Parents as Teachers host 25th anniversary

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on March 22, 2022.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Adriene Dixon and son Soren, alongside Maeby-Jane Grol and mom Miranda, listen to a performance by The Band Formerly Known as Karen, Lewis and Pam, during the South Region Parents as Teachers celebration Saturday at the Yates.

After COVID delayed their official 25th anniversary in April 2021, the South Region Parents as Teachers was able to hold an in-person celebration at the Yates Theatre on Saturday afternoon.
PAT is an evidence-based home visiting model that promotes the early developmental learning and health of children by engaging their parents and caregiver.
The model can be offered parentally through Kindergarten.
Families enjoyed sing-alongs such as Baby Beluga and Skidamarink Dinky Dink among other songs from the band formerly known as Karen, Lewis and Pam, joining in with noise makers and after were handed a candy-pop as they exited the doors.
“It’s all about the families,” said Rose Boersma, PAT South Region program manager.
“I mean that’s the inspiration behind all that we do and so we wanted to take time to celebrate with families.”
Families were in attendance that were a part of the program 10 years ago as well as current ones.
PAT also recognized its partners.
“We began as a pilot project in April of 1996 in partnership with Education – so the Lethbridge School Division, Lethbridge Public Library for that literacy initiative piece and also some health and community members supporting as well,” said Boersma.
“I think within the first month, there was over 200 families turned away because not every family can benefit from support. Every parent has highs and lows, has questions and has celebrations and we want to be for all of those. And it’s the opportunity to provide that one-on-one support for families because if you Google search something, you get so much information that’s overwhelming and who do you trust?”
As for getting to 25 years, Boersma said it’s been an honour to support the families.
“It always amazes me that families welcome us in to their home and their hearts,” she said.
“I think it speaks to the home visitors and that we build a relationship with families. We’re not there to tell families what to do, we’re there to support them in the things that are important to them.”
PAT has the research behind the model.
“I think that gives us a lot of confidence as an agency, that we’re delivering something that we have confidence in and that makes a big difference,” she said.
“It also helps us to be able to partner with other organizations and agencies.”
PAT has expanded to seven satellite offices stretching from Bow Island to the Crowsnest Pass and came to Lethbridge in 1999.