Participants in the New Beginnings Young Parent Program in Abbotsford gathered on Friday (May 16) for the annual Thank You Tea to recognize the community partners who supported their journey to graduation.
Since the program began in 1990, more than 1,000 parents have graduated high school. There were six graduates in this year’s class.
New Beginnings is a partnership among the Abbotsford school district, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and Archway Community Services.
“The dedication and perseverance of our young parents never fails to inspire me. The annual tea is not only an opportunity to thank the community but also to celebrate the graduates’ hard work and determination to complete their studies and create a brighter future for their families,” said Maria Cargnelli, the associate director of early years and counselling programs at Archway.
"Each graduate's journey is unique, filled with challenges and triumphs. We are incredibly proud of them as they enter a new chapter filled with endless possibilities."
One of the graduates commented on their experience with the New Beginnings daycare.
“I was a bit nervous at first since my child had never been looked after by anyone other than family, but it’s been amazing. I can’t believe how much my son has flourished,” the graduate said.
A highlight of the event every year is the presentation of quilts – donated by the Abbotsford Quilters Guild – for the graduates’ children.
“The quilts are more than just beautiful pieces of art; they show our graduates how much time and heart the community is investing in their success,” said Stephanie Oldendorf, New Beginnings supervisor.
“We’d like to thank every member of the Abbotsford Quilters Guild for making a lasting impact on our students' lives.”
The guild also presented one of the graduates with a $500 scholarship to attend University of the Fraser Valley’s psychology program.
The Thank You Tea was attended by officials from the Abbotsford school district, including Trustee Stan Petersen and Laura Hoeppner, vice-principal of Bakerview Centre for Learning.
Also in attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, Fraser Valley Child Development, the Abbotsford Quilters Guild, Abbotsford Kiwanis, Crown Pointe, and Archway Community Services.
New Beginnings provides flexible part-time and full-time programs for parents to complete or upgrade their high school education.
Students have access to high-quality on-site childcare, parenting courses, an on-site satellite of the Archway Food Bank and individual supports.
