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Listen to thisFamily Engagement
The Family Engagement program at our organization supports families who are experiencing challenges. We meet families where they are, to help them navigate the obstacles that are keeping them from thriving as a family unit. We help them identify the areas where they are struggling most and collaborate with them to set goals for success. There is no “one size fits all” in Family Engagement. There are no predetermined objectives or prescribed outcomes, and no exclusionary criteria for families to avail of this service.
Our use of a collaborative approach allows families to take ownership of their journey to success. They are a key participant in goal setting, and we work alongside families to achieve the identified goals. How do we do this? Through relationship. We hang in through the hard moments and we celebrate the good moments. We see our families at their best, as well as their most vulnerable, while cheering them on the entire way.
Bringing our young people and their families together as often as possible is an objective we always strive to achieve - whether it’s activities over summer break, craft groups, parent-tot groups, or family suppers, and each year we host a holiday celebration event.
What is the Christmas Extravaganza?
In December our organization hosted a “Christmas Extravaganza Party.” The event was lead and organized by the Family Engagement team. In past years, we would only invite our families involved in Family Engagement to participate. This year we changed our approach. We decided to include ALL young people within our organization and those who care for them. Some were involved in Family Engagement, others resided in out of home care. Altogether, we had 50 young people and their families in attendance. It was spectacular to witness the magic that happened on that day.
Prior to this event, the Family Engagement team formed a committee to plan activities for the Christmas break, with the holiday party at the forefront to kick off the season. Planning this party was no small feat, however the team’s ability to collaborate, delegate and support one another made it seem effortless. With food, games, crafts, a sensory room, and a visit with Santa, the party went off without a hitch.
Facilitating Community and Connections
As everyone arrived that day, there was such a sense of community and the connections between staff and families were evident. Our young people and families knew multiple, if not all, staff. Everyone greeted each other with excitement and there was no one who seemed to feel out of place. Young people volunteered to set up and host the event, and others were assigned stations (just as the staff were). One young person offered his talent in photography, resulting in him capturing the highlights of the day. There was a parent who exhibited her passion for baking, making gingerbread cookies and using icing to write the names of everyone on each cookie. When it was time to play some games most of the young people crowded the table and it was apparent the staff running the games were becoming overwhelmed. At this moment two parents and some of the older kids jumped in and helped with running the games and making sure everyone got a turn. At one of the tables a foster mom, Shirley, and her foster son, Tom, worked together to facilitate a game. Shirley set the game up and prepped the participants and Tom kept the time and monitored the results. A relationship which had been strained for some time was reinvigorated, as Shirley and Tom were able to connect in a positive fun way, smiling and laughing and working together.
To keep the event flowing and the vibe light and fun, throughout the party one of our committee members served as host. He used a moving microphone to keep everyone engaged. He was able to get some children involved in doing little interviews about their favourite Christmas traditions. He also provided commentary of the young people going through the limbo line.
Another member of the committee, who runs our weekly craft program, hosted a craft station and helped the young people make Christmas trees from yarn and sticks she had gathered and glued the night before. It was so incredible to see how unique all the trees were, even though all participants were doing the same project.
Some staff were dishing out pizza, mingling throughout the crowd, and some were supporting young people who were running the hot chocolate buffet, the limbo line, and the VR room where everyone got to ride the rollercoaster with Santa. There was no shortage of things to do! Santa arrived at the end to say hello and as everyone was leaving, they were able to get a treat and photo with the big man himself, which were printed and delivered to everyone after the event.
From the calming wave of CYC interventions to the intentional acts of invitation and involvement of parents, caregivers, staff and young people, this event had connection and care on full display.
Relational Intervention
Of course, the party didn’t happen without its challenges. A young person arrived with his parents and on the car ride there he had become escalated. Once he arrived the staff jumped in to assist this young person and his parents. Staff who had significant connections with this family were able to provide direct support and help everyone regulate their emotions. Other staff redirected people from the area and accompanied the young person into the party once he had become regulated. Staff were able to talk the parents through the situation and even though the young person did not want his parents to stay the trust and assurance they had in us was evident. When the dust had settled, it was if it never happened. No one questioned the situation or even acknowledged it; there was an overall understanding and acceptance that these things happen, and it could be anyone next time. The young person was able join the group afterwards as if he had been there the whole time.
When we stay positive and keep our eyes on the bigger picture, we can move through difficult situations and maintain a healthy mindset and outcome.
Meeting Them Where They Are
The sensory room seemed to be a hot spot for some young people to gather. The environment was soothing, there was a sand table, exercise ball, fidgets, colouring sheets and some blankets and pillows. We were able to borrow some ideas and props from our Behavioural Health team to make this space welcoming and therapeutic. Everyone who entered the space seemed to know this was a calm and quiet area. They just acclimated themselves to the atmosphere as they walked through the door. We had some young people who we know become overwhelmed from all the stimulation and excitement, and they spend most of their time engaging in the activities in our quiet space. Having this room allowed them to be included in our celebration while accommodating their needs. They were able to participate when they wanted and make a safe retreat when needed.
Meaningful Moments
The CYC field is all about moments, especially those in which we can empower and equip our children, parents and carers with experiences filled with purpose and meaning - a truth that was gleaming on this day for many. We cannot find words that would adequately describe the acceptance, understanding and compassion that was echoing throughout. It was evident that these activities and events that bring these families together have facilitated friendships amongst our young people as well as created an atmosphere of acceptance, significance, and a sense of belonging for everyone.
It’s a beautiful thing when there is a room full of young people who struggle to fit in, whether it be school, socially, or sometimes in their own families, to come together in a safe place where they are not their diagnosis, behaviours, gender, sexuality, or life circumstances, but a part of something special. In a space where "different" or "normal" doesn't exist. The work we do in this field is nothing short of miraculous. Our families allow us to be a part of their story, and it is through these times we see them shine.
