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From time to time, the Waterloo Region Family Network (WRFN) is asked to distribute information on behalf of third parties. WRFN provides general information to self-advocates and families of children with special needs. The information provided on this website is not a recommendation, referral or endorsement of any resource, therapeutic method, or service provider. WRFN is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. You are urged to use independent judgment when considering any resource.
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Kaleidoscope Kids is cancelled for today, Tuesday, October 22, from 3-4 pm at @EarlyONWR St in Waterloo. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope you can join us next Tuesday, October 29.
Collaborating with Families Affected by Concurrent Disorders
Online Course
This six-week, six-module, facilitator-led online course for health care and social service providers begins on Monday October 21, 2024.
Overview
Families are an immense resource in the care, treatment and recovery of individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems. However, they often have limited access to the help, information and resources that they need to be supportive to their loved ones. Through readings, discussions, and video clips, this six-week online course for health care providers explores the needs of families affected by concurrent disorders as well as the strategies that health care providers can use to engage and empower families and ensure that their experiences with the health care system are positive ones.
Learning Objectives
After successfully completing this course, participants will be able to:
describe the benefits of having families involved in the care of clients affected by mental health and substance use problems
explain the impact of mental health and addiction problems on families
outline the challenges health care providers may experience while working with families
describe the challenges and barriers families experience with the mental health care and addiction system
explain physical, emotional, social and spiritual self-care strategies families can use to reduce their stress
explain how health care providers can provide support.
Course Dates
October 21 – December 2, 2024
Each module is released weekly, and participants can work on the course at any time at their convenience during the week. Each module takes two to three hours to complete. Participants receive a letter of completion at the end of the course.
Feedback from former participants:
“I really enjoyed the videos! It makes the course more successful for all types of learners. All the information was educational and improved my knowledge on this topic”.
“This course has encouraged me to incorporate the family more than I have in the past. I’ve noticed a huge difference with my approach and the effects it has on my clients as well. A lovely addition to working with my clients. Thank-you!”.
Accreditation:
This continuing professional development activity is held under the auspices of Continuing Professional Development, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and has been awarded with the following credits:
College of Family Physicians of Canada Mainpro+ (1 credit/hour) Self-Learning: 17.0 credits
Royal College Maintenance of Certification Section 1: 17.0 hours
Click here for more information
The YMCA of Three Rivers' Early Learning and Child Care Navigators (ELCC Navigators) play a crucial role in connecting families to the child care and early learning services they need in Waterloo Region. Funded by the Region of Waterloo, the ELCC Navigator program is an essential resource for families in our community.
As key points of contact, ELCC Navigators assist families by:
Providing detailed information about licensed child care options.
Guiding them through the application process via the OneList Waterloo Region.
Supporting families in applying for child care subsidies.
Linking them to additional services, including special needs resources, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, and Public Health.
In 2023, ELCC Navigators provided direct support to 461 families, with 55% identifying as Black, Indigenous, or people of colour. Feedback from families highlights the impact of this service, with one parent stating, "The ELCC Navigator was amazing, very proactive and helped us immensely. I would definitely recommend this service and I wish it was more known so I could’ve accessed it earlier." Learn more about the impact of the ELCC Navigators here.
Would you like to learn more about the interesting and impactful work they do? The ELCC Navigator team will be holding virtual sessions via Zoom to help our community learn more about this partnership between the YMCA of Three Rivers, EarlyON Waterloo Region, and the Region of Waterloo. At this session you’ll meet the ELCC Navigator team, learn what we do to support BIPOC communities, and how you can connect with us.
Join the ELCC Navigator team via Zoom on Wednesday October 30th from 12 – 1 pm. Click here to register for this free session beginning October 11th.
YMCA of Three Rivers Immigrant Services, in partnership with WRDSB, is hosting a Community Engagement session Wednesday October 9th from 6-8pm at A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA in Kitchener. This session is specifically tailored for our Arabic-speaking community members. It will provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to ask questions and actively engage with the school board to gain a deeper understanding of their children's education in our schools.
