In adopting the term "family," we broaden its scope beyond the traditional structure of a two-parent and child dynamic
At KARA, when we refer to family, we encompass anyone who has created a familial bond.
This includes grandparents, caregivers, aunts and uncles, adoptive parents, and individuals of all ages.
We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of family structures across various cultures and formed communities
Empower communities with resilient families. Our Mission
Championing a brighter future for families and communities through supportive programs and services that are rooted in education, connection, and acceptance.
What We Do
We build meaningful relationships with our clients and community We seek to meet every person and family where they are in their current life and family circumstance. We strive to create safe and inclusive experiences that support clients in their parenting and family life
Every summer when my children were younger, we spent as much time outside as we possibly could Parks, trails, spray parks, walks around the neighbourhood, collecting sticks, climbing rocks, getting muddy, and staying out later than we probably should have Looking back, I can see how much those experiences shaped them Nature gave them space to move, problem solve, build confidence, take risks, and learn independence It built grit, creativity, emotional regulation, and a genuine sense of curiosity about the world around them
As a parent, I also came to realize something else Some of the strongest feelings of safety and belonging came from simply knowing the people around us Seeing familiar faces at the playground Talking to neighbours Watching kids play together across different ages Feeling connected to the community we lived in
This summer, many of KARA’s programs are built around those ideas We want families to reconnect with outdoor play, creativity, sensory experiences, literacy, and community We are incredibly lucky in Edmonton to have access to beautiful green spaces, parks, trails, and gathering places right in our own neighbourhoods With so much of life becoming expensive, busy, and disconnected, there is something important about learning to fully use and appreciate what already exists around us
We hope this summer’s programs encourage families to slow down a little, get outside, meet one another, and create the kinds of memories children carry with them for years
Thank you for being part of our community this summer
Stasia Quillian Program Manager KARA Family Resource Centre
Our Locations
KARA Family Resource Centre Unit #108, 5606 134A Ave NW
KARA Family Resource Centre is located in the Ground-floor level of the Civida housing complex, beside Robert Brett Park
If you are driving, there is plenty of street parking available.
When you arrive, dial unit #108 on the buzzer to be let in
Dunluce Tenant Centre
Kensington Community League
KARA Family Resource Centre
Londonderry Community League
Clareview Headstart
Castle Downs YMCA
Rosslyn Community League
Northmount Community League
Kilkenny Community League
Balwin Community League
OUR LOCATIONS
KARA Family Resource Centre
5606 134a Ave NW #108
Dunluce Tenant Centre
UNIT 9, 11930 162 AVE NW
Located in the ground-floor level of the Civida housing complex beside Robert Brett Park.
If you are driving, there is plenty of street parking available.
When you arrive, dial unit #108 on the buzzer to be let in.
If you are coming from the East on 162 Ave: Pass St. Lucy Catholic School on your right. Then Dunluce School on your left. It will be your first right turn into the housing complex Dunluce IV.
If you are coming from the West: You will pass a shopping strip mall on your left.
Continue past the soccer field. Turn left into the housing complex called Dunluce IV.
OUR LOCATIONS
Castle Downs YMCA
11510 153 AVE NW
Driving from KARA (15 mins):
Take Fort Road (northward) up to 137 Ave and turn left (West).
Follow 137 Ave to Castledowns Rd then turn right (north).
Continue on Castledowns Rd until you reach 153 Ave, and turn left (West).
The Castledowns Family YMCA will be on your right.
Clareview Headstart
1142 Hermitage Rd N
Driving From KARA:
Take 134a Avenue to Fort Rd and turn left (North).
Continue until 137 Ave, and turn right (East).
Continue until 50 St, and turn right (South).
Continue until Hermitage Rd, and turn left (East).
Follow Hermitage Rd past the big open field on your right.
e4c Clareview Headstart will be on your left, next to a small open field. If you reach Overlanders School, you’ve gone too far.
OUR LOCATIONS
Kensington Community League
12130 134b Ave NW
Driving from KARA (about 5-6 minutes):
Take 134a Avenue Westward to 66 St. and turn right (North).
Follow 66 St. until 137 Ave, then turn left (West).
Continue 6 km to 119 St and turn left (South).
Follow until 134 Ave, and turn right, past Kensington School. It will be on your right.
Driving from KARA (about 5-6 minutes):
Take 134a Ave NW east to Fort Rd, and turn right (south).
Follow Fort Rd until 127 Ave, then turn right.
Continue to 76 St and turn right (north).
Balwin Community League will be in front of you, located in the middle of the park.
12904 74 St NW
OUR LOCATIONS
Londonderry Community League
14224 74 St NW
Driving from KARA (5 mins):
From KARA, take 134a Avenue westward to 66 Street and turn right (North).
Follow 66 Street to 137 Avenue and turn left (West).
Follow 137 Avenue past Londonderry Mall until 74 Street and turn right (North).
After you pass 141 Ave, it will be on your left.
Driving from KARA:
Head west on 134A Ave NW from KARA.
