A S P E N C O M M O N S F A M I L Y R E S O U R C E N E T W O R K H U B N E W S L E T T E R April/May 2020 Vol.1

Aspen operates two Family Resource Network (FRN) Hubs: the Aspen Commons Family Resource Network Southwest and the Aspen Commons Family Resource Network /Strathmore & Area.

These Family Resource Network Hubs provide a wide spectrum of prevention to intensive services for families with children aged 0-18, at no cost. The Family Resource Networks work with families, caregivers and communities to support the safety and resiliency of infants, children and youth within nurturing and supportive environments.

Programming and services support child safety, well-being and development, caregiver capacity and support, while incorporating Indigenous and culturally appropriate services throughout.

We know that positive experiences in early years can create the foundation for strong and healthy children and youth. We recognize that children and youth are the future and we are committed to helping young people have a healthy start in life so that they can thrive in adulthood.

T H E C O M M U N I T I E S W E S E R V E

C H E S T E R M E R E / S T R A T H M O R E & A R E A H U B S O U T H W E S T C A L G A R Y H U B

Carseland Belmont Legacy Walden Chestermere SE Bonavista Downs Millrise Wolf Willow Rockyford Bridlewood Parkland Woodbine Dalroy Standard Canyon Meadows Pine Creek Woodlands Delacour Strathmore Chaparral Queensland Yorkville Gleichen Wheatland County Deer Ridge Shawne Slopes Hussar Deer Run Shawnessy Indus Evergreen Silverado Langdon Lake Bonavista Somerset

L A N D A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T

Aspen is committed to actively engage and contribute to reconciliation, which begins by acknowledging the land we are privileged to reside on. We acknowledge and honour Moh’kinsstis, the Ancestral land of the Blackfoot Confederacy: the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations and their oral and cultural practices. We acknowledge and honour the other Treaty 7 members: the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda Bands which includes the Chiniki, Wesley, and Bearspaw. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of , Region III. Finally, we acknowledge and honour all Nations (indigenous and non) who live, work, play, steward, and celebrate this territory. W H O W E A R E April/May 2020 Vol.1

C H E S T E R M E R E / S T R A T H M O R E & A R E A H U B

Shelly Wade Amrit Matharoo Leonor Ortega Rhonda Rhys-Doering Team Leader Family & Youth Youth & ECD Family ECD Family Resource Chestermere/Strathmore Resource Network Resource Network Network Specialist Specialist Specialist Shelly Wade is a local Amrit has a MSW from Leonor has a degree in Rhonda has a BSc resident of Strathmore and the University of Psychology from from the University of brings a wealth of Toronto. She has been Calgary & has been knowledge regarding Universidad de La addictions, mental health working with youth Sabana (Bogota, programming with and parenting and has and their families for Colombia). She has families in the been working in the almost 6 years, and worked with families in Chestermere and industry for about 18 was previously working Strathmore and Calgary Strathmore region for years. She obtained a for Aspen for 3 years for a number of years. 19 years. She's familiar Bachelor's degree in in Group Care. She She has a passion for with the challenges & General Studies from has a passion for rewards of parenting Simon Fraser University learning, teaching and and is a certified working with youth to supporting children and and is here to help facilitator in Circle of foster their resiliency their families. other parents and Security. and help them reach caregivers navigate their full potential. their journeys with little ones! C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

Due to COVID-19 and physical distancing precautions, the Aspen Commons Family Resource Network Chestermere/Strathmore Hub is closed, but you can join us online for programs and posts.

Website: www.aspenfamily.org/programs/frnchestermere-strathmore

Address: 419B 2 Street, Strathmore, AB T1P 1B9

Contact: Shelly Wade, Team Lead Phone: 403.472.0346 Volunteers Email: [email protected] and Intake & Registration: Rhonda Rhys-Doering Families! Phone: 403.690.1237 W E M I S S Email: [email protected] Y O U !

