Houston Services Please click on one of the following services for more information: Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Emma Bowen from the Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Program promotes a community approach to supporting families though a range of services which include prevention, early intervention, education, training, and community outreach. The intent of the program is to provide safe, nurturing environments for children to maximize their growth and enhance their developmental potential. After School Program Coordinator Nevada Hardy coordinates the After School Program which is a free, licensed child care program for school aged children aged 8-12. We offer a fun, inclusive, child centred program focused on positive health promotion. The After School Program provides fun, educational, and culturally relevant programming to community kids, giving them a place to participate and belong in the community. Aboriginal Family Development Coordinator Carrie Wiebe, the Aboriginal Family Development Coordinator provides outreach support focused on reducing risks and addressing child protection concerns. The program supports families with children returning from foster care and works closely with other service providers to streamline and enhance planning. This collaborative approach ensures more comprehensive and effective support for children and youth. The Program Coordinator regularly partners with MCFD workers, Delegated Aboriginal Agencies (DAAs), and other community organizations to deliver coordinated, impactful support for children, youth, and families. Youth Connections Assistant Carrie Abraham is the Youth Connections Project Assistant. The Youth Connections Project is a direct-service approach to reducing the number of Urban Aboriginal children and youth in-care; and to improving outcomes for those living at-risk. The Connections Project creates culturally relevant networks of supportive community connectionscentered on clients’ needs, removing risks to child safety. Early Childhood Education Liv Waterhouse is an Educator for the free Early Childhood Education program for caregivers/parents with children ages 0-6, “Tadpoles”. “Tadpoles” is a fun, inclusive, child-centred program focused on positive health promotion—educational, nutritional, and culturally relevant for community children, allowing room for growth mentally, physically, and spiritually. Early Years Centre Jackie Maurer is the Coordinator for the Early Years program. The program provides culturally appropriate programming for children and families, including weekly drop-in programming, referrals, home visit support, and one-on-one support to early years families in Houston and its surrounding communities. Mental Health Counsellor Josephine Deschamps is a counsellor at Houston’s Dze L K’ant Friendship centre. The mental health counselling in Houston is for individuals, couples, and families who want a third party for support, coping, and problem solving. Trauma informed therapy helps us to feel more connection and life satisfaction. AECD Pregnancy Outreach Program Jennifer Wilson works at the Pregnancy Outreach Program in Houston which offers drop-in programming, pre/post-natal education, home visit support, and one-on-one support. The program provides practical necessities such as prenatal vitamins, vitamin D, diapers, cleansing wipes, and connects them with a variety of resources. The Houston P.O.P. is also proud to provide a toy, equipment, and book lending library; a wide variety of information and skill building workshops, as well as healthy meals and snacks to help with food security and family well-being. This includes farmers market coupons for families. Indigenous Housing Support Program Houston The Indigenous Housing Support program recognizes the growing need for individualized housing support and advocacy for urban Indigenous people. The program aims to provide a high quality of culturally safe advocacy and support to those who are wishing to move toward greater housing stability, including those who are currently: homeless, at risk of homelessness, at risk of eviction, and more.
