The mission of Annapolis Valley-Hants Community Action Program for Children (AVH-CAPC) is to develop and deliver services that promote the health and well-being of young children and their families in the Annapolis Valley-Hants area. The population we provide services to are most often impacted by poverty; abuse/neglect; poor health; mental health issues; and social/geographical isolation. We address the Social Determinants of Health by working to; improve health outcomes for families; strengthen supports for families; and strengthen capacity at the community-level.

 AVH-CAPC provides Circle of Security©® parenting as well as other topics identified by participants, Roots of Empathy©, Prenatal education, cooking education, Building Positive Relations, and children’s programming (often in nature). Our programs are attachment focused, strength-based, and focus on needs identified by participants and/or the community. Lawyers, Public Health, Child Welfare contact AVH-CAPC to work with clients and help them navigate systems they are unfamiliar with.

AVH-CAPC works closely with universities, colleges, high schools to provide education regarding poverty. We were involved in a National Film Board documentary that reminded Canada about the promise made on November 24,1989. On that day, Ed Broadbent addressed the Canadian House of Commons on his motion to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000; the resolution passed unanimously. Poverty still exists, and, in many ways, it is deeper than it was 30 years ago. The documentary is called “Four Feet Up” (https://vimeo.com/165571580). We work with local businesses, other non-profits, schools, and foodbanks and are involved in several research projects.