Looking for work can be overwhelming. The search often causes confusion and struggle leading to less than satisfactory decisions fueled by desperation. So how can you use your time and energy wisely? Begin with you… who are you, what is your story, where do you see yourself? These things matter because they are what drive you to success. When looking inward at your skills, interests, values, and personal style coupled with information from formal assessments, a true picture of self will start to emerge, and a path to a fulfilling career will become more clear. We can help. Read more on our website.

Next time you go one a hike, try making a “Journey Stick”. This activity is a tradition of the Aboriginal people of Australia that offers many ways to support communication. Have your child find a stick and help them tie on nature items that they find along the way. This activity provides an opportunity for your family to practice mindfulness as you take notice of your surroundings. Tie the items, starting at the top of the stick and work your way down. When finished your adventure, invite your child to retell the story of their adventure using the items on the stick as their guide. Depending on their age and communication abilities, you may need to help them tell the story. Build on their vocabulary by commenting on what they have shared, instead of asking them to repeat after you.

This month, the Clements Centre is starting a “KICK START The Bus” promotion with Island Ford Superstore to raise money for programs and services for children in the Cowichan Valley. Call 250-746-4135 to make a donation. See our website for upcoming events and stay tuned for more details on how you can help.

The Clements Centre is so excited to be the recipients of a new Sunshine Coach from Variety Children’s Charity to replace our older Van. This new 24 seat vehicle will be used primarily by the Clements Children Family Support Program to take children on fun adventures in their after school program and for transport during summer/spring break camps. Be sure to wave when you see them in our shiny new Bus!

As we move from the wet and cool spring months into our warmer and sunnier summer months, we are reminded of renewal and growth. A sure way of bringing in some clarity in life and to make room for growth is through spring cleaning. When we de-clutter our surroundings, we help to de-clutter our minds, and therefore better engage in the world around us. Take the time through the warmer month of May and do that spring cleaning of your surroundings and mind!

Coffee-Compassion-Children – Saturday, May 22, 2021 10:00 – 11:00 AM Raffi & Adela Barcia
You are invited to a virtual round table conversation about how Raffi started out as a children’s troubadour and became an advocate for “a compassion revolution” with the well-being of children as the centre.
Raffi and Adela Barcia, a psychologist, have set aside this time to meet with Mary Dolan and Carmen Barclay to describe how the Child Honouring philosophy in action results in a more compassionate world for all.
The Raffi Foundation has created the Child Honouring Course Based on “A Covenant for Child Honouring” by Raffi, a holistic philosophy involving a children-first approach to healing communities and restoring ecosystems.
Some participants may have completed the Child Honouring Course, this is not an extension of the course, rather an expansion of the conversation for all who want to participate.
Hosts: Children & Family Council & Cowichan Valley CCRR
Registration is Free! Call now! 250-746-4135 Ext 235
ZOOM Access will be sent in your email confirmation.

Sundrops Centre for Child Development, part of Clements Centre, is excited to announce its partnership with Wellnessnews Choices for Healthy Living® Central Vancouver Island. This partnership allows us to give monthly updates on Centre programs and to provide health and wellness information. It also helps us to raise funds for our Centre which provides early intervention and therapeutic services for over 800 families and children in the Cowichan Valley. Find out how you can help – connect with us at ClementsCentre.org. Don’t forget to subscribe to the WellnessHUB to receive monthly notifications.

Hearing loss is invisible but there are telltale signs. Signs include asking others to repeat themselves, not being able to hear the television over background noise or difficulty hearing over the telephone. Hearing loss occurs at any age for various reasons. Getting your hearing checked even if you don’t suspect an issue is a great way to indicate your baseline so future changes can be monitored.

A tonic herb tonifies the organs, blood, and helps make the whole body work better. Here are some top picks of tonifying herbs: * Nettle tea – nourishing, rich in C, silica, and iron. Excellent for seasonal allergies, * Burdock root – great for inflammation, skin disorders, liver cleanser, blood sugar balancer, * Dandelion leaf and/or root – nutrient rich, aids digestion and supports liver and gallbladder health, * Ginger root – aids digestion and intestinal health, anti-inflammatory, a decongestant. Available as a tea, tincture or capsule, herb tonics are best taken first thing on an empty stomach, and again later in the day. Happy tonifying!

The warm sunny weather means spending more time outside. If you suffer from seasonal allergies caused by plant pollen, here are a few tips to help you survive allergy season: *Consult weather forecasts to check pollen counts in your area, *Avoid outdoor activities on windy days or early in the morning (before 10 a.m. when pollen counts are highest, Pollen is less present in the air on rainy days, *Wear a mask when mowing the lawn and working in the flower beds.*Don’t hang your laundry to dry outside. If you have questions about how to treat seasonal allergies, your pharmacist can help.