North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS) maintains the principles of integrity and respect, which applies to the privacy of personal information. As part of this commitment, NOYFSS will use its reasonable efforts to protect at all times the privacy of personal information collected.

NOYFSS complies with the principles of the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, the Personal Information Protection Act of British Columbia and any other personal information and data protection laws which may be applicable.

If you have any questions about privacy related issues please contact us.

Mara House

Mara House is a family-oriented, residential facility for challenging/vulnerable children age 6 to 16. Parents and caregivers meet with a multi-disciplinary team, including a Clinical Family Specialist/Residential Clinical Consultant, and community specialists. Staff at Mara House provide:

• a nurtured home life and environment
• safety and security for all residents
• positive goal-oriented individual plans

Mara House is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in accordance with the Interior Health Community Care Facility Act. Access to Mara House is done through the Resource Team at the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

For more information on Mara House, please contact Dave MacPhee at (250) 545-3340.

Intensive Support Program (ISP) and Intensive Support Homes (ISH)

Offers support to caregivers and youth residing in Intensive Support Homes with goals to:

• increase ability of caregivers to care for high needs of children
• increase stable and positive placement behaviours
• increase ability of caregivers to manage stress related to the needs of children and youth
• increase skills of youth to achieve positive growth
• Intensive Support Homes program recruits, screens, trains and maintains caregivers available to provide care for children/youth in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)

Referrals for the Intensive Support Program must come from MCFD.

For more information on this program, please contact Gary Swift at (250) 545-3572.

Residential Clinical Consultant/Clinical Family Specialist

Works with children and youth who demonstrate two or more symptoms of conduct disorder over a six month period. The Clinical Consultant provides:

• caregiver consultation
• behaviour management strategies
• one to one counselling
• group service to a limited caseload

Referrals must come from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) and the Child and Youth Mental Health office (CYMH).

For more information, please contact Dave MacPhee at (250) 545-3340.

Family Based Treatment Program

A voluntary service for families of children/youth age 7-17 with a diagnosed mental health disorder. Service focuses on:

• coping strategies
• life skills
• parenting ability
• emotional stability

For more information on this program, please contact Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) at (250) 558-2775.

Adoption Support Services

For children who are being adopted through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). The adoption triad (birth family, foster placement and the adoptive family) collaborate to fit the needs of the children as they adjust to their new family.

For more information on this program, please contact MCFD at (250) 558-2700.

Family Service

Families work closely with the family counsellor to:

• develop parenting strategies
• improve family relationships
• increase family’s ability to problem solve

The family, social worker and counsellor meet to develop goals and review progress.

To access this program, please contact the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) at (250) 558-2700.

ADD/ADHD Services

For parents whose children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Parents work closely with the family counsellor to:

• explore and understand the diagnosis
• review "typical" ADD/ADHD child or teen development
• identify strengths and related challenges
• create parenting strategies to help the child be successful in their home, community and school.

For more information about this program, please contact Shelly Chvala at (250) 545-3572.

Young Parents Program

For pregnant and/or young parents (under age of 19). Child and Family Counsellor works with participants to:

• promote healthy pregnancy and parenting
• increase safety of children born to young parents
• strengthen family connections
• provide knowledge of and access to community resources

For more information on this program, please contact Jodi McGrandle at (250) 545-3572.

For families who have a child(ren) diagnosed with a special need and/or autism spectrum.

• child has opportunity to develop life skills
• families learn parenting strategies

To access this program please contact Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) at (250) 549-5404.

Parents of Children with Special Needs - Support Group 

Parents meet monthly to share stories, concerns and ideas with other parents who face similar challenges.

For more information on the program and/or group, please contact Ben McLean or Kim Hansen at (250) 545-3572.

Re-Direct & Intensive Support and Supervision Program (ISSP)

A program for youth on probation, who have been referred to the program by the courts. Service focuses on:

• life skills development
• community integration and recreation
• individual support
• employment support

For more information on this program, please contact Youth Probation at MCFD Integrated Youth Services at (250) 558-2775.

Parent Teen Conflict

For families experiencing a high degree of conflict in parent-teen relationships. Families can access a counsellor that offers:

• consultation and education
• mediation and support

This service is offered to both parents and teens.

