Memory Lane Family Place Association

The Memory Lane Family Place Association is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families through a variety of preventative and strength-based programs. Founded originally as the Sackville Family Day Care Association in 1980, it has evolved into a multifaceted community resource centre focused on promoting healthy family development.

History

The organization began as the Sackville Family Day Care Association, initiated as a pilot family day care program by the Department of Community Services. It was officially incorporated in February 1981 under the Registry of Joint Stocks and attained registered charity status shortly thereafter, governed by a volunteer board of directors. In 2009, the organization rebranded to its current name, Memory Lane Family Place Association, reflecting its broadened scope beyond family day care to include a wider range of family support services. Over time, the staff grew from a single individual to a team of twelve employees, supporting a variety of initiatives such as a licensed preschool program and other community-based projects[1].

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Memory Lane Family Place Association is to provide preventative programs and services for children and families that are strength-based and foster healthy family development. Their vision centers on creating healthy, happy children and families living within a connected and supportive community, with the guiding principle "Family First!"[1].

Programs and Services

The Association offers numerous programs and services aimed at enhancing family well-being and child development, including:

• Licensed preschool programs
• Family support initiatives
• Parenting journey counseling
• Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
• Clothing depot and swap shop
• Child and youth garden projects

These programs focus on delivering resources, education, and community engagement opportunities to families, particularly those with young children[1][5].

Community Engagement

Located in Mi'kma'ki, the traditional and ancestral lands of the Mi'kmaq people, the Association acknowledges this heritage in its work and community relationships. It conducts community needs assessments to better tailor its services to current challenges faced by families and children in the region. The organization also monitors local developments affecting access to its centre and communicates important updates to its community[2][1].

Governance and Operation

The Memory Lane Family Place Association operates under a volunteer board of directors and has established a professional staff team to manage daily operations. It functions as a registered charity and complies with nonprofit regulations in Canada. The centre maintains regular hours of operation to serve the community’s needs[1][3].

This profile reflects the Association’s sustained commitment since 1980 to supporting family life and child development in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, through comprehensive programs and community partnerships.