Fall Guide 2026

Program Guide

FA L L 2 0 2 6 Registration Opens August 18th 2026 W W W. K A R A - F R C . C O M

Welcome!

About Us

Our Concept of Family

Our Vision

In adopting the term "family," we broaden its scope beyond the traditional structure of a two-parent and child dynamic.

Empower communities with resilient families.

At KARA, when we refer to family, we encompass anyone who has created a familial bond.

This includes grandparents, caregivers, aunts and uncles, adoptive parents, and individuals of all ages.

We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of family structures across various cultures and formed communities.

Our Mission Championing a brighter future for families and communities through supportive programs and services that are rooted in education, connection, and acceptance.

What We Do

ALL OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES ARE FREE!

We build meaningful relationships with our clients and community. We seek to meet every person and family where they are in their current life and family circumstance.

We strive to create safe and inclusive experiences that support clients in their parenting and family life.

Guide Contents Fall 2026

Locations At a Glance Children’s Programs Adult Programs Resources Support Us

E

very summer when my children were younger, we spent as much time outside as we possibly could. Parks, trails, spray parks, walks around the neighbourhood, collecting sticks, climbing rocks, getting muddy, and staying out later than we probably should have. Looking back, I can see how much those experiences shaped them. Nature gave them space to move, problem solve, build confidence, take risks, and learn independence. It built grit, creativity, emotional regulation, and a genuine sense of curiosity about the world around them.

As a parent, I also came to realize something else. Some of the strongest feelings of safety and belonging came from simply knowing the people around us. Seeing familiar faces at the playground. Talking to neighbours. Watching kids play together across different ages. Feeling connected to the community we lived in.

This summer, many of KARA’s programs are built around those ideas. We want families to reconnect with outdoor play, creativity, sensory experiences, literacy, and community. We are incredibly lucky in Edmonton to have access to beautiful green spaces, parks, trails, and gathering places right in our own neighbourhoods.

With so much of life becoming expensive, busy, and disconnected, there is something important about learning to fully use and appreciate what already exists around us.

We hope this summer’s programs encourage families to slow down a little, get outside, meet one another, and create the kinds of memories children carry with them for years.

Thank you for being part of our community this summer.

Stasia Quillian

Program Manager KARA Family Resource Centre

Our Locations KARA Family Resource Centre Unit #108, 5606 134A Ave NW KARA Family Resource Centre is located in the Ground-floor level of the Civida housing complex, beside Robert Brett Park.

If you are driving, there is plenty of street parking available.

When you arrive, dial unit #108 on the buzzer to be let in

Dunluce Tenant Centre

Castle Downs YMCA Northmount Community League

Kensington Community League

Kilkenny Community League Londonderry Community League KARA Family Resource Centre

Rosslyn Community League

Balwin Community League

Clareview Headstart

Balwin Community League

Castle Downs YMCA

Clareview Headstart

11510 153 AVE NW

1142 Hermitage Rd N

Dunluce Tenant Centre

Kilkenny Community League

Northmount Community League

14910 72 St NW

9208 140 Ave NW

Rosslyn Community League

Londonderry Community League

12904 74 St NW

UNIT 9, 11930 162 AVE NW

Kensington Community League 12130 134b Ave NW

11015 134 Ave

14224 74 St NW

If you need directions or navigational support to reach any of our community locations, please give us a call at 780-478-5396.

OUR LOCATIONS Located in the ground-floor level of the Civida housing complex beside Robert Brett Park.

If you are driving, there is plenty of street parking available.

When you arrive, dial unit #108 on the buzzer to be let in.

KARA Family Resource Centre 5606 134a Ave NW #108

If you are coming from the East on 162 Ave: Pass St. Lucy Catholic School on your right.

Then Dunluce School on your left.

It will be your first right turn into the housing complex Dunluce IV. If you are coming from the West: You will pass a shopping strip mall on your left.

Continue past the soccer field.

Dunluce Tenant Centre Turn left into the housing complex called UNIT 9, 11930 162 AVE NW Dunluce IV.

OUR LOCATIONS Driving from KARA (15 mins): Take Fort Road (northward) up to 137 Ave and turn left (West).

Follow 137 Ave to Castledowns Rd then turn right (north).

Continue on Castledowns Rd until you reach 153 Ave, and turn left (West).