There is a parenting group specifically for parents who have conflict with their teen(s).  Focus is on:

• communication
• boundary setting
• conflict resolution  

Teen group runs at the same time to share similar information and skills.

For more information on this program and/or group, please contact Craeg Pohorelic at (250) 545-3572.

Youth Agreements

Support youth to:

• live independently
• complete their education
• find suitable employment

Youth aged 16 to 19 are referred by Integrated Youth Services. A social worker assesses youth for eligibility of a Youth Agreement.

Independent Living Program

Similar to Youth Agreement, this program is for youth who are permanent wards of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

For information on Youth Agreements, please contact MCFD Intake office at (250) 558-2700.

For students and families that encounter stressors at home that affect the student’s ability to manage at school.  Families are referred by the School Based Team in individual schools.
Service is offered in the school and the family home.

For more information on this program, please contact NOYFSS at (250) 545-3572.

An outreach program that:

• provides situational education to people who are homeless, drug addicted and/or suffering with a mental illness
• focuses on harm reduction strategies that reduce the infection rates of blood borne pathogens
• enhances the health of persons served
• increases the safety of the community

The Street Nurse and Counsellor provide outreach to Vernon, Enderby, Armstrong and Lumby.

For more information about the program, or how you can contribute, please contact Jessica or Sharon at (250) 545-3572.

Coping with Separation and Divorce:

This group’s focus is:

• To help children understand their feelings regarding a separation or divorce
• To teach children effective coping strategies in dealing with their parents’ separation or divorce

For more information about this group, please contact Becky Marshall at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• January 16th to March 5th, 2012, Mondays 3-4pm
• March 12th to April 30th, 2012, Mondays 3-4pm                 

Be Cool:

This group helps children:

• Connect with their feelings and manage their emotions
• Learn how to be assertive in everyday situations

For more information about this group, please contact Becky Marshall at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• January 10th to February 28th, 2012, Tuesdays 3-4pm
• March 6th to April 24th, 2012, Tuesdays 3-4pm

Girls Connect:

This group's focus is to:

• Help every girl recognize her unique strengths
• Do activities that promote creativity 
• Teach girls assertiveness skills and how to build relationships 
• Help girls recognize the rewards of giving back to the community

For more information about this group, please contact Becky Marshall at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• January 11th to February 29th, 2012, Wednesdays 3-4pm
• March 14th to May 2nd, 2012, Wednesdays 3-4pm

Anger is Misunderstood (AIM)

This group's focus is to:

• Create a relevant and safe learning environment for youth
• Educate youth about the anger cycle
• Empower youth with the skills necessary to deal with anger
• Help youth to regain control in their lives
• Improve interpersonal relationships

For more information about this group, or to register, please contact Leah Willinger at (250) 545-3572.

Parent-Teen Conflict for Teens

This group is for teens wanting to learn:

• Why parents act the way they do
• How to make yourself heard and understood
• Your rights and responsibilities
• Your parents rights and responsibilities

For more information about this group, please contact Craeg Pohorelic at (250) 545-3572.

Connect Parent Program

This program is for parents/caregivers looking to:

• Understand and respond to difficult pre-teen and teen behaviours
• Explore attachment, mental health, and social well-being
• Learn current information about adolescent development 
• Explore choices that support healthy relationships

To register, or for more information about this program, please contact Gary Swift or Lorel Brown at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• Starts February 14th, 2012

Fathering Program

This group is for fathers looking to: 

• Explore the role of today’s fathers
• Build positive relationships and open communication with their children
• Gain an understanding of children’s developmental stages
• Learn and practice being an inclusive and active father

To register, or for more information about this group, please contact Rob LeNoury at (250) 545-3572.

Managing Conflict in the Family

This group is for women, men, and couples looking to: 

• Reduce the amount of conflict in the home
• Explore personal and family patterns of anger and conflict
• Improve communication and problem solving skills
• Create new responses to anger and conflict

To register, or for more information about this group, please contact Shelly Chvala at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• Women's Group - starts January 17th, 2012
• Men's Group - starts February 20th, 2012
• Couples Group - starts March 18th, 2012

Parenting a Child with ADD/ADHD

This group is for parents of a child age 4 to 12 with ADD/ADHD looking to:

• Understand the diagnosis: strengths and challenges
• Explore the behaviours and the reasons behind them
• Review development and identify how to support and advocate for your child
• Develop strategies for parents and children to reduce ADD/ADHD challenges

To register, or for more information about this group, please contact Shelly Chvala at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• Starts January 30th, 2012 from 6:30-8:30pm

Parenting After Separation

A 3 hour information session for parents prior to, during or after a separation or divorce. Parents learn to:

• Understand children’s needs during a separation
• Help children adjust to the changes
• Explore the changing relationship between separating parents

A Family Justice Counsellor will present information about: custody, access, child support guidelines and options available to resolve legal and parenting issues.

