Family Tree Family Centre

 
283 West Victoria Street
250-377-6890

What is it?

Family Tree Family Centre is the culmination of parental and community dedication to providing peer-driven grassroots programs to high priority families in the Kamloops area.  The Centre began as a simple weekly playgroup in October 2005 when two young mothers recognized the need for such a service in the downtown core.  As parents requested additional services that would be helpful, the centre adapted by providing those services either through peer driven initiatives or by partnering with mainstream agencies to have them offer services on-site.  Family Tree's informal setting offers the opportunity for families, staff, volunteers and professionals alike to interact and enjoy 5 days of peer-driven grassroots programming.  Families and mothers can self-refer and are welcome to bring a support person they are comfortable with the first few times they attend.  Mothers do not have to have custody of their children in order to participate at Family Tree.

Program Details

Drop-in Program
Mondays 9am-1:00pm

The Drop-in Program offers a safe place for high priority families to expand their social support network while decreasing barriers to other local mainstream services.  The program offers a wide range of services, acting as a "one-stop" parenting shop in the downtown core.  During drop-in a snacks and lunch are provided free of charge, access to on-site professional services are available, and parent-child interactions are encouraged through craft and circle time.  Participants come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, with widely varying needs.  At Family Tree Drop-in every family is treated with respect and dignity while accessing the programs and services they need.  Registration is not required.

Mothers for Recovery Support Group
Fridays 9:00am-11:30am

The Support Group offers a safe and confidential place for moms to come together and share the struggles and achievements of finding and maintaining recovery from drugs and/or alcohol.  The group is co-facilitated by a therapist and a mom in recovery.  It offers mothers support, encouragement, feedback and awareness in their personal journey.  Access to free on-site childminding is available for mothers that do have custody of their children.  Registration is not required.

Mothers for Recovery Mentorship Program
Tuesdays 6pm-8pm

The Mentorship Program connects Mentees (moms new in recovery) with volunteer Mentors (moms who have at least one year clean from all drugs and alcohol and have completed the mentor training program) in weekly group mentoring sessions.  Mentees benefit from the experience and strength of the Mentors and participate in group activities to address their issues with addiction and learn new life skills as a parent in recovery.  Mentees also have access to one on one outreach and advocacy.  Access to free on-site childminding is available for mothers that do have custody of their children.  Registration is required for this program.

Finding Our Voices Support Group
Coming Soon

This support group is for birth mothers of children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and is facilitated by a mother of a child diagnosed with FASD.  the program combines peer-support with education and advocacy.  Access to free on-site childminding is available for mothers that do have custody of their children.  Registration is required for this program.


Practical support for high priority families and pregnant women includes:

• Wide variety of grass-roots programs for high priority families
• Free on-site childminding during all groups (except drop-in)
• Outreach and advocacy
  
• On-site female family physician for participants (including prenatal care)
• On-site Infant Development Worker
• On-site Prenatal Nutrition Program (Baby's Headstart)
  
• Public health and street nurse visits
• Healthy Pregnancy Care Meetings
• In-community visits for moms with children in care
• Mainstream services and residential treatment referrals
• Emergency bus tickets
• Birth support for pregnant women without positive social support networks
• Adult and child clothing exchange
• Baby formula, clothing, diapers, equipment, and breast pumps (upon availability)
• Healthy family library
  
• Parenting and health workshops
• Special events and activities
  

  
Who works at Family Tree?

The team of staff and professionals that help to make the centre successful includes:

• Agency Coordinator: Susan Clarke (Mother in Recovery)
  
• Program Coordinator: Jennifer Mc Coy (Mother in Recovery)
  
• Thompson Nicola Resource and Referral Addictions Therapist: Cogi Smith, BSW
• One to One Volunteer Addictions Cousellor: Tammi Oram,RPC. of Fairwinds Counselling
• Baby's Headstart Nurse/Staff: Cathy Obertowich
  
• Interior Health Street Nurse: Gaudenza Ramuno
  
• Interior Health Public Health Nurse: Amy French
  
• Family Physician: Dr. Liz Ewart
• MCFD Social Work Liaison: Nicole Auger
• Secwepmc Social Work Liaison: Nicole Hale
• Infant Development Worker: Katerina Bozanich
  
• Volunteer Cook: Debbie Ross
  
• Head childminder: Cheryl Schmidt
• Volunteer Childminders: Sara, Christine & Kayla
  
• Volunteer Program Facilitators
• Community Professional Presenters from a wide variety of local mainstream agencies
  
  

Photo by Kent Wong Photography