Big Bear Child and Youth Advocacy Centre

While January might have been a quiet start to the year for some, it’s the opposite at BigBear CYAC! We are fortunate to have Wrabel Brothers Construction on site, helping us overhaul 3400 sq ft of space. A lot of planning goes into creating a well practical, safe + calm CYAC. We’ll be discussing more about each room and what’s required. Left is construction worker Leigh Bruborough and right is Evan Dance. They’re putting a wall between the new medical room and child area. ... #bigbearcyac #construction #kamloops #cyac #downtownkamloops #medicalroom #childarea #cyac2021 #kamloopsbc #beautifulbc

Huge thank you to Drew Atkinson (Project Manager, Wrabel Brothers Construction Ltd.). He has done an amazing job at getting Big Bear Reno’s near complete and has been so wonderful to work with....painting starts next week!!!

The role of our Family Advocate #bigbearcyac #bigbear #kamloopsbc #kamloops #nonprofit #cyac #canadacyac #ourworld #ourcommunity #kamloopscommunity

Roxanne Lesperance, Independent Contractor to the B.C. Responsible Gambling Program presenting community initiative fund of $6990 to Big Bear CYAC . Thank you for the ongoing support!

HUGE T H A N K Y O U to The partnership of The Stollery Charitable Foundation and the BC Interior Community Foundation for the grant of $7,995 to Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre to support the essential improvements to our agency’s new location! Pictured left to right - Spencer & Janet Bryson, The Stollery Charitable Foundation; Tara Ettinger, Big Bear CYAC; Darlene Ladarola, BC Interior Community Foundation. The Stollery Charitable Foundation... BC Interior Community Foundation See more

Tyrus Delpopolo bought two Tv’s for Big Bear CYAC and surprised us by dropping them off at the centre today Did you have a moment today where you were grateful for someone’s kindness? #bigbearcyac #kamloops #kindness

When little people are overwhelmed by big emotions, it is our job to share our calm, not to join their chaos. L.R.KNOST What grounds you when you’re overwhelmed? We hope Big Bear can provide some comfort.

We are happy to officially announce our Big Bear CYAC home. Reno’s are underway, and our physical location will open early in the new year. We are conveniently located downtown near to our community partners. Thank you for your ongoing support. Stay tuned; we’ll keep you updated as we progress! #bigbearcyac #bigbearcyackamloops #kamloops #kamloopsbc #downtownkamloops #cyac

2020 is a year to remember. A highlight for Big Bear CYAC is our local community coming together in support. A constant reminder in what has been an isolated year for many, humans are a social species that rely on cooperation to survive and thrive. We are very grateful to everyone that has supported Big Bear this year, previous years and future years. Whether you liked or shared our posts, whether you ordered dinner or made dinner (thank you to our fabulous chefs) or simply ...thought of us - THANK YOU! A special Thank You to Kamloops Firefighters Union Alex Anderson & Matt Cumming and members Andrew Anvil, Dave Ettinger, Will Harlock & Rob Swift who volunteered to hand out dinners at Columbo Lodge. It was a fun night - as you can see with Dr. Chapple and Tracy Scott (Big Bear Cyac Steering Advisory Committee). Also thank you to Brian Purves (And City of Kamloops Arboriculture dept) for setting up the beautiful tree at St. Andrews on the Square! And Homex Development for donating this tree! And to Dave Ettinger again for setting up the white lights in the park! Another special thank you to Roberta + Joe at Columbo and Sameena from Nourishing Gourmet. It takes a village and our supporters know and practice this daily.

It's not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless. L.R.KNOST #bigbearcyac #bigbear #kamloopsbc #kamloops #nonprofit #cyac #canadacyac #ourworld #ourcommunity #kamloopscommunity

Happy New Year from Big Bear CYAC !

