School District 69 Community Resources for AtRisk Students

School District #69 Community Resources for “At-Risk” Students SELF ACTUALIZATION ESTEEM Rationale Girls Boys Mentoring Girls Acknowledgements BELONGING Social Groups Art LGBTTQI&A Social Groups Art Sports/Recreation Education Assistance Sports/Recreation Education Assistance. SAFETY Employment Job Skills Programs Youth Outreach Employment Grief/Emotional Violence/Sexual Abuse Addictions Family Parenting Grief/Emotional Violence/Sexual Abuse PHYSIOLOGICAL Food Crisis Clothing Shelter Mental Health Dental Food Crisis Note: Text highlighted in yellow will link to internal pages and external websites. Updated: October 27, 2010 Patrick Rhode 2010 prhode@sd 69. bc. ca

Food Salvation Army (Parksville) – 250 -248 -8794 Lunch – 11: 15 am – 1: 15 pm - Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 187 Alberni Highway Food Bank - 9 am - 4 pm - Tuesday & Thursday (phone for appointment) - 8861 Wembley Rd. St. Stephen’s Church - 150 Village Way - Qualicum Beach – 250 -752 -9831 Lunch – 11: 15 am – 1 pm Thursdays/ Dinner – 5: 00 to 7: 00 pm , every third Tuesday of the month. Lunch – 11: 15 am – 1 pm Thursdays/ Dinner Loaves and Fishes - Nanaimo (250) 754 -8347 1009 Farquhar Street Nanaimo, BC V 9 R 2 G 2 Food Bank – Monday 5 -7, Wednesday 10 -12, Thursday 1 -3 7 -10 Club - Nanaimo 250 -714 -0917 admin@nanaimo 710 club. org Breakfast/Bag Lunch – 7 am – 10 am Monday – Friday FRA – Kwalikum Secondary School Lunch Program - Contact: 250 -752 -6766 – ext. 401 A free cold lunch (sandwich/wrap, fruit, juice/water) is served for KSS students each Tuesday at 11: 15 am at the top of the “chip trail”. 50 lunches are provided (quantity often disappears within 10 -15 minutes). Prepped and served by FRA Youth Outreach staff and KSS students. Society of Organized Services (SOS) - Parksville 245 Hirst Avenue 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) Food is always provided at their youth/teen drop-in programs and events. Meals on Wheels- ( SOS) – Parksville (250) 248 -2093 (ext. 225) Delivers hot meals Teens in Transition (TNT) SOS – Parksville For teens age 17 -20, Fridays from 5: 30 – 8: 30 – Dinner Provided Focuses on transitioning teens into adulthood

Crisis Services Assess Immediate Risk 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Is the child/youth in immediate danger? Stay with the child/youth to ensure safety. Arrange transport to the hospital. If safe transport is not available, phone 911 for ambulance/police assistance. Inform parents/guardians. Inform child’s/youth’s therapist, social worker and/or the following: Suicide Assessment and Stabilization Service at: 250 -954 -4544 (pager) 9 am to 8 pm Monday thru Friday Outreach and Stabilization Service (AFCSS) - 250 -954 -4544 (pager) 1. Workers meet face-to-face with child/youth identified as “at some risk for suicide”. 2. Workers support and provide parents/guardians with verbal/written instructions on signs of suicide, the appropriate responses to child/youth in need, and emergency numbers to use should they become concerned 3. Workers provide further assessment and a stabilization plan for child/youth in need. 4. Short term treatment will be provided with consultation and community resource liaison. Crisis Line (Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society) 1 888 494 3888 Provide non-judgmental emotional support, crisis and suicide intervention services and community resource information. Calls are kept confidential and anonymous. Kids Help Phone 1 -888 -668 -6868 Parksville Mental Health & Addiction Crisis Services Team Accessed by calling the crisis line 250 947 8228 ext 0 This is a face to face contact either in the community or at the mental health office between 8: 30 - 5: 30. After hours crisis are handled by Nanaimo CRT. Hardship Emergency Support & Referral- SOS Parksville (250) 248 -2093 (ext. 241) Immediate help in crisis Victimlink 1 -800 -563 -0808

Clothing Society of Organized Services Thrift Shop (SOS) – Parksville 188 West Hirst Avenue 250 -248 -2532 Mon- Sat, 9 am - 4 pm. The SOS has the largest Thrift Shop on Vancouver Island, with over 18, 000 sq. feet. It offers a wide variety of clothing, jewellery, accessories, shoes, household items, furniture, appliances, toys and books. Salvation Army - Community and Family Services – Parksville 886 Wembley Rd 250 -248 -8793 The Army cares for people at their crisis point. In keeping with the philosophy of William Booth, they work to restore hope and dignity to those who might otherwise remain invisible in society. Emergency assistance is provided in the form of clothing, food, accommodation, life skills training and counseling Grad Wear ( SOS) Parksville (250) 248 -2093 Choose from a variety of grad dresses and suits for 5 $.

