Pathways | Child, Youth, and Family Programs

Child, Youth, and Family Programs

Child Services, Family / Parenting, Indigenous Services, and Pregnancy Care

Provided by Port Alberni Friendship Centre

Offers a variety of support programs for children, youth and families.

The following programs are offered:

Early Childhood Development: Outreach Liaison Workers provide support to families and caregivers from pregnancy through the early years. The ECD program was developed to meet the needs for culturally relevant programming specific to Indigenous families and children. The Outreach Workers provide support and information to families in their homes, in the community or at the Friendship Center building upon existing parenting skills, reducing isolation and encouraging & assisting families to build a community to support them. Nutritional food coupons and vitamins are available for expectant mothers until her infant reaches 6 months of age.
Early Years Program: The Early Years Program supports families and caregivers with children ages 0-6 years old through a variety of drop-in groups throughout the week which focus on friendship, nutrition, child development, parenting information, language and cultural teachings. The Early Years program works closely with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to blend culture with parenting strategies and to connect children and their caregivers to culture, tradition and community.
Youth Drop-in Program: The Youth program is open to youth ages 10—29. The purpose of this program is to offer a variety of events and activities in a safe, drug and alcohol free environment. At the center, teens can socialize, talk to a facilitator or an Elder about what is happening in their lives, and take part in recreational/educational activities.
Brighter Futures Parenting Program: Brighter Futures is a weekly peer facilitated program for parents, extended families and caregivers that encourages parenting growth by sharing and learning from each other. Brighter Futures was designed for use by our community with input from Elders and parents. Join us for every Tuesday from 10am to 2pm for conversation, information, lunch and laughter! Childminding is provided onsite.
Family Support Program: Family Support Workers assist families who are in need of more intensive support in maintaining a healthy and positive environment for their children. Family Support Workers are connected to families either through referrals by the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Usma or by self-referrals. Workers provide support, parenting strategies and information to families and individuals in-office, in the community and within the family’s home.
The Healthy Care Pregnancy Program Pilot Project: The Pregnancy In-reach Worker is here to walk along side you on your journey if you use or have used substances and feel you could use extra support.