Tara Jeffrey Javi Aviles-Saez can’t wait to see a diverse range of families come through the doors at 179 Christina St. N.
Tara Jeffrey
Javi Aviles-Saez can’t wait to see a diverse range of families come through the doors at 179 Christina St. N.
“This will be Sarnia’s first doula-run community centre,” Javi said of the new Radiant Community Centre, set to open its doors next month.
“We envision this to be a space, by the community, for the community.”
The centre will offer a wide range of family-based services from prenatal, postnatal, lactation and sleep support, to LGBTQ+ services, reproductive health education and more, said Javi, who works locally as a full spectrum intersectional doula and childbirth educator.
They have been working alongside fellow Sarnia doula Aidan Black-Allen, preparing the space for the past few months.
“We wanted to collaborate because, as parents and professionals, we have seen the gaps that exist in this community regarding parenting supports and education,” Javi. “We want to serve what the community needs…we will listen to the community and adjust accordingly.”
It’s been a dream of Javi’s to open such a space for some time — providing family drop-ins and intergenerational gatherings with “purposeful activities” from meetings, to knitting, snacks and children’s art classes.
Memberships will be offered but no one will be turned away, they added.
Javi has also been working with Emily Edwards, creator of the Dementia Doula School, with a vision to provide an intergenerational space for families that is inclusive of older adults with dementia and other cognitive differences.
They’re also seeking community partnerships to help fund the centre.
“We’re reaching out to businesses, organizations, individuals, and families who are aligned with our vision,” said Javi, who is also accepting donations like toys, kids and parenting books and snacks.
A grand opening is set for First Friday in November, with soft programming beginning Oct. 11.
Anyone interested in supporting the centre can email [email protected].
