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The Nurturing Strong African Nova Scotian Families parenting program contains 14 modules. Each module is dedicated to a specific topic that has been identified as important for Black/African Nova Scotian parents and caregivers in raising their children to be the best they can be.
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Module 1 : Introduction and Overview of the Program
Objective: Providing an introduction and an overview of the Nurturing Strong Nova Scotian Families program.
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Module 2 : Our Families and Roles
Objective: Identifying as African Nova Scotian parents/caregivers, what family means to us and what it currently looks like in our lives; discussing what helpful roles that family could play in raising our children.
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Module 3 : Raising Our Children: Realities of Race and Culture
Objective : Discussing the role that race and culture plays in raising our children, sharing ways of teaching our children about their culture and involving them in activities that promote racial pride and connections.
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Module 4 : Impact of Racism and How to Cope
Objective : Understanding trauma and intergenerational trauma, exploring the impact of racial trauma on African Nova Scotian families and communities and identifying ways that we can care for ourselves and reduce the impact of intergenerational trauma and racism.
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Module 5 : Understanding and Responding to Our Children as They Grow and Develop
Objective : Learning ways to respond to our children that matches their growth, development, culture, level of ability and understanding.
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Module 6 : Guiding Our Children's Behaviour
Objective : Exploring ways to provide guidance to our children and provide discipline that is positive, that honours their self esteem and that provides them with important life learnings.
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Module 7 : Building Positive Relationships With Our Children
Objective : Discussing what a healthy relationship with our child/children looks like and how to achieve it.
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Module 8 : It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
Objective : Exploring how our community/community ties can be a support in raising children to be the best they can be.
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Module 9 : The Rise of Materialism and the Impact on Our Children
Objective: Exploring the roots of materialism in our culture, how it affects our children and our families, and what we can do to respond to it.
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Module 10 : Financial Literacy: Talking to Our Children About Money
Objective: Identifying ways parents can support their child/children’s financial literacy to ensure their financial independence in the future.
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Module 11 : Supporting Our Children's Education
Objective: Discussing how we can support our children to achieve educational success.
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Module 12 : Instilling in Our Children Respect for Themselves and Others
Objective: Exploring the concept of respect within the African Nova Scotian community, including what respect means for children, parents, family and others and identifying ways we can teach our children about it.
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Module 13 : Spirituality
Objective: Exploring the importance of spirituality, what it means and looks like in our lives and and in our communities and discussing the role of spirituality in raising our children.
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Module 14 : Program Wrap-up
Objective: Reflecting on previous sessions and encouraging participants to consider what they will do moving forward.
Strengthening Black Fathers
Strengthening Black Fathers is a community-based program that supports fathers to ensure the safety and well-being of children, partners and other family members. The focus of the program includes:
Providing fathers with the right services and supports at the right time to prevent family violence and repair harm
Understanding and addressing the root causes of family violence
Taking steps to strengthen well-being, prevent family violence and reduce risks
Addressing the use of violence, its impact, and ways to stop abuse and repair harm
Outcomes of Strengthening Black Fathers:
Families are safe and free from abuse and violence
Family members have safe and positive relationships
Responses to family violence reduce and prevent violence
Fathers are actively involved in safe, positive parenting
Families are engaged with their community and have supportive relationships outside the home
Families have access to supports to meet their basic needs and live safely
Available programming varies by location, programming may include:
Outreach/ Drop-in support
Linkages and referrals to community supports and services
Group-based programming taking place around HRM
Clinical counselling (individual)
On occasion, guest speakers and activities in community
Fatherhood Matters
Photo taken at our multi generational conference Roots to Rise, Oct 2025.
Fatherhood Matters is a welcoming and inclusive program delivered by the Preston and Area Family Resource Centre through both our East Preston and Caledonia Road (Dartmouth) locations. The program supports male-identifying caregivers by strengthening parenting skills, building confidence, and fostering healthy, positive family relationships. Participants gain practical tools for parenting and co-parenting, while promoting children's healthy development, well-being, and safety.
Fatherhood Matters goes beyond traditional parenting education by creating meaningful opportunities for fathers and father figures to connect with one another, their children, and their community. Through initiatives such as our Around the Table conversations, community gatherings, family outings, movie nights, and visits to attractions and venues throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality, participants build lasting relationships while creating positive memories with their children.
The program also connects fathers and father figures with resources that support their overall well-being across the social determinants of health, helping them access services, strengthen community ties, and develop supportive social networks. By creating spaces where men feel welcomed, valued, and supported, Fatherhood Matters empowers caregivers to thrive in their parenting journey and strengthens families and communities for generations to come.