The Castledowns Family YMCA will be on your right.

Castle Downs YMCA 11510 153 AVE NW

Clareview Headstart 1142 Hermitage Rd NW

Driving From KARA: Take 134 Avenue to Fort Rd and turn left (North).

Continue until 137 Ave, and turn right (East).

Continue until 50 St, and turn right (South).

Continue until Hermitage Rd, and turn left (East).

Follow Hermitage Rd past the big open field on your right. e4c Clareview Headstart will be on your left, next to a small open field. If you reach Overlanders School, you’ve gone too far.

OUR LOCATIONS Driving from KARA (about 5-6 minutes): Take 134 Avenue Westward to 66 St. and turn right (North).

Follow 66 St. until 137 Ave, then turn left (West).

Continue 6 km to 119 St and turn left (South).

Follow until 134 Ave, and turn right, past Kensington School. It will be on your right.

Kensington Community League 12130 134b Ave NW

Driving from KARA (about 5-6 minutes): Take 134 Ave NW east to Fort Rd, and turn right (south).

Follow Fort Rd until 127 Ave, then turn right.

Continue to 76 St and turn right (north).

Balwin Community League will be in front of you, located in the middle of the park.

Balwin Community League 12904 74 St NW

OUR LOCATIONS Driving from KARA (5 mins): From KARA, take 134 Avenue westward to 66 Street and turn right (North).

Follow 66 Street to 137 Avenue and turn left (West).

Follow 137 Avenue past Londonderry Mall until 74 Street and turn right (North).

After you pass 141 Ave, it will be on your left.

Londonderry Community League 14224 74 St NW

Driving from KARA (about 5-6 minutes): Take 134 Avenue Westward to 66 St. and turn right (North).

Follow 66 St. until 137 Ave, then turn left (West).

Continue 5 km to 111 St and turn left (South).

Follow until 134 Ave, and continue straight into the parking lot. It will be on your left.

Rosslyn Community League 11015 134 Ave NW

OUR LOCATIONS Driving from KARA (5 mins): From KARA, take 134 Avenue westward to 66 Street and turn right (North).

Follow 66 Street to 149 Avenue and turn left (West).

Follow 149 Avenue until 72 Street and turn right (North).

After you pass John Barnett School, it will be on your left.

Kilkenny Community League 14910 72 St NW

Driving from KARA (about 5-6 minutes): Take 134 Avenue Westward to 66 St. and turn right (North).

Follow 66 St. until 137 Ave, then turn left (West).

Continue 3 km to 93 St and turn right (North).

Follow 93 St until 140 Ave and turn right (East).

About half a block down it will be on your left.

Northmount Community League 9208 140 Ave NW

PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE MONDAY

Books & Bites Rosslyn Community League 0-6yrs Oct 5 - Dec 14 Break: Oct 12 10:00am-11:30am *Parented*

TUESDAY Adventures in Play Balwin Community League 0-6yrs Sept 8 - Dec 15 10:00am-11:30am *Parented* Books and Bites Londonderry Community League 0-6yrs Oct 6 - Dec 15 10:00am-11:30am *Parented*

WEDNESDAY

We have programs for the whole family!

Please check our website for more details.

Little Van Gogh Bright Futures YMCA After School Dunluce Tenant Centre Castle Downs 6-12yrs 0-6yrs Sept 8 - Dec 15 Sept 14 - Dec 14 3:30pm-5:00pm Break: Oct 12 10 :00am-11:00am Kids in the Kitchen *Parented* Balwin Community League 3:30pm - 5:30pm Session 1 6-9 Yrs Oct 6 - Nov 3 Session 2 10-12 Yrs Nov 10 - Dec 8 Session 3 All Ages Dec 15 Family Book Club Online Centre for Family Literacy Oct 6 - Dec 8 6:00pm-7:00pm

THURSDAY Adventures in Play Kensington Community League 0-6yrs Sept 10 - Dec 17 10:00am-11:30am *Parented* Parenting Book Club Online Parent Education Oct 8 - Dec 17 10:00am-11:00am

FRIDAY

Story Sprouts Center for Family Literacy YMCA Castledowns 0-6yrs Oct 9 - Dec 11 9:30am-11:00am *Parented*

Books & Bites Dunluce Bright Futures Tenant Centre After School 0-6yrs Dunluce Tenant Centre Sept 18 - Dec 18 10:00am-11:30am 6-12 Yrs *Parented* Sept 10 - Dec 17 2:30pm-4:30pm Kids in the Kitchen Northmount Community League 3:30pm - 5:00pm Session 1 6-9 Yrs Sept 24 - Oct 22 Session 2 10-12 Yrs Oct 29-Nov 26 Session 3 All Ages Dec 3,10, 17

See full program guide for more information.

