Maggie’s Place – Building Community through Playgroups

For 26 years, United Way funding has been the foundation for Maggie’s Place, allowing them to nurture families and build vibrant communities across Colchester and Cumberland counties. How that happens has changed over the years, but they’ve always been committed to addressing social isolation and fostering connection for parents and young children in their communities.

For many parents of young children, everyday life can be very isolating. Maggie’s Place’s opens up the opportunity for parents to get much-needed socialization that would otherwise be hard to do so as a new parent. “It’s often the only outing some people have all week, the only interaction with other adults and children,” says Colchester site manager Nancy about the playgroup program.” It’s a safe, trusted space where support is readily available.” Parents know they can come to a playgroup on a tough day, find someone to talk to, and have their child engaged.

Serving rural communities

Their programs bring developmental activities, parenting information, healthy snacks, and even essential items like food and winter gear to rural communities. These communities include Debert, Stewiacke, and Bible Hill in Colchester County. In Cumberland County, programs serve families in Wallace, Springhill, Oxford, Advocate, Parrsboro, and Pugwash.

Cassie, a program participant in Colchester County, says the program improved her mental health and her connections in community. “The simplicity of talking to another parent that is at the same stage as you and dealing with the same issues as you, has had a massive effect on making me feel normal and validated,” shares Cassie. It’s impacted her children’s behaviour and relationships too:

“There is no doubt that these outreach programs have contributed to my children’s independence by providing a safe space where they can freely interact with others, explore and play.”

Adaptability

The adaptability of Maggie’s Place is also a testament to its enduring success. They consistently think outside the box, adapting program locations as needed. They also connect families for shared travel and find solutions for safe walking, removing transportation barriers.

Ultimately, Maggie’s Place provides more than just playgroups. It’s a place where children make connections with future classmates, and parents build a crucial community of support that often extends far beyond their time in the program. Thanks to the support of United Way donors, Maggie’s Place continues to be a cherished and vital resource, creating ripples of connection and well-being throughout the community.