Have you ordered your Take + Bake for Friday night? #bigbearawarenessweek #bigbearcyac #bigbearkamloops #nourishinggourmet

Nourishing Gourmet Catering HOURS LEFT TO ORDER NOURISHING GOURMET FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER! (Nov 27th 2020 ONLY) If you’ve missed fantastic local catering as much as we have this season, don’t worry, Big Bear CYAC has you covered! There are only a few hours left to order so if you’re seeing this - head over to our website (www.bigbearcyac.ca) and follow the eventbrite link!

https://fb.me/e/g0wTF2jKF Don’t forget to order your BigBear CYAC dinner for WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25th! Delicious pasta + meatballs for 2 - Italian style. Pick up from Colombo!

Happy Holidays! The English-language word "community" derives from the Old French comunete (currently "Communaute"), which comes from the Latin communitas "community", "public spirit" (from Latin communis, "common"). ... Source Wikipedia We have oodles of public spirit in Kamloops and surrounding area. There’s a reason we’re known as a friendly city. As our children celebrate the holidays, we are grateful for the support BigBear has received this year. Happy Holidays to you all.

Dave Ettinger from Kamloops Firefighter Union getting lights up at St. Andrews on the Square

Here at Big Bear, it is * important * to remember why we started and why we continue to strive for excellence. Our children and youth are our priority, and we are always working towards building a better and more supportive community. A better outcome for everyone. No one wants talk about child abuse. The hard conversations are the important ones - especially for our children + youth. #bigbear #bigbearcyac #cyac #bigbear2020 #brightlights #kamloopscyac #nonprofit #kamloops #kamloopsnonprofit #endchildabuse #community #kamloopscommunity #raisingawareness #kamloops2020 #empoweryouth #childandyouthadvocacy #kamloopsbc #safeplace #trauma #endtrauma #supportteens #weseeyou #wehearyou #kamloopsyouth #greatoutdoors #beautifulbc #kamloopsfacts

What is a CYAC? Big Bear knows! Visit our website for more information Thank you Kamloops + beyond!... #bigbear #bigbearcyac #cyac #bigbear2020 #brightlights #kamloopscyac #nonprofit #kamloops #kamloopsnonprofit #endchildabuse #community #kamloopscommunity #raisingawareness #kamloops2020 #empoweryouth #childandyouthadvocacy #kamloopsbc #safeplace #trauma #endtrauma #supportteens #weseeyou #wehearyou #kamloopsyouth #greatoutdoors #beautifulbc #kamloopsfacts #okanagan #costalmountains #wildlife

SUMMER READING Summer reading is critical for students to retain knowledge and skills learned in the previous school year. "Most kids [and parents] know that summer reading provides benefits that extend well past the summer months. Seventy-seven percent agree that reading over the summer will help them during the school year and on average, kids read nine books in the summer of 2018."-scholastic.com... Here are a few suggestions to help with summer reading!: Read together with a child in your life Visit your local library to discover new books or a new series Include reading into your daily summer schedule Limit screen time Take books on trips Look for local and fun reading programs Do you have a favourite child-friendly series to suggest? See more

STAYING SAFE Big Bear CYAC remains prudent with adhering to all COVID-19 protocols as outlined by Interior Health, the British Columbia provincial government and our federal government of Canada. To do our part in keeping our clients, partners, staff and city safe we have all necessary physical distancing practices in place.... Thank you for your continued support and we hope everyone stays healthy and safe during these times. See more

IN THIS TOGETHER At these times of uncertainty, we at Big Bear CYAC want to ensure children and youth in our community know they are heard, respected and that we are here to support them and their families. As a community, lets protect each otherespecially those who cannot protect themselves.... Saying something is always the right decision. More information on child abuse and support on reporting child abuse and neglect: Connect with Big Bear CYAC at (250) 571-9995 or go to the websites of the following organizations: Ministry for Children & Family Secwpemc Child and Family Services Interior Health DAA Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMOFCS) If you or you suspect that someone who is under the age of 19 is being harmed: *If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. *Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 *If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect, call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). See more