Register for FREE Programs: Phone: 780-478-5396 Email: registration@kara-frc.ca

Fall 2026

Children’s Programs Early Learners

Literacy Programs

Youth Programs

Ages 0-6

Ages 0-6

Ages 6-12

Little VanGogh AGES 0-6

PARENTED

This one-hour, hands-on program is all about creativity - your child can explore paints, textures, and colours. Each week features a different artist and their work, sparking inspiration for our own unique creations. Using a variety of tools and techniques, we’ll turn ideas into masterpieces and let imaginations shine.

Mondays 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM SEPT 14 - DEC 14 Break: Oct 12

YMCA Castle Downs 11510 153 AVE NW

​ Q u i c k N o t e f o r Fa m i l i e s : B e c a u s e o u r t e a m i s s m a l l , A we ask parents and caregivers to help tidy up toys and supplies at the end of each class. Thank you for helping us keep KARA clean!

Books & Bites AGES 0-6

PARENTED

Books and Bites is a weekly parented program where stories come to life in the kitchen! Each session begins with cozy story time, followed by a hands-on cooking activity inspired by the book.

Children will practice simple, safe kitchen skills - like scooping, pouring, measuring, and cutting with wooden child safety knives while creating a tasty themed snack to enjoy together. It’s a chance to learn, create and connect with other families in the community.

Mondays

Tuesdays

Fridays

10:00AM - 11:30AM OCT 5 - DEC 14 Break: Oct 12

10:00AM - 11:30AM OCT 6 - DEC 15

10:00AM - 11:30AM SEPT 18 - DEC 18

Rosslyn Community League

Londonderry Community League

Dunluce Tenant Centre

11015 134 Ave NW

14224 74 St NW

Unit 9 11930 162 Ave NW

​ Q u i c k N o t e f o r Fa m i l i e s : B e c a u s e o u r t e a m i s s m a l l , A we ask parents and caregivers to help tidy up toys and supplies at the end of each class. Thank you for helping us keep KARA clean!

Adventures in Play AGES 0-6

PARENTED

Play Adventures a welcoming program for children ages 0–6 to explore creativity through crafts and simple science experiments. While children learn through hands-on play, parents can relax with coffee and enjoy connection and conversation. It’s a joyful space where learning, play, and community come together.

Tuesdays

Thursdays

10:00AM - 11:30AM SEPT 8 - DEC 15

10:00AM - 11:30AM SEPT 10 - DEC 17

Balwin Community League

Kensington Community League

11015 134 Ave NW

12130 134b Ave NW

​ Q u i c k N o t e f o r Fa m i l i e s : B e c a u s e o u r t e a m i s s m a l l , A we ask parents and caregivers to help tidy up toys and supplies at the end of each class. Thank you for helping us keep KARA clean!

Literacy Programs with Centre for Family Literacy

Story Sprouts AGES 0-6

PARENTED

S t o r y S p r o u t s i s a f u n p r o g ra m t h a t e x p l o r e s e a r l y l i t e ra c y, n u m e ra c y a n d l a n g u a g e development. Parents and children will e x p l o r e e a r l y l i t e ra c y t h r o u g h s o n g s , a c t i v i t i e s a n d i n t e ra c t i v e s t o r y s h a r i n g . E a c h week has a different theme, come and discover which is your favourite!

Fridays

9:30AM-11AM OCT 9 - DEC 11

YMCA Castle Downs 11510 153 Ave NW

Family Book Club AGES 0-6

PARENTED

Fa m i l y B o o k C l u b i s a l i v e l y o n l i n e p r o g ra m t h a t b r i n g s p a r e n t s a n d children together for storytime and skill-building—right from the comfort of home! Each week on Z o o m , w e’ l l s h a r e a n e n g a g i n g s t o r y and explore it through fun activities t h a t s t r e n g t h e n l i t e ra c y, n u m e ra c y, a n d l a n g u a g e s k i l l s . I t ’s a wonderful way to learn, connect, and make reading a family adventure.