Continue onto 134 Ave NW, staying on 134 Avenue.
Follow 134 Ave NW straight until you reach 11015 134 Ave NW. that’s Rosslyn Community League.
MONDAY
PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE Summer 2026
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
LIttle Explorers
Nature Creators YMCA 0-6yrs
Jul 13 - Aug 17
Break: Aug 3
10:00am-11:00am
*Parented*
Books and Bites
Rosslyn Community League 0-6yrs
Jul 13 - Aug 17
Break: Aug 3
10:00am-11:30am *Parented*
Picnic in the Park
Various Locations
All Ages
Jul 13 - Aug 17
Break: Aug 3
1:30pm-3:30pm *Parented*
Balwin Community League 0-6yrs
Jul 14 - Aug 18
10:00am-11:30am *Parented*
Kids in the Kitchen - Lunch Northmount Community League 6-12yrs
Jul 14 - Aug 18 10:00am-12:00pm
Bright FuturesSchools Out Dunluce Tenant Centre 6-12yrs
Jul 14 - Aug 18
3:00pm-5:00pm
Glow Together
Balwin Community League 6-12yrs
Jul 14 - Aug 18
3:00pm-5:00pm
Meet Me at the Park
Robert Brett Park 0-6yrs
Jul 8 - Aug 19
10:00am-11:30am *Parented*
Family Fun Night Northmount Community League
All Ages
Jul 8 - Aug 19
Dinner: 5:00pm Program: 5:30pm -7:00pm
THURSDAY
Multi Splash Pad
Various Locations 0-6yrs
Jul 9 - Aug 20
10:00am-11:30am
*Parented*
Cafe Book Club Anti Bullying Loction TBA Parent Education 10:00am-11:30am
Kids in the Kitchen - Lunch Northmount Community League 6-12yrs
Jul 9 - Aug 20 10:00am-12:00pm
Bright FuturesSchool Out
Dunluce Tenant Centre 6-12yrs
Jul 9 - Aug 20
2:30pm-4:00pm
Glow Together
Kilkenny Community League 10-13yrs
Jul 9- Aug 20
2:30pm-4:00pm
Kickoff to Summer BBQ
Fun Evening
ALL AGES
DINNER INCLUDED
Kick off summertime with an evening of food, fun, and community connection! Families can enjoy food, outdoor games, activities, and opportunities to connect while celebrating the start of summer together Come make memories, share smiles, and enjoy a welcoming evening for all ages
Monday 5:00PM-7:00PM
JULY 7
Robert Brett Park 134A Ave NW
Family Fun Night
Bring the Whole Family!
Fun Evening
ALL AGES
DINNER INCLUDED
In partnership with Amity House, Family Fun Night is a time to connect, play, and grow together Designed for parents, caregivers, and children, each evening features fun activities, games, and opportunities to build stronger bonds while encouraging teamwork and communication It's a chance to relax, laugh, make meaningful memories, and connect with other families in a welcoming and supportive environment
Wednesdays
5:00PM-7:00PM
Dinner served at 5pm
Program: 5:30PM- 7:00PM
JULY 8 - AUGUST 19
Northmount Community League
9208 140 Ave, NW
Children’s Programs
Early Learners Literacy Programs Youth Programs
Ages 0-6
Ages 0-6
Ages 6-12
Early Learners
Ages 0-6
Nature Creators
AGES 0-6
PARENTED
Nature Creators invites children and caregivers to explore art, literacy, and creativity through hands-on experiences with natural and tactile materials. Using sensory-rich activities inspired by the outdoors, children build early language, imagination, fine motor skills, and brain development while discovering creative ways to connect with nature, storytelling, and selfexpression
Mondays
10:00AM-11:00AM
JULY 13 - AUGUST 17 (BREAK: AUGUST 3)
YMCA Castle Downs 12904 74 St NW
Little Explorers
AGES 0-6
PARENTED
Little Explorers is a sensorybased nature play program designed for children under 6 and their caregivers. Through hands-on exploration, movement, and creative outdoor activities, children build confidence, curiosity, regulation, and developmental skills while caregivers learn playful, engaging ways to support early learning, connection, and discovery through meaningful experiences in nature
Tuesday 10:00AM-11:30AM
JULY 14 - AUGUST 18
Balwin Community League
12904 74 st NW
Meet Me At the Park
AGES 0-6
PARENTED
This free parented summer program invites families to gather in their local park for crafts, outdoor play, and nature-based activities Through shared experiences, the program helps build neighbour connections, encourages playfulness and outdoor exploration, strengthens family relationships, and fosters a greater sense of belonging, safety, and pride within the community
Wednesday 10:00AM-11:30AM
JULY 8 - AUGUST 19
Robert Brett Park 5606 134a Ave
Picnic in the Park
ALL AGES PARENTED
Pack a blanket and join us for a relaxing morning of outdoor fun, connection, and play! Families will enjoy picnic-style activities, games, and opportunities to explore nature while spending quality time together It's a wonderful way to connect with other families, enjoy the fresh air, and create lasting summer memories
Mondays 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM JULY 13 - AUGUST 17 (BREAK: AUGUST 3)
Various Locations
Check website for updates
Multi Splash Pad
AGES 0-6
PARENTED
Pack a blanket and join us for a relaxing morning of outdoor fun, connection, and play! Families will enjoy picnic-style activities, games, and opportunities to explore nature while spending quality time together It's a wonderful way to connect with other families, enjoy the fresh air, and create lasting summer memories
Thursdays 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM JULY 9 - AUGUST 20
Various Locations
Check website for updates
Books & Bites
AGES 0-6
PARENTED