HUMAN TRAFFICKING July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Human Trafficking is defined as recruiting, transporting, transferring, receiving, holding, concealing or harbouring a person, or exercising control direction or influence over the movements of a person, to exploit them or to assist in facilitating their exploitation (sections 279.01 and 279.011 of the Canadian Criminal Code).... Human trafficking for sexual exploitation has been steadily increasing in Canada. "In 2016, nearly half of the trafficking victims were Indigenous women and girls, although they make up only four percent of the population."- ipsnews.net Signs of sex trafficking (from the JSF- The Joy Smith Foundation) include: *Sudden interest in a boy or man who is several years older *New clothing, jewelry or gifts without having the money to purchase these items *Frequent sleepovers at a friends house *Change in style of dress or makeup *New circle of friends and isolation from old group of friends *Change in attitude toward school, regular activities, friends and family *Grades are dropping *Unexplained cuts and bruises *Using two cell phones If you or someone you suspect is a victim of human trafficking. THERE IS HELP! -Contact police or emergency services by calling- 911 -Call the the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential, multilingual service, operating 24/7 to connect victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services, as well as receive tips from the public. See more

GARDENING Not only do you get to reap the delicious rewards from your green-thumb efforts, gardening provides these additional benefits for you and the young ones in your life!: Encourages Healthy Eating... "Students involved in hands-on school gardening programs developed an increased snacking preference for fruits and vegetables". - Rasmussen.edu Builds Confidence "Gardening helps make children feel more capable" -Dr. Wendy Matthews, a consultant of Mindprint Learning. Relieves Stress The main benefit of gardening is learning to relax, says counselor and maternal child nurse Orly Katz, LCPC. Katz emphasizes that gardening helps children make a habit of calming themselves. Gardening allows kids to be alone, it allows them to breathe fresh air and be in peace by themselves. Improves Focus & Memory "The act of gardening as a therapeutic treatment (horticulture therapy) has shown to be particularly effective in rehabilitating motor, speech and cognitive abilities after illness." - Rasmussen.edu Provides Engaging Exercise Teachers report that children and young people take greater responsibility for their own health when they engage in gardening. Do you have a favourite fruit or vegetable you grow? See more

BIG BEAR CYAC Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is being developed by a dedicated and committed Advisory Committee working together - Big Bear CYAC Society, Kamloops RCMP, Ministry for Children & Family Development, Secwpemc Child & Family Services, Interior Health, DAA Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMOFCS), City of Kamloops, and Thompson Rivers University (Canada Research Chair in Culture and Communities: Children and the Law). We are cu...rrently in Phase 1 of operation and continue to expand our development. For more information or to learn more about how you can be part of our journey, we invite you to visit www.bigbearcyac.ca. The vision is to have a community where every child and youth is respected and heard, and child maltreatment is not tolerated. If you or you suspect that someone who is under the age of 19 is being harmed: If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect, call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). Connect with Big Bear CYAC if you would like to consult about reporting (250) 571-9995 See more

FRESH AIR Outside is where we can enjoy things like the beautiful scenery, a broader range of physical movement, vitamin D- producing-sunshine and refreshing rain. Being outdoors and taking in fresh air also comes with these extra perks:... More Oxygen Increases Joy Helps The Immune System Function Cleans The Lungs It Aids The Digestive System Obviously it is important to keep environmental pollutants in mind and decrease exposure to those sources, however, spending as much time as possible outdoors can greatly benefit many areas of your life. See you outside! See more

FUN Incorporating fun into each day is beneficial for your and your childs wellbeing for many reasons. Here are a few of them: * Fun helps with positive learning outcomes... * Having fun increases motivation levels * Fun activities can trigger the release of endorphins and promote happy feelings What ways do you choose to have fun every day? See more

ONLINE LURING What Is Online Luring? "Online luring is a situation where one person (typically an adult but not always) communicates with a young person through technology (like texting, IM, SMS, etc.) to make it easier to commit a specific sexual offence against that young person." -Cybertip.ca... It is a criminal offence. Its important take the time discuss online safety with your children. Awareness, how to identify luring, what to do when faced with a potential predator and how to safely report the activity are good things to know. Here are a few ways to help identify a possible online luring situation: * The individual will ask for personal information such as city, address or name. * They will try to gain trust quickly. * They will say they like you and seem inappropriately overly interested. Report any suspected online luring attempts or child abuse to: -If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. -Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 -If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect, call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). -Connect with Big Bear CYAC if you would like to consult about reporting (250) 571-9995 -Your local police or RCMP. -Cybertip.ca -Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 -Text CONNECT to: 686868 See more

PRIDE MONTH At Big Bear CYAC we want to ensure ALL children and youth feel accepted, valued, heard and respected. June is Pride Month! We acknowledge and appreciate all LGBTQIA2S+ youth, team members, partners and families.