Tuesdays 6:00PM-7:00PM OCT 6 - DEC 8

Online Zoom

Youth Programs Ages 6-12

Kids in the Kitchen - Northmount SESSION 1: AGES 6-9 SESSION 2: AGES 10-12 SESSION 3: ALL AGES

S es s io n 1 - L it t le S p ro u t s - New to t he Kitc hen

This session offers a warm and welcoming introduction to cooking for young chefs. Par ticipants will explore basic kitchen skills through simple, hands-on activities t h a t b u i l d c o n f i d e n c e a n d c u r i o s i t y. I t ’s a f u n a n d e n c o u ra g i n g w a y f o r o u r c h e f s t o b e g i n t h e i r c u l i n a r y j o u r n e y.

Session 2- Next Level Chefs

Designed for older kids who are building confidence in the kitchen, this session explores more advanced techniques and exciting flavors. Par ticipants will have t h e c h a n c e t o g e t c r e a t i v e , p ra c t i c e n e w s k i l l s , a n d e x p e r i m e n t w i t h t h e i r o w n i d e a s . I t ’s t h e p e r f e c t oppor tunity for culinary chefs to take their cooking to the next level.

Session 3- Holiday Baking

A fun, one-day baking adventure where par ticipants of all ages come together to mix, bake, and enjoy delicious treats—learning new skills and sharing the joy of baking one batch at a time!

Thursdays 3:30PM-5:00PM 1: SEPT 24 - OCT 22 2: OCT 29-NOV 26 3: DEC 3,10, 17

Northmount Community League 9208 140 Ave NW

P l e a s e e m a i l : m a r e s a @ k a r a - fr c.c a t o re gi s t e r

Kids in the Kitchen - Balwin SESSION 1: AGES 6-9 SESSION 2: AGES 10-12 SESSION 3: ALL AGES

S es s io n 1 - L it t le S p ro u t s - New to t he Kitc hen

This session offers a warm and welcoming introduction to cooking for young chefs. Par ticipants will explore basic kitchen skills through simple, hands-on activities t h a t b u i l d c o n f i d e n c e a n d c u r i o s i t y. I t ’s a f u n a n d e n c o u ra g i n g w a y f o r o u r c h e f s t o b e g i n t h e i r c u l i n a r y j o u r n e y.

Session 2- Next Level Chefs

Designed for older kids who are building confidence in the kitchen, this session explores more advanced techniques and exciting flavors. Par ticipants will have t h e c h a n c e t o g e t c r e a t i v e , p ra c t i c e n e w s k i l l s , a n d e x p e r i m e n t w i t h t h e i r o w n i d e a s . I t ’s t h e p e r f e c t oppor tunity for culinary chefs to take their cooking to the next level.

Session 3- Holiday Baking

A fun, one-day baking adventure where par ticipants of all ages come together to mix, bake, and enjoy delicious treats—learning new skills and sharing the joy of baking one batch at a time!

Tuesdays 3:30PM-5:00PM 1: OCT 6 - NOV 3 2: NOV 10 - DEC 8 3: DEC 15

Bawlin Community League 11015 134 Ave NW

P l e a s e e m a i l : m a r e s a @ k a r a - fr c.c a t o re gi s t e r

Bright Futures - After School AGES 6-12 Bright Futures After School Adventure is a dynamic and engaging program designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children beyond the classroom.Through a blend of hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, creative art, and guided learning, kids are encouraged to discover their strengths, build meaningful friendships, and develop essential life skills.

Our program provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment where everyone can explore new interests, express themselves freely, and grow into their fullest potential because every child deserves a bright future.

Tuesdays

Thursdays

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM SEPT 8 - DEC 15

2:30PM - 4:00PM SEPT 10 - DEC 17

Dunluce Tenant Centre

Dunluce Tenant Centre

Unit 9 11930 162 Ave NW

Unit 9 11930 162 Ave NW

Parent Programs Group Programs LEARN WITH OTHER PARENTS

Nuturing Families Book Club PARENT EDUCATION Ta k e s o m e t i m e f o r y o u r s e l f a n d c o n n e c t w i t h o t h e r caregivers in a welcoming and relaxed book club setting.

