Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Sundrops Centre for Child Development’s Kick Start the Bus Campaign. The generous Cowichan community has donated more than $15,000, meeting and exceeding Island Ford Superstore’s generous $10,000 matching donation! The Children & Family Support Program’s ‘Destination Summer Camp’ participants are enjoying being all together in this new, accessible vehicle and exploring the Cowichan Valley and beyond – enjoying activities such as swimming, bowling, visiting the Raptor Centre, and local parks. Thank you for making this possible. Clements Centre is still seeking and accepting donations for the remaining funds for the new bus – donations can be made online at clementscentre.org/kickstartthebus or by phone at 250-746-4135.
Community News
Profile: Clements Centre Society
The Clements Centre Society is one of the largest not-for-profit societies in the Cowichan Valley, and delivers community-based programs to almost 200 adults in the region. Programs include supported recreational activities, vocational training and a residential program to connect clients with suitable housing options. The society also runs the Sundrops Centre for Child Development in Duncan that helps support children with cognitive and physical disabilities and their families. The new Stanko-Casswell Place in Cobble Hill will feature an open space for arts, crafts and education programs, sensory quiet rooms and a modern, accessible kitchen for cooking programs.The location provides a safe and accessible space for people served in the Valley’s south end, which has a growing population and a need for more accessible day programs.
Get Listed on the WellnessHub
Are you a health care practitioner? Do you have a health and wellness business? If so, you want to get a listing on the WellnessHub – Basic listings are FREE. The WellnessHub is Vancouver Island’s local online health and wellness resource. It features practitioners, businesses, health tips, a monthly contest and much more. Monthly memberships are available for people who want extra exposure. The WellnessHub is supported in print, social media, radio and more. We work with you to get your message out to your potential customers. The Hub attracts thousands of local visitors every month.
Tips to Boost Immunity!
Here are four tips to improve your immunity: 1) Sugar: Cut out or significantly reduce refined sugars. Sugar from fruit is NOT the same: fruit also contains antioxidants, nutrients and fiber. 2) Exercise: Movement helps oxygenate and move your blood and lymph. Do whatever you enjoy! Outdoor air will also invigorate you and refresh your lungs. 3) Vitamin D: Getting enough D allows your white blood cells to keep up, especially during times when your body may require more such as in fall and winter. 4) Vitamin C: Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, and supplement as needed. This vitamin helps prevent sickness and speeds recovery.
Sport Betting Support
“Sports bettors, who tend to be young men, are the most vulnerable to problematic behavior, according to the NCPG’s National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences. The survey reveals that sports bettors are three times more likely to exhibit problem gambling behavior than other types of gamblers.” (Quoted from onlinepoker.com). Given the popularity of sports betting across North America, and Canada’s soon-to-be new law allowing single event sports betting (Canada.ca DoJ), vulnerable sports bettors may find themselves in a position to engage in more impulsive betting behaviour. Reach out to ViGaminSupport.ca for more info on how we can help!
Career Exploration – Taking Action
In the final stage of the career exploration, we study how to look for and present yourself to possible employers. Whether you are searching online, over the phone, in person or you have a friend or relative in the field, it is important to be prepared. Knowing what employers are looking for is half the battle, the other part is up to you. Ask yourself: *Does my resume speak to the job I’m applying for? *How can I prepare for my dream job – do I need more training? *Do I have a cover letter? *What references do I have that can vouch for my abilities?
Not Just for Style
Socks are a creative way to express your personality and style. You can even order socks with a picture of your dog on them. When choosing socks for appearance only you don’t get the many health benefits related to wearing the right socks. Socks with antibacterial properties help prevent odors and fight germs and fungus. Socks can also prevent foot pain by protecting feet from the environment and if you wear them to bed, can help you fall asleep more easily. Voxx socks not only keep your feet warm and clean smelling, they may also offer general pain relief, more energy and increased balance and stability.
Travelling with Hearing Loss
People with hearing loss have different travel experiences. Travel can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Many destinations are more inclusive to provide better accommodations for people with hearing loss.
Here are some tips: *Plan your itinerary to best suit your hearing loss and avoid dealing with communication issues. *Take advantage of technology and download relevant apps as they can be extremely helpful. *Advocate for yourself, don’t be afraid to tell people you have a hearing loss so they can communicate with you effectively. *Pack extra supplies to manage on the go.
Your Child’s Feelings are Valid
When our kids are small and trying to manage emotions, they throw tantrums, throw things, have meltdowns, they scream and they whine. Because they can’t express what they are feeling, this is their way of communicating with us. Society tells us we should punish them for this. We teach and train them not to show their emotions. Don’t whine. Don’t complain. Your feelings are wrong. Be quiet. Eventually they stop expressing their emotions to us. Then when they turn into teenagers, we expect them to feel safe talking to us. We expect them to know that NOW it’s okay. They are subconsciously wired to think the opposite because this is what they grew up learning. Give your child permission to feel. Let them know their feelings are valid and that you care, no matter how small. Make sure they know that they are heard.
Support for Families in BC
The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not for profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grassroots family-to-family organization with a broad volunteer base. FSI supports and services are free to any family. Some of their services include a Resource Parent/Resource Family member peer support program, free webinars, parent/family “meet ups” on Zoom, and downloadable online resources. Check out their website or Facebook page to learn more!
Coming this Fall
New South End location for Adult Day Programs
Circle of Security – Parenting Series
Parenting group at Sundrops
• Understand your child’s behaviours by learning to read their emotional needs
• Support your child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
• Enhance the development of your child’s self esteem
• Honor your innate wisdom and desire for your child to be secure
Contact speterson@clementscentre.org to add your name to the email list
