youth wellness services
At Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS), our Youth Wellness Team supports young people aged 13 to 27. They provide prevention support, including working on addiction recovery, building life skills, and strengthening mental health/wellness.
building relationships and community engagement
Building trusting relationships is essential to our approach. Throughout the year, we engage youth in activities that promote connection, healing, and growth. A few examples of high-impact programming we’ve been able to offer include:
- We hosted a “Traditions Over Addictions” themed trip after which one youth successfully completed treatment at a youth treatment centre.
- This Team accompanied nine youth to a multi-day “Gathering Our Voices” event in Victoria – which helped strengthen cultural ties and provided opportunities for personal growth.
- We brought several high-risk youth to the Coast Salish Language Conference in Spokane to deepen cultural connections and build strong bonds between youth, Relations and community.
support for housing and wellness
The Youth Wellness Team also supports youth with tangible needs, such as helping find housing and providing food assistance. We also offer wellness incentives through programs like a wellness bingo, where youth earn rewards to support their health and wellness goals.
practical life skills and educational opportunities
Our team also offers practical life skills programs like financial literacy, resume writing, and art therapy. Other educational opportunities include Food-Safe Certification, first aid training, and workshops like Stay Safe Certification and learner’s license support in partnership with local organizations.
In the past, SCFSS has created paid work opportunities for several Youths to support community and SCFSS events. These young people gained exceptional work experience, built stronger relationships in the community, and earned an ‘income’ while increasing their sense of belonging.
Our programs not only provide education but also help youth gain confidence and skills that will be valuable for their future.
looking ahead
Our services are continually evolving to meet the needs of youth. Future programs include the development of a Youth Committee to represent urban and community youth, more mentorship opportunities, and specialized activities like an “On the Land” youth gathering and a College Knowledge Tour to visit universities and colleges. The Youth Wellness Team is committed to growing alongside the youth we support, expanding our programs and training to better serve the community.
By providing these comprehensive services, we ensure youth have the support they need to thrive and succeed, with a strong foundation built on culture, community, and personal development.
