Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Parents Empowering Parents Up and Running


We've had our first meeting...and the next one is in a short two weeks. New posters describing the group and providing the dates for the our meetings for the rest of the year will be circulated around town this week. If you are a business owner that would allow a PEP poster in your establishment...please contact me and I will be more than happy to bring one to you. Also check out our information spots on Leduc Radio that provide information about the time and place of our bi-weekly meetings. It is also a source for information about other important events in and around Beaumont. Go to the Archives Page to find information that has been posted. What a great resource for our community. Check out the new poster!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Parents Empowering Parents May 25th 7-9pm


Here is a poster (you might have seen one around town) that provides some more information about the PEP meeting on May 25th. For more information either email: thekbunch@xplornet.com or phone 780-504-5969. Have a great week everyone!

How was your long, cold weekend?




Actually, truth be told...only yesterday (Monday) was cold for the long weekend. Around Beaumont that is...I've seen some photos of people out at Buck Lake that met with some crazy snow and cold considering its the middle of May. I'll admit it...this cold weather kind of has me bummed. I've been watching the weather forecast however and there is some beautiful weather on the way. I also want to remind everyone that this coming Monday we will be hosting our very first Parents Empowering Parents meeting right here in Beaumont. If you (or someone you know pass the word along) are worried about the drug use/abuse of a young person close to you join us at the Beaumont Community Youth Centre on Monday May 25th from 7-9pm. The meeting is free, confidential and a place for information and support. For more information contact me (Linda) 780-504-5969. Stay warm over the next few days...plan where those nice bedding plants can go and be ready to get out and enjoy some nice spring weather by the weekend! (finger crossed!)

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Newspaper Article for May

In case you would like a preview of the newspaper article that will be in Beau News this month I have included it here. In wake of the recent tragic death of Cassie Williams in Edmonton, Alberta I felt it was necessary to discuss the importance of a community response to the issue of Drugs and our Youth. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cassie's friends and family as they deal with this tremendous loss.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Developmenta Assets: The Community Approach

At the end of last week, I (along with other Beaumont FCSS staff) attended St. Albert's presentation of their Developmental Asset Survey results. Some of the stats were surprising, the speakers were inspiring, and I walked away from the event feeling energized and excited about the Developmental Asset Approach here in Beaumont. I am more than curious how our youth (grades 5-11) rate their level of assets. Do they feel supported, listened to, hopeful about the future and how tolerant and accepting are they of diversity? These are all questions I would really like to know the answers to. Speakers: James Vollbracht and Keith Pattinson, spoke about some ideas to build an asset rich community that would be relatively easy to implement. However, the approach is much more about people and relationships than it is about other programs to help "fix" kids' problems. In fact, the entire approach requires that youth are considered resources and participants in the process and NOT as problems. Keith, spoke about some extremely ambitious projects and work being done in Summerland, B.C. as a part of the Summerland Asset Development Initiative. I am still in awe of the amazing work that was undertaken and managed by the youth of this small but vibrant community.

However, in the wake of tragedies like the one from last weekend, when a 14 year old in Edmonton overdoses and passes away from the use of an illegal drug...it is difficult not to think about fixing the problems of youth. Communities will likely always require a range of services that include preventative, community development initiatives that focus on strength based strategies and those that deal with the issues of drug and alcohol abuse and law enforcement issues. Our hope here at FCSS is that more focus, effort, and resources channelled into those activities that are recognizing the pure potential of our young people will ultimately lessen our need for the more serious and sometimes tragic events like those we tend to hear about on the six o' clock news.

For more information about all FCSS programming here in the Town of Beaumont please contact my self (Linda Mix-Kondratski) at thekbunch@xplorenet.com or Kim Williston at Kim.Williston@town.beaumont.ab.ca and have a great week!