Shelter/Housing Shelternet Understanding abuse, finding a transition house (shelter), making a safety plan. Nanaimo Youth Services Association – Youth Housing - Nanaimo 250 -753 -3212 The intent of NYSA’s Youth Residence is to provide safe, supportive, and affordable housing for youth between 17 and 19 years of age. The residence is a drug, alcohol, and violence free environment. - 19 units available – 13 bachelor, 6 two bedroom single parent units, 1 wheelchair accessible Application and references required – when there is a vacancy, applicants with the most need will be screened and invited to an interview. Tillicum Lelum/Friendship Haus - Nanaimo 753 -8291 250 -753 -8266/250 - The Friendship Haus is for youth 12 -18 years. Friendship Haus Service Statement is to promote a safe, secure, stable, nurturing environment for Children and Youth Who Are At Risk. Our goal is to assist young adults to leave the streets, and to learn to live safe, healthy lives. www. tillicumhaus. ca Samaritan House - Nanaimo 250 -753 -1474 Samaritan House has been in continual operation since 1989 providing emergency and temporary shelter for the homeless of Nanaimo - 20 emergency beds, 4 Supported Living Beds Haven Society/Transition House - Nanaimo #2) 250 -756 -2452 (ext. 250 -756 -0616 (Crisis Line) Provides safe shelter and support to women and children escaping violence. The service operates 365 days a year. Nanaimo - 250 -756 -2452 ext. 2 www. havensociety. com BC Housing Rental Assistance Program - 1 -800 -257 -7756 The Rental Assistance Program was launched in October 2006 as part of Housing Matters BC. The program provides eligible low-income, working families with cash assistance to help with

Mental Health Services Child and Youth Mental Health (C&YMH) - Parksville 250 -954 -4737 (Mon-Fri) 8: 30 – 4: 30. For children and their families. C&YMH Services include therapy (individual, family, and group) *Parent education. *Suicide Risk Assessment. Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health & Child Protection - Nanaimo/Parksville 250 -741 -3600 1 -866 -723 -2235 Parksville Mental Health & Addiction Services Phone: (250) 947 8228 Fax : (250) 947 8229 Hours: 8: 30 am to 4: 30 pm (Monday to Friday)

Health Services Parksville Youth Clinic – Parksville 249 West Hirst Ave 250 -947 -8222 No appointment needed for youth up to age 23. Early intervention team - Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, STI information, pregnancy testing, birth control, etc. Tuesday & Thursday from 3: 30 -6: 00 pm Phone messages can be left for Youth Clinic nurses between 8: 30 am – 4: 30 pm (Mon. – Fri. ). Calls will be returned. Parksville After Hours Walk-in Medical Clinic - Parksville 154 Memorial Avenue 250 -248 -5757 Open from 5 pm to 9 pm Mon to Fri, and 9 am to 5 pm Sat and Sun Parksville Health Unit - Public Health Nurses – Parksville 249 West Hirst Ave 250 -947 -8222 Public Health Nurses assist individuals, families and communities to promote health, encourage individual responsibility for health, and provide assistance with specific health concerns. Services include: Maternity pre and postnatal information and counseling, Prenatal classes, Breastfeeding counseling, Baby drop-in clinics, School and youth services, Immunizations for infants, school-aged children and adults. Monday to Friday from 8: 30 am-4: 30 pm Disordered Eating Services for Youth & Adults (AFCSS) – 250 -248 -0076 (Susan Butler) Provides therapeutic services for children, youth, and adults with disordered eating concerns through support groups, parent/family/friends groups and one-to-one counseling. Referral Procedures: Youth Referrals are accepted from Child & Youth Mental Health at MCFD 250 -954 -4737. Self and Community referrals 250 -248 -0076 (Susan Butler) Adult Referrals are by self-referral 250 -248 -0076 (Susan Butler) and funded by Vancouver Island Health Authority [VIHA] Sexual Health Power Up Workshops - Parksville 250 -248 -5053/250 -240 -0105 (cell) powerupworkshops@gmail. com POWER UP offers a variety of sexual health workshops to draw together the school community network across Vancouver Island beyond, including students, parents, teachers and concerned community members. Workshops will provide a FUN and RELAXED atmosphere where individuals can increase their knowledge, motivation and skills to achieve optimal sexual health.

