Community-led childcare rooted in nature, belonging, and early learning.
Cedar & Stars is a new licensed childcare centre coming to Balfour, BC. Led by West Kootenay Family Wellness Society, this project is being developed to support children, families, and community wellbeing across the West Kootenays.
About WKFWS
A local nonprofit building long-term childcare solutions
West Kootenay Family Wellness Society (WKFWS) is a grassroots nonprofit founded by local parents who recognized the urgent need for accessible childcare and family wellness services in Balfour and surrounding communities.
WKFWS works with community partners to develop programs and services that support families, strengthen community wellbeing, and help children thrive.
Mission
To strengthen families and communities by developing accessible childcare, wellness programs, and supportive services that help children thrive.
Vision
Thriving children, supported families, and stronger rural communities across the West Kootenay region.
Cedar & Stars project
Cedar & Stars Early Learning Centre
A licensed childcare facility currently being developed in Balfour, British Columbia at John Roos Community Spirit Park.
Location
7604 Upper Balfour Road
John Roos Community Spirit Park
Balfour, BC
What it will provide
High-quality, community-based childcare in a warm, nature-connected setting for children and families in the West Kootenay region.
Why it matters
The regional childcare shortage affects families, workforce participation, and community resilience. Cedar & Stars is designed to help address that gap.
Programs
Licensed childcare spaces designed for early learning
Infant & Toddler
12 licensed spaces
For children under 36 months in a safe, nurturing, developmentally supportive setting.
Early Learning
16 spaces
For children 30 months to school age, blending care, play, and learning in a nature-connected environment.
Hours of care
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Designed to support working families with consistent, accessible weekday childcare.
Childcare philosophy
Our approach to early learning
Cedar & Stars is envisioned as a warm, child-centered early learning environment grounded in nature, play, and strong community relationships.
Nature-based learning
Children develop curiosity, confidence, and resilience through regular connection to the natural environment.
Play-based education
Play supports creativity, problem solving, language development, and social-emotional growth.
Community connection
Children thrive when families, educators, and community members work together in supportive relationship.
Child-centered care
Each child is unique, and care should respond to individual needs, strengths, and developmental pace.
Board governance
Leadership, governance, and accountability
WKFWS operates as a nonprofit society governed by a volunteer board of directors committed to supporting families and strengthening communities in British Columbia.
Jakua Jordan
Founder, President, Director of Operations
Melissa Gerow
Co-Founder, Vice President, Director of Childcare Operations
Kyley Gagnon
Chair
Hannah Everitt
Treasurer
Steph Nikas
Secretary
Noelle Taylor
Board Member & Childcare Project Team
Partners & supporters
Project partners, funders, and supporters
West Kootenay Family Wellness Society
Childcare Operator
Balfour Recreation Commission
Land Partner
M’akola Development Services
Development Consultant
Ministry of Education and Child Care
Funding support
ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund
Funding support
Columbia Basin Trust
Funding support
Partner and funder sections are included and ready for official logos to be swapped in when you have the final approved files.
Project updates
Keep families and supporters informed
2024
Funding application submitted and project planning advanced for a new childcare centre in Balfour.
Spring 2025
Funding confirmed and work continued on planning, partnerships, and implementation.
2025–2026
Design, development coordination, and construction planning continue toward the target opening.
Parent waitlist registration
Join the Cedar & Stars waitlist
Families interested in enrolling their children can join the waitlist to receive updates on opening dates, registration, and program availability.
Fundraising / donor page
Support Cedar & Stars
Community support helps make childcare possible for families across the West Kootenay region. This section is designed to feel credible, donor-friendly, and easy to update.
Recognition options
- Donor wall recognition
- Sponsor plaques
- Website recognition
- Community impact acknowledgements
Community Donor
$50–$250
Program Supporter
$250–$1,000
Community Builder
$1,000+
Volunteer signup
Volunteer with us
Community volunteers help support events, outreach, fundraising, and project development for Cedar & Stars and WKFWS.
Volunteer opportunities
- Event support
- Community outreach
- Fundraising support
- Administrative support
Contact
Contact West Kootenay Family Wellness Society
This downloadable website is structured as a foundation-style nonprofit website and can be uploaded to a website host right away.
general@familywellnesssociety.net
(250) 551-0198
PO Box 159
Balfour BC V0G 1C0
West Kootenay Family Wellness Society
familywellnesssociety.net