Next Group:

January 11th, 2012 from 6-9pm

January 25th from 9-12pm

February 8th from 6-9pm

February 22nd from 6-9pm

March 7th from 9-12pm

March 21st from 6-9pm

To register, or for more information, please contact Becky Marshall at (250) 545-3572.

Parents of Children With Special Needs Support

For parents of children with special needs looking to:

• Connect with other families in the community
• Explore community resources
• Discuss parenting concerns/issues and behaviour challenges

To register, or for more information about this group, please contact Ben McLean or Kim Hanson at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• every second Wednesday, 12:30-2:30pm

Parent-Teen Conflict Group and Parent-Teen Support Group for Parents:

A session-based group program for parents, followed by a support group for parents of teens experiencing a high degree of conflict

• Connect with other parents who are dealing with similar issues
• Learn skills for supporting and encouraging teens
• Gain a better understanding of adolescent development

To register, or for more information about this group, please contact Craeg Pohorelic or Leah Willinger at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• January 26th to March 15th, 2012 from 6:30-8:30pm
• Support group is every second Tuesday from 7-8:30pm

The Nurturing Parenting Program

For parents of children who:

• Wish to learn positive parenting strategies
• Are looking for group support with other parents experiencing similar challenges

To register, or for more information about this program, please contact Becky Marshall at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• January 10th to March 7th, 2012  (5-11 year olds)
• March 20th to May 15th, 2012 (5-11 year olds)
• January 23rd to March 19th, 2012  (0-5 year olds)

Infant Massage

For moms and dads to help support your connection with your baby (0-12 months) through touch

To register, or for more information about this program, please contact Megan McDonnell at (250) 545-3572

Next Group:

• January 19th to February 23rd, 2012 (Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am)

My Tween and Me

For parents of children aged 7-12 who:

• Learn skills for supporting and encouraging teens
• Gain a better understanding of adolescent development 

To register, or for more information about this program, please contact Naomi Sturtridge or Rob LeNoury at (250) 545-3572.

Next Group:

• March 2012

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Coming Soon!

All parents struggle from time to time. Many parents share similar issues. Several common parenting issues are described below with suggestions for handling the challenges of parenting.

1) My child answers every question with "I don't know" or "Whatever." How can I get him to tell me what's on his mind?

Suggestion: Many children and teens struggle to talk about their feelings and avoid conversation. Active Listening is a technique used in our Parenting Wisely program to help parents provide a setting for their children to be more expressive.
 
 Active Listening includes the following:
 
•    Making eye contact with your child as they speak
•    Paraphrasing what your child said OR
•    Guess at the meaning of what they said OR
•    Say what you think they are feeling

Ie:  Child: "I hate school!"
      Parent: "It sounds like you're pretty upset." (saying what you think she is feeling)
      Child: "I hate it! The kids there are stupid! I'm never going back."
      Parent: "Something must have happened to make you this upset" (guess at the meaning of what they said)

This can continue until it is appropriate to help your child solve the problem or until they change the subject. Active Listening is an effective tool to help build mutual respect, avoid misunderstandings and teach effective communication skills. It also allows the parent time to process what the child is saying rather than immediately jumping in to problem solving. Children and teens will often come up with solutions of their own, which helps them build confidence and social skills.

*Suggestion provided by counsellor in Special Services to Children Program.

2) I can't get my teenager to understand that curfew is important. She thinks I make up rules to stop her from having fun.

Suggestion: Parents' comfort with "letting go" and teens' demands for independence are often out of sync. The issue is not whether or not there will be conflict, but how it will be dealt with. We believe that family harmony is increased when parents understand the nature of adolescent development and have the skills to support and guide teens through this challenging life stage. The Parent-Teen Conflict Program is helpful for parenting through the teen years.

