About Us

Our Vision

To be recognized as a leader in parenting services through our expertise and collaborative partnerships.

Our Mission

To strengthen the capacity of our communities to raise our children.

Our Values

• We are committed to improving the lives of children, parents and caregivers in our community.
• We believe that parents and caregivers are the primary agents of change in their family.
• We are committed to offering expertise and a neutral voice on matters related to children's issues.
• We offer services that are inclusive of all members of our community.
• We value diversity in our staff and clientele.
• We value the provision of information and services in English and in French.
• We are committed to an approach that is responsive and accountable.
• We strive to foster a creative and welcoming environment for our staff and clientele.

Our Strategic Directions 2007-2010

1. Strengthen and position the PRC as a catalyst for partnerships.
2. Solidify our service focus on the 0-8 years-of-age population.
3. Strengthen our work and expertise in the provision of services to under serviced populations.
4. Strengthen our capacity to provide information and services in French.
5. Promote a working environment that is supportive of on-going learning and professional  development for staff.
6. Influence public awareness and public policy on issues that impact the well-being of families.

Background

In response to a community-based proposal from parents and educators of preschoolers in the Ottawa-Carleton region, the Parent Resource Centre (formerly known as the Parent Preschool Resource Centre) opened in 1975 as a demonstration project of the Ministry of National Health and Welfare (now Health Canada). The original aim was to provide a centralized location to store, share and distribute information about the needs of preschool children, aged birth to five. The Centre evolved as a community-wide resource for caregivers, parents and professionals involved with early childhood issues.

It soon became apparent that one of the most important aspects of the Centre's service was to provide a place for parents and caregivers to meet, to access resources and to connect with other adults while their preschoolers played. "Drop-In" hours were extended and the number of daytime workshops and opportunities for volunteering were increased to meet the needs of the community.

Outreach to caregivers and other community groups followed, and the past two decades have seen tremendous achievements throughout the wider community, particularly in supporting parents who, because of their social and economic circumstances, might not have access to the resources they need as they take on the challenging job of raising young children.

Funding

The PRC is funded primarily by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and the City of Ottawa. Additional funding for specialized programs and projects is provided by:

• United Way - Success by 6 Ottawa
• Fundraising
• Donations
• Service Clubs
• Foundations
  

Structure

The Parent Resource Centre in an incorporated charitable non-profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors. The Annual General Meeting is held in the Fall each year, and everyone is welcome. The Parent Resource Centre welcomes inquiries from members of the community who are interested in working as volunteers for the centre in a variety of ways, including membership on the Board of Directors.