Smart and Caring Community Grant Funds Melvin’s Brain Builders Project to Support Child Development

In 2020, we were pleased to provide $90,000 in funding through our Smart and Caring Community Grants program to 13 charities that support local families in need. One of these projects included Melvin’s Brain Builders by the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre (FVCDC). The mission of FVCDC is to strengthen the well-being, growth and participation of children, youth and their families through innovative evidence-informed child development services. Nicole Misura, the FVCDC’s Program Manager of Early Care and Learning, shared an update with us on the purpose of the project and how it will positively impact kids in our community:
“Melvin’s Brain Builders were developed in response to parent/caregiver and professional community demand for transferrable knowledge, using positive, strength-based, and “in the moment” intentional tips. Research shows that when children and caregivers understand how the brain develops, learns, remembers, and responds to different experiences, we can understand how to best support our younger children during times of high stress and emotional dysregulation.

The world as we know it has completely shifted, and now there is an even greater need to support children’s social and emotional development. Research continues to provide us hope that the brain can be resilient when nurtured through safe, calm and kind environments. The CALM Early Care and Learning Framework gifts our children, parents/caregivers, and professionals with the capacity to cope with their stresses, self-regulation and social-emotional well-being. This, in turn, fosters a healthier world in which communities can thrive.

Melvin’s Brain Builder Tip Sheets give partnership agencies such as Abbotsford School District, StrongStart, Archway Community Services and Abbotsford Child Care Resource Referral with crucial materials to share with parents and caregivers served by their programs. The sheets promote children’s optimal and healthy development in their early years, emphasizing self-compassion, coping with stress, understanding behaviours, and teaching emotional literacy.” 

We’re so happy to see that funds from our Smart and Caring Community Grants program are being put to work in our community to prioritize healthy child development. We truly give where we live! 
To learn more about Melvin’s Brain Builders and the CALM Early Care and Learning Framework, click here.
To learn more about the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, click here. 
To learn more about our Smart and Caring Community Grants program, click here.