Dental Services Vancouver Island University Dental Clinic (Nanaimo) 250 -740 - 6240 VIU Dental Clinic (in conjunction with the VIU Dental Assistant Program) offers “cost-effective” (and sometimes free) the following services to the public: - teeth polishing - fluoride application - oral hygiene instruction - also, x-rays, desensitizing and sealants if required and prescribed by the dentist. - They usually have a dentist on site to prescribe treatment and remove a small amount of calculus if it is present. Contact: Rosemary Holley to check on availability or the dental clinic line at 250 -740 - 6240 for Contact: Rosemary Holley to check on availability or information. Rosemary Holley, Chair Dental Assistant Program Vancouver Island University 900 5 th St. Nanaimo, BC V 9 R 5 S 5 250 -740 -6247 rosemary. holley@viu. ca

Employment Services Career Centre - Parksville #110 - 198 East Island Hwy 250 -248 -3205/250 -248 -4154 (fax) 8: 30 am – 4: 30 pm Monday to Friday Provides free services available to residents of the Parksville/Qualicum area. In addition to a multitude of selfserve resources and group workshops, we offer individual employment and career assistance through the provision of a range services including: - Resume & Cover Letter Assistance - Career Planning & Postings - Computers, Internet/Email - Assessments & Referrals - Job Search Services - Electronic Job Banks - Photocopying & Faxing - Job Boards - Job Search Sessions -Employment Counselling - Telephone Message Service Career Centre also provides a range of Career Workshops: : Career Centre also provides a range of Career Workshops Career Workshop Newsletter Career Workshop Calendar Employment Assisted Services [NYSA] - 290 Bastion Street, Nanaimo 250 -754 -1989 8: 30 am – 4: 30 pm Monday to Friday Assisting unemployed & out of school youth Ages 15 -30 in finding employment through the provision of a range services including: - Resume & Cover Letter Assistance - Job Search Services - Electronic Job Banks - Career Planning - Photocopying & Faxing - Job Boards & Postings - Computers, Internet/Email - Job Search Sessions -Employment Counselling - Assessments & Referrals - Telephone Message Service NYSA Employment Assisted Services also provides a range of Career Workshops: : NYSA Employment Assisted Services also provides a range of Career Workshops Career Workshop Descriptions Career Workshop Calendar

Job Skills Programs Bladerunners [NYSA] – Nanaimo 250 -754 -1989/250 -751 -5101 (cell) Bladerunners is a Youth Skills Link program that creates valuable employment opportunities, and promotes Individual Success and Independence through Partnerships within the Construction & Trades Industry. Participants have the opportunity to work towards the following certifications: - OFA First Aid - WHMIS - Fall Protection - Confined Space Entry - Ladder Safety - Asbestos Abatement - Forklift Operator Certification - Flagging Certificate Bladerunners at NYSA runs programs several times a year. Contact: Linda Milford , Monique Laramee, Chris Lakusta or Anthony Maki (Bladerunner Coordinators) at 250 -754 -1989 Bladerunners Provincial Information Website : www. bladerunners. info Bladerunners Provincial Information Website:

Addictions Services Discovery Youth & Family Substance Youth Services [VIHA] (Parksville) 250 -947 -8215/250 -2483465 (fax) Provide effective, integrated, strength-based community services that are accessible and accountable to youth (aged 13 -19) and their supports who have concerns about alcohol or other drug use. “Discovery” offers a range of services including: - Individualized Planning Services - Individual and Family Counseling Services - Outreach Services - Coordination of Services - Withdrawal Management Services - Supported Residential Services “Keepin’ It Real” Group programs/one-to-one support available within School District#69 schools: Ballenas Secondary and PASS/Woodwinds Laura Matheson – 250 - 927 -2596 laura. matheson@viha. ca Kwalikum Secondary • Michael Mills – 250 -739 -5790/250 -927 -1299 Michael. Mills@viha. ca

