There have been a lot of changes lately for everyone and we at Aspen also have seen some exciting developments over the last few months! Since 2011, Aspen has managed the Strathmore Hand in Hand Parent Link Centre, which provided supports to families with children 0-6 in this area. As of March 31, 2020, all Parent Links in Alberta were discontinued, and Aspen Family and Community Network Society was successful in their application for Family Resource Network funding under the new government Hub and Spoke model. We have been working hard and are excited to introduce our new Family Resource Networks (FRNs) to you!
Aspen operates two Family Resource Network (FRN) Hubs: Aspen Commons Family Resource Network Southwest Calgary and the Aspen Commons Family Resource Network Chestermere/Strathmore & Area. These Family Resource Network Hubs provide a wide spectrum of prevention to intensive services for families with children aged 0-18, at no cost. The Family Resource Networks work with families, caregivers and communities to support the safety and resiliency of infants, children and youth within nurturing and supportive environments. Programming and services support child safety, well-being and development, caregiver capacity and support while incorporating Indigenous and culturally appropriate services throughout. We know that positive experiences in early years can create the foundation for strong and healthy children and youth. We recognize that children and youth are the future and we are committed to helping young people have a healthy start in life so that they can thrive in adulthood.
Our Chestermere/Strathmore Hub serves the following communities: Carseland, Dalemead, Dalroy, Delacour, Gleichen, Cluny, Hussar, Chestermere, Indus, Langdon, Lyalta, South East Rocky View, Rockyford, Standard, Strathmore, and Wheatland County. For serving this large area, we have two Spoke services to help us: Healthy Families (of Accredited Supports to the Community) in Strathmore, and Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS) with the City of Chestermere.
We have a monthly newsletter and calendar outlining our many upcoming programs and supports. Please contact 403 983-0076 if you would like to receive it by email on a regular basis. Here are details on some of our exciting upcoming programs for September and October 2020:
Early Childhood Programming (children 0-6 and their caregivers):
- We are excited to be running a 4-week program in Rockyford (Let's Grow Together), and one in Carseland (Rockin' Rhyme Time) in October.
- Please note that we are resuming our Preschool Talk Time program in September, the 4th Tuesday of each month. This will be an informal and comfortable means by which families can connect with our local AHS Speech Therapists for assessment and/or reassurance of their child's speech development. We are ever appreciative of AHS collaboration and we know it is effective in early intervention success in this region.
- We have plans to hold a Triple P Discussion Group in Rockyford, where parents can discuss some strategies for handling a common issue all parents deal with. Topics they can choose from include: Bedtime Routines, Hassle-Free Shopping, Managing Misbehavior, and Dealing with Disobedience. Stay tuned for topic, date, and time!
Youth Programming (children 7-18 and their caregivers):
- Stress Lessons- identify and manage stress (7-13yrs) Sept 15 &19 from 1-2:30 / (14+) Sept 4 & 18 from 1-2:30pm
- Safe Space for Teens- Safe environment to share with peers and staff (13-18yrs) Sept 12&26 from 12-2:00 pm
- Overcoming Obstacles – life, communication and conflict resolution skills (7-13yrs) Sept 9&23 from 2:30-4:30 (14+) Sept 10&24 from 3:30-5:30
- For parents of youth, we have: Teen Triple P tip sheet Tuesdays (Sept 8&22 from 5:30-6:30 pm)go over triple p tip sheets with an FRN Specialist
- Teen Triple P for caregivers of teens aged 13-18 years is an extension of popular Triple P positive parenting program- work 1:1 with FRN specialist. Please note: this program requires a four-week commitment.
Community Programming:
- We have a Kairos Blanket Exercise coming up Wednesday, September 23. Spaces are limited so please promote this to anyone (adults) who may be interested and have them register right away. We are looking at offering this for other selected groups in the area as well so call us if you have questions!
We look forward to talking and working with you soon and thank you for helping promote our programs! ~~Rhonda, Amrit, Ken, and Shelly
Aspen Commons FRN Chestermere/Strathmore and Area
- Website: www.aspenfamily.org/programs/frnchestermere-strathmore
- Address: 419B-2 Street, Strathmore, AB T1P 1B9
- Office phone: 403.983.0076
- Email: Strathmore_FRN@aspenfamily.org
- Facebook: Chestermere/Strathmore Family Resource Network
