Family / Parent Programming

“It is comforting to know others share my kind of parenting challenges and there are different approaches.” 
Past Participant

Regular programs:

These have set schedules, often a limit on numbers, and require pre-registration therefore we ask you to register early. If the programs have a small registration fee, please be aware that for those living in Lethbridge, there is a City of Lethbridge subsidy available for qualifying participants.

 

Parenting After Separation (PASS):

Divorce can be  a traumatic process for all family members involved, particularly children. Learn how to maintain a business-style relationship with your children’s other parent in order to support your kids as much as possible through this difficult process. This six-hour course is offered on a monthly basis (with the exception of August), and is required by the Court of Queen’s Bench prior to granting a final divorce decree. Both married and common-law parents going through separation have found this program useful for their kids. Participants will learn . . . 

  1. The parenting relationship triangle and the alienated child

  2. How to strengthen the relationship with your children

  3. Effects of separation and divorce on parents and how to cope

  4. Effects of separation and divorce on children, based on their ages and stages of development

  5. How to help your children cope with separation and build their resiliency

  6. Strategies of how to communicate with your children’s other parent and maintain a business like relationship as co-parents

  7. How to establish and maintain parenting plans with your co-parent

  8. Accurate information from a practicing family lawyer on legal issues, including child support, custody, mediation, and collaborative family law 

All participants will obtain a user-friendly, detailed manual that explains everything taught in the course, along with literature on federal child support tables and guidelines.  

Throughout the 10 years of this program’s existence, many separating parents have reported in their written evaluations, that the information they gained will be very helpful for themselves and their children.

WHEN?

  • Saturday, Jan. 14, 9:30am – 4:30pm.  

  • Mondays, Feb. 6 & 13, 6:30-9:30pm.  

  • Saturday, Mar. 10, 9:30am – 4:30pm.  

  • Mondays, Apr. 16 & 23, 6:30-9:30pm  

  • Saturday, May 26, 9:30am – 4:30pm.

  • Monday, June 11 & 18, 6:30 - 9:30pm

  • Saturday, July 14, 9:30am - 4:30pm  

WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room

FEE: No charge; no childcare provided. It is required by the Court of Queen's Bench prior to granting a final divorce decree.

PLEASE NOTE: The course begins immediately on the scheduled times. Registrants are suggested to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time, as anyone arriving late will not be admitted.


“I will think more about what I want to convey to my child before I speak any words.”

Past Participant

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Focus on Communication in Separation (FOCIS):

Help your Children get out of the Middle. Learn to communicate with your children’s other parent for your children’s sake. This six-hour course is offered to separated and divorced parents. Topics include impact of conflict on children, understanding conflict, listening skills, conflict styles and anger.

Monday, Jan. 23 & 30, 6 - 9pm
Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Monday, Mar 12 & 19, 6 - 9pm
Saturday, Apr. 28, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Monday, May 7 & 14, 6 - 9pm
Saturday, June 30, 9:30am - 4:30pm

WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room

FEE: No charge.

 

“This course should be mandatory!”
Past Participant

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Supporting Father Involvement (SFI)

The importance of a mother’s role in the emotional and developmental well-being of the child has been well confirmed. Only recently have child development researchers begun to identify the unique contributions of the father. Fathers contribute something different; not better or worse, just different. In these group sessions, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • focus on areas of family life which appear to impact the level and quality of father involvement; respect the quality of a couple’s relationship;

  • understand how the families we grew up in shape our experiences and our roles as spouse & parent;

  • understand the challenges of the parent-child relationship;

  • manage stressors outside the family;

  • access to supports and resources

Supporting Father Involvement offers a variety of schedules throughout the year, please contact us for registration and details at 403-320-4232 ext 221. Note that supper and childcare are provided for no charge.

Tuesdays, Jan. 10 - Mar. 20, 5 - 8pm.
Tuesdays, Apr. 3 - June 19, 5 - 8pm. No program Apr. 10.

WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room & Melcor Playroom / Ronald McDonald Play Area

FEE: No Charge.

Dads are saying...

"We appreciate the sincere concern the staff has shown towards the well-being of our family. The networking and information garnered was relevant and timely to our present situation."

