Frequently Asked Questions

Family Programs

What is the cost of the programs?

All family programs are free to participants. There maybe a small charge for some special events.

What happens in Family Programs?

In the drop-in and early childhood programs, children and their caregivers meet and talk to other families, enjoy playtime, explore arts and crafts, hear story time and share a healthy lunch or snack. Activities are designed to promote early literacy and preschool readiness. Parents and caregivers can also register to take a variety of classes in parenting, financial literacy, job preparation and other topics. Staff can answer questions about parenting and child development as well as offer information about community resources and services.

Do I have to stay with my child?

Yes, caregivers need to stay with their children. For some parenting classes and workshops, there is on site childminding but the caregivers must remain in the building.

Can you tell me more about your programs?

We would love to. Please refer to Family Programs here.

How can I volunteer for Family Programs?

Please visit our volunteer page. To ensure the safety of our community we require all volunteers to complete a criminal records check.

What languages are spoken here?

There are programs for English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese and Vietnamese speaking families. Staff can speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, English as well as volunteers that aid in Japanese and Vietnamese.

Can we rent Frog Hollow for private functions?

Please call Gladys Rivera at

Can my nanny, babysitter, grandmother, bring my child to the programs?

Yes. Caregivers can bring up to 4 children to the family programs.

Computers

Does Frog Hollow offer computer access?

Yes, we have 3 CAP (Community Access Program) computers in our main floor Drop-In Room. They are available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except when the room is needed for meeting space.

How do I access CAP computers?

Speak to our receptionist who will sign you up to use a computer.

How long can I use the computer for?

We hope everyone has equal opportunity to benefit from our service. Computer time is not limited unless there is a reservation. When someone is waiting to use the computer you are on, there is a 20 minute time limit.

Is there printing available?

There is a laser printer on site for public use. You can print up to 5 pages for free each day. If you need more copies, please ask the receptionist for help.

BASE – Building A Safer Environment

I’m in Grade 9, can I still join?

Unfortunately, the BASE Program hopes to build relationships between Grade 8 students and BASE Leaders. However, if you complete the Youth Skills Program in Grade 9, you can apply to join the BASE Program in Grade 10 as a BASE Leader.

I’m in Grade 8. What can I do in the BASE program?

If you’re in Grade 8, you’re in luck! The BASE Program starts off your high school experience with the BASE KickOff on the first day of school. All Grade 8’s report to the gym to get to know other students in their homeroom class. Each homeroom will also have a pair of BASE Leaders who will guide them through the day. These BASE Leaders will be present at BASE Lunches where you get a chance to talk to them and ask questions about high school life.

Throughout the school year, the BASE Space (in the cafeteria) is open to you every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The BASE Space is a safe place where you can eat your lunch, meet BASE Leaders, play board games, pool or foosball, or just hang out with your friends. Throughout the school year, BASE Leaders create a series of competitions and activities during BASE Lunches where you can participate and even win prizes.

I’m in Grade 10/11/12. How can I become a BASE Leader?

In order to become a BASE Leader, you need to complete the Youth Skills Program. You must also complete BASE training during the summer before the year you hope to become a BASE Leader. It is possible to complete the Youth Skills Program and BASE training in the same summer before becoming a BASE Leader. To register for the Youth Skills Program, please pick up a registration form from the BASE Space or from Frog Hollow.

What kind of training do BASE Leaders go through?

The mandatory 10-week (5 weeks in the summer) Youth Skills Program will help you develop and strengthen foundational skills such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership. The program will also help you interact with younger children more effectively. You will be able to put all these skills to work through hands-on volunteering experience.

During the summer and throughout the school year, specific workshops are designed for BASE Leaders which cover topics such as bullying, discrimination, assertiveness, and advanced leadership.

Pre-Teen Programs

How much does the program cost?

Only $2 for a Frog Hollow Membership.

What time does it start?

Usually after school until 6pm.

Scholarship & Bursary

Do I have to attend every workshop?

