FAMILY FUTURES

"Building stronger communities,

one family at a time."

What Is It?

Family Futures incorporates a variety of programs designed to respond to the needs of families in New Westminster, Burnaby and the Tri-Cities. Professional, psycho-educational services are provided on an outreach or in-house basis, and address diverse issues identified by individuals, couples, or families. Referral sources include the Ministry of Children and Family Development, schools, community agencies, and self-referrals.

Investing in a Vision

Family Futures believes in the integrity of all family members as we share and learn from our experiences. We work with families to facilitate changes in communication, parenting, and problem-solving to increase the family’s ability to provide responsible nurturing and safety for its children.

Using family diversity and community resources, we will assist families in realizing their unique potential. We develop a client-focused, culturally-sensitive, time-limited action plan, which may include parent education, behaviour management, counselling or therapy, psycho-educational groups, and/or an appropriate referrals.

Family Futures is committed to service excellence.

What we offer:

There are several programs under the Family Futures umbrella. Some of our programs and services are outlined below.

Family Development Work

An outreach service that provides parent education and parenting skill development to families referred by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. This service focuses on a range of issues including: child development, roles and responsibilities, behavioral strategies, appropriate, non-aversive discipline, parental coping, and other effective parenting skills.

Family Therapy

Professional psychotherapy to assist families referred by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Families, who receive service, are assisted in identifying critical issues that may interfere with their ability to make creative and effective choices. Presenting issues may include parental coping, relationship concerns, family reintegration, anger management, family dynamics, or historical abuse affecting parenting.

Counselling Associates:

Professional counselling provided on a fee-for-service basis to individuals, couples and families, who self-refer. Persons interested in receiving counselling service can address any of the presenting issues that are currently affecting their well being or their ability to cope effectively with life challenges.

Fee-for-service is based on a sliding fee scale considering annual household income and number of family members.



Prenatal Support Program:

Prenatal Support is available to young parents aged 24 years or younger throughout the pregnancy and through the first year of the child’s life. This unique program provides education regarding maternal and fetal health as well as infant development. The objective of the program is to increase the likelihood of healthy birth outcomes for young parents. Referrals can be accepted from anyone in the communities of New Westminster, Burnaby, and the Tri-Cities.

Call

604-562-2522

to receive more information about

these dynamic services.


Parenting Groups

Parenting Children with Challenging Behaviour

This group is intended for parents of children four years to twelve years old. The group uses a psychoeducational approach to assist parents in understanding:

Attendance in this 8-week group is free.

There are ongoing start dates - call today to register.





Parenting Skill Enhancement Group

This group is intended for those parents who have previously completed a parenting group. This is a interactive group that assists parents in effectively applying the skills they have acquired in other groups. Specifically, parents will learn:

  • Practical application of positive parenting skills.
  • How to troubleshoot parenting strategies.
  • How to be creative in parenting.


Attendance in this 8-week group is free.

There are ongoing start dates - call today to register.

First Nations Family Circle

The First Nations Family Circle meets on a weekly basis to explore the rich and valuable heritage of First Nations Communities and Families. Through sharing in the circle, members review the sometimes hidden vault of traditional knowledge and lore that has been passed down from the Elders. Through the re-awakening of this knowledge members share and reclaim culture - providing support to each other and work on the goal of building healthier families.

There are ongoing start dates - call today to register.


Families in Transition Group

This group is intended for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and caregivers who are experiencing a change in the family structure. Whether children have gone into care or have become a part of a new family, this group will help participants understand:

  • Coping through change.
  • How grief and loss affects the family.
  • How to assume a new role.
  • Blended family issues.
    Appropriate, non-aversive discipline.

Attendance in this 8 week group is free.

There are ongoing start dates - call today to register.


Call 604-562-2522

to receive more information about

these and other parenting groups.


Meet the Family Futures Team:

Sheldon

Sheldon is of Ojibway/Cree ancestry from Manitoba. He began his social service career in Vancouver’s downtown eastside before joining the Purpose team in 1994. Sheldon has since worked in several communities throughout the Lower Mainland and gained valuable experience, while adding his unique cultural and personal perspective to his work. Sheldon has worked extensively with First Nations youth and their families and remains committed to providing services to the First Nations community.

Benno

Benno is employed as a full-time Family Therapist with the Purpose Society and also works in private practice with the Counselling Associates. He comes to the agency as a Canadian Certified Counsellor holding an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Benno has extensive therapeutic experience working with individuals of all ages, couples, families and groups. He is trained in family systems, psychodynamic, play therapy, experiential and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Benno brings a unique and inspired perspective to his work with his diverse skills in a growth-oriented focus promoting his clients’ personal progression.

Jackie

Jackie has ten years experience working with families in the areas of parenting, child development, and behaviour management. She has been with the Purpose Society for four years, initially as a Family Worker and currently as the Coordinator: Family Outreach. With a formal educational background in psychology, Jackie has a particular interest in working with families of pre-school and school-aged children who are experiencing a variety of challenges. Jackie brings to her work a keen ability to provide appropriate advocacy.


Gina

Gina has been with Purpose Society since November 1, 1999. She graduated from UBC’s School of Social Work in 1998 and brings with her a combination of education and life experience. As an artist and parent of two, she brings many creative and inspiring ideas to the Family Futures team as a Family Development Worker. Gina has recently begun graduate work at the UBC School of Social Work.

Pritam

Pritam has been employed as the Family Development Worker for some ten years. She has a strong background in multicultural issues and is able to offer services in many languages.


Devina

Devina has been with the Purpose Society for more than two years and works as a Family Development Worker. She possesses a strong theoretical and experiential background. Devina is nearing completion of her second undergraduate degree.

Francesca

Francesca is the newest member of the team having started in September 2002 as the Prenatal Support Worker. Francesca brings a variety of experiences to the program including experience with advocacy, counselling, and assisting families through transitions. She is experienced with cultural diversity as she has lived and worked in a few different countries. She describes herself as a people person, who enjoys helping others.

Rob

Rob has been Director of the Family Futures Program since January 2000 providing both administrative and clinical supervision to the team. Having completed his undergraduate work at the University of Northern British Columbia and his graduate work through St. John’s University in Springfield, Louisiana he has a solid background in counselling psychology. Rob, having worked in addictions services and children’s mental health, brings a wealth of experience and a strong clinical background to the team. Rob provides services in the Family Therapy program as well as through Counselling Associates.

Making a Difference

Last year, Family Futures provided service to more that two-hundred and fifty (350) families. Families report that the service that was received assisted them to:

  • Develop new ways of parenting
  • Increase the coping skills
  • Learn about exciting community resources
  • Connect with other families
  • Revive relationships with family members

If you, or someone you know,

might benefit from any of our services

please call 604-526-2522 today!