Pathways | Family and Indigenous Early Years Programs - Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS)

Family and Indigenous Early Years Programs - Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS)

Child Services, Condition Specific Support, Family / Parenting, and Indigenous Services

Provided by Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)

Programs and services are rich in culture and stay true to traditional Indigenous knowledge and methods.

Programs include:
- Aboriginal Infant Development Support Workers Program: Supports Indigenous families with children aged birth to three who are at risk of or have developmental delays. The program aims to nurture a safe, healthy family environment, empower families to participate in the community, and enhance children's skills and wellness. Services include the Nobody’s Perfect Parenting program, Aboriginal Parent-Child Mother Goose, Circle of Security Parenting, Ages and Stages Questionnaire, and Infant Massage.

- Aboriginal Supported Early Childhood Development Program (SCD): The program is designed to meet the needs of children requiring extra support. SCD recognizes the importance of inclusion and providing intervention and support in childcare settings during the early stages of development.

- Building Blocks Program: The program is an early intervention home visiting program for first-time parents with children up to five years of age. This weekly visiting program supports, maintains and enhances individual and family functioning by improving birth outcomes and parenting skills.

- Family Support Worker Program: Program supports Indigenous families with children aged 0-18 by offering educational and cultural programs to foster strong, healthy family units. In collaboration with the Ministry of Children & Family Development and Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services, the FSW Program connects families to community resources, provides holistic support, empowers parents, and guides families in learning new life skills. Services include parenting and educational programs, traditional cultural activities, accompaniment to mediations and court proceedings, and support for family reunification.

- Family Violence Program: The Family Violence Intervention Program is an 8-week initiative aimed at fostering safe and healthy family environments and empowering families to actively participate in the community. Meeting three times per week, the program covers topics such as violence, coping skills, communication, power and control, abuse, trauma, anger, stress management, conflict resolution, nutrition, and grounding techniques. It includes one-on-one counselling. Registration is available by email, fax, or in person for fall, winter, or spring sessions.

- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Program: The FASD Supported Circle Program is a family-centred initiative supporting parents and caregivers of children aged 0-18 with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD). It focuses on educating families about their children's needs and offers services such as peer support, advocacy, parenting skill development, life skills training, and connections to community resources. Support includes office, home, and community visits, as well as a weekly FASD drop-in group for parents, grandparents, foster parents, and Elders.

- Sheway: Sheway offers comprehensive health and social services for women who are pregnant or parenting young children and experiencing substance use issues. The program includes prenatal, postnatal, and primary care, along with education, counseling, addiction management, housing, and parenting support. Sheway also provides basic necessities like daily nutritious lunches, food coupons, food bags, nutritional supplements, formula, and clothing. The program recognizes that women's and children's health is influenced by their living conditions and their ability to impact these conditions. Key services include food and nutrition, primary health care, counseling, healthy child development, outreach, advocacy, and community education.

Location finder: https://vahs.life/programs...

604-602-7558 (Aboriginal Infant Developmental Support Workers Program) ext. 132

Website: https://vahs.life/aboriginal-infant...

717 Princess Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 3E4

604-254-1001 (Aboriginal Supported Early Childhood Development Program) ext. 125

Website: https://vahs.life/aboriginal...

717 Princess Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 3E4

604-602-7558 (Building Blocks Program) ext. 142

Website: https://vahs.life/building-blocks...

717 Princess Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 3E4

604-602-7558 (Family Support Worker Program) ext. 135

Website: https://vahs.life/family-support...