What Is a Family Resource Network and How Can It Help Your Family?

Sometimes you know your family could use a little support, but figuring out what kind can be the difficult part.

Maybe you have questions about your child’s development. Parenting might be feeling harder lately. Or perhaps you’re simply looking for activities, connection or practical information for your family.

Where do you start?

That’s one of the reasons Family Resource Networks exist. You don’t need to understand every program or service available in your community before asking for help. A Family Resource Network can help you explore what’s available and find a place to begin.

What Is a Family Resource Network?

Family Resource Networks, often called FRNs, are a Government of Alberta initiative that brings community organizations together to provide free prevention and early-intervention services for children, youth and families.

In simpler terms, an FRN is a network of organizations working together to make family support easier to find.

Rather than expecting one organization to provide every possible service, the network connects different programs and community partners. That means families can access different kinds of support depending on what they need.

In Calgary, Families Matter operates two Family Resource Network HUBs serving Northeast and Southeast Calgary and works alongside partner organizations to connect families with a broader network of programs and services.

But you don’t need to know which HUB, organization or program you need before getting started.

That’s part of what the network is there to help with.

What Kinds of Support Are Available?

Every family is different, so Family Resource Network support isn’t limited to one type of program or concern.

Depending on what your family is looking for, support may include:

• Parenting knowledge and confidence
• Child and youth development
• Early learning
• Social and emotional wellbeing
• Coping with challenges and change
• Connecting with community resources
• Connecting with other families and your community

Sometimes what you’re looking for may be simple: a welcoming activity where you and your child can spend time together, an opportunity to meet other parents or information about a stage of your child’s development.

At other times, your family may be navigating a particular challenge and need more focused support.

Do I Need to Know What Kind of Help I Need?

No. In fact, one of the most useful parts of a Family Resource Network is having somewhere to start when you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

You might know what has been difficult without knowing the name of the service that could help. Or you might simply have a question and want to understand your options.

You don’t need to diagnose the problem, research every organization in Calgary or choose the right program before making contact.

Starting can be as simple as explaining what’s going on, what you’re looking for or what has been on your mind.

From there, you can get help exploring available resources and finding an appropriate next step.

What Do “HUB” and “Spoke” Mean?

You may see these terms when exploring Family Resource Network services, but you don’t need to understand the structure before reaching out.

A HUB helps families find information and connect with services, while Spoke Agencies provide different programs and supports within the network.

Families Matter operates two FRN HUBs in Calgary and works with community partners to provide a wider range of support.

Do I Need to Be Struggling Before I Reach Out?

No. Family Resource Networks focus on prevention and early support. That means you don’t need to wait for a concern to become a crisis before exploring what’s available.

You might want to build your parenting confidence, learn more about your child’s development, meet other families or find activities you can enjoy together.

You might also be going through a difficult transition, feeling overwhelmed or looking for support with a particular concern.

There isn’t one “right” reason to reach out.

Sometimes support is about addressing a challenge. Sometimes it’s about building skills, relationships and connections that can support your family along the way.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Family Support Alone

Finding family support can feel complicated when you don’t know which program, organization or service fits what you’re looking for.

That’s where a Family Resource Network can help.

Families Matter operates Family Resource Network HUBs serving Northeast and Southeast Calgary, helping families explore available programs, resources and community supports.

You don’t need to arrive knowing the name of the program you need.

You can start with your family, your question and a conversation.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Explore the Families Matter Family Resource Network to learn more about available programs and community partners, or connect with the Families Matter team for help finding an appropriate place to begin.