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September/October 2023
Welcome back! We hope you've had a summer filled with laughter and memorable adventures!
We wanted to let you know about some changes in the Snapshots for the 2023-24 school year. Firstly, we will introduce a new Snapshot bi-monthly starting in September. Secondly, the Snapshots for the year will focus on the significance of nurturing connections and community in your children's lives. In today's fast-paced world that often prioritizes digital interactions, the importance of forging meaningful connections with others cannot be emphasized enough.
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| As parents, you play a pivotal role in guiding your children to understand and appreciate the value of connection and community, helping them develop interpersonal skills, and a support network that will serve as a foundation for their emotional well-being.
This Snapshot explores some of the organizations in our community that families may access for support and resources.
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These agencies can serve as valuable partners, offering a wide array of services designed to bolster families and enhance their overall well-being. By collaborating with these organizations, parents can tap into a wealth of expertise, guidance, and programs that address a spectrum of needs.
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BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB BBGC South Vancouver Island provides parenting programs for teens and pre-teens. "Parenting Without Power" and "Parents in the Know" are programs that address essential aspects of parenting, from adolescent development to healthy communication. Parents Together offers continuous support, allowing parents to stay in the group for ongoing assistance.
WEBSITE
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 | PARENT SUPPORT SERVICES SOCIETY OF BC This provincial organization is committed to safeguarding children's well-being and supporting families. Services encompass the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren & Kinship Care Support Line for relatives raising a family member's child. Contact: (250) 468-9658 (Vancouver Island).
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PARENTING AFTER SEPARATION Parenting After Separation is a free online course which provides information to parents, guardians and other family members who are dealing with family issues as a result of a separation and divorce.
REGISTER HERE
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ROLLING WITH ADHD Rolling with ADHD is a free eight module series that covers practical tools and strategies for caregivers of children with ADHD. This series has been adapted from the long standing in-person program at BC Children’s Hospital.
WEBSITE
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CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
*referral required Confident Parents Thriving Kids offers two program streams for parents supporting children aged 3-12 facing anxiety or behavior challenges. They are free of charge to parents and caregivers across
BC. WEBSITE
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FAMILYSMART Every month a free online event is offered for parents & caregivers who are parenting a child or youth with a mental health and/or substance use challenge called “in the know.” It includes a video, shared experiences and strategies that help in the hard moments and focus on strengthening your understanding and connection with your kids.
WEBSITE
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SAANICH NEIGHBOURHOOD PLACE SNP provides a range of parenting programs designed for parents with children up to 19 years old. These programs cover a broad spectrum of topics, including mental well-being, co-parenting strategies, anger management, and support for trans and non-binary youth.
WEBSITE
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QUADRA VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Group is a facilitated parenting program for parents of children from birth to age 5. The program is designed to meet the needs of parents who are young, single, socially, or geographically isolated, or low
income. WEBSITE
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 | THRIVE *referral required Thrive strives to improve the lives of children, youth, adults, and families through high-quality programs. These include the Foundations Parenting Program, educating parents on prioritizing their children's well-being. The Family Development Program helps improve family dynamics and living conditions, while the Out of Care Program supports non-parental caregivers in ensuring child safety.
WEBSITE
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 | BACKPACK BUDDIES Backpack Buddies provides a weekly bag of food that contains 9 meal items plus fresh fruit, veggies, and healthy snacks, enough to last a child an entire weekend and beyond.
WEBSITE
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BURNSIDE GORGEEach week families can enjoy a nutritious and delicious homecooked community dinner by
donation. WEBSITELIVING EDGE COMMUNITY reclaims surplus food from retailers, distributors, and farmers and distributes it 6 days a week at 10 free weekly Neighbourhood
Markets. WEBSITE
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COOK STREET ACTIVITY CENTRE Rendezvous Café offers affordable, well-prepared meals and home-baked treats. They also offer grab-and-go
options .
WEBSITERAINBOW KITCHEN offers Hot Meals, Schools Meal Program & Food Sharing.
