Camrose Association
for Community Living

Burgess Building
4604 - 57th Street

Camrose, Alberta
T4V 2E7

Phone: (780) 672-0257
Fax: (780) 672-7484

Family Support Program

This program is helping to strengthen families who have children with special health and/or developmental concerns through a variety of one-on-one and group opportunities. It offers families encouragement and support to deal with their circumstances. It also assists families in accessing the resources they need. The program offers information to families, as well as a resource library. In addition, families can access a respite program and summer day camp for their children.

There is one thing all of us need, and that is to know that we are not alone in this world. That is one reason that the Sibshops program is such a success. No matter what age we are, as soon as we meet someone who is facing the same challenges we face, we no longer share our challenges; we begin to share our successes. The Sibshops are designed to acknowledge that being a brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some, a good thing, for others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in-between. Sibshops reflect the belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another—if they are given a chance to do so. Sibshops provide a welcoming, non-judgmental, and friendly environment for siblings to talk about their lives, their families, and their unique concerns and opportunities.

CAFCL began offering Sibshops because the need was identified by the people we serve, and we always strive to provide services that are truly needed in the community. The first Sibshop took place in February of 2008 and Family Services Coordinator Stacey Olstad was there to witness it. “I saw nine children come together who did not know each other,” she says “they all had different experiences and different points of view.” Olstad adds that “all of the siblings had brothers or sisters with special health or developmental concerns. They shared delicate information with true respect for their siblings, they shared concerns as well as advice from their points of view, and they were all so open and honest.”

CAFCL will offer Sibshops four times during the year and will utilize staff and volunteers to continue the success that has already begun.

The Sibshops are also designed to be fun. Those attending play games, share many laughs, and get to really know each other. Olstad says “just like chicken soup, Sibshops are good for the soul.” They enrich the lives of the group leaders, the sibling members, and families as a whole. They heighten public awareness that siblings matter, and should not be an afterthought when it comes to supporting families of people with disabilities.

Olstad thoroughly enjoyed her time as one of the facilitators of the Sibshop and looks forward to the next time she can spend the day with this great group of children and teens.

Coaching for Change was a new program introduced at CAFCL in the past year as well.

The course is geared toward families that want to grow and
discover their potential: become who they want to be. The workshop takes place over a four week time period and is designed for those people who are ready to make a commitment and take the time to change their lives for the better.

The topics covered in the workshop were:

Creating Change: Envision the life you want and learn how to
effectively create the changes you desire.

Discovering Your Strengths: Understand your strengths and how to use them to maximize your potential and reach your goals.

Creating Balance: Consciously create the stress-free life you want. Learn several techniques to rejuvenate yourself.

Strengthening Authentic Relationships: Enhance significant relationships in your life. Learn how to ask for what you need, and how to deal with conflict.

Making positive strides towards newfound goals was an empowering process for each and every participant. Parents who were wanting more in their lives - more happiness, direction, balance, physical health, energy, and/or fulfilling relationships - were provided with tools to make that happen.

Parents were inspired, empowered and encouraged to take control of their lives in the areas that they choose.

Coaching for Change is for anyone who is ready to make a commitment and take the time to change their lives for the better. CAFCL is very proud to offer this program and when it is available they will make sure all interested persons know about it in advance.