Family Centre Newsletter - Fall 2020

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE LAND

We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the treaty and traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnawbe and Haudenosaunee peoples. We offer our gratitude to the First Peoples for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations.  May we honour those teachings.

“CONNECTION NEWSLETTER”


OUR VISION: 
A caring community where children and their families thrive.

OUR MISSION:
Building relationships with families and communities for the well-being and safety of children and youth.
Be involved...Be inspired...Be connected

MANAGER'S REFLECTIONS

As we build our creative digital space through this Newsletter, I would like to recollect two important elements from my previous reflections. I continue to admire the spirit demonstrated by all of you amid the pandemic and have come to deeply value my connections with all of you.  In addition, I have come to appreciate The Family Centre as a space for growth, which not only contains a physical dimension but also psychological, social and spiritual dimensions for our collective efforts.  Click here for entire message...

PREPARING FOR A NEW WAY OF WORK


We have developed a new protocol for the Phase 3 Re-opening of the Family Centre based on feedback from our In-house partners.  This protocol involves involves signing a document titled "Commitment of Understanding" outlining mutual responsibilities between the In-house partner organizations and The Family Centre.
In addition, this new protocol will involve signing a separate "Commitment of Understanding" among the Family and Children's Services of Waterloo employees and The Family Centre.
While this new protocol becomes established, we continue with the same practices of screening at the reception, wearing masks in common areas, keeping a physical distance of 2 meters/6 feet, washing hands frequently, limiting movement through the building and not moving furniture in shared areas including Morning Glory Café and rooms. We encourage you to bring your own masks, your own coffee mugs, and meals in small container while limiting sharing of food.
We are doing the best we can to deliver safe and enjoyable programming. Things will continue to be different, so let’s embrace it together!
 

Screening
All staff, in house partners, and their visitors who enter The Family Centre will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms upon entry at Reception.
Face mask
When in the premises, you must wear a mask. If aren’t wearing one, a mask will be provided upon arrival.
Social distance
Maintain a distance from one another of 2mt. or 6 feet.
Hand Washing/Sanitizing
Keep your hands washed frequently or use hand sanitizer when not able to wash.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN RETURNING TO SCHOOL?

(To learn more, please click on the Board's logo your child's school belongs to)

A Trauma Sensitive Classroom Tip

(Source: Whole Hearted School Counselling)
Rather than asking students about what they did over the summer, consider these questions instead:
  1. What do you LOVE learning about?
  2. What do you most LOOK FORWARD to this school year?
  3. What are three AWESOME things about yourself?
  4. What is one thing you'd like your teacher and classmates to KNOW ABOUT YOU?
  5. What is SOMETHING NEW you'd like to make, create, try, build and/or learn about?

Foundation's Backpack Program Update!


If you are working with a family who is in need of back to school support, Send ‘Em Off Smiling will be running their backpack program through participating schools this year. We encourage families to connect with their school’s administration to find out if the school is participating in the program.  (Click here to learn more...)

IN-HOUSE PARTNERS' HIGHLIGHTS.

Coalition of Muslim Women of Kitchener-Waterloo
"10th Anniversary Gala and Awards Night"

September 12th, 2020
This will be a celebration of Muslim Women Making Change! in Waterloo Region through advocacy, activism, dialogue and bridge building; an opportunity to reminisce with friends and colleagues, reflect on Coalition of Muslim Women's incredible journey, and recognize and celebrate many accomplished Muslim Women in Waterloo Region. (Click here to learn more...)
Bereaved Families of Ontario - Midwestern Region

Throughout this challenging time, Bereaved Families of Ontario – Midwestern Region (BFO-MR) is continuing to provide grief support programming, referrals and resource options to individuals in our community. For the balance of the year, all of our programming will be provided virtually. Our mixed-loss program "Living with Loss"  is offered on the first and third Tuesday of the month and "Living with Loss for Adults Grieving a Death by Substance Use" runs the third Wednesday of the month. Please visit our website for more information and to register.   (Click here to learn more...)

Hummingbird Centre for Hope
"Widowed Parent Virtual Support Group"
Our program is designed to meet the unique needs of widowed parents who have children living at home.  Our virtual group meets weekly on Thursday's from 7:00pm - 8:30 pm.
We also host a group specific for widowed Dad's. They meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. 
To register for either of these groups please visit:  https://bit.ly/2EghK7W
For any further information, you can contact Marny at 519-500-8535.

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT UPDATE

The Resilience Project team is very excited to continue to be offering virtual groups.   All groups are using the Zoom platform and therefore internet access is needed to participate.  For more information on dates and times please:
Email:  ResilienceProject@facswaterloo.org or call 519-576-0540 x3495.

YOUTH MURAL PROJECT PHASE 1


To register please send an email to:  ResilienceProject@facswaterloo.org .
FROM OUR COMMUNITY COLLEAGUES


Please circulate through your networks.  For further information, please refer to their website.

WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

If you like to share acts of kindness, have ideas to share, have questions, contact us!
Make sure to include your name and preferred method to communicate with you (telephone number and/or email).
The Family Centre reserves the right to edit submissions for accurate content, consistency and length.  All photographs require the name of the photographer and credit for the image, along with the names of the individuals within.  Permission to publish the photograph or image is required.

Contact us:
The Family Centre
65 Hanson Ave. - Kitchener, ON  N2C 2H6
Phone:  519-772-4399
Family Centre Manager:  519-576-0540 ext. 2762
Room Booking and questions: 519-576-0540 ext. 2605
Email:  FamilyCentreBooking@facswaterloo.org
Website:  https://www.facswaterloo.org/familycentre
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