The Ministère de la Famille has awarded a $40,060 grant to the Centre prénatal et jeunes familles (CPJF). The funds will allow the organization to improve the availability of its Halte-Répit and reduce its costs.

In place for several years now, the CPJF's Halte-Répit offers a place for parents of children aged 0-18 months to look after their babies for short periods. 

"The grant will allow us to double or even triple our service. Before, depending on the week, we could offer one or two respite periods. Now, we'll be able to offer four. It will also enable us to reduce costs from $15 for three hours to $6.50 for a block of three hours," points out the organization's Executive Director, Nancy Pelletier.

The CPJF is the only organization in the region to offer this type of service for children aged 0-18 months. The vast majority of drop-in centers are for children aged 18 months and over. The ratio is one caregiver for two to three toddlers.

"The Halte-Répit is really there to break the isolation of families and enable children to socialize. While the babies are here having fun, the parents can go to their appointments and, above all, take time to socialize," continues the General Manager.

To take advantage of the CPJF's Halte-Répit, you can reserve a block of hours directly on the organization's website at: centrepjf.org.