W H O W E A R E April/May 2020 Vol.1

S O U T H W E S T C A L G A R Y H U B

Bushra Choudhry Courtney Uittenbosch Margo Smith Dorothy Siegrist Team Leader Family & Youth ECD Family Resource ECD Family Resource Southwest Calgary Resource Network Network Specialist Network Specialist Specialist Bushra was born and Margo has been Dorothy has been with Courtney has been raised in Calgary and working with families Aspen for 4 years and with Aspen for 2 obtained a bachelor's for many years, she is excited to work with years. She has a degree in Social Work has a passion for families in Early degree in psychology from University of supporting families Childhood from Mount Royal Calgary and recently with young children Development. Her University and loves to completed a master's and loves to see hobbies are Ballroom read and spend time degree in Leadership families reach their dancing, swimming in the mountains. from Royal Roads goals! and nature walks. University in Victoria. She has been working as a Social Worker for about 12 years in the areas of addictions, youth and community development.

C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N

Due to COVID-19 and physical distancing precautions, the Aspen Commons Family Resource Network Southwest Calgary Hub is closed, but you can join us online for programs and posts. Shelina Bata Family Resource Network Specialist Website: www.aspenfamily.org/programs/frnsouthwest Intake Worker Address: Located in Millrise Station, 2nd Floor Shelina has been with Aspen for more than Suite #3217, 150 Millrise Blvd. SW Calgary, AB T2Y 13 years. She has experience in 5G7 community Contact: Bushra Choudhry, Team Lead development, family resource connections Phone: 403.607.3660 and measuring Email: [email protected] outcomes. She has a background in Early Intake & Registration: Shelina Bata Childhood Education, Phone: 403.689.1403 adult learning, administration and Email: [email protected] accounting. P R O G R A M S - Y O U T H April/May 2020 Vol.1

V I R T U A L G R O U P S O N L I N E P O S T S Connect online with one of our virtual Check out Aspen's Website: groups. www.aspenfamily.org/programs/family- resource-networks All virtual groups require participants to have access to the internet and a device (smart phone, laptop, or tablet) to Crafts & Activities participate. Ages 7-12

If you need some support setting up don't A variety of crafts and activities hesitate to reach out. that kids can try out. Every other Wednesday, starting April 22 Girls Group Southwest Calgary Hub Grades 7-8 (Ages 12-14) Crafts & Activities Activities, games, and chats about a Ages 12-16 variety of topics. A variety of crafts and activities Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 PM that youth can try out. April 28 - June 2 Every other Wednesday, starting Register with Shelina (403.689.1403) April 29 [email protected] Exploring Feelings & Emotions After-School Homework Support Ages 7-12 Chestermere/Strathmore Hub A post or video that will help guide Grades 7-9 (Ages 12-15) kids and parents to explore and A virtual meeting space for youth to engage with their feelings and engage in school work. emotions. Thursdays from 4:30 - 5:30 PM Every other Tuesday, April 28 April 30 - June 4 Register with Amrit at Exploring Feelings & Emotions (403) 619-5139 OR Ages 13-18 [email protected] A post or video that will help guide Youth and parents to explore and After-School Homework Support engage with their feelings and Chestermere/Strathmore Hub emotions. Grades 10-12 (Ages 15-18) Every other Tuesday, April 21 A virtual meeting space for youth to engage in school work. T E L E P H O N E S U P P O R T Wednesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 PM April 29 - June 3 One-on-One Support For all ages - no Register with Amrit at internet required.

(403) 619-5139 OR Contact Rhonda (403.690.1237) for [email protected] Chestermere/Strathmore Hub OR Shelina Bata (403.689.1403) for Southwest Calgary Hub. P R O G R A M S - E A R L Y C H I L D H O O D C h e s t e r m e r e / S t r a t h m o r e & A r e a H u b April/May 2020 Vol.1