WE CELEBRATE Happy Indigenous Peoples Day! We celebrate each and every strong, inspiring, dedicated, fierce and incredible Indigenous leaders, Elders and community members making the world a better place.

FRIENDSHIP Having a friend or a group of friends plays an important role in the healthy development of children. Some benefits of having friends include:... * self-confidence * increased problem solving skills * reduced stress Here are 3 ways you can help your child develop and nurture positive friendships: - Help them find friends with similar interests - Help them develop healthy social skills at a young age - Help them develop new areas of interest Do you have a tip of how to make new friends? See more

PLAY The importance of play: "Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development."... -pediatrics.aappublications.org Play can come in many forms such as; Kicking a soccer ball around Colouring or drawing Playing music Being imaginative with friends What are your favourite ways to play? See more

PHYSICAL TOUCH Healthy and consensual physical touch is an important discussion to have with your kids. Karyn Kennedy, President & CEO... Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre says, "Empower your children by assuring them that they are the ones who decide how they are touched and how a touch makes them feel. Let your children know that if they feel uncomfortable, it is always okay to say no and tell you or another trusted adult. Above all, make sure they understand that touching should never be kept secret all touching can be talked about." If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. Children & Youth Hotline (250)-310-1234 If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect, call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). Connect with Big Bear CYAC if you would like to consult about reporting: (250) 571-9995 Miranda&Erika See more

BIG BEAR CYAC "A Better Outcome for Everyone." Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre is a Multi-disciplinary Team working together to collaborate our response to child/youth maltreatment investigations and making children & youth our top priority.... As we continue to develop the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre we are guided by: Our Vision To have a community where all children & youth are respected and heard and maltreatment is not tolerated. Our Mission To provide a collaborative response to child maltreatment through advocacy, intervention and continued support in a child-friendly environment. WE ARE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING PROTOCOL WHILE WE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES IMPACTED BY CHILD ABUSE DURING COVID 19 We thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times! See more

LONELINESS "Loneliness is the state of distress or discomfort that results when one perceives a gap between ones desires for social connection and actual experiences of it....Research suggests that loneliness poses serious threats to well-being as well as long-term physical health." - Psychologytoday.com If you think you know someone who is experiencing loneliness, here are 5 ways that may help lift their spirits:... Check in with them to see how they are doing. Be the invitation and invite them to do something. Offer a small gesture of help or acknowledgement. Be a good listener. Introduce them to your other friends. A small act of kindness can go a long way. How can you spread some kindness today? See more

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING ON THE DECLINE As the COVID-19 health pandemic has swept across the world, every community in our province has been faced with making radical changes to ensure health and safety for all. This has resulted in many children and youth being isolated at home with their families. Sadly, for too many children and youth in our province, we know that home is not a safe place to be.... Across the country, service providers are noting the number of reported child abuse cases have dropped significantly. We are particularly concerned during this time where the typical safeguards for children and youth who experience abuse are impacted. To learn more about how to recognize child abuse or how you can help those in your community visit www.safechildbc.ca. Our PSA can be found at: https://youtu.be/qFj85KUQIl8 CYACs provide a safe place where children and youth who have experienced abuse can go to tell their story and be supported throughout the entire disclosure, investigation, judicial and healing journey. By supporting children, youth, and their non-offending caregivers, we provide them with customized supports that best suit their needs and will allow them to heal at their own pace. ***If you or you suspect that someone who is under the age of 19 is being harmed:*** If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect,call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). Connect with Big Bear CYAC if you would like to consult about reporting (250) 571-9995

