad living on the North Shore with young children, please drop in to Pancakes and Play to learn, play, and connect with your children and other dads or male caregivers.

Alexa Hudson Exchange Room at Thrive Maplewood 

You and your family are welcome to take what you need and are able to use. We accept donations of clean toys, diapers, toiletries, books, and clothing for children from birth to age six, as well as maternity clothes. Please note that we are currently accepting donations of rain gear and winter outdoor clothing for children to ensure we all have what we need to play outside year-round. Please call Thrive Maplewood at 604-986-9311 if you would like to make an appointment outside of Thrive drop-in hours, to use the clothing and toy exchange.

Thrive Community Food Cupboard

You and your family are welcome to take what you need and are able to use. We accept donations of canned fruit, healthy snacks, non-dairy shelf-able milks, tea and coffee.  Please call Thrive Maplewood at 604-986-9311 if you would like to make an appointment outside of Thrive drop-in Hours, to visit the Community Food Cupboard.

Thrive Parent-Child Mother Goose 

An engaging group experience where you and your young children share rhymes, stories, and songs designed to foster parent-child connections and positive early experiences with language and music.

City of North Vancouver Public Library Fall Sessions:

• Toddlers: Tuesdays, Oct 1 – Dec 3, 9:45-10:45 am
• Infants: Tuesdays, Oct –  Dec 3, 11:00 am-12:00 pm

West Vancouver Memorial Library Winter Sessions:

• Toddlers: Wednesdays, January 8 – March 12, 2025,10:15 am-11:15 am
• Infants: Wednesdays, January 8 – March 12, 2025, 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Registration for Parent-child Mother Goose at West Vancouver Memorial Library is open.  Click here to register.

Click here for our song book

All North Shore parents can attend Thrive programming at no cost – regardless of your social or financial circumstances, thanks to our generous funders and donors.  Thrive Family Programs are funded in part by the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, and District of West Vancouver.