NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society and Pauquachin First Nation are pleased to announce the start of a new initiative bringing Family Support Workers (FSWs) to Pauquachin each week.

As of February 1, 2024, a NIȽ TU,O FSW is available in the Pauquachin Health Building every Thursday from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. The FSW will be on hand to support all Pauquachin children, parents, and families.

NIȽ TU,O is a Coast Salish run organization dedicated to keeping Coast Salish youth connected to community and culture through culturally-appropriate services such as home supports, parenting programs, cultural programs, and ongoing workshops.

FSWs are a central pillar of NIȽ TU,O’s work. Their primary role is to support families by offering aid for navigating various government and community services. For example, FSWs help families overcome obstacles by identifying problems, providing tailored support and giving continuous guidance based on each family’s individual goals. The type of services available varies, ranging from Family Strengthening Programs and Support Services, all intended to support the families, children and youth affiliated with our seven member nations.

(Shown above, a list of the Programs available on our website)

(Shown above, a list of the Support Services available on our website)

Additionally, FSWs can connect community members to resources that encourage cultural knowledge like language acquisition, on-the-land learning and mentorship that help youth with their transition into adulthood. For example, as part of our Parenting Programs, we offer Cultural teachings that cover traditional parenting, and food preparation and harvesting such as canning, and traditional cooking. Cultural practices such as regalia making, drum making and other protocols are also taught. We also offer numerous supportive programs to youth, to help them stay connected to culture, language and community through individual attention, recreational outings and activities. If needed, FSWs can also work with families to address child safety concerns identified by a child protection safety worker and help these families to develop reunification plans.

(Shown above, William Husack, Family Support Worker. Click the image to watch his interview.)

FSW’s are caring, dedicated individuals who are passionate about the work they do and the services they provide. FSW William, describes the impact of FSWs, sharing “the thing about this job, you start impacting right away. Everything that you do, every family that you meet, everybody’s so thankful.” He continued, “you are actually making an impact and you’re helping people and it is very rewarding. There’s not much more I can say. It’s pretty great in that regard.”

The Pauquachin community can expect approachable, kind, and knowledgeable FSW’s like William to be available through the new on-site initiative, making NIȽ TU,O services more accessible than ever before.

NIȽ TU,O looks forward to this new way of uplifting Pauquachin children, parents, and families, and encourages all community members to stop by to assess how an FSW might be of support. Those interested can visit the Health Building, and ask for William or Amanda to find out what programs, workshops, and supports are available. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are also available. Discover how NIȽ TU,O can work with your family to help you stay connected to culture, language, and community.

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