One strategy utlized in our Parenting Wisely program is the use of "I" Statements. I Statements allow you to take ownership of your own emotions, avoid arguments and power struggles, and can result in better cooperation. An "I" Statement takes the following format:

1. Say how you feel about the behavior
2. Name the specific behaviour (do not generalize) 
3. Say what you would like them to do 
4. Let them know what the consequence will be if the behavior continues

For example:

1. I feel frustrated and worried...
2. ...when you don't come home in time for curfew. 
3. I want you to be home at 10:00  
4. From now on, if you break curfew you will be grounded for the week.  

This lets your child know that rules exist for a reason and helps them learn to communicate effectively.

*Suggestion provided by facilitator of Parent-Teen Conflict Program.

3) My teenage son wants to go out with his friends, but can't tell me where he is going, who will be there, and what they will be doing. Should I be suspicious that he is out making trouble?

Suggestion: Many teens cannot answer questions about time with their friends beforehand because they simply do not know. Teens today enjoy "hanging out" with friends where no set plans are made and often find it frustrating when parents do not understand that concept. They often end up sitting around and talking, but do not have set plans about where this will take place or who will be there.

It is still appropriate to ask questions of your child when they leave the house, as it lets your child know you are interested in their activities, but do not be surprised if they do not know the answer. Setting up clear guidelines can help clear up confusion and prevent problems. Letting your child know what you expectations are (I expect you to come home at such-and-such time, etc) can prevent misunderstandings. In the age of cell phones, it is perfectly reasonable to ask your child to call or text you once or twice to check in.

*Suggestion provided by facilitator of Parent-Teen Conflict Program

4) My 3 year old daughter is way too active and I am exhausted chasing her around. Why can't she settle down?

Suggestion: Children are born with their own unique temperament. They may be active or inactive, easily distracted or focused, intense or calm, etc. When these traits conflict with our own traits, we often find ourselves blaming either ourselves or the child. We may label ourselves as incompetent and them as unruly.

There are pros and cons to each trait. Try to reframe your thinking about each trait and see where it has benefits. When your temperament traits do not match those of your child, work with both of your personalities to find a middle ground.

If your 3 year old is running you ragged, plan for some physical activity in short bursts throughout the day. Plan play dates when possible to give yourself a break. 

*Suggestion provided by facilitator in Success by Six Program.

Ways The Community Can Help Us...

• Volunteer for our fundraising activities
• Donate auctionable items or services for use at our signature events
• Donate funds online, by mail or in person at our office
• Sponsorship
• Donate to our Back to School Program
• Adopt a Family at Christmas
• Corporate Donations/ Payroll

For more information contact us at (250) 545-3572.

Our Mission Statement

It is the mission of North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society to serve our community by providing a broad range of programs which promote, nuture and protect the healthy development of our children, youth and their families.

NOYFSS History:

NOYFSS was founded in 1974 by a group of concerned citizens and leaders from health, education, business and government. NOYFSS was founded to meet the needs of the children, youth and families in the North Okanagan.
 
The first service operated by NOYFSS was Mara House, which opened its doors in 1974. Mara House added an Intensive Support Program to assist foster parents and developed into Residential Services. In response to community needs, Community Based Services evolved to assist children, youth and families with a variety of programs. Residential Services and Community Based Services continue to evolve to reflect the ongoing commitment of NOYFSS to the needs of the people of the North Okanagan.

Core Values:

TRUST:  NOYFSS believes that trust between individuals is the basic element of meaningful interaction

GENUINENESS:  NOYFSS behaves honestly, sincerely and without judgment when working with individuals

RESPECT:  NOYFSS holds respect as the single most important aspect of authentic communication and interaction

COMMUNITY:  NOYFSS acts on the commitment to collaboration and community involvement

COMMITMENT:  NOYFSS is focused on the belief that every child deserves to be safe and is dedicated to each individual we serve

EMPATHY:  NOYFSS strives to understand each individual’s situation by listening to every story

Board of Directors:

• Clara Tees - Chairperson
• Ron Birch
• Derryane Hubbard
• Juliette Steen
• Gord Adams
• Dean Francks
• Ryan Molitwenik
• Maggie Badgero

