What Happens When You Ask Families Matter for Help?

Families Matter |Published November 2026

You have a question about parenting, your child’s development, or something happening in your family. You’ve found Families Matter, but you’re not quite sure what happens if you reach out.

Will you need to sign up for a program? Explain your whole situation? Know exactly what kind of support you’re looking for?

The answer depends on what you need, but getting started can be as simple as contacting our team and asking about your options.

Families Matter helps Calgary parents and caregivers explore parenting resources, family programs, and support services. Here’s what you should know about reaching out and finding a place to start.

What Happens When You Contact Families Matter?

There isn’t one pathway that every family needs to follow. What happens next depends on the type of support you’re looking for.

  • If you’re interested in a parenting class or parent-child activity, you can browse current programs and check how to participate. Some community activities are available as drop-ins, while other programs require registration.
  • If you’re looking for more individualized family support, you can contact the Families Matter intake team to ask about available services. Certain programs require an intake process to help determine eligibility and appropriate support options.
  • If you’re unsure where to begin, you can explain your question or concern and ask the team about programs and resources that may be relevant to your family.

An initial inquiry doesn’t necessarily mean committing to a program or completing an intake process. It’s an opportunity to find out what options may be available and what participation involves.

You can also explore current Programs & Classes to see what Families Matter offers.

Do I Need to Know Which Program I Need?

No. Families Matter offers several types of parenting and family support, and it’s understandable if you’re not familiar with all the options.

You might be looking for:

  • Parenting education or practical strategies for a particular stage of childhood.
  • Parent-child activities and opportunities to connect with other families.
  • Support during pregnancy or the early months of parenthood.
  • Fathering programs and resources for dads.
  • Guidance related to child development, family transitions, or other parenting concerns.
  • Information about community resources and additional family support.

You can contact Families Matter with a specific program in mind or simply describe what you’re looking for.

The team can provide information about available programs and help you understand which options may be worth exploring.

Does Something Have to Be Seriously Wrong?

Not at all.

Families Matter supports parents and caregivers through everyday parenting experiences as well as more challenging circumstances.

You might have questions about bedtime routines, your child’s behaviour, or how to support their emotional development. Perhaps you’re adjusting to a new baby, navigating changes at home, or looking for a way to meet other parents.

You might also be interested in learning something new or finding activities to enjoy with your child.

Families Matter offers parenting education, opportunities for connection, and more individualized services for families who need additional support.

Through Calgary’s Family Resource Network, free prevention and early-intervention services are available to families with children aged 0–18.

You don’t need to wait until a concern becomes serious to ask what support is available.

What If Families Matter Isn’t the Right Service?

Not every program or service will be the right fit for every family.

Families Matter works with other organizations through Calgary’s Family Resource Network, which brings together community partners offering different types of family support.

If a particular Families Matter program doesn’t meet your needs, you can ask the team about other resources or services that may be available through the network.

The options will depend on your family’s circumstances, eligibility requirements, and available services.

For more information about how the network supports families, learn more about the Family Resource Network.

How to Contact Families Matter

If you have a question about parenting support or aren’t sure where to begin, you can contact the Families Matter intake team directly.

Email: intake@familiesmatter.ca

Phone:

  • Horizon / Northeast Calgary: 403-205-5194
  • Midnapore / Southeast Calgary: 403-205-5180

Your initial message can be straightforward. You might explain that you’re looking for parenting support, interested in a particular program, or hoping to learn more about resources for your family.

The team can provide information about available options and explain any relevant participation or intake requirements.

Ready to Connect With Families Matter?

Finding family support can involve unfamiliar programs, different participation requirements, and services you may not have heard of before.

Families Matter helps Calgary families explore parenting resources, community programs, and support options so they can make informed decisions about where to begin.

If you’re wondering whether a program might suit your family or would like to learn more about the support available, we’re here to help you explore your options.

Connect With Our Team

Have a question about parenting or family support? Contact our intake team to learn more about available programs and services.

Email Our Intake Team

Explore Family Support

Learn about the free prevention and early-intervention services available through Calgary’s Family Resource Network.

Explore the Family Resource Network

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