About the program
The Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre Healthy Choices Program offers services to Aboriginal families specific to child nutrition and also to children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
We provide individual and group support to families. All information is kept confidential.
Are you an Aboriginal person who is:
- A parent with young children interested in nutrition and/or parenting supports?
- Living with a child affected by pre-natal exposure to alcohol?
- Of child-bearing age and using alcohol?
If you have answered yes to any of the above, the Healthy Choices Program has services for you.
Healthy Choices provides:
- A safe and friendly place to connect with other parents and families and learn together
- Parent Support Circles
- Community Kitchens
- Family drop-In/School Readiness Program
- Children’s Support Circles (drum circles, arts and crafts)
- Advocacy for parent and child
- Home and office visits
- Lending resource library (books, videos, other resources)
- Parenting classes
- Education and training regarding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for families and community groups
- Support to Aboriginal women who are pregnant and using alcohol
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
(FASD) and related conditions?
FASD is the term used to describe the range of disabilities affecting a person exposed to alcohol in the womb. It is a common and preventable disabling condition that can affect children from all social classes and races.
The severity of the disability is proportionate to alcohol exposure. FASD and related conditions are a life-long disability that presents different
challenges throughout one’s life.
Children with FASD or related conditions may have some of these characteristics:
- Low birth weight, delays in growth and development
- Certain, distinguishable facial appearance
- Learning difficulties, speech delays, memory problems
- Behaviour problems – short attention span, hyperactive, easily distracted, impulsive
- Over or under-sensitivity to sight, sound, smell, touch and taste
Some thoughts
- Children are gifts from the Creator.
- Respect women; they are life-givers andeducators to our children.
- Every parent dreams of giving birth to a healthychild.
- We hope to reduce the incidence of FASD and have a positive impact on the health of Aboriginal children living in the Sudbury area.
- We hope to provide support and services to Aboriginal families in Sudbury around the issues of child nutrition and healthy family living.
Programs
Parent Support Circle
- Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre or Jubilee Heritage Family Resources
- Every second Monday from 5 p.m. till 7:30 p.m.
Family Drop-in
(Aboriginal hub through BBBF)
- St. David’s School, 350 Jean Street
- Tuesdays from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.
Children’s Drum Support Circle
- Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre
- Every second Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. till 6 p.m.
Community Kitchen
- Jubilee Heritage Family Resources
- Every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. till 1 p.m.
Nutritional Workshop
- Jubilee Heritage Family Resources
- Usually on the last Tuesday of each month from 12:30 p.m. till 2:30 p.m.
Family Support Group
(for families who have a member living with FASD)
- Usually the first Thursday of each month from 12:30 p.m. till 2 p.m.
Cultural Workshops
- Moss bag making
- Baby moccasins, mitts, quilts
- Childrens drum groups
- Berry picking, etc.
Parenting Group
- Scheduled throughout the year for 6 weeks; also individual parent sessions through the Positive Parenting Program
- Other activities throughout the year include Pumpkin Patch trip, Science North trip, as well as other workshops
Note: Transportation (bus) and childcare during programs may be provided. Please call ahead to register.
Download the Healthy Choices Program Factsheet
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