New summer programming at Portage la Prairie's Tupper Street Family Resource Centre aims to help inform more families about the community.

That's from Executive Director Cathy Vanstone, who says there are new programs planned this summer and expects between 35-40 families to be of benefit.

"That adds up to quite a number of kids," she explains. "Our programs involve a parent and any other caregiver participating in fun summer activities with their children. Half the programs are here at the Family Resource Centre and we're really taking advantage of Canada's 150th birthday and we'll be celebrating that all summer long with a lot of fun activities."

Vanstone says all of the programs involve children and their parents or caregivers.

"New families are really pleased to learn about the amazing resources in the community when they first arrive," says Vanstone. "Whether we're going to the park, which is where some of our programs are run, or special guests that come to the centre, it's a great way to learn more about the community. Families also get ideas for things they can do with their family that are very little cost."

She adds they benefit the community because they're investing in programming for whole families together, which connects them with other resources and is a link to programs in the fall.

"Strong families make a strong community and that's what we're all about here."