WEBSITE
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FERNWOOD Food Security Programs include the Good Food Box, providing fresh, affordable produce through pickups or home delivery. Weekly community meals are served by
donation. WEBSITE
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FAIRFIELD GONZALES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONFGCA offers various food programs to serve the community. The Indoor Community Freezer provides frozen foods for free during center hours. An Outdoor Food Pantry operates 24/7. FGCA hosts the Thursday Market Shop and Tuesday Neighbourhood Pantry. Community Dinners: Enjoy a meal in the community center or takeaway. The cost is by donation. Clothing Swap Program: On the first Saturday of each month, you can shop for
free. WEBSITE
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QUADRA VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE provides services and programs in the Quadra neighborhood. These include food distribution with arranged pick-ups and Cobs Bread availability, a free clothing room, and distribution of hygiene and menstrual
products. WEBSITE
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THE RED CEDAR CAFE offers free, nutritious meals and groceries to seniors, individuals in self-isolation, and those in need within Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ
territory. WEBSITE
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SHELBOURNE COMMUNITY KITCHEN is a neighborhood food center offering various programs such as Food Skills, Take Home Meals and Intercultural Cooking Nights. The Pantry Program includes a Grocery Program and Voucher Program.
WEBSITE
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JUMPSTART Jumpstart helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation to provide inclusive play for kids of all abilities. Individual child grants are available for families to get their child(ren) (ages 4-18) into a sport or physical activity.
WEBSITE
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KIDSPORT KidSport provides grants of between $250 - $500 to help cover sport registration and equipment costs so that all kids aged 18 and under can play a season of sport. Sport activities must be affiliated with the member sport organizations of Sport
BC. WEBSITE
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KIDS HELP PHONE LINE Kids Help Phone offers essential counseling, referrals, and support for children and youth under 20 years old. Professional counselors provide immediate assistance to young people facing dilemmas, making difficult decisions, or struggling with their emotions. This free, confidential, and anonymous service operates 24/7.
WEBSITE
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NEED2: SUICIDE PREVENTION EDUCATION AND SUPPORT NEED2 is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing youth suicide prevention, education, and support services. They provide online support through
www.youthspace.ca They also offer various education and training programs related to suicide prevention and awareness, including workshops in schools and communities.
WEBSITE
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 | VANCOUVER ISLAND CRISIS SOCIETY Vancouver Island Crisis Society is a registered non-profit agency whose services include 24/7/365 Crisis Lines: Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888 Crisis workers provide short-term non-judgemental emotional, support, crisis intervention, information, and resources. 1800SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433 Workers provide skilled suicide assessment, de-escalation, intervention, referrals, and short-term support 310Mental Health Support: 310-6789 Workers provide empowering emotional support, information about appropriate resources and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns. Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566Crisis Text
Service: (250)
800-3806Crisis Chat
Services WEBSITE
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DISCOVERY YOUTH AND FAMILY SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES Discovery provides free community-based counseling, residential care, and treatment for youth aged 13 to 19 dealing with substance use issues. They offer youth and family counseling, outreach services, prevention, individualized planning, substance use education, withdrawal management, and supported residential
services. WEBSITE
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NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES A neighborhood house is a community-based organization that serves as a focal point for residents in a neighborhood. These community-focused institutions play a pivotal role in enhancing the well-being and cohesion of a neighborhood. It is a place where people come together to learn, grow, support one another, and collectively improve their quality of life.
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 | BURNSIDE GORGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BGCA provides services and support for families in Burnside Gorge and surrounding areas. They help families identify their needs and goals, provide individualized support, reduce risks to children, empower positive parenting, connect families to community services, offers crisis intervention and assist with accessing basic needs like food and
clothing. WEBSITE
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JAMES BAY COMMUNITY PROGRAM Dedicated Child, Youth, and Family Outreach Workers provide valuable support to individuals and families residing in James Bay, Fairfield, Oak Bay, and Central Victoria. With a focus on children aged birth to 19 years, outreach services extend to homes, schools, or community settings.
WEBSITE
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 | PACIFIC CENTRE FAMILY SERVICES ASSOCIATION Community Outreach Prevention and Education Program (C.O.P.E) is a voluntary prevention/early intervention program for youth (aged 5-18) & their families. C.O.P.E. provides services free of charge to the residents of Colwood and Langford. Services include short term one to one sessions with
youth. WEBSITE
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ESQUIMALT NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE SOCIETY ESN Family Services are free for pregnant individuals, and parents/caregivers with children and youth up to 18 years of age, who wish to find a fun, safe and welcoming place to access health, parenting and child and youth development and
support. WEBSITE
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 | QUADRA VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE Quadra Village Community Centre‘s mission is to work together to nurture community well-being by providing services and programs to meet social, educational, health, employment, environmental and recreational needs of people in the Quadra neighbourhood in a safe and welcoming environment.
WEBSITE
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VICTORIA NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE: HEALTH AND WELLNESS Health and Wellness Services are available to help Indigenous people living in southern Vancouver Island, or those accessing health services of the Vancouver Island Health Authority – South Island. These include Health Services, Wellness Clinic and Primary Care Clinic.
