Family Service Kent
50 Adelaide St S N7M 6K7 Chatham, ON, Canada

Grief resulting from the death of a family member has been compounded during the pandemic. Without the usual coping process, families may need support acknowledging their loss to maintain healthy relationships. We're the family and relationship experts.

It's World Social Work Day! According to IFSW International Federation of Social Workers "Ubuntu: ‘I am because we are’ is a concept and philosophy that resonates with the social work perspective...." Family service agencies believe and practice this holistic approach of working together for one outcome. #WSWD2021

Are you interested in what’s next and what opportunities are available in our community after you leave high school? We have exciting news! On Thursday, April 22nd, the Teen Transition Fair is going virtual! To attend or to find out more, please RSVP at https://forms.gle/cSb3M4KTPfqpQWW57!

Volunteers Needed: Grocery shopping for seniors. Volunteers are reimbursed for kilometres. If you are interested in this program please call 519-354-6221 ext 241 or email [email protected] for further details

Thank you to all of our team and our supporters who helped us raise money for Neighbourlink to do the great work they do.

Family Service Kent will close at noon on Dec. 24th and be closed Dec. 25th, Dec. 28th and Jan. 1st for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s. We wish all of our service users, volunteers, staff, and community partners a safe holiday!

Come volunteer with us at Family Service Kent! We need people to help with our grocery delivery services and 1:1 drives. Please phone 519-354-6221 and leave a voicemail on extension 241 or email [email protected].

Our agency recently held a Workspace Holiday Decorating contest and we had entries from many of our staff who are working in office and remotely. Our driver Kim did something a bit different and decorated her CHAP-CareLink van inside and out. She was unanimously named the 2020 winner! Her van has brought a lot of joy to those who have seen or ridden in it and as you can imagine, that is especially important this year. If you see Kim out and about, give her a honk and a wave!

Calling All Youth!

Please share! Family Service Kent's "Holiday Care-A-Van" is offering free rides to residents across CK who do not have reliable or affordable transportation and/or who need accessible transportation to pick up their Christmas Hamper. Please phone our Transportation Office at 519-354-6221 ext. 242 for information or to book a drive.

Lots of little FSK Elves out and about today for The Gift CK!

Lisa is enjoying a game of Parking Lot Bingo. She is supporting local charities, including Family Service Kent. FSK is grateful to Riverview Gaming Centre and the players for supporting our programs to keep them affordable. Thank you for keeping people safe and continue to fundraise through December.

Look for our staff, our volunteers, our CareLink vehicles, and our adVANtage vans picking up donations in your neighbourhoods this Saturday! #thegiftck

Grief is difficult at any time but is made even more challenging as we approach the holidays in the midst of a pandemic. In partnership with Family Service Ken...t, we are hosting this virtual or in-person session to offer support and provide tips for coping with loss during the holiday season. Registration is required. To learn more please contact Sally at 519-354-3113 ext 2406 or [email protected]. See more

Family Service Kent is proud of all of the volunteers who are amazing giving people. We give special recognition for milestones. Rick, Dave and Phil have all received the Lorna McDougal Award for 10 years of Service. THANK YOU for your gift to our community!

Lisa is enjoying a game of Parking Lot Bingo. She is supporting local charities, including Family Service Kent. FSK is grateful to Riverview Gaming Centre and the players for supporting our programs to keep them affordable. Thank you for keeping people safe and continue to fundraise through December.

We recognize that this may be a challenging season in an already challenging year. We want you to know that we are still here and we are ready to serve our community. Whether it's getting you connected with one of our many services or helping you help someone else - we are here for you. Please call us at 519-354-6221 or email [email protected] to get started.

The current schedule for the Mobile Miracle Market is: Tuesdays Wheatley from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Wheatley Baptist Church Merlin from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Merlin Legion... Wednesdays Thamesville from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church Bothwell from 11 a.m. to noon at the Bothwell Legion Highgate from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lion’s Club

The Chatham-Kent Police is proud to partner with Family Services Kent, who leads the FIRST Strategy of Chatham-Kent. By collaborating with other local service ...providers, an early intervention is possible, thus hopefully reducing the need for more intensive and reactive responses such as hospitalization, arrests and apprehensions. It would be difficult to overstate the value of FIRST Strategy, says Brad Davis, Executive Director of Family Services Kent. Our partnership with the Chatham-Kent Police Service was founded upon a shared belief that the safety and wellbeing of our entire community is enhanced when we respond proactively to the needs of those who are most vulnerable. I’ve seen it in action. FIRST Strategy provides an effective way to bring community partners together quickly to mitigate risks, and produce a better outcome than might be possible otherwise. It is a ‘win-win’ for all involved. For more information about the FIRST Strategy or to see a list of participating agencies, please see http://ckfirst.ca/

Family Service Kent is proud to be part of the Riverview Gaming Charities. We can support more people in CK with the funding we receive as a charity.

