2024 Graduates of Archway’s New Beginnings Young Parent Program
On Friday, May 24th, the New Beginnings Young Parent Program participants gathered to thank the community partners who helped them graduate at the annual Thank You Tea.
Since the program began in 1990, more than 1000 parents have graduated high school. There were seven graduates in this year’s class.
New Beginnings is a partnership between the Abbotsford School District, Ministry of Children and Family Development, and Archway Community Services.
“Young parents can face multiple challenges in completing their education, while raising small children. The parents at New Beginnings continue to amaze me with their dedication and perseverance to complete their education and provide a better future for their children,” said Maria Cargnelli, the Associate Director of Early Years and Counselling programs at Archway.
“We’re so proud of them and are cheering them on as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”
A highlight of the event is the presentation of quilts for the graduates’ children donated by the Abbotsford Quilters Guild.
“The quilts are an amazing way to commemorate the students’ time here at New Beginnings. The amount of work that has gone into each quilt does not go unnoticed and truly we are so grateful to be connected to the Abbotsford Quilters Guild,” says Bailey Rowan, Parent Support Worker at New Beginnings. “Thank you to each person who helps create these works of art.”
From L-R: Bailey Rowan, New Beginnings Parent Support Worker, Azdo Doe, graduate, and Dale, Abbotsford Quilters Group
“We’d also like to thank the Abbotsford Quilters Guild who provided one of the graduates with a $500 scholarship at the event to attend the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s (BCIT) cabinetry program.”
The event was attended by officials from the Abbotsford School District, including School Board Trustees Korky Neufeld, Stan Petersen, Jared White, and Rupi Kanda-Rajwan, as well as the Vice Principal of Bakerview Centre for Learning, Dan Village. Representatives from the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Fraser Health, the Abbotsford Quilters Guild and Archway Community Services were also in attendance.
New Beginnings provides flexible part-time and full-time programs for parents to complete or upgrade their high school education. Students have access to high-quality on-site childcare, parenting courses, an on-site satellite Archway Food Bank and individual supports.
“Young parents can face multiple challenges in completing their education, while raising small children. The parents at New Beginnings continue to amaze me with their dedication and perseverance to complete their education and provide a better future for their children.”