Building bright futures: LUSO’s free programs empower children and families

March 28, 2025

LONDON, ONT. – Families in London now have more opportunities to engage in fun and educational activities, thanks to LUSO Community Services expanded free programs for children and their caregivers. The organization is offering three key initiatives—Shared Beginnings, Junk Journalists and Family PRISM Art—designed to support literacy, numeracy and social development in an inclusive environment.

• Junk Journalists is a five-week registered program for children aged 8-12, where participants create personalized journals while learning various journaling techniques, such as collaging, habit tracking, and gratitude journaling, which takes place at Family Centre Argyle.
• Family PRISM Art, aimed at children aged 3-7 and their caregivers, combines storytelling with hands-on art activities to foster a love for reading. Each session features a themed book, followed by a related creative project. The program, also held at Family Centre Argyle, runs for five weeks and currently supports six families.
• Shared Beginnings, a longstanding literacy-based drop-in program for children aged 0-6 and their caregivers, runs twice a week at local public libraries. The program focuses on early literacy and numeracy development through engaging activities such as story time, crafts, and play-based learning. It also provides parents with valuable resources to support their children’s education while fostering social connections within the community.

“These programs provide a welcoming space for children and families to build essential literacy skills while connecting with others in their community. By offering free access to these initiatives, we are reducing financial barriers and ensuring that all families can learn and grow together,” said Jessica McDougall, Literacy Coordinator at LUSO Community Services.

All LUSO’s Children and Youth programs emphasize a strength-based approach to learning, encouraging children to develop social skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Additionally, caregivers can engage with other parents and gain valuable insights into their child’s education.

The Shared Beginnings, Junk Journalists, and Family PRISM Art Programsare now running weekly for five weeks at different locations in northeast London, includingBeacock Public Library (Tuesdays), Stoney Creek Public Library (Thursdays), and Family Centre Argyle (Wednesdays), offering engaging literacy, arts, and social programs for children and families.

LUSO Community Services is dedicated to promoting literacy, inclusivity, and community engagement through free programming for children, youth, and families. For more information, visit www.lusocentre.org.

Contact:
Jessica McDougall
Literacy Coordinator
jessica.mcdougall@lusocentre.org