PRAISE Praise is a powerful tool. Here are some tips to help stay focused on positivity:... Notice when your kids are playing together without arguing Mention how great of a job they did when helping around the house Encourage their creativity by picking out a unique detail of a hobby or school project Praising and encouraging them can go a long way in benefitting positive behaviour and self-esteem. For more information, you can access these useful resources: bit.ly/COVID19_parenting See more

FRESH AIR Fresh air is known to increase focus, lift mood and help with overall productivity. Some of our favourite physical distancing outdoor activities with are:... Bike Riding Walking The Family Pet Together Exploring The Beach Going Scooting Or Skateboarding What has been your favourite outdoor activity during this time of distancing? See more

ONLINE SAFETY Studying at home due to the Corona virus? With many schools closed, @CEOPUK brought together advice and resources to support parents and caregivers to keep their child safe online while theyre not in a physical school setting. ... Download the help sheets here http://ow.ly/EwlF50yR5tl See more

BIG BEAR CYAC Big Bear CYAC is being developed to address challenges by coordinating the response in child maltreatment investigations and linking children/youth and their families with healing and support services that will fit with their needs and cultural well-being. As we continue to develop the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre we are guided by:... Our Vision To have a community where all children & youth are respected and heard and maltreatment is not tolerated. Our Mission To provide a collaborative response to child maltreatment through advocacy, intervention and continued support in a child-friendly environment. If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122 Erika & Miranda

STRUCTURE & ROUTINE For many of us, COVID-19 has taken away or modified our daily work, home and school routines. The effects of this situation may vary and children, teenagers and you may benefit from making new routines.... Implementing one new change at a time helps to not add overwhelm to the situation. Here are 3 tips when adding new routines into life: Be OK With Taking Breaks Stay Connected With Your Supports If Possible, Try To Create A Separate Place For School And Work #COVID19Parenting tips: bit.ly/COVID19_parenting @GPtoEndViolence See more

NEWS TIPS With many outlets sharing news about COVID-19, increased watching or hearing news may cause increased feelings of distress or anxiety. Seeking information only from trusted sources is beneficial to be able to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones.... / @WHO http://bit.ly/2xDnG7X See more

IN THIS TOGETHER Around the world people are facing multiple new stresses due to the #coronavirus: School & Business Closures... Family Confinement Isolation & Economic Vulnerability We are in this together! (physical distancing style of course) If you are experiencing any of challenges, there is help available. Here are some helpful tips - bit.ly/COVID-19-EV @GPtoEndViolence If you or you suspect that someone who is under the age of 19 is being harmed: If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect call the Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). See more

TIME AT HOME Many of us are home with the kids these days. To help parents help their children during this time, try setting aside a few minutes to do something fun together. ... Painting, playing cards, making a fort, reading and baking cookies are some of our favourite ideas. One-on-one time will help them feel safe and loved. Youll learn something new and probably have a few laughs too! Enjoy and have fun! What ways are you engaging with the littles in your life? Useful resources: bit.ly/COVID19parenting See more

STAYING POSITIVE 1.5 billion children are impacted by school closure. To help parents better interact with their children during this time of confinement, view the link for tips on staying positive, creating a daily routine and managing stress ... bit.ly/COVID19_parenting. See more

STRESSFUL ENVIRONMENTS High-stress home environments can have negative impacts that children either experience or observe. This is a list from www.cd.gov.com of what "stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:"... Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones Changes in sleep or eating patterns Difficulty sleeping or concentrating Worsening of chronic health problems Worsening of mental health conditions Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs --------------------------------------------------------- Here are a few helpful ways to help cope with stress: Take breaks from the news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Take the best care of your body. Get plenty of sleep. Meditate, take deep breaths of stretch. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Try to unwind and do some other activities you enjoy. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Erika & Miranda

ONE-ON-ONE Here are some great tips for one-to-one ideas with your kids! #COVID19Parenting tips: bit.ly/COVID19_parenting... @GPtoEndViolence See more

