NOYFSS (North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society) started in 1974 with the mandate to provide parent, child and youth programs on issues like anger, conflict, divorce, parenting, special needs and self-esteem.
While the programs reflect the changing needs of families, the goal remains to work towards creating healthy families through individual, family and group programs.
Two recently added programs help girls and parents.
“So many girls struggle with self-esteem and they need a safe place to go to recognize how special they are, develop confidence and relationship skills and how to give back to the community,” said Becky Marshall, child and family counselor and group facilitator.
A recent donation of $5,000 from CIBC allows the centre to offer the Self-Esteem for Girls program for girls ages six to 16. The six to nine-year-old group is on now with groups for ages 10-12 and 13-16 scheduled for August. Registration is being taken now.
The classes include information on eating and nutrition, exercise, how to express emotions properly and community volunteer work at a local seniors residence. There are art projects, cooking, yoga and role playing segments.
“When the girls come in, a lot of them are really nervous and afraid to speak but by the end you can see the change and they speak in front of the group and make new friends. It’s very rewarding to see,” said Marshall. “The girls tell us they had fun and thank us for doing this.”
The Nurturing Parent Program, starting in August/September, is for parents of children ages five to 11.
“It’s a fantastic program,” said Marshall. “It is all about parents, attachment, discipline, creating a safe, healthy environment and using consequences and rewards. It’s a time of self-growth for parents and learning about why they parent the way they do and different ways they can do things.”
Marshall said that it is ideal if both parents can attend the program together so that they can discuss what they are learning about their own and each others’ parenting styles.
The programs are free but require pre-registration.
For more information about these and other NOYFSS programs and services, and registration, call 250-545-3572 or see www.noyfss.org.
