Here is your November EYMPD newsletter that I hope finds you healthy, happy, and safe.
I chose the topic for our November newsletter awhile ago, when I got an email from an amazing Educator in which she wrote that she was looking for resources on trauma.
Little did I know, that here in Rosseau we would soon be faced with an unimaginable tragedy of losing a much loved, respected, and appreciated friend, an amazing family man, and a valued community member. Professionally, Rob Carreau, a headmaster of Rosseau Lake College, was, like you, an Educator, and an outstanding one.
Farewell Rob~ I will never forget your infectious smile, and effortless kindness; you are deeply missed.
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Kasia Oxley, Children’s Services Community Facilitator, Children’s Programs and Services
Work Cell:(705) 644-1533
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Please note that the information contained in this newsletter is intended to encourage conversation and self-reflection and is not to be considered as advice. |
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OMSSA - Vicarious Trauma Webinar
Learning format: webinar
Time commitment: 1 hour, 3 minutes, 33 seconds
Areas of interest: self-care, psychology
Certificate of completion: Yes
Password: omssa673d3
Helpers regularly encounter stories and symptoms of trauma in their roles. There is growing evidence that the impact of directly supporting others through experiences of trauma goes beyond burnout or fatigue. The toll of witnessing intense human experiences and emotions can contribute to a negative transformation of a helper’s own sense of safety, and of being competent and purposeful. This webinar will provide participants with the opportunity to examine their own experiences and become aware of the signs of both vicarious trauma and vicarious growth.
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Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Learning format: website
Time commitment: varies on level of exploration
Areas of interest: trauma, psychology, assessment, intervention, support, children’s mental health, behaviour, supports
The Center for Child Trauma Assessment, Services and Interventions (formerly the Center for Child Trauma Assessment and Service Planning) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is a Treatment and Services Adaptation Center of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). The purpose of our Center is to provide national expertise on interventions for the developmental effects of trauma across child-serving settings, including child welfare, behavioral health, educational and juvenile justice settings.
*I found the below videos (mini movies) very impactful and moving; due to the subject matter they are hard to watch, however eye opening and important.
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Please write to Kasia to let her know your thoughts on trauma for a chance to win a resource of your choice
(value of up to $50.00)
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Here is a reflection on places to visit in Muskoka submitted by Sarah MacKay, a local RECE.
Thank you Sarah!
I wanted to share with you one of my favourite places in Muskoka. I was born and raised here so I think that I sometimes take for granted all the cool places I have found over the years and I forget that lots of people would have no idea where these are.
I grew up on Springdale Park road on the river just off highway 117. We would canoe all the time up the river to Duck Shoots; you can get there by car and there is a great walking trail and we used to cross country ski over there also; but it is the Resource Management Centre just off highway 11 North of high falls road. It’s an amazing little place great trails and the beautiful duck shoots.
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EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS IN MUSKOKA |
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What is your current job, and how did you arrive at it, in other words why do you do what you do?
I am presently a Case Manager with Children’s Programs primarily responsible for the Fee Subsidy program.
When I started my career with the District in November of 2003 (almost 17 years ago!) I was responsible for administering the Quality Improvement program with the licensed programs throughout Muskoka.
Way back when, I always provided back up for the Fee Subsidy Case Manager so when the position came available it felt like it was a natural fit for me to move into that portfolio.
Without disclosing confidential information, please tell me about how your involvement within the early years profession created a better outcome for a child/family?
We all know that Child Care is expensive. The best part of my job has always been being able to help families afford the cost of child care so that they are able to work, attend school or support their children who may have special circumstances.
I am always so happy when I can help families. Over the past 17 years, I have shed many of my own tears and have had many parents and caregivers crying in my office when they find out that we really can help their families.
When checking in with families I often hear how well children are doing in programs and how much of a difference licensed care has made to their lives. As children age out of care, I have received many heartfelt thanks for all I have been able to help with. This is truly the best part of my job knowing I can make a difference even if it is only a little bit of help. Sometimes a little bit of help is all a family really needs.
What’s most challenging about the work you do?
I would have to say the most challenging thing about the work I do is trying to explain to families when they are not eligible for Fee Subsidy to help with the cost of care. This is often an emotional conversation and when parents leave my office I often feel badly that I could not do more for them at that time.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, reading, and sitting by the water whenever I can.
What book/resource could you recommend to our readers?
I would highly recommend The Last Lecture by Dr. Randy Pausch. The book is about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of others and seizing every moment (because “time is all you have… and you may find one day that you have less than you think”). It is about living. Be sure you have Kleenex close by when reading this book.
Which famous person would you like to have lunch with and why?
Hmmm… I have no idea!
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What's your favorite quote?
“Look ahead and not behind you” the reason the rearview mirror is small is because you don’t need to see what is behind you!
“It is what it is” – the older I get the more this is so true, especially over the past 7 months!. I have learned that I cannot change things I have to roll with it!
In the last couple of years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?
I have re discovered my love of reading. This has been a great way for me to relieve stress especially after a busy day.