"It's great to see that so many different types of families, build on different dynamic experiences, still have the same challenges as each other."

"This program is a great way to meet and connect with other families. It's incredible to share parenting tips with other couples, as well as getting a 'professional' view."

Brochure / See Lethbridge Herald News Story about SFI

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Parents and Children Experiencing Separation (PACES):

PACES

PACES is a six-week group that supports families through the change brought about by separation and divorce.  The format gives children (ages 7-12) the opportunity to talk and ask questions about separation and divorce through various art and drama activities. Goals of the group include: normalizing their experiences, validating their feelings, and to assist them in developing healthy coping skills.  Time is also spent identifying their available supports at home, school, and in the community.  

The parent group is based on “Effective Co-Parenting, Putting Kids First”. The curriculum was developed in Calgary by Elaine Buckman and Sandy Shuler. The program is intended to help adults learn to co-parent effectively for the benefit of children during separation and divorce; to help children build resiliency to separation and divorce as a result; and thus to allow children to maintain access to both of their parents and extended families in spite of this life change. 

This program is not therapy-based, but rather psycho-educational, offering skills, strategies, resources, and support for participants who are in the process of separation or divorce.  A different topic is covered each week and provides a variety of materials and methods, including videotape, group discussion, personal reflection, and presentations to assist parents in building skills, acquiring knowledge, and gaining an awareness of community resources. Another important aspect of the group experience is the support and validation participants receive from group members. People may contact the program themselves or be referred by professionals. 

Wednesdays, Jan. 18 - Feb 29, 6- 8:30pm.

WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room & Melcor Playroom / Ronald McDonald Play Area

FEE: Please call for details

“This was awesome, to get input from other parents, as well as facilitators on the effects of divorce was very helpful.”
Past Participant

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Parenting: A Balancing Act (PABA):

This group introduces a theory of parenting regarding how parents are able to influence their children and their environment by purposefully responding to their children using the four functions of parenting.  Parents will learn to integrate this theory to assist with all the challenges of parenting, including: discipline, respect, responsibility, anger, and stress. The main focus of the group is awareness and understanding of who you are as a parent, and how you can implement a balance between being too harsh and too soft. This group is applicable for all types of families and the theory applies to all ages of children. The setting is open, relaxed, and non-judgmental, and the format is a combination of lecture and large group activities. If you would like some assistance and support in parenting, join us for this four week group. Childcare is provided.

Wednesdays, Mar. 7 - 28, 6 - 8pm
Wednesdays, Apr. 18 - May 9, 6 - 8pm

WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room

FEE: Please call for details

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Triple P (Positive Parenting Program- Child Seminar)

YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF7i8_sxRtQ 

Triple P helps build positive behaviors in children, confidence in parents’ skills and community support for raising children. Triple P helps parents to create a customized parenting plan for helping children make changes. Note: Family Centre also offers a Triple P Teen Seminar

Triple P Child Group:

Triple P has programs for parents, children, and teens that help in developing their full potentials as individuals as well as together through dealing with the challenges of parenting. The Child Group program is for parents of children aged 0 - 12. This group involves six 2.5 hour group sessions, followed by three 30 minute phone calls and one final session.:

Thursdays, Feb. 2 - Mar. 29, 6 - 8pm. WHERE: Alberta Staff & Board Room.
Saturday, Mar. 3, 9am - 1pm. WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room
Saturday, May 12, 9am - 1pm.  WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room

FEE: No charge.

Triple P Teen Group:

Saturday, Mar. 24, 9am - 1pm. WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room
Saturday, May 26, 9am - 1pm. WHERE: Alberta Staff & Board Room.

FEE: No charge.

Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Stepping Stones:

The Stepping Stones program is for parents of children aged 2 - 12 with special needs that are experiencing behavioural difficulties. This group involves five 2.5 hour group sessions, followed by three 30 minute phone calls and one final session:

Mondays, Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 27, Mar. 5, Apr 2, 6 - 8pm. WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room
Wednesdays, May 2 - June 20, 6 - 8pm.
WHERE: Alberta Staff & Board Room

FEE: No charge.

