FUTFS Newsletter 47 (February 2025)

For You Telecare Family Service (FUTFS) provides counseling services and educational programs to help individuals and families overcome cultural, emotional, and psychological barriers. It also works with various community organizations to quickly address social issues and offers programs to support the integration of the Korean community into Canadian society and promote a healthy lifestyle.

To foster more active communication and engagement, we will open a KakaoTalk group chat. Once the invitation link is shared via email, those interested are welcome to join anytime. We look forward to your active participation and communication!

Programs & Services in February 2025

1. Mentor-Mentee Matching Program

This allows mentors to share lessons from experiences while fostering a spirit of exploration. Mentors and mentees will engage in conversations and exchange diverse perspectives. Through storytelling sessions, participants can connect with each other. The program includes activities that promote teamwork and creativity.



2. Digital Skills Program for Seniors

The digital skills program for seniors teaches how to learn and use digital technology. The program focuses on helping seniors gain skills for a better daily life and social connections. Each session is hands-on and provides step-by-step instructions. Topics include basic tech skills, using Canva, AI tools, and smartphone usage.

3. Community Day 2025

This event brings together all generations to build connections, enjoy performances, and share stories. Lunch will be provided for everyone. The event will include networking, sing-alongs & traditional Korean drumming, children's performances, a piano trio, a charity sale, interactive games, and poetry readings.

4. 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.



5. Community Day Volunteer Team

We are hosting the 2025 Community Day in March to support our educational programs for children, youth, and parents. The event will bring together various people to build partnerships, enjoy traditional performances, and share stories. We are looking for dedicated committee members to help make this event a success.

6. 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.

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.



Youth Mental Health: A Growing Priority

Youth mental health is an increasing concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 experiences a mental health condition, with depression and anxiety being the most common. In Canada, 70% of mental health challenges begin in childhood or adolescence, emphasizing the need to address these issues early.

Many young people face challenges like academic pressure, social media influence, family conflicts, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. These stressors can lead to isolation, low self-esteem, and difficulty managing daily life. Unfortunately, stigma around mental health often prevents youth from seeking help, leaving many to suffer in silence.

Creating a supportive environment can make a big difference. Parents, educators, and community members can encourage open conversations, show empathy, and offer safe spaces for youth to share their feelings. Early intervention, through programs like peer mentoring, school counseling, and community workshops, helps equip young people with coping skills and a sense of belonging.

At our organization, we empower youth through programs like mentoring and mental health counseling. By offering accessible resources, we aim to reduce stigma and provide young people with the tools to thrive.

Youth mental health is a community responsibility. Together, we can ensure every young person has the support they need to reach their full potential.

Rajat Timsina (FUTFS Field Placement Student)