Children, Youth & Family Programs
Our Children, Youth and Family Programs are a fundamental part of our long term violence prevention strategy. We believe whole-heartedly that children living free from violence represents our greatest hope for a violence-free future. We offer specific individual counselling and support groups to children and youth ages 3-18 (and their families) who have experienced violence and/or abuse in the home as well as families who are going through a difficult separation or divorce.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
The program uses a psycho-educational approach, incorporating many different modalities into the counselling process. Art, play, mindfulness practice, nature-based activities and discussion are used to support children and youth cope with difficult events in their lives in a safe, confidential and nurturing environment.
View the PEACE Program video developed by BCSTH for more information about the program.
GROUP PROGRAMS
We offer girls groups, co-ed groups and wellness summer camps. Group programs focus on healthy relationships, building friendships and community, empowerment, improving self-esteem and sharing stories and experiences.
The Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society is supported by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and Whistler Community Foundation.
YOUTH EDUCATION
Violence is Preventable is a school-based violence prevention education program that encourages discussions with children and youth on the impact of violence in their world, healthy relationships, bullying (including cyber bullying), boundaries, and how to keep safe. This program also focuses on the prevention, education and awareness of sexual exploitation of children and youth in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
“The children’s counselling through the Women’s Centre was transformative to both my child and our entire family unit during separation and divorce. Our counsellor was genuinely connected to my child’s needs and extremely adept at helping him, and me work through a really difficult time in a very successful way.”
Last year, more than 30 children and youth who had witnessed abuse or experienced high conflict during separation and divorce accessed individual counselling services. More than 82 children and youth were supported through groups and girls camps.
At any given time, 5-12 children and youth are on a wait list to receive counselling.
Give the gift of HOPE. You can sponsor a child for one counselling session for $30, three counselling sessions for $90, or an entire year for $300.
Funding Partners
