Kristi Francis is a member of the Neighbourhood Champions Parenting Committee. Born and raised in Prince George, she returned to the city 10 years ago. Kristi and her husband Parker have a three year old daughter Ella and a dog, Maddie. Neighbourhood Champions is an initiative that originated in Kamloops several years ago that Kristi became interested in after reading an article about the program.
Kristi’s favourite aspect of the program is its grassroots orientation - it’s driven by a neighbourhood and meets the needs of that neighbourhood. She is passionate about the needs of children and moving communities to assist in meeting those important needs. As somebody who has worked in mental health with children and families for 10 years, she finds this very refreshing.
The goal of the Neighbourhood Champions initiative is to bring together parents and caregivers of children up to six years old. Projects are developed in neighbourhoods with a specific focus on early childhood development. The program is run locally to meet the needs of the neighbourhood. Neighbourhood Champions works to build healthy, connected and informed neighbourhoods so all children have the opportunity for a great future.
Nine months ago six energetic women were recruited to be champions in their neighbourhoods. They were assisted by members of the Parenting Committee to develop early childhood projects. The first four projects were started with the invaluable assistance of recruited champions: Emily Yao, Fabiola Toyata, Colleen Knudsgaard, Tanis Forgues, Louisa Forsberg and Frances Anderson. The champions assessed the needs of their own neighbourhoods using a survey and then developed related projects.
Of the four projects that were started, three are continuing. The Pilot Mountain project continues to run an ongoing Parent/Tot drop-in program from 9:30-11:15 a.m. at the Pilot Mountain Fire hall. Colleen and Tanis have created a successful seamless program of story time, play and crafts. In November, they also hosted a toddler health fair with several professionals volunteering their time.
At Edgewood Elementary, Frances developed the Nechako Tots program which will start again after Christmas. This program includes stories, songs and games for parents and children. In the VLA neighbourhood, Louisa is currently looking into emergency childcare.
Kristi is currently looking to find further funding from corporate and local business sources to support at least two more Neighbourhood Champions in the community. If anyone is interested in supporting the work of a champion, Kristi can be reached at (250) 962-7215. She would also like to express her gratitude to all of the champions for building something very special in their neighbourhoods.
