FUTFS Newsletter 41 (August 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 August 2024

1. Mind and Motion

This is a 9-day youth volunteer program designed to help youth improve their social and leadership skills while exploring future careers. Participants will learn to express emotions, empathize, and understand others. The program begins with orientation and training on the first day, 2 days of leadership skills training, various activities, team-building exercises, 5 days of volunteer activities, and a graduation on the final day. This year, we are excited to collaborate with PATH (Parents Association Towards Hope) to welcome youth with developmental disabilities.



2. Intergenerational Picnic Day

Join us for an outdoor picnic combined with the Mind & Motion graduation ceremony. Enjoy food and activities with people of all ages. This event bridges generational gaps and fosters community connections. It’s an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and ensure a joyful experience for all.

3. Senior Leaders Training

The leadership training program for seniors aims to equip them with essential leadership skills through interactive workshops, discussions, and mentoring sessions. The program also provides opportunities for digital skills acquisition and application. Its primary focus is to build seniors' confidence to take on leadership roles within their community.

4. 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.



5. Family Growth (Family Counseling)

For the mental health and happiness of your precious family, if you wish to have preventive family counseling through a gentle conversation with experts, please apply. We are here for you. Applications are accepted at all times, so if you are interested, please pre-register through our website or via the QR code, and we will contact you.

6. Senior Art Workshop

This program offers seniors the chance to explore creativity and connect with others through art activities such as painting, crafts, music, and dance. Participants can express emotions, learn new skills, and have fun, regardless of prior art experience. Join us to create and share your own art while enjoying meaningful conversations.

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.



New Support Programs through FUTFS and PATH Partnership

Since becoming a member of Family Service Ontario in 2003, FUTFS has focused on counseling and education for nearly 20 years, implementing various preventive programs and projects. With the increasing demand from parents of children with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, the need for counseling services grew, but such services were very limited, and no related activities had been conducted. However, after meeting with the PATH (Parents’ Association Living Toward Hope) group—a self-help group for parents of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum—in November 2023, FUTFS has partnered with them to provide educational services.

Together, we have discussed various collaborative activities, focusing on two key programs. The first is an expressive arts workshop held every Friday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and the second is the 'Mind and Motion' youth summer volunteer training program. This program includes a 9-day summer volunteer program where youth volunteers are paired one-on-one with children during a 5-day day camp, fostering close care and relationships. Currently, 18 youth and 7 parents from the PATH group are participating.

FUTFS is committed to helping the PATH group grow autonomously, providing the resources and services needed to support the group. With support from various collaborating organizations and sponsors, we aim to offer group activities that cater to the PATH group’s needs and provide volunteers with education, training, and experience in effective communication and relationship-building, fostering positive change and growth.

Suyeon Jin, FUTFS Executive Director