Fort Simpson (Feb 17/06) - After 21 years of combined service, two family-oriented programs in Fort Simpson are still going strong.

Val Gendron serves cake to Sherissa Grossetete, who was in the first busy bee group, at the celebration for the anniversaries of the Open Door Society and the Sa Naeah Pre-natal Nutrition Program. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

More than 65 people, both adults and children, came out on Feb. 8 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Sa Naeah Pre-natal Nutrition Program and the 11th year of the Open Doors Society, a family resource centre.

People of all ages watched a slide show of pictures from the early years of the programs, remarking how much the children have grown and changed.

After eating a slice of cake, youth spread out on the floor of the cultural centre to decorate T-shirts emblazoned with the logos of the two programs.

The Open Doors Society, which turned 11 in November, has come a long way from its beginning as an outreach program for at-risk children and their families, said Stephanie de Pelham.

"I thought it was a program that may not last," said de Pelham, a member of the original organizing committee.

The appeal of the Open Doors Society lasted because the program changed to meet the needs of the community, de Pelham said.

Starting with a toy lending library, a preschool program was added in May 1997 and a busy bee program in January 2000. The society also runs a playgroup for children under age five, and CIA, Children in Action, at the rec centre on Friday mornings. They also plan and run many special events ranging from the Easter egg hunt to the community Halloween party.

By the time the first group of preschoolers, who are currently in Grade 8, reach Grade 12, the society will be able to say they've touched every family in Fort Simpson, said Val Gendron, the society's co-ordinator.

More than 200 children have used the preschool program alone, said Gendron.

Besides providing activities for the youth of the community, the society is also a place for parents to meet.

"It was my saving grace," said Helena Lirette.

When she moved to Fort Simpson, Lirette said Open Doors allowed both herself and her children to make connections.

Before they reach the Open Doors Society, many families and children are first assisted by the Sa Naeah Pre-natal Nutrition Program.

Participants learn about pregnancy and proper nutrition, said Lynn Wharton, who was the program's co-ordinator between 1999 and 2005.

At any given time, between 20 and 25 families use the program that is currently run by Sharon Farcy.

On Mondays, women join the cooking circle, where they learn how to prepare a meal and can take some of the food home to their families. Wednesday evenings are devoted to sewing, where you can make anything from a baby blanket to bonnets. On Thursdays, a meal bag is delivered to women in the community who are expecting or have a child under 18 months.

Carol Hardisty, who's participated in the program since it started, said it has helped her through six pregnancies.

She's shared the cooking and sewing skills she's learned with her children. The program is also a good way to meet other women in the community, she said.

"I really enjoyed it right to this day," said Hardisty.