Pathways | Child, Youth, and Family Programs

Child, Youth, and Family Programs

Caregiver Support, Family / Parenting, Indigenous Services, Legal, Pregnancy Care, Services for Children, Services for Youth, and Social / Recreational

Provided by Port Alberni Friendship Centre

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

The following programs are offered:

Brighter Futures Parenting Program: Provides a weekly, peer-facilitated program for parents, extended families, and caregivers that supports parenting growth through shared learning and discussion. The Brighter Futures program was developed with input from Elders and parents. Sessions are held on Tuesdays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM and include conversation, information sharing, and refreshments. Childminding is available on-site.

Program topics may include the big picture of parenting; pre- and post-natal care; supporting children in care and their families; living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD); daily living skills such as food, fitness, and recreation; abuse awareness and prevention; child safety and first aid; communication and relationships; anger and conflict; stress prevention; goal setting and problem solving; discipline and responsibility; understanding challenging behaviours; and accessing community resources and peer support.

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. For more information or referrals, please contact the Family and Health Services Team Leader see below.

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.

uu-uu-a’thluk (Monday’s 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): A weekly group where, in a relaxed family atmosphere, the Coordinator, Elders and a Knowledge Keeper provide contemporary and traditional parenting information and enjoy a healthy meal together.
Eating in Balance (Wednesdays 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM): A weekly group where families come together to prepare and share a meal while increasing their knowledge of the Canadian Food Guide, healthy eating, eating on a budget and food security. Participate for the entire group and receive a $10 nutrition (grocery store) coupon. Childminding available onsite.
Prenatal Drop-in: The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Community Health Nurses join the Eating in Balance Group and afterwards offer prenatal, postnatal information & support and immunizations.
nayiʔii (Thursday’s 11:00 – 1:00 PM): A weekly gathering which, through the teachings of Elders, art, stories and songs, families have the opportunity to experience and celebrate language, culture and oral traditions together. Light lunch provided.
Enhanced Eating in Balance (Fridays 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM): A bi-weekly group which focuses on bringing the health value of a traditional diet to the modern family while preparing and sharing a meal together. Participate for the entire group and receive a $10 nutrition (grocery store) coupon. Childminding is provided onsite.

Family Advcacy Law Program: Provides information, referrals, and support to individuals in Port Alberni and surrounding areas who are navigating family law matters. The service is free of charge and open to all.
Support is available for a range of family law topics, including guardianship and parenting time, parental responsibilities, relocation with or of children, child and spousal support, and divorce. Assistance may also be provided with drafting separation agreements and consent orders, applying for protection orders, filing with the Family Maintenance Enforcement Agency (FMEA), and addressing property and debt matters (up to $20,000), as well as child protection concerns. For more information on how this program may be able to assist, please call and ask to schedule an appointment with the Family Law Advocate.

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. For more information or referrals, please contact the Family and Health Services Team Leader, see below.

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.
The program offers a variety of youth-focused activities and supports, including employment support, arts and crafts, educational and cultural workshops, and cultural camps. Programs may also include the Aboriginal Youth Employment and Training Program.

Youth Nights are held on Fridays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and provide opportunities for social and recreational activities. Activities may include volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, arts and crafts, beading, knitting or crocheting, and themed events such as pizza or burger nights.

250-723-8281

Toll Free: 1-888-723-7232

Website: https://www.pafriendshipcenter.com/

Port Alberni Friendship Center - #Unit A, 3555 4th Avenue, Port Alberni, British Columbia

250-723-8281 (Family and Health Services Team Leader) ext. 277

Public email: cmilligan@pafriendshipcenter.com

Website: https://www.pafriendshipcenter.com...

Cost: No cost

Referral options: