Upcoming Groups and Workshops

Family Advocacy Program
General Counselling Program
MOMS - Postpartum Depression Support
Parenting Programs
Mental Health Program

Family Advocacy Program

How to Get What You Need

Are you afraid to speak up?
Do you have a hard time asking for help?
Not sure why you are not able to get what you are asking for?

Join in this three part workshop series to learn some new and old skills to help you get what you need!

When: Tuesday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, November 3rd to November 17th.

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: There is no fee for this workshop series.

For more information and to register contact Emily by telephone at 613-725-3601 ext. 132 or by email at etroy@familyservicesottawa.org

Ottawa Municipal Election 2010 Toolkit

If there is one level of government in which you have the loudest voice, and can have the most direct and immediate impact, it is municipal politics. You may not realize to what extent the decisions made by municipalities affect our daily lives – they determine the quality of our air, water, sewage, transportation, schools, public health, child care, recreation, housing and social services.

This toolkit will help you understand some of the issues that you and your community are facing. Use the suggested questions to ask the candidates where they stand on the topics that are important to you. Then, on October 25 vote for the candidate who will make Ottawa the best place to live for you and your family.

In this toolkit you will find:

• Fact sheets on nine issues to consider during this municipal election
• Suggested questions for you to ask candidates
• Information about voting in a municipal election, including instructions for voters with disabilities or special needs, those living in long-term care facilities or who are homeless
• Contact information for the mayoralty candidates
• Responses from mayoralty candidates to four questions asked by FSFO

Ask the right questions, and vote for the solutions on October 25, 2010.

Dowload the 2010 Municipal Election Toolkit

 

Municipal Election 2010
Kitchissipi Meet & Greet

If there is one level of government in which you have the loudest voice, and can have the most direct and immediate impact, it is municipal politics.

Come out and meet your neighbours and discuss issues that matter to you!

We have invited all of the Kitchissippi candidates to attend and share their vision of the future of Kitchissippi with you.

What do you think about?

• Public Transportation
• Accessibility
• Childcare
• Recreation

What changes would you like to see in Kitchissipi?

When: Thursday, October 7th 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Information: 613-725-3601 ext. 132

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General Counselling Program

Gathering Strength

Gathering Strength is a group for women 55+ who have experienced controlling and/or other abusive behaviour by their partner and/or children.

It provides the opportunity to learn from one another in a safe, supportive environment about:

• Possible effects of these experiences on mind, body and spirit
• How our responses to this mistreatment can teach us something about what we value and care about in our lives
• The ways in which women have used their own inner wisdom emotionally, mentally, spritually, physically, and socially to strengthen themselves
• Sharing ideas together about how to enhance our connection within ourselves and with others who are supportive
• Offering information about other community resources which may be of assistance

Diversity of all kinds is respected and celebrated. A pre-group meeting with the group facilitator is necessary to ensure this group is a good fit at this time. Please call as soon as possible to book a time.

Format: This group runs for 8 weeks and is for women 55+.

When: Tuesday afternoons, October 5th to November 23rd, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

Fee:  There is no fee for this group.

Registration:  To register, please contact our Intake Worker at 613-725-3601 ext.117

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Exploring Mindfulness

Exploring Mindfulness is an 8 week group for Woman 60+ who would like an introduction to the practice of Mindfulness which has been defined as:

"Paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non judgmentally" (Jon Kabat Zinn)

A gentle mindfulness practice is one way of stopping and paying attention to what is happneing in the present moment, without trying to change it. This may allow us to rest, replenish ourselves and respond calmly, in ways that enhance well being.

Format: This group runs for 8 weeks and is for women 60+.

When: Monday afternoons, October 18th - December 6th, 2:00 - 3:30 pm.

Fee: $80.00 (subsidy available)

Registration:  Please call 613-725-3601 ext. 102 for more information. A pre-group telephone conversation is required.

Diversity is welcomed and celebrated.

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On Your Own Again

This group is meant for indiviudals who are newly separated and are making positive adjustments in their lives. The focus of the group is on the individual and their emotional well-being. Discussed will be the "normal" reactions and feelings and about being separated.

This group will not focus on parenting, legal or financial concerns of separation nor will it best serve the needs of those who are in situations of on-going violence or severe conflict.

Format: This group runs for 8 weeks.

When: Please contact our Intake Worker at 613-725-3601 ext.117 for information about when the next group will be held.

Fee: $160.00 Subsidy available

Registration: To register, please call Intake at 613-725-3601 ext. 117. A pre-registration screen is required. Space is limited.

 

Speaking our Truth:  Reclaiming Ourselves

Speaking our Truth:  Reclaiming Ourselves is a group for women who have been sexually abused in childhood by a family member or other adult in a position of trust.  This group offers the opportunity to break the silence and isolation of abuse by sharing with other women in a safe, respectful and healing group context.  The group is structured and flexible so that there is collaboration on topics relevant to current group members.  It is required that women see a counsellor for support throughout the group process. 

Format:  This group runs for 16 weeks and is limited to 7-10 women per group.

When: Monday Evenings 6:30pm to 9:00pm, January to May 2011 . If you are interested in this group, please contact our Intake Worker. You will be contacted for a pre-group interview before the group begins.

Fee:  The fee for this group is $300.  Subsidies are available.

Register:  To register, please contact our Intake Worker at 613-725-3601.

Parenting After Separation

Topics to be Presented and Discussed:

• Understnd the effect of your decisions on your children
• Effective strategies for parenting after separation
• Video presentation

Format: This 2.5 hour seminar is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of your children's needs after separation.

When: The next group will be help in January 2011. Please contact our Intake Worker at 613-725-3601 ext.117 for more information.

Fee:  The fee for this seminar is $20.  Subsidies are available.

Register:  For information and registration please contact our Intake Worker at 613-725-3601 ext. 117. Limited Seating - Registration Essential.

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MOMS

Support Group for Women Experiencing Postpartum Depression/Anxiety

A support group for women experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. The MOMS group is a 10 week group program for mothers who are experiencing postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety. This group is designed for women who are noting the signs and symptoms of distress that go beyond the short-term “baby blues” that many women experience after birth.

When:  Please contact our intake worker for information about when our next group will be starting.

Where: Family Services Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: This group is funded by Success By Six: There is no fee for the group.

Please contact our Intake Worker at 613-725-3601 x 117 for more information.

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Parenting Programs

Family Services à la famille Ottawa presents our series of Parenting Edge workshops. Learn from our dynamic team of workshop leaders who bring a wealth of experience in helping parents become more confident and successful. Share the joys and challenges of raising kids with others who are experiencing the same.

Location: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Anger management... especially for parents

• How can I avoid "blowing my top" at my children?
• How can I channel my anger into effective discipline ?
• Are there any "good" ways to express my anger ?

Under the expert direction of Margo Sargent and Dana Lennox at Family Services à la famille Ottawa, this six-week course offers an informative and interactive exploration of the challenges and opportunities for parents when it comes to managing anger – a common emotion in every parent’s life. 

Come and meet with other parents to discover new strategies for making parenting less stressful and more rewarding – for everyone.

When: Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00, October 5th to November 9th, 2010.

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: $150.00 per person

For information or registration, please contact us at 613-725-3601 extension 207

Discipline that doesn't hurt...anyone.

• Why do my children misbehave anyway? Is it me?
• What's the difference between discipline and punishment?
• How can I make discipline work for my children and for me?

Under the expert direction of Susan Duke at Family Services à la famille Ottawa, this five-week course offers an informative and interactive exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing all parents – every day. 

This course is open to parents of children all ages. Come and meet with other parents to discover new strategies for making parenting more effective, less stressful and more rewarding – for everyone.
   
Topics include:  reasons for misbehaviour, communication skills, building
positive relationships, discipline vs. punishment, effective discipline techniques…

When: Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30, October 18th to November 15th, 2010.

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: $125.00 per person or $225.00 per couple.

For information or registration, please contact us at 613-725-3601 extension 207

Parenting your anxious child

• How can I help my child manage their anxiety ?
• Is this normal behaviour ?
• What can I do to reduce the factors that add to my child's anxiety ?

Under the expert direction of facilitators at Family Services à la famille Ottawa, this three-week course offers an informative and interactive exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing parents of anxious children. 

This new course is open to parents of children all ages. Come and meet with other parents to discover new strategies for making parenting more effective, less stressful and more rewarding – for everyone.