Youth Outreach Services Youth Outreach/Life Skills Program (FRA) – 250 -752 -6766 - ext. 401 Youth Outreach/Life Skills Program (FRA) – Youth Outreach workers provide outreach and support services to youth between ages 12 -19. including: n Assistance with reconnecting to school, employers and other community services. n Assistance with reconnecting to their family, extended family and community, as well as assistance to homeless youth obtaining safe accommodation. n Support in the development of life skills -- this support may be through one-on-one contact or through a development group. n Life skills include conflict resolution, anger management, communication, banking, budgeting, shopping, menu planning, cooking, health and nutrition, home management, pregnancy/parenting, resume writing, job searches and education. Referral Procedures: Referrals are accepted from the Ministry for Children and Family Development, parents, school personnel and other community agencies. Youth can also make a self-referral. The Family Resource Association offers this program free of charge. The Youth Outreach/Life Skills Program is funded by the MCFD Youth Outreach Worker (AFCSS) – Parksville 250 -248 -0076 (Susan Butler) Youth Outreach Worker (AFCSS) – Parksville Youth Outreach worker works with individual youth, their family and natural community supports including neighbours, teachers, extended family members and others identified by the family or the youth. Assistance with reconnecting to school, employers and other community services. Referral Procedures: Referrals from the Ministry for Children and Family Development will be given precedence over self and community referrals. Contact the MCFD for a referral: 250 -954 -4737 Self and Community referrals: 250 -248 -0076 (Susan Butler) Supportive Living Program 250 -754 -1989 Supportive Living Program (NYSA) – Nanaimo 250 -754 -1989 The Supportive Living Program provides life skills support for youth who are permanent wards of the court. Working on an individual and group basis, they support youth to assume responsibility and achieve successful independent living. They focus on providing youth with hands on experience, knowledge, and support systems which encourage success. With support, each individual has the ability to effect positive change. Referral Procedures: Referrals accepted from the Ministry for Children and Family Development. Contact: 250 -754 -1989

Youth Outreach Services Supportive Living Program (NYSA) – Nanaimo 250 -754 -1989 The Supportive Living Program provides life skills support for youth who are permanent wards of the court. Working on an individual and group basis, they support youth to assume responsibility and achieve successful independent living. They focus on providing youth with hands on experience, knowledge, and support systems which encourage success. With support, each individual has the ability to effect positive change. Referral Procedures: Referrals accepted from the Ministry for Children and Family Development. Contact: 250 -754 -1989 The Behavior Management Program (FRA) BMP serves children and youth age 9 -18. A primary goal is to assist children and youth to stay in school. The counsellor works with children and youth whose behavior is an impediment to succeeding in an educational setting. Problematic behaviors include overt acting out through physical violence, verbal abuse, including bullying and/or extreme passive aggression behaviors that are disruptive to self and others. Referrals are reviewed by a screening committee and must be generated by MCFD, SD 69 or FRA internal.

Violence/Sexual Abuse Violence/Abuse Kids Help Phone 1 -888 -668 -6868 Harmony Program (FRA) – Contact: 250 -752 -6766 - ext. 107/318. The Harmony (ages 3 -18 years) and addresses concerns and The Harmony Program provides counselling for Children/Youth (ages 3 -18 years) issues that arise when a child or youth is exposed to violence/abuse. The intent is to promote healing and help children and youth learn to cope with the impact of their exposure to violence through direct interventions and support to their caregivers. Open Referral True Life Change (TLC) Program (FRA) – Contact: 250 -752 -6766 - ext. 318. True Life Change(TLC ) Counselling Program provides counseling (individual/group) for women whose lives have been affected by sexual abuse and assault, violence in relationships, and historical abuse. Counselling is provided in a safe and confidential environment, acknowledging the woman's inner strengths and capabilities. Workshops may also be offered. There is no cost to program participants and confidentiality is maintained at all times. Open Referral Community Victim Services Program - Haven Society - Parksville 3500 250 -248 - Offers justice related services, criminal victim assistance, emotional support, information and referrals to victims who have experienced violence in relationships. Battered Women’s Support Services Sexual Abuse Intervention Program [SAIP] (FRA) – Contact: 250 -752 -6766 - ext. 314. The “SAIP” Program provides confidential counseling for victims and families of sexual abuse. This program also serves non-offending parents. Open Referral

Grief/Emotional Healing Rainbows – Parksville (250) 248 -3927 office@kucparksville. ca (Ages 4 – 12) Rainbows is an international not-for-profit organization that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis. These losses, among others, include separation, divorce, death, incarceration and foster care. Spectrum – Parksville (250) 248 -3927 office@kucparksville. ca (Ages 13 – 18) Spectrum is an international not-for-profit organization that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis. These losses, among others, include separation, divorce, death, incarceration and foster care. Parksville/Qualicum – Contact the Knox United Church: (250) 248 -3927 office@kucparksville. ca - two twelve-week sessions a year – beginning in September and January - parents must register children and sign the form n n Nanaimo – Marg Foster or Isabel Van Grootheest 250 -751 -7888 Crisis Society of Central Vancouver Island 250 -753 -2495 Offers support for those suffering from loss of a loved one through suicide. Monday – Thursday 9 – 12 and 1 – 3. 24 hours a day/ 1 -888 -494 -3888