Anything else you would like to share?
I truly love my job even on the craziest busiest days. I love being able to help families and children in Muskoka to be able to access quality licensed child care. Having had two children of our own who went through the licensed child care system in Muskoka, I can honestly say our girls have both directly benefited from the care they received in their early years. They were well prepared to enter the public school system and continue to be life - long learners to this day.
I think it is important to always remember that there is nothing more important in life than family. Be sure to cherish the time you have with your children when they are young.
While being a parent can be an exhausting and sometimes thankless job, it is important to remember these special times. As your children grow older, move away and start to live their lives, you will find yourself longing for those days again as I often do.
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A poem by Jan Twardowski
Let Us Hurry
Let us love people now they leave us so fast
The shoes remain empty and the phone rings on
What's unimportant drags on like a cow
The meaningful sudden takes us by surprise
The silence that follows so normal it's
Hideous like chastity born most simply from despair
When we think of someone who's been taken from us.
Don't be sure you have time for there's no assurance
As all good fortune security deadens the senses
It comes simultaneously like pathos and humour
Like two passions not as strong as one
They leave fast grow silent like a thrush in July
Like a sound somewhat clumsy or a polite bow
To truly see they close their eyes
Though to be born is more of risk than to die
We love still too little and always too late.
Don't write of it too often but write once and for all
And you'll become like dolphin both gentle and strong.
Let us love people now they leave us so fast
And the ones who don't leave won't always return
And you never know while speaking of love
If the first one is last or the last one first.
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“Why wait?” – Rob Carreau |
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
– Robert Frost
Robert once quoted this poem in its entirety to my English class and made all the students feel at ease before their own recitations. That's the kind of guy he was/is/always will be."
– Eric Daigle
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Agencies Providing Services for Children and Families in Muskoka |
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Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions |
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Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is a multi-service agency which offers Child and Youth Mental Health services in the Muskoka region in addition to Child Protection Services and Youth Justice Programming. These services are each distinct and ensure confidentiality and privacy. All Child and Youth Mental Health Services are voluntary, and no information is shared amongst the different services unless permission is provided or is required by law.
The Counselling Walk-in Clinic: provides quick access to therapy services for families with children between the ages of 0 and 17 years of age. It enables family members to see trained therapists at their chosen moments of need. Its intent is to create opportunities for immediate problem solving and therapeutic conversation, as well as connection to other FYCSM and community services if required.
At this time, and due to restrictions of COVID-19, the walk in clinic is currently being run as a “booked-in clinic”. CYMH services can be accessed by contacting the agency and directing calls to ext. 6270. If a session is required, a Counseling Walk in Clinic (CWIC) appointment will be scheduled between 11 am and 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays (in line with our previous CWIC days). The last session would be booked at 5:30 pm and alternative days/times can be negotiated should this be required. Discussions will occur around what modality (ie. Telephone, video) the client is comfortable with and any barriers or obstacles that may prevent them from having access to clinical service. CWIC documents can be provided to the family via email with their permission
Specialized Consultation and Assessments: assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a child or youth with mental health needs as part of their mental health treatment. Included in this is Ontario’s Tele-Mental Health Service which provides children and youth in rural, remote and underserved communities with access to specialized mental health consultations through videoconferencing.
Child and Family Therapy: available to children, youth and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties and require support beyond Brief Service/Counselling Walk-In Clinic. Therapy is evidence-based and tailored to meet the needs of each child or youth and family.
Intensive Service Worker Program (ISW): provides a range of intensive and flexible in home and community based services for children and youth with mental health difficulties, to strengthen both the capacity of families to support their children and the ability of children and youth to function effectively in their homes and community.
Mental Health Crisis Line for Children and Youth: call 1.844.287.9072 to reach our confidential Mental Health Crisis Line for children and youth, their families, caregivers and service providers 24/7.
Coordinated Service Planning: provides systems level coordination and support to complex special needs children and their families in those situations where, because of the number of services involved and/or the level of support needed and/or the complexity of the situation, additional service coordination is required.
Youth Justice Committee Program: Mandated by the Youth Criminal Justice Act for certain offences, this program is an alternative to the traditional court process. Referrals are received from the Crown Attorney and the OPP for young person’s alleged to have committed a low risk offence. Youth (12–17yrs old), their parents, and persons harmed participate in a Justice Circle where youth are given an opportunity to make amends for their behavior and understand the impact their behaviour has had on themselves, others and the broader community. Persons harmed are offered the opportunity to feel heard and partake in what they believe is appropriate restitution. This process often addresses the underlying reasons for the offending behaviour while providing an increased role for victims and communities. Once the youth fulfills the agreement, all charges are withdrawn.
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For a chance to win a resource of your choice (value of up to $50.00), please submit a reflection of yours to Kasia on a topic of your choice that you would like to be considered for publication in one of the upcoming newsletter editions.
Your submission does not have to be in a form of an essay, other forms of expression are welcome, such as: poetry, video footage, note, opinion piece, interview, photos accompanied by a short text, review, etc.
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