Funding

NOYFSS primarily receives funding from the following agencies:

• The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)
• Interior Health Authority 
• The Ministry of Attorney General 
• School District #22 
• Community donations 
• Gaming 

Organizational Memberships:

NOYFSS is a member of:

• The Federation of Child and Family Services of BC
• Community Social Services Employers Association (CSSEA) 
• Social Planning Council

North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society
3100 - 32nd Avenue
Vernon, BC V1T 2L9

ph: (250) 545-3572
fax: (250) 545-1510
email: reception@noyfss.org   

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30pm (closed from 12pm to 1pm for lunch hour)  

Privacy Policy                                                                                                                                                                                       

If you are interested in a career at NOYFSS in Community Based Services, please send your resume with cover letter to the Director of Operations and Services at jan@noyfss.org

If you are interested in a career at NOYFSS in Residential Services, please send your resume with cover letter to the Director of Residential Services at david@noyfss.org

There are three ways to help NOYFSS and the people we serve:

• Donations
• Fundraising Events
• Adopt-A-Family Program

Donations of the following items are always appreciated:

• Personal hygiene products including: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap
• Socks, bottled water,

Due to a change in services, we can no longer accept clothing donations. Clothing donations are accepted and appreciated at The Arbour, Canadian Mental Health, Salvation Army, and The Upper Room Mission.

Check back often for fundraising events to benefit NOYFSS!

Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon

Partners for a Healthier Community involves a partnership which symbiotically improves both the general physical health of our community and the renewal of a community facility that houses a program whose mission is to support families and children going through challenging times.

Our goal is to create, promote and sustain an opportunity for youth in the City of Vernon and surrounding communities in the sport of triathlon. Youth from ages 6-19 years of age will be able to participate in Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon.  A sprint distance triathlon will be offered as well for adults. The partners are North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS) and Mr. T's Kids of Steel and Sprint Triathlon.

"Our vision is to share the love of the sport with the youth and less fortunate in our community while giving them the opportunity to development self esteem, personal growth and self confidence."

Brian & Laura Travelbea, Race Directors.  Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon.

How do we do this?

We present a short skit at the elementary school assemblies to demonstrate to the children what "triathlon" is.   Our goal is to promote the concept that Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon is about participation and having fun.   We acheive this goal by having children participate in the skit.  Children that have previously participated in Mr. T's Tri are always anxious to share their experience with their peers.  We also make sure each child is aware that as long as you have an approved helmet and as long as your bike is safe you can ride it at our race.  Our sponsor, Sun Country cycle checks the bikes for free.  The children have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.

To date the partnership has worked in the following manner.  NOYFSS has assisted the triathlon event by supplying volunteers to help with registration and course marshals.  The triathlon organizers have committed to donating the profits from the event to NOYFSS.  In the  first year (2009) Mr. T's Triathlon donated $250; in the second year the participation level increased substantially and the proceeds to NOYFSS were $500.

Profits from Mr. T's Triathlon will be used to initiate the process of replacing Mara House, a child and youth therapeutic home.  This resource was orginally built as a church in the 1940's.  It was purchased and converted to a residential program in 1974.  Since that time, the program has assisted over 1000 children and youth and their guardians to become better functioning cohesive familes.

As the participation in the triathlon grows the community benefits from the overall health benefits of a life sport that improves the health and well being of it's adherents. 

With increased participation financial benefits to NOYFSS will grow correspondingly.

All children deserve an opportunity - " Simon Whitfield - Olympic Gold Medalist - started his journey as a Kids of Steel triathlete! "Please help us make the dream a reality.

For more information on the Mr. T's Triathlon, please go to:

vernonkostri.ws.

North Okanagan Youth and Family Services (NOYFSS) is a registered, non-profit, charitable organization that has been serving families of the North Okanagan since 1974.

NOYFSS provides counselling and support services to individuals and families in our community through a variety of community based and residential programs FREE OF CHARGE. It is the mission of NOYFSS to serve our community by providing a broad range of programs which promote, nurture and protect the healthy development of our children, youth and their families.

Accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), NOYFSS is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors who provide direction and expertise to the organization.

NOYFSS is primarily funded through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), Interior Health Authority, The Ministry of Attorney General, School District 22, Gaming, community partners and donations.