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Connections Community Services

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Indigenous Programs

Supporting Indigenous Children, Youth, and Family

We serve the Indigenous community in Richmond and surrounding areas. You do not have to have status to receive services. We also work to educate and collaborate with the broader community to share Indigenous Knowledge and Culture.

Roots to Cedar Indigenous Family Program

Our program is dedicated to supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families within the Richmond community. We aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment for healing and wellness by fostering meaningful connections.

Homework Club, Baking & Boardgames

Homework Club, Baking, and Boardgames on Tuesday is our Indigenous Youth Club offers valuable after-school support for youth aged 13-18. Volunteer tutors will be on-site to assist with homework and other school-related activities, ensuring a supportive space for academic growth. 

Women's Circle

Every Wednesday, we invite you to join our Women’s Circle. In collaboration with the Metro Vancouver Indigenous Service Society, we cohost a Women’s Talking Circle. The focus of these gatherings is on promoting mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. It’s a space for shared experiences and collective growth.

Y Mind Medicine

Y Mind Medicine is tailored for young people aged 13-18 facing stress, worry, and anxiety, our program offers a supportive environment to learn coping skills while fostering connections with others. Join us on a journey towards better mental well-being.

Our program

  • Free group program for those who are experiencing mild – moderate anxiety, stress or worries.
  • Learn evidence-based strategies of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness & Self Compassion.
  • Delivered by 2 trained mental health professionals.
  • Maximum of 12 participants per group. 
  • Closed group program -same group participants each week.
  • No diagnosis of anxiety needed.
  • No YMCA membership needed.
  • Participants may self refer.

Program benefits

  • Meet peers who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
  • Program participants consistently report reduced anxiety and increased well-being following the program.
  • Free book and workbook with program materials.
  • Free 7-week YMCA membership for every participant, increased to 14 weeks if you attend all 7 sessions. 

Who is eligible?

  • Young people aged 13-18.
  • Anxiety or stress in the mild to moderate range.
  • Anxiety or stress is the primary mental health concern that you are currently struggling with.
  • Available to attend all sessions of the program on time and in full.  Participants may miss 1 session, but if they miss 2, they will not be able to continue with the group as the content builds week to week.
  • Willing to foster a safe space for group members to share and receive support, respectfully listening as well as sharing according to your comfort level.   

Joining information sessions

  • Attendance at an information session is required to sign up for the program.
  • 30-minute presentation on the program by the 2 group facilitators.
  • Each participant will then have a private 10 - 15-minute chat with 1 of the group facilitators.
  • During the private chat, participants will be invited to share the ways in which anxiety or stress currently shows up for them, as well as any other challenges, supports or questions that they may have.
  • This will help both the participant and the facilitator decide if the program is the best fit right now, or if a different resource might be more helpful now. We are happy to support with resource suggestions.
  • Places are limited and attendance at an information session does not guarantee a place in the program. We will get back to everyone about their place in the program following the final information session.
Friday Family Night

Join us on the last Friday of every month for Indigenous Family Night! Come and savor a delicious meal while forging new connections within the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share good food and create lasting bonds. We look forward to welcoming you!

Truth and Reconciliation: A Collaborative Initiative

Partnership with the Metro Vancouver Indigenous Society for Truth and Reconciliation events. As part of this initiative, we will be present at Trout Lake in Vancouver. Recognizing that individuals from Richmond may travel to Vancouver for these significant occasions, we aim to contribute to fostering understanding and healing.

Please contact Jeannie Jacobson with the email below for more information:
jeannie.jacobson@ccssociety.ca

Indigenous Voice and Vision
Children, Youth, Family for Indigenous

Beading & Sewing: Express Your Passion

Beading & Sewing: Express Your Passion

Discover the art of beading with our Indigenous Activity Worker! Join us to learn how to create beautiful earrings, bracelets, and various other projects. Unleash your creativity in a supportive and engaging environment.

Thursday After School Youth Support Group

Thursday After School Youth Support Group

Join our after-school support group for children and youth. Connect with new friends and enjoy freebies while participating in activities designed to foster a sense of community and support. We look forward to having you.

Please contact Jeannie Jacobson with the email below for more information:
jeannie.jacobson@ccssociety.ca