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RAGE - Recognizing Alternatives to Getting Explosive

An eight-week fun and educational group for adults (18+) focusing on developing alternatives to controlling intense emotions, with an emphasis on managing anger.  The purpose of the program is to help individuals identify past patterns, to learn and practice new skills and to promote change.  Flyer

Wednesdays, Feb. 1 - Mar 28, 6 - 8pm. WHERE: Alberta Staff & Board Room
Wednesdays, May 2 - June 29, 6 - 8pm. WHERE: Towards A Brighter Future Presentation Room

FEE: $30/person.

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Parenting without Partners Grief Group:

Parenting is challenging enough, but more challenging when a parent is grieving. This is a bi-weekly support group for bereaved parents who have lost a partner.

Mondays, Bi-weekly: Jan. 9 - June 25, 6:30 - 8:30pm.  (Jan. 9, 23, Feb. 6, 20, Mar. 5, 19, Apr. 2, 16, 30, May 14, 28, June 11, 25.) 

WHERE: Please note the meeting rooms will vary each session, please check at the front desk apon arriving.

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Baby Blues Postpartum Support Group:

This is a bi-weekly support group for parents who are experiencing a variety of new emotions after the birth. This may include depression, anxiety, disconnectedness, and self-esteem among others.

Monday, Bi-weekly; Jan. 16 - June 18, 6:30 - 8:30pm (Jan. 16, 30, Feb. 13, 27, Mar. 12, 26, Apr 9, 23, May 7, 21, June 4, 18)

WHERE: Please note the meeting rooms will vary each session, please check at the front desk apon arriving.

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Coping with Toddler Behaviour:
Come join other parents for this eight-week program and find out what you can do to make positive changes at home while parenting toddlers (12 -36 months).

Not offered this term

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Voices:
This program is a partnership between Lethbridge Alberta Health Services - Addiction and Mental Health Services, and Family Centre and sessions will be held at Family Centre.  The program runs for 8 weeks.

VOICES is an ideal group for mothers and daughters who want to repair or strengthen their bond.  This program provides a space for mothers and daughters to have an opportunity to connect and communicate while working towards building a life-long healthy relationship.  The VOICES program goals are achieved through fun and interactive activities. 

Objectives:

  1. Provide a safe environment for mothers and daughters to explore their relationships
  2. Provide a supportive environment for participants
  3. Celebrate personal strengths of each participant
  4. Empower participants in each aspect of the program (identity, relationships, health & journey)
  5. Reduce high-risk behaviors

Group components:

  1. Identity
  2. Relationships
  3. Health
  4. Journey

See brochure

Not offered this term

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Family Centre is a registered non-profit organization and gratefully accepts donations. Registered charity number 11915 7394 RR0001.
Program Fees and Donations can now be given through:

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!\         Canadian Donor's Guide

 


     

Family Centre Hours:

Fall/Winter start September 1: Monday - Thursday, 8:30am - 8:30pm  |   Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm | Sat. 8:30am - noon

Summer starts July 1: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - Noon, 1 - 4:30pm | Evening Hours resume on Monday August 30, 2010

Southwest Alberta CFSA  Centre of Excellence Hours:

Fall/Winter:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12:30 – 3:30pm & 4:30 – 8:30pm (Closed 3:30 - 4:30pm)
Friday, 8:30am – noon & 1:00 – 4:30pm (Closed noon - 1pm)
Saturday, 8:30am - noon & 1:00 - 4:30pm (Closed noon - 1pm, 1 - 4:30pm by appointment only)

Summer starts July 1: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 12:00pm & 1:00 – 4:30pm

Click here for Lethbridge Centre Building Hours and where entrance locations

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Family Centre Society of Southern Alberta
Suite 225, 200 - 4 Avenue S., Lethbridge Centre
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4C9
Phone (403) 320-4232   Fax: (403) 329-7321 Email: info@famcentre.ca


To locate a Parent Link Centre close to your home or for more information, visit www.parentlinkalberta.ca

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Copyright@ 2004 to Family Centre. Last update: Thursday March 08, 2012