If you don’t drive or you require accessible transportation to pick up your hamper anywhere in CK, please phone our transportation office at 519-354-6221 ext. 242 to arrange a free drive.

Throughout the month of September, Family Service Kent is waiving the fees for all of our Grocery Runs and Grocery Deliveries! GROCERY RUNS: Seniors and persons with disabilities are driven in an accessible vehicle to and from a local grocery store to shop during dedicated Senior/Vulnerable Persons hours. One area of C-K is served per day and passengers must phone at least 3 business days in advance to book a seat on the vehicle. The runs are provided on specific weekdays, b...ased on store hours. Mondays: Blenheim/Ridgetown areas Tuesdays: Thamesville/Highgate areas Wednesdays: Wallceburg/Dresden/Bothwell areas Thursdays: Tilbury/Wheatley/Merlin areas Fridays: Chatham only GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE: This contactless delivery service is available Mondays through Fridays to seniors and persons with disabilities across Chatham-Kent. Clients must provide an exact list of items requested to their matched volunteer, along with cash (in a Ziploc) or debit (tap only, we will not take client pin numbers). Volunteers will shop at the requested grocery store during dedicated Senior/Vulnerable Persons hours when possible. Please email [email protected] or phone 519.354.6221 x242 for more information or to request one of these services.

The Mobile Market under the Prosperity Roundtable is a weekly market travelling to communities across Chatham-Kent to hand out fresh, local produce boxes to any...one who needs one. Bring a donation of what you can and go home with a box of delicious fruit and vegetables. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/3kYhprd See more

Food Link Chatham-Kent Christmas Hamper List and Meal Calendar Update Many things look different this year, and our release for the Meal Calendar and Christmas ...Hamper list is another one. Chatham-Kent Public Health is releasing the updated list of all the Christmas Hamper and Holiday Meals available in Chatham-Kent. The list of all organizations that provide Christmas Hampers, including contact information and their respective registration dates has been updated. There is also a list of all community Christmas meals that are available throughout December. https://letstalkfood-ck.com/ck-food-resource-and-meal-cale/ For the Meal Calendar, an updated paper copy has not been created. As there continues to be ongoing changes, all information on meal programs/soup kitchens, food banks and delivery programs can be found on the CK Food Policy Council Website at https://letstalkfood-ck.com/emergency-food-provider-update/. Additionally, if you are looking for information on other food related programs in CK, visit the CK Food Policy Council website at www.letstalkfood-ck.com for ongoing updates.

Update: You can find out more information about the next phase of the Miracle Project by following them here - Mobile Miracle Market Chatham-Kent, get ready for... another Miracle. On May 16th, you showed Canada what togetherness can accomplish. You inspired hundreds of thousands of people to do the same. On August 31st, the next Miracle begins in collaboration with the CK Prosperity Roundtable and Family Service Kent. We can do this! More info coming soon.

Back by popular demand for the month of November - Family Service Kent is offering FREE Grocery Runs and Grocery Deliveries! GROCERY RUNS: Seniors and persons with disabilities are driven in an accessible vehicle to and from a local grocery store to shop during dedicated Senior/Vulnerable Persons hours. One area of C-K is served per day and passengers must phone at least 3 business days in advance to book a seat on the vehicle. The runs are provided on specific weekdays, base...d on store hours. Mondays: Blenheim/Ridgetown areas Tuesdays: Thamesville/Highgate areas Wednesdays: Wallaceburg/Dresden/Bothwell areas Thursdays: Tilbury/Wheatley/Merlin areas Fridays: Chatham only GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE: This contactless delivery service is available Mondays through Fridays to seniors and persons with disabilities across Chatham-Kent. Clients must provide an exact list of items requested to their matched volunteer, along with cash (in a Ziploc) or debit (tap only, we will not take client pin numbers). Volunteers will shop at the requested grocery store during dedicated Senior/Vulnerable Persons hours when possible. Please email [email protected] or phone 519.354.6221 x242 for more information or to request one of these services.

