The Yellowknife WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Society is passing the torch to YWCA NWT to run its Family Connections Program.

Family Connections is a federally-funded program that offers support services to parents starting a family, from conception to a child's first six years.

"Families currently accessing the Family Connections Program will continue to receive services without interruption," reads a press release from the women's society. "Staff members currently employed with the Family Connections Program will be supported throughout this process, with opportunities to transition to YWCA NWT."

The reason for the change, which took effect on April 1, is that the women's society wants to focus more on housing and homelessness, it stated.

"We have decided to shift away from direct child and family programming to prioritize housing, advocacy, and direct support for women, men, and gender-diverse individuals facing homelessness."

The women's society also reiterated the value of the Family Connections Program for expectant and new parents. It noted that the YWCA NWT already operates a similar program, the Family Centre drop-in program.

"This transition will allow the YWCA NWT to combine both programs into a single, comprehensive service," the society explained.

YWCA NWT will start operating the program from the society's new building on 54 Street. In the meantime, the women's society said it will acquire a larger space to house both the Family Centre and Family Connections Program under one roof.

"This combined space will enhance service delivery and provide a welcoming, supportive environment for all families," the society stated.