Family Support
Background
The province-wide Family Support Program was launched in 1993, by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), to address the lack of existing services for infant and toddler age group. Funding is provided by the community Action Program for Children, Health and Welfare Canada through the Brighter Futures Secretariat. Odawa’s Family support program began in June of 1994. Key Benefits
The program provides support to children and their families through culturally appropriate holistic, healing and preventative services.
These services address child development, from the pre-conception stage, and offer support and parental skills training for parents and youth in urban aboriginal communities.
Ongoing programs offered:
Aboriginal Family Support Programming
Tues., Wed., & Thurs. Mornings 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Our program offers support circles that have a variety of culturally appropriate teaching and workshops with local Elders and professionals. Come in and share ideas with other parents, learn about your children through Positive Parenting Workshops, learn to sew, learn the basics in cooking, get involved with exercise and nutrition. Our program is for registered parents, so call now, as space is limited.
During programming, children who are newborn to 6 years old are in the Play Lodge for cultural and age appropriate child developmental activities such as crafts, games, sensory play, traditional songs and reading time.
Community Kitchen
The community kitchen is a great opportunity to learn to make some healthy food choices, following the Traditional Native Food Guide of Canada. Expert dietitians and nutritionists hold workshops for our parents. Following the program workshops, enjoy a nutritional lunch with the families. Learn traditional recipes and hands on experience of making traditional dishes.
Toy Lending Library
Give your children the opportunity to play with a variety of toys by visiting our toy lending library. We have various toys that you can borrow for children of all ages.
Footsteps to Success/Strolling Along
Parents will be involved in physical activities: such as: utilizing the gym, walking with strollers (weather permitting), snowshoeing or accessing the weight room. Motivational contests are always on the horizon.
Other Services
- Emergency, food, diaper, clothing
- One on one counselling and support
- Cultural teachings
- Field trips
- Referrals to elders
- Referrals to other services
- Special Events
- Seasonal Family Socials
- Annual Aboriginal Family Festival (Children’s Pow Wow)
- Odawa’s Aboriginal Festival (Odawa Pow Wow)
- Family BBQ’s
- Harvest Feasts
If you are a parent seeking help and support for your family we have the resources available to you. We have open spaces to be involved with the Family Support Program. Register today!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jennifer Deschenes-Jerome
Family Support Coordinator
Odawa Native Friendship Centre
815 St. Laurent Blvd.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1K 3A7
Phone: (613) 722-3811 ext. 705
Fax: (613) 722-4667
Email: familysupport@odawa.on.ca