Parenting Parent Support Program (FRA) – 250 -752 -6766 - ext. 118. The Parent Support Program is available to parents requiring additional support in managing their parenting responsibilities but do not fall into the Ministry’s protection mandate. The worker offers parenting advice and encourages child development, family communication and parenting techniques and provides additional support in their role as parents/caregivers. Referral Procedures: Open Referral Family Preservation & Parent Training & Education (AFCSS) - Contact the MCFD 250 -9544737 Aids and supports parents and their children who are at risk of removal due to protection, safety, and neglect concerns. Provides children/youth understand cope with personal and family problems and assist families with parenting skills. Referral Procedures: Referrals are accepted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development – 250954 -4737 Adult Counsellor (FRA)- 250 -752 - 6766 Service for adults who are dealing with relationship issues. Focus is on couples. Referral procedure- open referral Child & Youth with Special Needs( CYSN) - ( FRA) - 250 - 752 - 6766 Program serving families who are parenting children with special needs. The format is group activities and family support. Referral Procedures: MCFD or CYSN

Family Night 245 Hirst Avenue 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) Family Night -- (SOS) - Parksville 245 Hirst Avenue 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) Drop-in Wednesdays 4: 30 pm to 7: 30 pm. Bring the kids out for a night of good eats, crafts, games, and social interaction with other families. This is a free program developed to inspire your family to have fun together! Family Preservation Program (FRA) – 250 -752 -6766 - ext. 115 Family Preservation Program (FRA) – The Family Preservation Program is a short-term, intensive home/community based service with the goals of keeping the family safe, preventing unnecessary placement of a child in substitute care, and improving family functioning so the behaviors that led to the crisis will be less likely to re-occur. Referral Procedures: Referrals are accepted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The Family Preservation Program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Youth Services & Family Counseling (FRA) – 250 -752 -6766 - ext. 109. Assists the family in developing strategies for problem solving decision-making and behavioral management as well as developing awareness and understanding of the personal and familial dynamics. Provides families with options for dealing with conflict and follow-up appropriate to the client and their family. Facilitates and/or coordinates parent self help groups. ( Youth 13 -18) Referral Procedures: Open Referral Family Therapy (AFCSS) – Contact the MCFD 250 -954 -4737 Family Therapy (AFCSS) – Focuses on the family as “a whole” – a unit with unique characteristics that differs from the sum of its members. Assists in helping families alter communication, behavior, cognitive and emotional matters that have created problems. Referral Procedures: Referrals are accepted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development – 250954 -4737 Family Preservation & Parent Training & Education (AFCSS) - Contact the MCFD 250 -954 -4737 Aids and supports parents and their children who are at risk of removal due to protection, safety, and neglect concerns. Provides children/youth understand cope with personal and family problems and assist families with parenting skills. Referral Procedures: Referrals are accepted from the Ministry of Children and Family Development – 250954 -4737 Family Group Conference (AFCSS) - Contact the MCFD 250 -954 -4737 A collaborative planning process where a child’s extended family comes together in a facilitated conference to make decisions and plans to address a child’s need for protective services.

Family n FASD Key Worker The FASD Key Worker provides information, advocacy and support to families who are parenting children and youth ages 0 -19 who are diagnosed with FASD and/or Complex Developmental Behaviors Disorder (CDBD) or are suspected to have FAS CDBD. The program also offers a Peer Support Worker. A new Activities Group has been introduced on a regular basis. Open referral.

Social Groups Society of Organized Services 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) Society of Organized Services (SOS) - Parksville 245 Hirst Avenue 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) Middle School Night “MSN” – Grades 6 to 8 (Drop-in) Thursdays, 4: 30 – 7: 30 Middle School Night “MSN” – Grades 6 to Eat, play, laugh! Activities, casual life-skills and more. Youth can sign-in, but parent/guardian must sign-out. Teen Night – Grades 9 – 12 (Drop-in) Mondays, 3: 00 - 8: 00 pm Teen Night – Grades 9 – 12 Come hang out with your friends! Music, food, art activities & more. Youth are provided with an opportunity to 'express'. Free of judgment and grading, children and youth of all ages are offered a diversity of art forms in which to indulge their free spirit. Register with SOS. Girl Talk -- 8 - 10 year olds (Pre-register) Tuesdays 3: 00 pm – 5: 00 pm Girl Talk -- 8 - 10 year olds A time just for girls filled with fun activities, group discussions & interesting projects. Parents must be present when participant joins the group for the first time to fill in registration and waivers. Fun, friendships and staying real. This activity based group encourages and inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Through support, accurate information and mentoring, girls can become clearer and more confident about who they are. Guyz Time -- 8 - 10 year olds (Pre-register) Tuesdays 3: 00 pm – 5: 00 pm Guyz Time -- 8 - 10 year olds (Pre-register) Activity based group. Have fun and hang out, while developing communication, confidence and relationship skills. Parents must be present when participant joins the group for the first time in order to fill in registration and waivers. Navigating the social pressures of youth, enjoy some hangout time and get the scoop on stuff you like, while you explore some of the issues that currently present challenges. Meet some new friends and have fun. TOTAMS- Preschool ( Drop in) Wednesdays & Thursdays 9: 15 to 11: 15 am Time out for tots and moms. Interactive play, snack included.