V I R T U A L G R O U P S 7 Sacred Teachings Yoga For Caregivers Connect online with one of our virtual groups. A journey through the directions of the medicine wheel that uses indigenous & All virtual groups require participants to have access to the internet and a device yogic knowledge. Each teaching is (smart phone, laptop, or tablet) to represented by an animal, expressed participate. and experienced through breath, If you need some support setting up don't hesitate to reach out. posture, movement & story. Wednesday, May 20, 7:30-9:00 PM Coffee Chit-Chat Register with Rhonda: Caregivers of children ages 0-6 [email protected] Virtually meet others and interact with staff about development, behaviour, parenting, & resources. Infant Massage Wednesdays 9:30-11:30 AM Caregivers of babies ages 0-12 May 13 - June 3 months Register with Rhonda: Have some fun learning some basic [email protected] infant massage strokes to enhance your connection with your baby. Circle of Safety Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 AM For Caregivers May 12, 19, 26, & June 2 A 3-part series about personal, family, Register with Rhonda by May 8: & community safety. Practical [email protected] information on how to plan for keeping families safe in the world. Virtual Open House for Professionals Bring your ideas for an insightful Join us to learn about who we are, discussion. our services, and some of our Thursdays 10:00-11:30 AM May 21, 28, June 4 (attend all 3) upcoming programs! Register with Shelina: Wednesday, May 13, 2:00-3:30 PM [email protected] Register with Leonor: [email protected]

Triple P Seminars Caregivers of children ages 0-12 Virtual Open House for Families 3 seminars, entitled: The Power of Join us to learn about who we are, Positive Parenting, Raising what has changed, what is the Confident, Competent Children & same and some of the programs Raising Resilient Children. coming your way! Thursdays 2:00-4:00 PM Tuesday, May 12, 2:00-3:30 PM May 14, 28, & June 11 Register with Leonor: Register by May 11 with Rhonda: rrhys- [email protected] [email protected], or Leonor [email protected]. P R O G R A M S - E A R L Y C H I L D H O O D C h e s t e r m e r e / S t r a t h m o r e & A r e a H u b April/May 2020 Vol.1

O N L I N E P O S T S T E L E P H O N E S U P P O R T Check out Aspen's Website: One-on-One Support - no internet www.aspenfamily.org/programs/family- resource-networks required.

Contact Rhonda (403.690.1237) to Craft & Activity Videos make an appointment Caregivers with children ages 3-6 Fun, creative ways for you and your child to explore different ways to play together.

Storytime Videos Caregivers with children ages 3-6 A fun interactive story time for caregivers and their children to connect. P R O G R A M S - E A R L Y C H I L D H O O D S o u t h w e s t C a l g a r y H u b April/May 2020 Vol.1

V I R T U A L G R O U P S How Do I Feel? Exploring feelings with Connect online with one of our virtual small children. groups. Caregivers and small children All virtual groups require participants to We will share some songs, rhymes and have access to the internet and a device (smart phone, laptop, or tablet) to activities together! participate. Thursdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM

If you need some support setting up don't May 12- June 16 hesitate to reach out. Register with Shelina (403.689.1403) [email protected] Virtual Storytime Focused on preschool aged children (all welcome!) O N L I N E P O S T S Get comfy and enjoy a lovely storytime Check out Aspen's Website:

www.aspenfamily.org/programs/family- with Dorothy resource-networks Monday mornings 10:30 - 11:00 AM April 27 - June 1 Sensory Activities To Try at Home Register with Shelina (403.689.1403) Designed for younger children but [email protected] all will enjoy! Some ideas for sensory play you Parent Chat can do at home Focused for caregivers with children Fridays April 24 - June 12 aged 0 - 6 Join us for an opportunity to chat with other parents, get to know our ECD Isolation Parenting Tips Family Resource Specialists and learn Information and tips for parents a bit about the day's topic. during this difficult time. Wednesdays 1:30 - 2:30 PM If you are struggling with something April 29 - June 3 and would like some tips to cope, Register with Shelina (403.689.1403) please sennd us and email and we'll [email protected] try to post a tip or two!

Circle of Security Caregivers with children 0-5 years Program for caregivers about T E L E P H O N E S U P P O R T attachment security with your child One-on-One Support - no internet Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:30 - 2:30 PM required. May 4 to 28 Contact Shelina Bata (403.689.1403) Register with Shelina (403.689.1403) to make an appointment [email protected]

Watch for our upcoming virtual Rhymes & Songs program for babies and caregivers!