NEWS FROM THE BOARD

Vol.  9  No.  2     APRIL   2004

NEW FORMAT FOR THE "NEWS"

New Format for the “News” The News from the Board will now be issued on a bi-monthly basis. Each edition will also be posted on the website (www.mothercraft.com) with paper copies continuing to be distributed. Families who are interested in receiving the News in a bi-monthly email can register for this service by sending an email to info@mothercraft.com

COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD

The Board is pleased to announce that all current members have elected to continue in their positions for the coming year. Accordingly, only one Board seat remains vacant. If you are interested in joining the Board and working to assist the organization meet its objective of providing high quality child and family services, please contact Janet Libbey, Acting Executive Director, at 728-1839, ext. 239.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for May 5 at 7pm. We are pleased to advise that Judith Hoye of the Success by 6 Council of Partners will be the guest speaker. Judith will discuss the issue of School Readiness and examine what parents, the community and organizations like our own can do to prepare a child for his or her first years of school. All families, employees and other stakeholders are invited to attend this event.

CAPITAL SPENDING FUNDS

Mothercraft recently received Capital Spending funds from the Province. These funds allowed the Home Child Care Program to purchase needed strollers, portable cribs, safety gates and a variety of toys. The Daycare Program was able to use a portion of the fun to install a washer and dryer in the infant room.

RECOGNITION FOR BIRTH COMPANIONS

Mothercraft’s Birth Companions have received formal recognition from the Ottawa Hospital as Labour Support rather than mere visitors. This development will ensure that our dedicated companions will retain their admission privileges to the hospital during periods of restricted access, such as during the SARS outbreak. The recognition further enhances the stature of our companions within the community

BOARD MEMBER PROFILE

Wendy McKenzie joined the Board last year to assist the organization achieve its goals and objectives. Her son is a veteran of the organization, having commenced in the toddler respite program, moved up to preschool respite and currently enjoying his second year in the Kinder program. He is also looking forward to spending the summer months in Funventure a experiencing all the activities it has to offer.

The Board is delighted that Wendy intends to continue to support Canadian Mothercraft once her son has left the program so that other children will be able to experience the wonderful attention and care received over the years she has been associated with the organization.

In addition to her generous contributions of time and effort to Canadian Mothercraft, Wendy keeps busy as the co-owner of a local trucking company and works part-time in the commercial groups section at Aon Reed Stenhouse, an insurance broker.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations are in order for Board member Dominic Rossi and his wife Emily who welcomed an 8 lbs, 7 once bundle of joy (known as Maggie) into this world on February 29. This leap-ling will be the envy of one and all, as it is likely that she will be fully toilet trained before her next birthday!