Hiiye'yu Lelum Society
House of Friendship
Healthy Children, Healthy Futures
Healthy Children Healthy Futures
Supporting parents and caregivers to build healthy, safe and connected futures for their children.
Healthy Children Healthy Futures is a peer-facilitated parenting and family education program for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–6.
Operating since 1994, the program creates a welcoming space for families to learn together, share experiences, build relationships and strengthen their confidence as parents and caregivers.
Who is the Program For?
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Healthy Children Healthy Futures supports parents and caregivers of young children who may be experiencing barriers or isolation. The program is designed for families who self-identify with two or more of the following:
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First Nations, Métis, Inuit or new to Canada
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Social or geographic isolation
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Financial barriers
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Educational barriers
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What the Program Offers
Through facilitated group sessions, families explore topics that support the health and wellbeing of both children and caregivers.
Topics may include:
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Prenatal and postnatal care
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Child development, safety and first aid
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Communication and healthy relationships
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Stress, anger and conflict
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
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Supporting children and families involved with the child welfare system
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The impacts of residential schools
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Recreation, wellness and family connection
Programming also responds to what families tell us they want to learn and experience. Cultural activities such as drum making, beading and dreamcatcher making have been incorporated into the program based on participant interests.
Learning Through Connection
Healthy Children Healthy Futures is about more than parenting information. The peer-facilitated approach creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to talk openly, learn from one another and build connections with other families.
Sessions combine discussion, practical learning and activities in an environment where families can participate, ask questions and share their own experiences.
Working Together
Hiiye’yu Lelum is the host agency for Healthy Children Healthy Futures and has partnered with the Port Alberni Friendship Center since 1997.
The two organizations use jointly developed parenting modules while adapting programming to meet the needs of their respective communities. This long-standing partnership allows knowledge, resources and experiences to be shared while keeping programming responsive to local families.
Interested in Healthy Children Healthy Futures?
Connect with Hiiye’yu Lelum to learn more about upcoming groups, participation and program availability.
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