Art Groups Pre-School Art (SOS) – Parksville 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) Tuesdays 9: 15 am-11: 15 am (Drop-in) Let your kids explore the messy side of art. Glitter and glue, paint and clay, cutting and colouring…. See your child’s fine motor skills develop while they experience art in its many forms. “The Hand” Youth Action Committee 250 -752 - 7202

Sports Vancouver Island German Ju. Jutsu - Parksville 183 Mc. Vickers St. 250 -248 -3538 Provides a youth martial arts program to mentor at-risk/high need youth in the community in an effort to assist youth in developing positive personal development, confidence, and responsibility. Assistance with activity fees for youth in need may be available through a partnership with Family Resource Association Contact: Information Sensei Detlef Friede Sensei Jeremy Buerge 250 -248 -3538 info@gjjs. ca joe@gjjs. ca jeremy@gjjs. ca Recreation and Parks - Regional District Oceanside place of Nanaimo District 69 - Parksville 1 -250 -248 -3252 Support Services: Staff, instructors and volunteers are dedicated to making everyone feel welcome in our programs and facilities. Financial Access Program: If needed financial assistance may be available for you, or someone you know, in order to participate in a recreation program. Recreation Assistance for Children and Youth [S. O. S. ] – Parksville 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) sos@sosd 69. com Provides financial support for children, youth, and families who wish to take part in sport and recreational activities yet currently lack resources to access such activities. Can provide financial assistance towards registration/league fees, equipment access. All Girls, All Skills (FRA) – this program provides an introduction to girls hockey. Special guests volunteer to teach ice hockey to girls 13 -18.

Education Assistance After School Education Assistance [S. O. S. ] sos@sosd 69. com 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 242) 11 to 18. Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri 3: 30 - 4: 30 Tutors are available to assist students in math or English. The Write Place – Parksville info@writeplace. ca 330 Craig St. - Portable 28 250 -248 -4041 A Literacy Services Center operated by Oceanside BLT Society Our services include: - Computer access lab, providing free public Internet access and one-on-one computer instruction. - Family literacy community partnerships, including Building Learning Together (BLT), Mother Goose and the WOW bus. - Reading and writing help for children. - Help with résumés, applications and letters. - Photocopying and faxing. Our location: Building Learning Together Centre www. blt. sd 69. bc. ca 330 Craig St Parksville Elementary School, Portable 28 Parksville, BC.

LGBTTQI&A (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Two-spirited, Queer, Intersex & Allied) Camp f. Yrefly Cam f. Yrefly is an educational, social, and personal learning retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, twospirited, queer, and allied (LGBTTQ&A) youth. Camps run in various locations across Canada – including British Columbia on Gambier Island. (The BC chapter was created by the University of British Columbia School of Population and Public Health. ) It focuses on building and nurturing their leadership potential and personal resiliency in an effort to help them learn how to make significant contributions to their own lives and to their schools, home/group-home environments, and communities. The camp is designed for LGBTTQ&A youth between the ages of 14 and 24. : : Read story regarding one youth’s experience at camp: : Phone: (604) 827. 4568 Fax: (604) 822. 4994 Email: camp. fyrefly@ubc. ca Website: www. fyrefly. ubc. ca Mailing Address: Camp f. Yrefly-BC School of Population and Public Health, UBC James Mather Building 5804 Fairview Ave. Vancouver, BC V 6 T 1 Z 3

Girls Esteem Child and Youth Services 250 -668 -7454 Esteemed C H I C s is dedicated to creating places and spaces where girls can come to learn to overcome poor body-image and self-esteem. They provide a client based preventative program that delivers creative and educational skill-building workshops for girls to promote body positive and life positive ways of thinking. Group and “one-to-one” counseling. Various workshops are available for girls. Contact: Angela Slade 250 -668 -7454 www. esteemchics. com Contact: Angela Slade 250 -668 -7454 www. esteemchics. com Girl Talk (SOS) -- Parksville 245 Hirst Avenue 250 -248 -2093 (ext. 0) Grades 3 - 5 (Pre-register) Tuesdays 3: 00 pm – 5: 00 pm A time just for girls filled with fun activities, group discussions & interesting projects. Parents must be present when participant joins the group for the first time to fill in registration and waivers. Fun, friendships and staying real. This activity based group encourages and inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Through support, accurate information and mentoring, girls can become clearer and more confident about who they are.