Each session will feature engaging discussions, oppor tunities to share perspectives, and meaningful conversations inspired by a selected book or reading.

Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while building connections, reflecting on new ideas, and fostering a sense of community with fellow caregivers.

Thursdays

Online

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM OCT 8 - DEC 17

Zoom

Resources In-Person Resources

Online Resources

In Person Resources Unit #108 5606 134A Ave NW

Community Support

One-on-One Support

System Nagviation

O u r Fa m i l y R e s o u r c e S u p p o r t Wo r k e r s c a n o f f e r s u p p o r t e d r e f e r ra l s f o r y o u a n d y o u r f a m i l y. T h i s c a n include anything from recreation and child care to mental health support services.

O u r Fa m i l y N a v i g a t o r a n d Fa m i l y S u p p o r t Wo r k e r s c a n provide individualized suppor t services to help you find your way through the systems and circumstances y o u a r e n a v i g a t i n g . Yo u d o n’ t h a v e t o g o t h r o u g h i t alone.

In today's complex world, you may need a little help in navigating through various systems such as healthcare, education, social services, and more. Our Family Navigator, Stefanie, is a registered social worker and can help you access resources, understand processes, and overcome hurdles.

Contact to Book

Contact to Book

Contact to Book

587-525-7279 Familynavigator@kara-frc.ca

587-525-7279 Winifred@kara-frc.ca

587-525-7279 Familynavigator@kara-frc.ca

KARA

KARA

KARA

UNIT #108 5606 134A AVE NW

UNIT #108 5606 134A AVE NW

UNIT #108 5606 134A AVE NW

Online Resources www.kara-frc.com

Connecting You to Services www.kara-frc.com Whatever challenges you and your family might be f a c i n g , K A R A Fa m i l y R e s o u r c e C e n t r e i s h e r e t o suppor t you. Explore our free resources online d e s i g n e d t o h e l p f a m i l i e s l e a r n , g r o w, a n d t h r i v e .

While you’re there, be sure to check out our free p r o g ra m s a n d s e r v i c e s , a l l c r e a t e d t o s u p p o r t y o u e v e r y s t e p o f t h e w a y.

Parenting Tip Sheets

Sensory Activities

Big Life Journal

Self-Serve Online

Self-Serve Online

Self-Serve Online

Check out some of our Parenting Tip Sheets designed to suppor t caregivers through every s t a g e o f t h e i r c h i l d ’s development. These easyto-read resources cover topics like positive discipline, emotional regulation, healthy routines, and building strong family connections.

Looking for fun and engaging ways to suppor t y o u r c h i l d ’s d e v e l o p m e n t ?

K A R A’s K i d s ’ S e n s o r y Activities are designed to s p a r k c r e a t i v i t y, e n h a n c e learning, and help children explore the world through p l a y.

E n c o u ra g e g r o w t h , mindfulness, and outdoor adventure with the Big Life Journal and 1000 Hours O u t s i d e t ra c k e r s ! T h e s e t o o l s help families set meaningful g o a l s , c e l e b ra t e p r o g r e s s , and spend more time connecting — both indoors and out.

Support Us Volunteers Needed Email: maresa@kara-frc.ca We’ r e a l w a y s l o o k i n g f o r v o l u n t e e r s t o s u p p o r t o u r p r o g ra m s a c r o s s K A R A’s l o c a t i o n s . O p p o r t u n i t i e s i n c l u d e p r o g ra m s u p p o r t , f o o d p i c k u p , a d m i n i s t ra t i v e a n d c u s t o d i a l help, event assistance and more!

Donate Today!

Yo u c a n m a k e a n i m p a c t i n y o u r c o m m u n i t y. Yo u r d o n a t i o n h e l p s K A R A Fa m i l y R e s o u r c e C e n t r e p r o v i d e e s s e n t i a l p r o g ra m s a n d services to families in our c o m m u n i t y. E v e r y c o n t r i b u t i o n counts!

Email: marc@kara-frc.ca

CONTACT www.kara-frc.com 587-525-7279 f a m i l y n a v i g a t o r @ k a ra - f r c . c a

KARA UNIT #108 5606 134A AVE NW