FUTFS Newsletter 34 (January 2024)

For You Telecare Family Service (FUTFS) assists individuals and families from all walks of life to overcome cultural, emotional, and psychological barriers through a wide range of counselling and educational services and programs. In collaboration with other social service organizations, we raises awareness of social issues and supports clients in the community through the progression of a healthy lifestyle and gradual integration into Canadian society.The projects we provide at FUTFS are for anyone who is willing or interested in participating. Anyone can easily register through our website (www.futfs.org).

Programs & Services in Jan 2024

1. Youth Mentoring Program 2024

In collaboration with FUTFS internship students, youth participants inherit the experiences and skills of their mentors in the program, which will be a valuable opportunity for Youth who have not had previous encounters and experiences with mentors. This program, conducted online, allows participation only for Youth equipped with cameras and speakers, enabling them to share their thoughts and opinions. The content of the mentoring program covers aspects such as leadership in school life, values and vision in life, friendships, communication skills, and relationship-building techniques. Therefore, this program presents a significant opportunity for Youth to enrich and mature their lives. Participates will be given 10 hours of volunteer hors.



2. Senior Talk! Wellness Group

Through conversation, we communicate with others, get to know ourselves, and also introduce ourselves to others. We possess many things with potential power. Those of us who suffer from loneliness and helplessness can be enlivened by skillful hands, beautiful voices, artistic expressions, and body movements.

3. Youth Career Development

This program for young people aged 18-30 strengthens core skills such as career exploration, personality and aptitude testing, interview and interpersonal skills, and resume writing. This is a valuable opportunity for young people who want to acquire the tools and knowledge necessary for employment.

4. Youth Leaders Group

Youth Leaders Group is a small group activity, and a group in which leaders gather together to practice their skills as leaders through the process of planning, execution, and evaluation of how to implement youth activities and projects. Volunteer hours, certificates and reference letter will be provided.



5. English Cafe

FUTFS holds an English cafe class every Tuesday from 10:30 to 12:00 to improve volunteers' upgraded English speaking skills. Participants in this class will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face at the Young Center Plus to chat and speak English. The class is led by Instructor Heather Sheildrick.

6. Community Day 2024

It is an event where seniors attending the EAHA project, those hoping for networking, and people from other organizations gather to share beautiful traditions, classical performances and successful storytelling with participants seeking partnerships that help each other.

• Guest speaker
• Dance performance
• Choir performance

7. FUTFS Bazaar 2024

Great for yourself or as a gift!

Donations of items are also welcomed! To volunteer on the day of the event or donate items to be sold during the bazaar, please apply through the www.futfs.org website so that our staff will contact you as soon as possible.

 

Exploring Shared Storytelling

As age advances, the fleeting nature of time becomes increasingly apparent. The 365-day journey from January 1st to December 31st swiftly dissipates, leaving little room to savor life’s essence. Setting New Year’s goals and resolutions, driven by a desire for accomplishment, often succumbs to the challenging reality of the ‘three-day resolution’ proverb. Consequently, a growing number of individuals opt to forego making any resolutions.

Reflecting on my visit to S. Korea from September 23rd to October 26th last year, I was filled with thoughts. Reuniting with family, friends, colleagues, and fellow alumni after twelve years brought immense joy. Despite my efforts to relive memories and bid farewell with regret, I eagerly anticipate the next opportunity to return. My time in Korea highlighted the importance of sharing stories, breaking solitude, and how storytelling becomes a powerful force in connecting lives.

In Seoul, I encountered the rapid pace of IT and the stability of life, which I had not experienced before. However, adapting quickly without the fulfillment of satisfaction posed its challenged. Operating For You Telecare Family Service (FUTFS) without external funding emphasized the significance of sharing and caring. Recognizing the importance of mutual interest, empathy, meaningful conversations, and shared life goals, I understand these efforts contribute to personal growth, group development, and community well-being.

As part of these efforts, upon my return to Toronto, I developed programs such as Senior Talk, Youth Leadership Groups, Mentoring Programs, Expressive Arts Workshops, offering emotional and mental support. All these initiatives will culminate in the upcoming Community Day and Bazaar on March 23rd, fostering positive impacts on the Korean community through various activities and events that encourage mutual assistance and partnership.

Suyeon Jin (FUTFS Executive Director)