Boys Esteem Guyz Time (SOS) - Parksville -2093 (ext. 0) Grades 3 -5 (Pre-register) 245 Hirst 250 -248 Tuesdays 3: 00 pm – 5: 00 pm Activity based group. Have fun and hang out, while developing communication, confidence and relationship skills. Parents must be present when participant joins the group for the first time in order to fill in registration and waivers. Navigating the social pressures of youth, enjoy some hangout time and get the scoop on stuff you like, while you explore some of the issues that currently present challenges. Meet some new friends and have fun.

Mentoring Big Brothers Big Sisters In-School Mentoring 250 -756 -2447 Mentors work with children in a school environment to build a child’s self-esteem and school performance while having a lot of fun. Currently, we have the In-School Mentoring program in eight schools in the Central Vancouver Island area, including: Winchelsea Elementary Contact: 250 -756 -2447 admin@bigscvi. ca

Child Development Services n Infant Development Consultant (FRA) – IDP offers home-based outreach services to promote healthy child development. The program focuses on children (0 -3) who may be at risk of developmental delay Consultants offer support to parents and create opportunities for the child to become more independent, participate in selfdiscovery, and learn new skills. Opportunities for networking with other parents is offered as well. Open Referral. n Supported Development Consultants (FRA) - SCD promotes inclusive child care for children ages 0 -18. Child care subsidies give priority to children 3 -5. School aged children may also receive funding upon review by the screening committee (CDS Team). SCD Consultants work with local child care centres to meet the needs of special needs children. Parents support also offered. Open Referral n Supported Child Development Assistant (FRA) – The SCD Assistant is a specialized worker who is assigned to SCD subsidized children in the child care centres. The SCDA is a member of the child development services team and participates in the case review to better serve the needs of the child. Internal assignment. n Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy (FRA) – The PT and OT serve children 0 -5 by providing assessment, treatment and consultation. Services are offered at home or on site at FRA. The therapies support the IDP consultants by working with children who are referred for specialized services. The OT can evaluate a child’s skills and abilities for play activities, daily living, child care centre and school settings and determine the developmental levels in these areas. The OT addresses physical, psychological, social and environmental factors that may hinder an individual’s ability to function. The physiotherapist provides parents and caregivers with information about movement such as rolling, crawling, sitting, walking and climbing. Open Referral. n Speech and Language Therapisr (FRA) – Part time SLP. This is in addition to the services provided by VIHA Speech and Language Pathologist who works with FRA child development team. SLP’s are concerned with the prevention, identification, diagnosis and rehabilitation of children with speech and hearing disorders. The speech therapist assesses hearing, speech and language in children 0 -5 and acts as a consultant to the CDS team. The SLP’s also provide direct service as part of therapeeutic services of FRA Child Development Centre. Open Referral

