Family Services & Youth
All programs have a family centered practice as their philosophy; the staff believe that parents know their children best, and should be actively involved in all decisions about their children.
Find out more information about the Family Services and Youth programs in Revelstoke:
There is no charge for counseling services offered at Community Connections. To reach the intake worker to make a referral or access counselling supports, please call 250-837-2920, visit the office, or e-mail intake@community-connections.ca
Counselling Services
The professional counsellors at Community Connections are committed to building constructive and collaborative partnerships with individuals and families seeking support. Our practice is inclusive, client-centered and sensitive to culture, gender and spirituality.
Counselling services provided at Community Connections include individual, family and group. We work with challenges such as:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse
• Parent/Child Conflict
• Addictions
• Stress
• Loss/Grief
• Separation/Divorce
• Relationships
• Violence
• Sexuality
• ADHD
The services provided by the professional counsellors at Community Connections are grounded in principles of a collaborative approach to working with individuals, families and groups.
Child and Youth Services
Children and youth are confronted with many social and emotional issues everyday. Some problems are simply part of growing up while others may be the result of troubling or traumatic experiences.
Community Connections offers a range of services to children and youth, including:
Recreational/Events:
Healthy social opportunities are provided to youth with a focus on participation in arts and cultural activities.
Skill Development Programs:
Children and youth are given opportunities to develop skills including:
• Life Skills
• Social Skills
• Independent Living Skills
• Job Preparation Skills
Therapeutic Programs:
A range of therapeutic services are provided:
• Individual Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Adventure Based Learning
Educational and Consultation Services
The professional staff at Community Connections provide educational/consultation services to the community including workshops and seminars addressing a variety of issues/topics such as:
• Women’s/Men’s Health
• Parenting
• Dealing with Separation/Divorce
• Managing Conflict
• Self Defense
• Dating Violence
• Healthy Relationships
Counseling services are supported by the Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Children and Family Development and Ministry of Community Services as well as contracted Employee Assistance Program Providers.
Youth Program
The Community Connections Youth Program is designed to provide events and activities for the youth in Revelstoke.
The project aims to provide healthy social opportunities for youth by focusing on participation in arts and cultural activities. This project ensures that all youth have equal access to events through the provision of “free” activities. It also strives to develop the leadership capacities in local youth by including them in all stages of the planning process. Youth will be able to improve their self-confidence and build on their internal assets by being directly involved in determining which events should be held, finding venues for events, participating in the events, and evaluating the events. This program enables youth to expand their repertoire of social and recreational activities while simultaneously increasing the profile of youth in Revelstoke.
Mentoring Program
The Community Connections’ Youth Mentoring Program helps to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program supports adult volunteers in becoming part of the social network of community members who care about youth and commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person in our community.
Please click and download the documents below to find application forms and other necessary documents:
For more information on the Mentoring Program, please contact Megan Shandro at 250-837-2920 or mshandro@community-connections.ca
Infant and Supported Child Development
The Infant and Supported Child Development Programs support families who are raising young children at risk for a delay or with a developmental delay or disability. This can be any area of development – fine or gross motor, speech, behavior, or social/emotional – or any area that is of concern to the parent. The Infant and Supported Child Development Consultant visits families in their homes and provides ideas to help with the child’s development. Visits can also take place in the preschool or daycare that the child is attending. Extra staff support can be provided to ensure the child can fully participate and be successful in all aspects of preschool or daycare. The program can also lend toys, books and equipment if required. Frequency and length of visits are determined by the parents.
The Consultant supports parents as they learn about their child and can conduct developmental screenings and/or assessments. The Consultant can also arrange for appointments with specialist therapists like a Physical Therapist, an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Language Therapist.
Any parent who has questions about their young child (birth to six years) may contact the Infant and Supported Child Development program.
For more information on the Infant and Supported Child Development Program, please contact Andree Rioux, Emily Inston, or Christina Davidson – Supported Child Development Coordinators.
Family Support Program
The Family Support Program is for children who have developmental difficulties or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Programs are tailored to meet each child’s unique needs and interests. Examples of program activities include participating in a variety of recreational and leisure activities (swimming, bowling, hiking, biking), developing life and social skills and work experience placements.
Respite is available for families whose children have a diagnosis of developmental delay, autism or a physical handicap. Parents may provide their own caregiver or the program can find an appropriate caregiver for families. Children can be cared for in their own home, or the caregiver’s home – this is arranged between the parents and caregivers.
For more information on the Family Support Program, please contact Andree Rioux at 250-837-2920
Bellies and Babies
Bellies and Babies is a group for expecting parents and families with babies birth to 12 or 24 months. Come and join this drop-in group for some snacks and great conversation.
Babies and Bellies 1 runs every Tuesday between 11:00 and 1:00 and is for babies birth to 12 months.
Babies and bellies 2 runs every Wednesday between 10:00 and 12:00 and is for babies birth to 24 months.
Parents and Community Together (PACT)
PACT is a family support program that is open to any parent in Revelstoke (birth, foster, step or grandparent).
The drop-in group is a relaxed, informal, inclusive place for parents of young children to socialize, share experiences and access resources to support them in the demanding job of raising small children. The facilitators provide information on topics related to family life, demonstrate play and craft activities, lead discussions on parenting and personal issues and make referrals to other services families may need.
Drop-in every Monday and Thursday from 9:30am – 12:00pm at Community Connections Main Office located at 314 Second Street East.
Summer Day Camp 2019
Community Connections Summer Day Camps are offered to all children in Revelstoke, including those who need extra support. Each week is based on a different theme such as: Sports week, Arts and Crafts, Wet and Wild, Exploration and Discovery, Nature Week, and Science. Financial sponsorships are available.
When: July and August 2020 – DATES TBD Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (extra hours of care available for an additional fee).
Who: Children that have completed kindergarten up to age 10
How: Weekly registration starts on June 3, 2019 and is ongoing throughout the summer during our office hours 8:30am-4:30pm Mon-Thurs and 8:30am -12:30pm on Fri .Please bring your child’s care card number when registering. Registration is weekly and on a first come first serve basis. Weekly themes will be avaliable on June 3rd. Payment is by cash or cheque at Community Connections
Cancellation policy: Full refund minus $25 fee up to the Friday before your child is scheduled to attend.
No detailed schedules will be released until June 2020.
Questions? Please contact Erin MacLachlan emaclachlan@community-connections.ca or call 250 837 2920