“I am so happy to rise today to pay tribute to Acorn Family Place. Acorn Family Place began almost 26 years ago and was known as Wolseley Family Place for many years. In 2022, after completing a process of community reconciliation education, Acorn Family Place was chosen as the new name that best represents everything they do.

Acorn Family Place is an essential part of the West Broadway neighbourhood in the Wolseley constituency, in providing a drop-in, food connections, wellness programs, parenting support, counselling and workshops such as Caring Dads and Healthy Baby, serving over 2,000 people through 20,000 client contacts annually. There is a beautiful playroom for children whose parents are attending a program or for families to play together to foster supportive community connections. 

An acorn is small yet strong and has great potential. An acorn is whole and complete on its own, and with the right nutrients, conditions and support, it can grow into a mighty oak, resilient and sheltering. Similarly, Acorn Family Place knows that families are whole and complete on their own, and with the right nutrients, conditions and support they will become stronger and more resilient. Acorn Family Place walks with families of young children on their journeys, supporting them to thrive and thereby strengthening our province. 

Today I want to say a belated happy 25th anniversary to the staff and board members at Acorn Family Place, some of whom we are honoured to have in the gallery today. I especially want to recognize Sharon Taylor, who had the vision and built this program, serving as the executive director for 20 years. I also want to recognize current executive director, Wolseley resident Emma Fineblit, who has skilfully led the program for almost six years. Thank you to you both and to your team, for your passion, dedication and persistent efforts to support families and make our community a more inclusive and nurturing place to live. 

And Honourable Speaker, I’d like to include the names of my guests in Hansard.  Acorn Family Place board members: Emma Fineblit, Executive Director; Bhavesh Mistry, Chair; Sharon Taylor, former Executive Director. Staff: Asaria Crouch, Lindiwe Lord, Nadine Mackenzie, Mélissa Perron, Darla Smith”