WEBSITE
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 | HULITAN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Family Programs preserve, unify, and advocate for Indigenous families by supporting healing and fostering resilience through culturally rooted programs and services and collaboration with community partners.
WEBSITE
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 | FIRST NATIONS HEALTH AUTHORITY The FNHA provides culturally safe and trauma-informed cultural, emotional, and mental health services to Indigenous people in
BC WEBSITE
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ISLAND METIS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY The mission is to research, develop, implement, and evaluate human services programs for the Metis people of Vancouver Island as well as to provide integrated and holistic service delivery that culturally and spiritually strengths Metis children and families.
WEBSITE
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PARENTING AFTER SEPARATION FOR INDIGENOUS FAMILIES This is a free online course which provides information to parents, guardians and other family members who are dealing with family issues as a result of a separation or divorce. Issues might include guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, child support and spousal support.
WEBSITE
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INTER-CULTURAL ASSOCIATION ICA offers a diverse array of services spanning housing, education, and employment support. The Settlement Services team specializes in assisting newcomers in their journey to navigate connections with resources and support networks. They provide immigrant programs for youth between the ages of 7-28 and host many different types of youth events, social gatherings around the community to help build cultural connections.
WEBSITE
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VICTORIA IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE SERVICES VIRS is a non-profit organization that helps immigrants, refugees and new Canadian citizens, to settle and adapt into their new lives in the Greater Victoria Region.
WEBSITE
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UKRAINIAN-CANADIAN CULTURAL SOCIETY Ukrainian Village is a transitional housing initiative that provides free, safe, and supportive housing for Ukrainians fleeing war, and starting a life on Vancouver Island. It is intended for women, single mothers, seniors, and people with disabilities. The guests are provided support in a space that is filled with community members, so they don‘t feel isolated.
WEBSITE
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VANCOUVER ISLAND COUNSELLING CENTRE FOR IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES VICCR's principal activity is to provide mental health counselling to immigrants and refugees living on Vancouver Island. They seek to remove barriers to quality service and care for individuals and families by working with specially trained interpreters as
required. WEBSITE
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VICTORIA LITERACY CONNECTION VLC helps children, youth and adults improve their literacy skills, (reading, writing, and math), by providing tutoring and a variety of other programs. Free Programs include: E-Reading Book Club - This program is open to learners from School Districts 61, 62 and 63. Tutors will screen share an electronic version of the books during sessions so need to purchase.
Child and Youth 1:1 Volunteer Literacy Tutoring (Reading, Writing & Math) children in grades 2 –12, who need extra support with schoolwork may benefit from this volunteer tutor program.
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THE LINK The Link is the secondary site of SD61‘s distributed learning school. The Link offers a hybrid approach to distributed learning for students from grade 10 through grade 12. Students work to earn credit towards their Dogwood Diploma. All teachers are certified by the BC College of Teachers and are responsible for establishing student learning plans and reporting on student achievement.
WEBSITE
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MATH4ME Math4me helps primary and secondary school students (K-12) to develop a strong academic foundation by providing affordable tutoring in Mathematics, Science, English and Social Studies.
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THE LEARNING CURVE LDABC The Learning Curve supports families and educates and advocates for children and youth experiencing learning and/or behavioral challenges. The Academic Skills Program is designed to give students the opportunity to develop their abilities in a wide range of skills, depending on their needs. Program participants work one-on-one with trained tutors to identify and work on their specific areas of challenge. There is financial assistance available. No child is turned away.
WEBSITE
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| This list is not exhaustive, and our community offers a wide array of supports and services. Unfortunately, it is impossible to cover them all in one Snapshot. If you have specific concerns or require assistance in accessing additional services and resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor. They can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the options available to you.
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Disclaimer: This Snapshot contains information about various services and organizations that may be of interest to our school community. However, it is important to clarify that the inclusion of these services and organizations in this Snapshot does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Greater Victoria School District. Users are advised to conduct their own research, verify information, and make independent decisions when engaging with any of the services or organizations mentioned.
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| Seeking help is an expression of strength, as it demands significant courage and self-awareness to admit our limitations and reach out for support when necessary. When we muster the courage to ask for help, we demonstrate vulnerability, trust, and a dedication to our personal growth and improvement.
This poster acknowledges the strength and bravery required to seek help and the importance of perceiving it as a strength rather than a weakness. It features a QR code that directs students to our "Where to Call for Help for Students" poster, providing valuable resources for assistance.
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Visit the archived Snapshots that cover a variety of topics such as social media, friendships, bullying, alcohol, drugs, vaping, conflict resolution and more!
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