Community Family Services

Raising Willowbuds

Even though the addition of a baby to a family means the household is growing, it can actually be quite an isolating time for parents. With focus now entirely shifted towards the care and support of a child, there’s not usually much time left for anything else let alone getting together with other adults. At The Willows Community Church in Langley a number of children were born within the same year, so in 2016 Captain Renée McFadden had an idea to start hosting the mothers and children at her home. That initial group of 10 families would eventually grow to become Willowbuds, a bi-weekly program that has seen up to 120 people come into the doors of the new Family Life Centre

The free Willowbuds program is open to the community and offers families with children ages five and under the opportunity to get together for socialization, educational activities and fun. The kids can play with toys, get creative with art supplies, try out a musical session, or rest in the quiet area for newborns and parents. The program has seen huge growth over the years as new families continue to learn about it through their Facebook group, which now has over 500 members.

Originally started as a ‘Mom and Tot’ program, organizers also noticed a lack of programs for fathers and grandparents. So, they decided to open The Willowbuds to be more inclusive of all guardians. Additional programs and services offered at The Willows include their Toy Lending library where families can borrow toys for an optional $20 fee. New parents can also take advantage of the library of essential items such as highchairs, booster seats, and play mats. Many parents have found donating items to these libraries as a way to give back. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was able to move to outdoor sessions at a local park, allowing families to safely break the cycle of isolation.

Kids and parents enjoy healthy snacks at each session, including food options for each age group. One thing that Andrea Petkau, Integrated Mission Supervisor at The Willows, enjoys seeing is the mix of backgrounds and cultures as the parents join their kids on the floor. “We are becoming a beacon here in Langley, where parents know they can come… it’s safe and a place their needs are met,” she says, “it’s building a stronger community.”