Topics include:  understanding anxiety, child-friendly strategies to reduce anxiety, coping strategies for parents, where to go for more resources.

When: Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30, October 14th, 21st and 28th, 2010

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: $75.00 per person

For information or registration, please contact us at 613-725-3601 extension 207

On middle ground... parenting 6 to 12 year olds

• What is "typical" behaviour for children in this age group?
• How can I help my child build self-esteem ?
• How can I set reasonable behaviour limits for my child ?

Under the expert direction of Joanne Boyd at Family Services à la famille Ottawa, this five-week course offers an informative and interactive exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing parents of children aged 6 to 12. 

Come and meet with other parents to discover new strategies for making parenting less stressful and more rewarding – for everyone.

Topics include:  child development, effective communication, building self-esteem, setting limits, effective discipline techniques…

When: Tuesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30, November 23rd to December 21st, 2010

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: $125.00 per person or $225.00 per couple. Subsidies are available.

For information or registration, please contact us at 613-725-3601 extension 207

Just for Dads

• Are you a dad parenting by yourself and feeling that you're alone?
• Are you looking for concrete and practical ways to build your child's self esteem ?
• Do you wonder how to set reasonable behaviour limits for your child ?

Under the expert direction of Tim Paquette at Family Services à la famille Ottawa, this eight-week course offers an informative and interactive exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing fathers parenting when they're not in a couple.

Come and meet with other single fathers to discover new strategies for making parenting more effective, less stressful and more rewarding – for everyone.

When: Wednesday’s evenings, September 15th to November 3rd, 2010 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: There is no charge for this group

For information or registration, please contact us at 613-725-3601 extension 207

 

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Parenting Workshops for clients of the Children's Aid Society

Parenting with Confidence -
for parents of children 6 - 12

This 10 week course explores the challenges and opportunities of parenting children who are between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. The workshops are highly interactive and the participants will have an opportunity to learn specific techniques while being given a chance to practice them in a supportive milieu. Appropriate referrals for the course are those clients who are now caring for children or who are expected to be caring for children in the near future. Clients may call directly to register for the course.

Topics include: stress management, child development, effective discipline, health and safety, managing anger, successful communication, impact of abuse on children, problem solving, builing self esteem...

When: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30, November 10th, 2010 to January 19th, 2011 (Dec 29th excluded)

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: There is no fee for this group. Subsidies are available for childcare and travel where necessary.

For information and registration, please contact Family Life Education Intake at 613-725-3601 extension 207

Mental Health Program

Tai Chi Workshop

Tai Chi exercises all parts of the body, lowers blood pressure, strengthens muscles, increases brain agility and calms the mind. Tai Chi can be done standing or sitting. Simple meditation techniques can also complement Tai Chi as a way to stay calm and focused.

In this workshop series, the instructor will guide you through basic Tai Chi exercises, followed by a "healing" meditation that assists participants to be in the "present" moment to achieve a peaceful and tranquil state.

Participants will receive easy-to-follow handouts to continue this graceful Tai Chi meditation at home.

Please join us, have fun and enjoy!

When: Thursday afternoons from 1:30 - 3:30, August 12th to August 26th, 2010

Where: Family Services à la famille Ottawa, 312 Parkdale Avenue

Cost: Participation is free.

 

Program Events

Agency Events

Annual General Meeting

Our next Annual General Meeting will be held on June 28th, 2011

 

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Fundraising Events

Please join us! Friday, October 22nd, 2010

Come one come all! Attend our music trivia fundraiser as a guest or as a volunteer.

We would love to see you there!

 

Please visit our Juke Box Mania Page to find out more about this fantastic event!

 

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FSFO Staff Present...
Presentations at Other Organizations by FSFO Staff

Get Talking with Rita Celli

Hear Mark Arnold talk with callers about Estrangement between a parent and child on Get Talking with Rita Celli.

 

Ottawa Tenants Conference

Emily Troy is presenting a workshop at the Ottawa Tenants Conference (September 25th 2010) called The Accountability of Political Decision Makers.

This workshop identifies some of the issues about rental housing that are determined through political decisions and legislation. It looks at ways tenants can hold politicians accountable for the promises they make during election campaigns and how to lobby them for better housing for tenants.