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Who We Are

Through this free program, those that are pregnant, parents, and caregivers with babies can meet with a dietitian and other health care professionals to learn how to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their baby. You can also be referred to the Calgary Food Bank or other support services in Calgary, receive grocery gift cards, and infant essentials, like diapers, wipes, and vitamin D for your baby.

Best Beginnings - ​Best Beginning Program was founded in 1982. We serve pregnant women and their families by providing health and nutrition education, resource connections, social, emotional and addictions support, and help with financial concerns. 

​Best Beginning prenatal books, in simplified language, are also printed for clients and available on line in English as well as a variety of language groups. Please feel free to share specific content pages (recently updated) with your clients!

Our Programs

​For people who are pregnant, classes are available
Date: Mondays
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mosaic Family Resource Centre (Downtown)
Offered in partnership with Best Beginning - Alberta Health Services

For parents and/or caregivers with babies 0–12 months, classes are available
Date: Fridays
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mosaic Family Resource Centre (Downtown)
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To learn more or to register, email Healthy Start Calgary or call 403-265-6093.

​Best Beginnings:  We provide clients enrolled with access to a Registered Social Worker, Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian. We offer one-on-one visits as well as weekly group sessions where clients can meet other pregnant women in their area and gather information about pregnancy. Through our Outreach Workers, we are able to offer first language support and resources in Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Cantonese and Mandarin. ​

Programs:
Gateway
​Immigrant Services Calgary
#1200, 910 - 7 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3N8
​Phone: 403-265-1120
Email: [email protected]

​Healthy Start Calgary
Immigrant Services Calgary
#1200, 910 - 7 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3N8
Phone: 403-265-1120
Email: [email protected]

Best Beginnings Program 
Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone
East Calgary Health Centre
4715 – 8 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB, T2A 3N4
Phone: 403-228-8221
​Email: [email protected]

Contacts:
Wissam Shalaby, Manager - Gateway Services 
Email: [email protected]

Mercedes Iparraguirre, Gateway Planner
Email: [email protected]

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Contacts:
Wissam Shalaby, Manager - Gateway Services
Email: [email protected]

Maria Eljiak, Community Access Worker 
[email protected]

Contacts:
​Carolyn Campbell, Care Manager
Email: [email protected]

Deb Grasza BSc (Hons), Health Promotion and Education Consultant
Email: [email protected]