Welcome to the Maida Duncan Family Resource Center (formerly called "Fryworks Women's Drop-in Center"). This resource center began in 2001, and re-opened under the new name in 2004.
The purpose of the center is to be a continuous point of contact and support for previous E Fry clients, to provide ongoing support for current clients and to provide general information, support and resources to the women of the community who are struggling with multiple barriers. The center relies on over 40 talented caring volunteers to deliver all available services.
The resource center is a free service for all women, and their children, who reside in the E Fry building and/or live in the community.
**We Welcome clothing and small household donations in good condition**
**No referrals or appointments are necessary to use this service.
Our goal is to provide women and youth at risk with the tangible resources they need to rebuild a life for themselves and their children.
Drop-in services include
Elizabeth Fry Society provides
The resource center is linked to the many other Elizabeth Fry programs, which address the concerns of families, women and youth.
We welcome you to send your feedback and ideas to
Donna Surman our Volunteer Coordinator
Educational Upgrading
In partnership with the New Westminster School District and the Adult Learning Center a certified teacher is available at the Drop-in center twice a week for women who would like to get their high school diploma (GED training and Dogwood Certificate Programs). Thanks to the gracious support of the Pat Ware Fund clients of the Elizabeth Fry Society can apply for funding to offset the cost of course materials and transportation. Child-minding is also available upon request to those women with children.
Pre-Pre Employment
Volunteers are available Tuesdays nights from 6-8pm to help women move forward in getting ready for work. Assistance in resume building, preparing for interviews, and support on how to make the best first impression are provided. Free computers are also available for printing or emailing resumes.
Hot Lunches
Homemade soups, stews or chowders are made every Thursday and available from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Drop-in center. Vegetarian soup is made once a month.
Any soup that is leftover is frozen and available anytime the center is open.
Computer Lab:
The Drop-in center contains a computer lab with 3 computer stations. The Community Access Program (CAP) is a Government of Canada initiative, administered by Industry Canada, which aims to provide Canadians with affordable public access to the Internet and the skills they need to use it effectively.
On-line Training Resources:
GCF Global Learning: is free and offers training resources for CAP users. Users are able to access online courses on Computer, Email, and Internet Basics, as well as popular MS Office Applications.
This is a great way for CAP users to learn at their own pace, about topics of their choice - when they next visit, be sure to introduce them to GCF Global Learning!
MS Online Training: is an excellent source of information and offers a variety of tutorials that may be of interest. The CAP Computer Lab is equipped with Windows XP and MS Office 2003.
Do you need help with special projects that may require use of a computer and you don’t know how to get started?
Computer Tutors are available to assist with training in the basics of internet, E-mail, and MS Office Applications. We have a
flexible arrangement that allows you to
learn at your own pace and we can help
design an introductory learning program specific to your needs.We are also available to assist you with your
special projects - formatting of your résumé, creating a report, completing on-line forms, organizing your calendar, or other electronic needs. We may also help you research a more formal plan and provide referrals to other professional agencies or organizations to help you with career search, educational goals, and related services.
* Please note the center does not have a fax or photocopier for use.
Global On-line training allows you to work at the center or from home.
The following Calendar provides you with upcoming courses and start dates for Global On-line:
Upcoming Class Schedule
* Please call 604-520-1166 to confirm a computer tutorial - stations available for 1 hour session
Drop-in Hours
| Day |
Timings |
**Computer Tutorials Available
|
| Sunday |
3.00pm - 9.00pm |
**3.00pm - 5.00pm
|
| Tuesday |
5.00pm - 9.00pm |
**6.00pm - 8.00pm
|
| Thursday |
9.00am - 9.00pm |
**7.00pm - 9.00pm
|
| Saturday |
11.00am - 5.00pm |
**1.00pm - 3.00pm
|
Crafting
Examples of Crafting Projects we have explored
Paper Christmas Boxes
Christmas Cards
Paper Mache' Balloons
Simple Bead Work
Seasonal Creations
(For eg., Easter, Christmas, Halloween, ThanksGiving)
Clothing and Household Donations
A wide variety of clothing and household donations are available at the Drop-in center. So come in, have a comfy seat, and browse through the donations!.
Community Resources
E-Fry Society is a proud community partner to all the social service agencies throughout the Lower Mainland - Who provide quality programs for women. We encourage the women to explore and discover the depth and strengths of their local women's services and when the gaps are identified, we partner with them in advocating for inclusion of the services.
Information Services
The center offers a range of information for support and resources in the following areas:
| • |
Affordable Housing |
• |
Family Support |
| • |
Guidance to Addiction Services |
• |
Guidance to Parenting Courses |
| • |
Referral to Native Services |
• |
Social Support |
| • |
Rape Relief information |
• |
Community Child Care Alternatives |
| • |
Education/Retraining |
• |
Assessing Legal Services |
| • |
Assistance in Women issues |
• |
Assistance with Government forms |
| • |
And much more... |
|
|
If you need something more, other than the resources listed here, Please give us a call at
604-520-1166, we can try to find the appropriate resource for you.
Quilting
Quilting classes take place twice a month on Saturdays from 1-3pm at the Drop-in center. Women have the opportunity to learn how to quilt, start an individual project or work on a group project. You may join the group at anytime during the year. All materials are provided free of cost.
A Safe Place to relax
Our Volunteers provide a safe inclusive enviornment for all. Coffee and Tea are always waiting for you, comfy sofa's and big over sized chairs, books too...
Support & Understanding
The center provides 40+ female volunteers recruited for their strengths in emphathetic, non-judgmental support. They provide a listening ear & if requested, guidance / referral to other community programs.
The volunteer component is made up of
Ex-clients who understand the barriers that exist in the community & how to get through them.
Students working on entering the university program.
Working women who want to give thanks by supporting other women in the community.
Interested women who have a lot of life experience to share.
Hot Showers
Hot showers are available to women in need. We also supply hygiene items such as feminine products, deoderant, soap, shampoo, body wash, lotion and mouthwash.
Small Kitchen with snacks and light meals
We have a small kitchen with a microwave, fridge and stove. Food items such as noodles, canned soups, bread, cheese, hot and cold cereals, cookies, crackers, milk and juice are available for snacks and light meals. Women are welcome to access the kitchen any time the center is open.
Popcorn & Movies
Sit back, watch movies with friends and enjoy some fresh popped corn!!
Much More...
Continuing to Develop...
Fryworks lifeskills program
providing practicum and leadership placements for young women in completing their university training
and so on...
