End of an Era…

Hey everyone, as you’ve probably heard, as of tomorrow (May 15th) we will no longer be providing our community support services in Kelowna.  This is a bittersweet moment for us, as this decision was not made lightly, and we have many fond memories of the community support program over the years.

So, today, we are celebrating! We are celebrating all of the wonderful people we have supported. We are celebrating all of the wonderful employees that we have worked with as we have provided supports. We are celebrating all of the achievements and memories that have come along with our time providing these services.

As we mark 30 years providing support in our communities, we are grateful that we have had all the opportunities and experiences in community support with you along the way. We remember with joy all the Naramata retreats, the Canucks trips and the sports games, the road trips and the beach days. We remember with pride supporting and celebrating community living month with our friends and colleagues at Pathways. We remember with gratitude all those who participated, supported, and celebrated WE Days with us in Kelowna.

This is absolutely a big change.  It marks the end of an era in our agency’s history.  But, with every ending, comes a new beginning. We know that all the people we have supported will continue to make great memories and to explore new opportunities with whatever comes next.

Even though the time has come to wish everyone we supported in community support all the best, we will still be around in the community providing our other supports. We will also still be around on here, our own corner of the internet. We welcome you to drop us a line here any time, and you’re always welcome to leave comments for discussion.

Thank you all for being part of our community support here at Community Connections!

Sincerely,

Jackie & Brian

Mental health and support networks…

The Government of Canada has recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create stress and anxiety for many of us. Stress and anxiety can be worse for those who do not have access to their regular support networks.

Through the Wellness Together Canada online portal, people of any age across Canada can access immediate:

  • Mental Health and Substance use support.
  • Free and confidential resources.
  • 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

See the full list of supports available here.

Mental Health Week

Hey everyone, we are marking the end of 2021’s Mental Health Week with this post of resources we found through the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA):

As well as other articles published for Mental Health Week, and more resources gathered together by CLBC.

Wellness Together Canada also offers resources tailored to coping with COVID-19. You can find more on their webpage here.

There is also a YouTube version of the Health Care Access Research and Developmental Disabilities virtual course for families and caregivers called “Mental Health for Adults with Developmental Disabilities during COVID-19.” You can find that series of videos here.

Healthy Eating Habits…

The Government of Canada has emailed bulletin reminders out about the importance of keeping healthy eating habits. Maintaining healthy habits is important, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some suggestions to try and make part of your healthy eating routine:

  • Planning regular times for meals each day.
  • Making half of your plate vegetables and fruits.
  • Planning your meals to help you cook more often.
  • Eating with others in your home, or virtually if you live alone.

There are more healthy eating habits here.

ODE TO A CAREGIVER

This poem was written by the mother of a person receiving home share services. Thank you for sharing these inspirational words with us, and for allowing us to share your words with others!

FSI Weekly News…

…including the Family Support Institute’s brand-new Continuing Conversations Group on Facebook! Check out the news here!

This Facebook group was created so families and individuals could have a forum to connect with others from around the province who get and understand that journey. You are not alone – connect with Resource Parents/Family Members all over the province who volunteer their time with FSI to be able to ensure you are not alone whether you are 0 or 100 years old.


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