This program runs on a drop-in basis. Students may attend as many or as few workshops as they like, and can obtain as much or as little one-on-one support as they need. Generally, students who have participated most actively have been more successful in obtaining scholarships and bursaries. At the beginning of the program, participants will receive a schedule of upcoming workshops and they can choose which workshops/topics they want to attend.

What kind of help will I receive regarding my scholarship application?

At every workshop, details of several new scholarships and bursaries will given, including requirements and deadlines. You will get a chance to ask questions and clarify what you need for each scholarship. As you are completing your scholarship and/or bursary application, and you have further questions, you can contact the coordinator through workshop times, email, or set up an appointment at a specific time. In addition to answering questions about the scholarship/bursary, the coordinator can also help you review and go over your application once it is finish to ensure that you did not miss any sections and to help you edit any writing passages.

What kind of topics do the workshops cover?

The Scholarship and Bursary’s informational workshops cover a range of topics. Besides giving out information and tips about applying for scholarships and bursaries, the program offers workshops on writing personal statements, time and stress management, financial management/planning, first year programs, and what to expect in your first year.

Youth Skills

I don’t know if I can make it to all of the workshops. Can I still apply?

You are welcome to apply; however, you need to make a firm commitment to the program. If there are specific dates you have prior commitments on, we can likely work out an arrangement, but you should treat this program as you would a job. Missing too many workshops may result in you not being able to graduate from the program.

How will this program help me find a job?

The topics and skills that we cover in our workshops are applicable to any work or volunteer environment. The volunteer experience you receive through this program will look great on your resume. One of our workshops is a visit to the Youth Spot Employment Centre where you will work on creating a resume and cover letter. There is also another workshop on interviews and professionalism. If you are applying for a job, the facilitators will be happy to be references as well as set up a mock interview to strengthen your interview skills.

Does this program count for service hours or my portfolio?

Yes! If you attend all of the workshops, complete your volunteering hours, and mentor the next intake, you will exceed your service hours or portfolio requirements for graduation.

How do I apply?

Pick up an application form at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House or from Tanya at the BASE Space at Vancouver Technical. Please hand in completed application forms to Frog Hollow or to Tanya.

Youth Employment Services

Can I drop in or should I make an appointment?

Dropping in works well when you feel you can conduct your job search independently or use the internet, telephone and fax machine for your job search.

Booking an appointment ensures that there will be one-on-one time set aside for you to meet up with your Case Manager. It is best to make an appointment when you come to the centre for the first time. After your first visit, booking an appointment is important when you would like to meet one-on-one with a Case Manager.

During your appointment, your Case Manager is available to make referrals for employment programs and community resources, work on applications for funding, provide resume, interview and cover letter support and more.

When is the resource room available?

The resource room is available to our members Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 5:00 (excluding holidays or special events).

Will you give me a job?

Youth Spot offers support for your job search. We work with youth to help them build their job search skills and connect with resource in the community that will improve their ability to find and keep employment. We are not a temporary agency and are unable to give people work.

What is a Case Manager?

A Case Manager works with you to create a plan to achieve your employment goals and provide support as you work on the plan.

How can a Case Manager help?

Case Managers can assist with applications for Skills Development funding, employment program referrals and work with you on building your job search skills. As part of your plan, a Case Manager can connect you to a variety of resources including a voice mailbox, free or low cost interview clothes, food bank locations, housing applications and other personal support services. In short, a Case Manager can be a great resource for your job search and a source of emotional support and encouragement during the process of finding an employment situation that fits.

How do I get to Youth Spot? What buses do I take to get to youth spot?

Youth Spot is located on the North side of East Vancouver. You can find us at the corner of Powel Street and Victoria Drive.

If you are taking the bus from Downtown (or west of Youth Spot), take the “4 Powell Street” or the “7 Nanaimo Station” bus to the “Victoria Drive” stop across the street from Youth Spot. From east of Youth Spot, take the “4 UBC” and “7 Dunbar” to the “Victoria Drive” stop. For more options please call the staff at Youth Spot or visit www.translink.ca