Supporting families

CFS of Battlefords welcomes new executive director

Feb 5, 2019 | 12:17 PM

Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords has a new executive director.

Kim Morrison started with the organization in November. Prior, she worked with the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre.

She said the non-profit is here for everyone, and offers support to all families and individuals. This includes an upcoming session to help parents with teenagers.

“Teens are facing different challenges for sure. Trying to decide what they want to do with the future, dealing with their peers and coping with the stress of school and work,” Morrison said.

She added technology and the Internet play such a large role in society and culture today that it can change the family dynamics when it comes to parenting teenagers. Morrison said parents have a new learning curve to meet technological advances. Morrison said the CFS program can provide support.

“It can be helpful to get new information, find out what’s going on and meet with other parents of teens and talk about different solutions,” Morrison said.

The CFS is also planning new programs in the evenings to offer more options for families. Morrison expects an evening session each week will be available.

In her chat with battlefordsNOW, Morrison highlighted another program geared toward helping adults with cognitive challenges. It focuses on helping clients live independently in the community.

She said this program is expanding to help more individuals, whether that’s to access healthy food, learn how to do basic household tasks or manage other day-to-day responsibilities.

“There’s a growing need,” Morrison added.

Later in May the CFS is planning a vigil to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). It is partnering with Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre on this project. May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG. Morrison said details for the local event are still being worked out at this time.

“It’s an important issue here in North Battleford and it’s affecting a lot of families,” she said, adding vigils will also be taking place around the province to focus on the issue. “We want to make sure there is something happening in North Battleford to support the families.”

Morrison said in her involvement with the CFS she hopes to build on its presence in the community and provide programs and services to those who need them.

The CFS offers a range of programs, including counselling for anyone seeking help and dealing with difficult life challenges. It also offers services to local schools.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

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