FUTFS Newsletter 38 (May 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 raise awareness of social issues and support 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 May 2024

1. The 41th Counselling Education & Volunteer Training Program

Location: Yonge Centre Plus, Unit 221 (200 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M2R 3W4)

Date: April 9 - May 28, 2024, 12:30PM-2:30pm (Every Tuesday)

This program educates participants on counseling basics and the proper attitudes for volunteering. Completing the program grants participants a certificate, enabling them to engage in various volunteer activities. It includes lectures by expert speakers and small-group workshops covering counseling concepts, ethical responsibilities, and practical skills. Through interactive workshops, participants enhance coping abilities, emotional expression, and readiness for effective societal contributions as volunteers.



2. Family Fun Day & Health Walkathon

Location: Sunnybrook Park - Picnic Area #5 (1132 Leslie St, Toronto, ON)

Date: May 25, 2024 9:30am-2pm

Our Family Day event is an annual family gathering and fundraising event hosted by us. It's a great opportunity for everyone, from young children to seniors, to participate in various activities together and enjoy quality time with their families. We hope that many people will join us to share the preciousness of family and love, and to connect with other families.

3. Expressive Art Workshop

Location: Edithvale Community Centre (131 Finch Ave W. M2N 2H8)

Date: 5:30pm-7:30pm, Every Friday

Discover the boundless world of creativity at our Expressive Art Workshop, designed for children and youth with disabilities. Explore diverse artistic techniques and communicate emotions through the universal language of art in our supportive and inclusive environment.

4. English Cafe

Location: 200 Finch Ave W, North York, ON M2R 3W4, Unit 221

Date: 10:30am-12pm, Every Tuesday

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.



5. Youth Talent Show

Location: Edithvale Community Centre Yard Stage (131 Finch Ave W. M2N 2H8)

Date: June 22th, 11am-4pm

Youth Talent Show allows youths to showcase their unique abilities, thereby boosting their self-esteem and confidence, which are vital life skills. Through diverse experiences, they can interact with peers and leaders, receiving feedback and developing social resilience skills.

6. Mind and Motion

Location: Edithvalue Community Centre (131 Finch Ave W. M2N 2H8)

Date: August 6-18th (for 9 days)

This is a two-week summer youth volunteer program to enhance social and leadership skills while providing insight into future career paths. Participants engage in activities fostering emotional expression, empathy, and teamwork over a two-day training session, and a graduation ceremony at the end.

7. Counseling Service

FUTFS offers a range of counseling services for those in distress, career, or in need of emotional support. We provide counselling services as all possible ways as possible such as Zoom, email, phone for any regions in Canada, and additionally provide in-person counselling for Toronto only such as telephone counseling, individual counseling, family counseling, outreach and more.



Welcoming May

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as we face increasingly advanced technologies and techniques, it seems that people's hearts are gradually withering away. Especially for young people, such withering spreads like an epidemic, causing even greater emotional pain. In such a crisis, if we cannot understand and accept each other, it could result in distancing or rejection, so perhaps even a few of us should harbor a big heart to give and receive for each other.

Now, in Korea, May is celebrated as Parents' Day, and in Canada, it's Mother's Day. In Korea, since it's difficult to deem one parent more precious than the other, Parents' Day includes both mothers and fathers. We, as children, have tender hearts longing to embrace all our parents who have always showered us with love. Whether they are with us or not, we extend our love to them as we welcome May. "Mom, Dad, I love you." There are many people around us whom we should love, can help, and want to support, just like our parents.

When we were young, teachers were like the sky we looked up to. Now, as we approach 70, the presence of teachers is becoming challenging. I wonder if our children, amidst the confusion of COVID and AI, are truly benefiting from the teachings and care of respected teachers. As our society rushes toward materialism, I ponder whether we can instill courage and resilience in our children to navigate through the flood of rapid changes.

Suyeon Jin, Executive Director