Camp f. Yrefly by Rob Knight, Camp f. Yrefly BC Coordinator “Justice” is 15 years old and lives in Fort St. John, British Columbia. He recently came out to his mother and father. As a result, his parents want to learn more about having a gay son. But they don’t know who to turn to for help. Justice’s mother is concerned that he will have a very difficult life. However, she’s not really sure what to expect because her son is the only gay person she knows. Justice has this in common with his mother. He has never met another person who identifies as gay or queer. He’s afraid to talk about his sexuality to his friends at school. He feels alone and isolated. While surfing the web one day, Justice comes across a website for Camp f. Yrefly British Columbia, a leadership retreat for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identified, two-spirit, intersex, queer, and allied (LGBTTIQ&A) youth. His fingers crossed, he sends in an application. A short time later, Justice is thrilled to find out that he’s been selected to participate as a camper. But he also has mixed feelings – he desperately wants to spend time with other young people like himself, but he knows that his parents don’t have the money to send him to camp on Gambier Island. To his relief, he discovers that Camp f. Yrefly offers a travel bursary. All Justice has to pay is the $25 commitment fee. When Justice arrives at camp in early July, he is immediately welcomed by a diverse group of campers, youth leaders, and adult volunteers. He spends his first days there making new friends, and meeting peers and mentors. Justice then begins to explore the complex personal, safety, legal, and health issues as well as the concerns that he faces as a sexual minority individual. He does this through artistic avenues like acting, dancing, painting, and writing. He participates in interactive workshops facilitated by community leaders and artist mentors. Justice and his new friends develop crucial leadership skills that help them to advocate for social justice and inclusion in their families, schools, and communities. When Justice returns home from camp, his parents notice how much happier he is. For the first time in years, his mother hears resilience and strength in Justice’s voice. He seems hopeful again, and aware of his potential. That September, Justice uses his network of youth and adult mentors from across the province to start an official Gay-Straight Alliance in his high school. He has become a leader and a community builder, making his school a safer and more diverse place. Justice can’t wait to return to Camp f. Yrefly as a youth leader! Despite growing acceptance in Canadian society, youth like “Justice, ” who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, twospirit, intersex, and queer (LGBTTIQ), throughout British Columbia (BC) continue to suffer health and social inequities. 1 LGBTTIQ youth in BC receive little to no educational support related to their sexual and gender identities. Nonetheless, LGBTTIQ youth are coming out or self-identifying as sexual minorities earlier than previous generations, giving them the opportunity to develop into healthier adults and live more socially integrated lives. In response to LGBTTIQ social, educational, and health inequities, and the paucity of LGBTTIQ youth-specific resources, University of British Columbia’s (UBC) School of Population and Public Health has created the first-ever leadership retreat for LGBTTIQ youth in the province: Camp f. Yrefly British Columbia. Founded in 2004 by the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education, Camp f. Yrefly was developed as a universitycommunity educational project. In 2009, Camp f. Yrefly Edmonton will celebrate its sixth anniversary, while BC’s Camp f. Yrefly will celebrate its first. The Camp f. Yrefly program is an innovative intervention that builds on LGBTTIQ youth’s social context by developing LGBTTIQspecific leadership potential in an effort to help sexual minority youth. An educational, social, and personal learning retreat for LGBTTIQ&A youth, Camp f. Yrefly consists of structured workshops, learning activities, and informal peer socialization spaces. Ultimately, the program is designed to build social understanding, leadership skills, and self-esteem for LGBTTIQ&A youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Camp f. Yrefly’s leadership programming focuses on empowering LGBTTIQ&A youth through positive peer socialization and arts-informed educational initiatives for social justice. The four-day retreat features more than 25 workshops, in which youth are enabled to explore and articulate the complex issues and concerns they face as sexual minority individuals in British Columbia through artistic pursuits. The camp takes a “by-youth-for-youth” approach, in which older youth and facilitators or mentors support younger youth. The camp helps youth to positively address the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood specifically experienced by LGBTTIQ&A-identified youth. Camp f. Yrefly is the only camp of its kind in BC. For more information on Camp f. Yrefly, visit www. fyrefly. ubc. ca

Rationale The purpose of this project is to create a practical and accessible resource for School District #69 (Parksville-Qualicum, British Columbia) personnel to use to support at-risk students and students in need. I identified a problem when trying to support the needs of students in my alternative school classroom: it took a great deal of time to try to address the social and emotional needs of each student. As a former youth outreach worker in the community, I was aware of many of the supports available for at-risk youth but still found it: time and energy consuming to contact the appropriate community partners, find out referral processes for programs, or even hours of operation for youth centers. Too often my answer to students and/or families in need was, “I’ll look into it and get back to you. ” I realized that teachers in traditional (regular) schools would likely have less information (and practical experience) in providing guidance regarding, and making referrals to, community programs and resources that would, potentially, offer valuable support for their students (and students’ families) that were in need. With the identification of this problem I decided to create a dynamic (easily updatable/sharable/printable) web-resource that would compile knowledge of, and information regarding, community programs and resources (school programs, community programs, referral processes, online referral forms) that could be placed at the fingertips of school personnel who sought to provide accurate and consistent information and support to assist in addressing the needs of youth in our district. I chose to use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an organizing tool because: I felt that most educators would be familiar with Maslow’s theory of self-actualization and, thus, it would be intellectually accessible; it provides a theoretical and graphic organizer for school personnel (or, potentially, families or students) to find information and support that they may consider valuable. This project is of importance to me to promote awareness and assist in decreasing the number of questions, and increasing the number of answers, that educators have when providing prompt support to at-risk youth in our schools.

Acknowledgements There are many people and organizations that have provided time and information toward keeping this resource current and relevant for supporting “at-risk” students in our community. Special acknowledgment must be made to management and staff at Associated Family & Community Support Services Ltd. (Susan Butler, Jaime Fletcher, Lori Pierreroy, Colin Brouwer) for the provision of ongoing leadership and support of this resource.