Parenting Supports
Parenting is one of the most important and challenging roles there is. Desert Sun offers free, evidence-based programs to strengthen families and support parents and caregivers at every stage.
Our parenting programs welcome all caregivers; biological parents, foster parents, grandparents, and anyone raising a child. You do not need to be in crisis to access support.
Every parenting program at Desert Sun is provided free of charge. No referral is required. Simply call or email us and we will help you find the right program for your family.
Nobody’s Perfect
Nobody’s Perfect is a nationally recognized parenting program for parents and caregivers of children from birth to age 5. The program takes place in small group settings where parents can learn, share experiences, and build confidence alongside others in similar situations.
Facilitated by a trained Desert Sun staff member, Nobody’s Perfect covers topics like child development, safety, behaviour, nutrition, and the day-to-day realities of early parenting. The program is designed to be practical, welcoming, and judgment-free.
DS Cooks
DS Cooks is a welcoming place for parents and caregivers to meet, share their parenting concerns, and build community. Our Parent Connection is an interactive, participant-focused program that offers a variety of supports to families including Mother Goose, Nobody’s Perfect, tips on parenting, nutrition, budgeting, and car seats.
At the heart of the program is our Community Kitchen; a teaching kitchen where participants cook together, enjoy a hot lunch, and prepare nutritious meals to take home for a nominal fee. Participants also receive free prenatal vitamins.
Mother Goose
Mother Goose is a warm, welcoming group experience for parents and children ages 18 months to 3 years. Together, we explore the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories to create positive family connections and give children healthy early experiences with language and communication.
The program strengthens the bond between parent and child, builds confidence in caregivers, and gives little ones a joyful introduction to language, rhythm, and connection, all at no cost.
Circle of Security
Circle of Security is an internationally recognized parenting workshop that helps parents and caregivers learn to read their children’s cues and respond in ways that build secure, trusting relationships.
By learning the patterns of connection that children naturally seek, parents learn to enhance their parenting style, strengthen attachment, and help their children grow up feeling safe, understood, and confident.
Roots of Empathy
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program delivered all over the world and developed in Ontario. This program helps children develop empathy and emotional literacy. As a leader in the empathy movement, it is backed by research demonstrating lasting, positive impact on children and classrooms.
At the heart of every program is a baby; a tiny teacher who helps children learn about their own feelings and emotions by observing the growing relationship between baby and parent throughout the school year. Research shows Roots of Empathy children demonstrate increased prosocial behaviour, more caring classrooms, a greater understanding of parenting and infants, and reduced aggression.
Supervised Visitation & Exchange
Desert Sun provides a safe, neutral location for court-ordered parent-child visits and custody exchanges. Our trained staff are on-site to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and all parties involved.
This service is for families where a judge or court has ordered that visits or custody exchanges must be supervised or take place in a neutral setting. All scheduling is arranged through our office.
Osoyoos Community Garden
The Osoyoos Community Garden is a shared, outdoor gathering place where neighbours come together to grow fresh food, learn new skills, and connect across generations. Raised beds make the garden accessible to families, seniors, and volunteers of all ages and abilities.
Produce from the garden helps support our DS Cooks community kitchen and other Desert Sun programs that nourish families across the South Okanagan, while the garden itself remains a welcoming community space for everyone to enjoy.
Other Programs We Offer
Explore our full range of free programs including crisis services, counselling, seniors programs, and community supports.
View All ProgramsEvery family deserves support
Whether you need practical help, a group to connect with, or specialized support, Desert Sun is here for your family. All programs are free and confidential.