The Family Advocacy Network (FAN) is starting up in Portage la Prairie, and is an effort put on by the Winnipeg branch of the organization in cooperation with the Family Resource Centre (FRC). They serve families all over the province. 

FRC Program Director Peter Thiessen explains it's for parents and caregivers who have a loved one with a disability.

"And that could be an intellectual disability, a developmental disability, or various types of challenges that people and children deal with," says Thiessen. "The idea of this group is just a chance for these parents and caregivers to come together to talk to each other to build a network of friends and support, so that they can hear that you're not the only one dealing with this. Maybe, someone's gone through a similar situation and they're able to direct another person to a resource, or maybe even a person who is very helpful just giving helpful advice and validation."

FAN Portage is a partnership with FAN Manitoba and runs one Saturday a month. Thiessen notes it's usually the third Saturday of the month at the Centre, and takes place between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., with refreshments provided.

"It's free of charge," adds Thiessen.

He says other programs are always taking place that run all year long, but a new one is Mindful Munchkins with several sessions for ages three to six.

"They're really focused on emotional awareness and regulation," continues Thiessen. "That's a unique focus with that one. It runs twice a month from January to May, and then we've got one coming up called 'My Tween and Me.' That's a parenting program where parents with their seven to 12-year-old child will come. You'll learn about different ways to help your child as they get into those teenage years."

Thiessen adds some are available about how to deal with some of the questions that they've got about getting older, and ways to stay connected as they get older. He notes the seven to 12-year-olds are 'tweenagers', and activities will begin Thursday, January 18th, at 6 p.m. and it run for eight weeks.

Registration is on their website: https://frcportage.ca