Family Service Kent is bringing back its "Buy One, Get One Free" Frozen Meals promotion in an effort to help older adults (60+) and persons with disabilities (18+) offset some accumulating costs related to the current pandemic. Through August, this offer applies to our frozen entrees, breakfast packages, and soups to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and nutritious food. Please email [email protected] or phone our Frozen Meals Coordinator at 519.354.6221 x236 for more information or to register for services. You can also find more information on our website: https://familyservicekent.com//community-hom/frozen-meals/

Family Service agencies know the gaps in service and risks for service duplication to clients with developmental disabilities and their families. This knowledge ensures agencies deliver the proper services cost-effectively and efficiently.

With adequate resources to meet the changing needs of Developmental Services clients when they require services and across the lifespan, Family Service agencies can provide the support and services needed to avoid future client crises.

Family Service agencies adhere to the same case management service delivery standards. Expanded Developmental Services from agencies could standardize services and client access to them with no additional cost to taxpayers.

Children and adults with developmental disabilities may improve or deteriorate without notice. Case management by Family Service agencies can help prevent more intrusive, longer-term interventions that can tax the health care system

Ontario Community and Social Services currently funds case management services provided by Adult Protective Service Workers (APSW) and other staff employed by community-based Family Service agencies and other not-for-profit providers.

Family Service Kent is extending its "Buy One, Get One Free" Frozen Meals promotion in an effort to help older adults (60+) and persons with disabilities (18+) offset some accumulating costs related to the current pandemic. Through June, this offer applies to our frozen entrees, breakfast packages, and soups to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and nutritious food. Please email [email protected] or phone our Frozen Meals Coordinator at 519.354.6221 x236 for more information or to register for services. You can also find more information on our website: https://familyservicekent.com//community-hom/frozen-meals/

Throughout the month of June, Family Service Kent is waiving the fees for all of our Grocery Runs and Grocery Deliveries! GROCERY RUNS: Seniors and persons with disabilities are driven in an accessible vehicle to and from a local grocery store to shop during dedicated Senior/Vulnerable Persons hours. One area of C-K is served per day and passengers must phone at least 3 business days in advance to book a seat on the vehicle. The runs are provided on specific weekdays, based ...on store hours. Mondays: Blenheim/Ridgetown areas Tuesdays: Thamesville/Highgate areas Wednesdays: Wallceburg/Dresden/Bothwell areas Thursdays: Tilbury/Wheatley/Merlin areas Fridays: Chatham only GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE: This contactless delivery service is available Mondays through Fridays to seniors and persons with disabilities across Chatham-Kent. Clients must provide an exact list of items requested to their matched volunteer, along with cash (in a Ziploc) or debit (tap only, we will not take client pin numbers). Volunteers will shop at the requested grocery store during dedicated Senior/Vulnerable Persons hours when possible. Please email [email protected] or phone 519.354.6221 x242 for more information or to request one of these services.

As the result of some funding from the United Way of Chatham-Kent, older adults (55+) across C-K can benefit from 3 free counselling sessions either virtually or over the phone. Reasons for referral may be caregiver burnout, isolation, depression, anxiety and anything related to the current pandemic. If tech is an issue, we have designated one office in the agency as a Virtual Visiting room for seniors to complete sessions with counsellors using agency supported tech in a s...afe, private environment. If clients are not able to access their own transportation to the agency, it will be provided via CHAP or adVANtage for free. Referrals can be made by phoning Kim in Intake at 519-354-6221 ext.233. Family Service Kent will also be offering a virtual support group for those age 55 and older. This virtual support group is called Building Healthy Connections which focuses on building healthy links for those who may be vulnerable, isolated and looking for meaningful connections. Referrals can be made by phoning Kim in Intake at 519-354-6221 ext.233.

At Family Service Kent, we want you to know you aren't alone. We are aware of the impact COVID-19 continues to have on many people of all ages in our community - isolation, caregiver burnout, anxiety and increased stress.We also know that many people may be impacted financially as a result of changes that may occur within their workplace. Therefore, during the month of June we are continuing our offer of a FREE single counselling session for those in our community who may not have benefit coverage, or an Employee Assistance Program with us through their employer. Please call 519-354-6221 ext. 233 to book a session with one of our skilled counsellors.