Books and Bites is a weekly parented program where stories come to life in the kitchen! Each session begins with cozy story time, followed by a hands-on cooking activity inspired by the book
Children will practice simple, safe kitchen skills - like scooping, pouring, measuring, and cutting with wooden child - safety knives while creating a tasty themed snack to enjoy together. It’s a chance to learn, create and connect with other families in the community
Mondays 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
JULY 13 - AUGUST 17
(BREAK: AUGUST 3)
Rosslyn Community League
11015 134 Ave
Kids in the Kitchen
AGES 6-12
Lunch Session - Our Lunch Session for ages 6 -12 years will teach kids how to make delicious lunches, which they’ll enjoy together Our young chefs will gain practical life skills and explore nutritious foods while learning kitchen hygiene adn safety in a fun, hands-on enviroment.
Tuesdays
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM JULY 14 - AUGUST 18
Thursdays
10:00AM - 12:00PM JULY 9 - AUGUST 20
Northmount Community League 9208 140 Ave NW
Northmount Community League
9208 140 Ave NW
To Register please email: maresa@kara-frc.ca
Bright Futures - Schools Out
AGES 6-12
Bright Futures After School Adventure is a dynamic and engaging program designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in children beyond the classroom Through a blend of hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, creative art, and guided learning, kids are encouraged to discover their strengths, build meaningful friendships, and develop essential life skills
Our program provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment where everyone can explore new interests, express themselves freely, and grow into their fullest potentialbecause every child deserves a bright future.
Tuesdays
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
JULY 14 - AUGUST 18
Dunluce Tenant Centre
Unit 9
11930 162 Ave NW
Thursdays
2:30PM - 4:00PM JULY 9 - AUGUST 20
Dunluce Tenant Centre
Unit 9
11930 162 Ave NW
Glow Together
AGES 10-13
Glow together is a fun, supportive program designed to help young teens build confidence, friendships and essential life skills. Through creative activities like games, art, group discussions, and movement-based sessions, participants explore topics like communication, self-esteem, and problem-solving. The program also encourages community stewardship, giving youth the opportunity to take part in meaningful service projects that make a difference in their neighbourhoods.
Tuesdays
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
JULY 14 - AUGUST 18
12904 74 St NW
Thursdays
2:30PM - 4:00PM JULY 9 - AUGUST 20
Parent Programs
Group Programs
LEARN WITH OTHER PARENTS
Cafe Book Club: Anti Bullying
PARENT PROGRAM
Take some time for yourself and connect with other caregivers in a welcoming and relaxed book club setting. Each session will feature engaging discussions, opportunities to share perspectives, and meaningful conversations inspired by a selected book or reading. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea while building connections, reflecting on new ideas, and fostering a sense of community with fellow caregivers.
TBA Thursdays 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM JULY 14 - AUGUST 18
In - Person
In Person Resources
Our Family Resource Support Workers can offer supported referrals for you and your family This can include anything from recreation and child care to mental health support services
Our Family Navigator and Family Support Workers can provide individualized support services to help you find your way through the systems and circumstances you are navigating You don’t have to go through it alone.
In today's complex world, you may need a little help in navigating through various systems such as healthcare, education, social services, and more Our Family Navigator, Stefanie, is a registered social worker and can help you access resources, understand processes, and overcome hurdles.
AVE NW
Online Resources
Connecting You to Services
www.kara-frc.com
Whatever challenges you and your family might be facing, KARA Family Resource Centre is here to support you Explore our free resources online designed to help families learn, grow, and thrive. While you’re there, be sure to check out our free programs and services, all created to support you every step of the way
Parenting Tip Sheets
Self-Serve Online
Check out some of our Parenting Tip Sheets designed to support caregivers through every stage of their child’s development. These easyto-read resources cover topics like positive discipline, emotional regulation, healthy routines, and building strong family connections
Sensory Activities
Self-Serve Online
Looking for fun and engaging ways to support your child’s development? KARA’s Kids’ Sensory Activities are designed to spark creativity, enhance learning, and help children explore the world through play
Big Life Journal
Self-Serve Online
Encourage growth, mindfulness, and outdoor adventure with the Big Life Journal and 1000 Hours Outside trackers! These tools help families set meaningful goals, celebrate progress, and spend more time connecting both indoors and out