ONLINE SAFETY As children continue to spend time at home during the corona virus, they will live more of their lives online. Lets make sure they are safe online... bit.ly/COVID-19-EV #COVID19Parenting @GPtoEndViolence Imported from image metadata: On 27 March 2020, Margot, 4, practices the alphabet on a tablet at home in New York City, United States of America, rather than being at daycare with her friends, with the city largely shut down as a prevention measure against the further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). See more

CONNECT With school shut down, it is a time to get closer with our children and teens. One-to-one time is free and fun and it helps kids feel loved, secure and it shows them how important they are!... Stay informed on the latest news, updates and resources around the #coronavirus and its effect on children - bit.ly/COVID-19-EV @GPtoEndViolence See more

DISTANCE EDUCATION This is a challenging time for families in B.C. as we work together to stop the spread of COVID-19, but it is vital students have a sense of routine and continued opportunities to learn while they are at home, said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. These guidelines will ensure the needs, health and safety of students are put first as school leaders actively plan to serve the unique needs of their communities. THEIR GUIDELINE FOR LEARNING:... 1. Maintain a healthy and safe environment for all students, families and employees. 2. Provide the services needed to support children of essential workers. 3. Support vulnerable students who may need special assistance. 4. Provide continuity of educational opportunities for all students." (-B.C. Education Ministry, March 28, 2020) Parents and caregivers- as you navigate this challenging time, the team Big Bear CYAC wants to remind you that you are doing the best you can and as a community we will get through this together. Reach out and reach in for support. SUPPORT & SERVICES: If you or you suspect that someone who is under the age of 19 is being harmed: If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect call: The Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). Together we can... See more

PHYSICAL DISTANCING An encouraging note from Dr. Bonnie Henry, "I think it is working and I want to tell people what you are doing is making a difference and we need to keep it up for the next coming weeks." (-March 27, 2020)... Thank you to all who continue to support Big Bear CYAC online and through social media even with these important measures in place. Keep up the good work B.C.! See more

SUNSHINE Not only does it feel nice to have the warm rays of sunshine touch our face, appropriate amounts of sunshine each day is so important for our mental health and for our bodies to be able to process vitamin D. "Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin because it is created when sunlight touches your skin. This means that you need to make sure you get enough sunlight exposure to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D."... (-International Business Times) Even at this time of isolating and physical distancing, consider spending even a few minutes outside on your deck, in your yard or on a walk (safe distance from others) each day :) We wish health for everyone at this time. See more

EMOTIONS Its known that many children need extra help learning to control and navigate their emotions. Here are 3 things you can do as parents and caregivers to help the little ones in your life with their emotional well-being:... Model positive self-regulation Empower them by teaching them coping strategies and the basics of emotional intelligence Try intentional breathing techniques and mindfulness What ways do you practice or teach healthy and positive emotional intelligence with the children and youth in your life? See more

Sometimes kids and youth tell me that breaks arent that good, she said. Home is a place where theyre exposed to domestic violence or child abuse. Without kids having a place to escape to and to engage with supportive adults, we will see an increase in child abuse. That is expected. -Tara Ettinger, Director of Big Bear Child & Youth Advocacy Centre *(Quoted from the attached article below- CTVNEWS.CA)... ---------------------------------------------------------- For SUPPORT & SERVICES *If you or you suspect that someone who is under the age of 19 is being harmed: *If in immediate danger call 9-1-1. *Children & Youth Hotline 250-310-1234 If the child/youth is not in immediate danger but you have reason to believe the occurrence of abuse or neglect call: *The Ministry for Children and Family Development: 1-800-663-9122, toll-free (24 hours a day). Having the courage to speak up is not always easy. Reporting abuse on a minor is both a moral and legal responsibility. As a community, lets protect each otherespecially those who cannot protect themselves. Saying something is always the right decision. More information on child abuse and support on reporting child abuse and neglect feel free to connect with Big Bear CYAC or go to the websites of these organizations: Ministry for Children & Family Secwpemc Child and Family Services Interior Health DAA Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMOFCS)