FUTFS Newsletter 23 (February 2023)

For You Telecare Family Service (FUTFS) assists individuals and families from all walks of life to overcome cultural, emotional, and psychological barriers through a wide range of counselling and educational services and programs. In collaboration with other social service organizations, we raises awareness of social issues and supports clients in the community through the progression of a healthy lifestyle and gradual integration into Canadian society.The projects we provide at FUTFS are for anyone who is willing or interested in participating. It is easy to register through our website (www.futfs.org). Engaging programs promote the development of ourselves and the Korean Canadian community.

Programs & Services in February 2023

The projects we provide at FUTFS are for anyone who is willing or interested in participating. Registration is easy through our website (www.futfs.org). Also, active participation promotes the development of ourselves and the Korean Canadian community.

1. Family Forum Day 2023 (Youth & Parent Event)

FUTFS will hold a Family Forum on February 25th from 10 am to 2 pm at Edithvale Community Centre (131 Finch Ave). This event is open to everyone and will also include youths and parents – who have participated in our organization’s programs or projects –to discuss with lecturers on various topics including: the importance of family, how to improve better communication and relationship, and parenting skills. This event creates a unique opportunity for parents and children to come together to collaboratively share and learn TIPS on how to have positive dialogues as both youths and parents are struggling together due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there will be presentations , which feedback will be given on the works of students who have completed the EARS Project (E-Animation class). There will also be a ceremony for awarding certificates and volunteer confirmations for them. Additionally, the youth and parents attending the Youth Mentoring Program 2023 will also attend, and on this day we are planning to have over 60 participants. A delicious lunch is also served on this day and students will get 5 volunteer hours for attending with their family. We look forward to your participation in the development of the Korean community in Canada.



2. Youth Mentoring Program 2023 (Youth Program)

Mentoring Program 2023 will be operated mostly in-person and few Zoom meetings. It will be for 2 hours every Tuesday from 5 pm to 7 pm from January 24th to March 18th. The program consists of three sessions: mentor training sessions, mentee training sessions, and mentor-mentee matching sessions. The mentor training sessions will run from January 24th to 31th. The main topics in the mentor training include defining a mentor, foundational skills in any relationships, group dynamics, conflict management, leadership styles, MBTI, True Color Personality and how to understand the mentee through cultural differences. The Launching Day will be held on January 24th which will introduce the Mentoring Program to the participants and parents. The mentee training sessions will run from Feb 7th to 14th for a total of 2 sessions. Mentees will be trained in communication, self-esteem and resilience skills. The mentor- mentee matching sessions will run from February 21th to March 7th. We will divide participant groups by school grades (9-12) and each small group will talk about their lives, school life, family and COVID-19 through sharing and story-telling, through Zoom. We will finally meet in person on Community Day to celebrate their graduations.

3. ECAV Project: Essential Art Campaign for Violence Against Women (Youth Program)

The ECAV project is an art campaign project to end violence against women. Through this project, participants can help women develop skills to withstand and recover from difficult situations by exploring different ways to prevent violence. Activities of the project include creating t-shirts for campaign to promote violence prevention in the community, visiting local schools for youth and holding workshops on healthy gender concepts and healthy relationships, designing and wearing ribbons or bracelets to prevent victim-related violence , designing and printing posters to promote campaigns, drawing murals to promote prevention of violence, and composing songs for anti-violence and planning performances.



4. ACCESS Project: Conversation Window for Seniors

‘Conversation Window’ is one of the activities in implementing the ACCESS project.  The purpose of this activity is to support healthy and happy lives for seniors and to allow them to share their stories through positive dialogue. We recognize that seniors have various difficulties such as physical, psychological, economic, family and social relationships, but we want them to see that they do not have to solve them on their own. Through ‘Conversation Window,’ the seniors will be able to connect with the local community, share with experts, be cared for, get a reprieve from loneliness and isolation, obtain various information, and gain the emotional stability necessary for a healthy life. All conversations will be kept confidential. 

5. BASE Project: Outreach Service for Leadership Improvement in Korean-Canadian Community

FUTFS will meet one-on-one with community leaders to share their lives and visions, provide workshops that are helpful for positive change and growth in the group to which they belong, and provide individual coaching or education at the request of the leaders. In particular, this project provides outreach services for improving the leadership of the Korean-Canadian community leaders and for the development of local groups and organizations.

6. The English Café

FUTFS provides the opportunity to have fun through informative English education classes in order to help trained volunteers do volunteer work without language barriers. This class is held every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until noon. It is free and anyone who wishes to attend may do so. 



Youth and Communication

Communication is imperative, as that is the only way into others’ lives and to create understanding. Communicating with the youth is important because they are the future leaders, decision-makers and the builders of tomorrow's society. Effective communication can help them develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Moreover, it can help create positive relationships between young people and the adult world, foster mutual understanding, and support their growth and development. When communicating with the youth, there are many aspects to consider, however, most importantly be respectful, patient, open-minded and be genuine in discourse. The aspect that triumphs all is to avoid stereotyping, while confronting any biases to be able to enable a safe space for understanding. When communicating with the youth, it is imperative to understand that their norms and values are still in development. They are still in a stage of growth, exploration and many times conflict of varied degrees ie. School, friends, thinking about the future, post secondary plans etc. Therefore, to facilitate communication with the youth, they have to be treated with respect and as equals, their perspectives and lived experiences have to be understood and not undermined and there has to be a safe space where they can share their thoughts and be heard. This will also facilitate the foundation and growth of stronger relationships and connections. It's important to remember that effective communication is a two-way street and requires both parties to be actively engaged and open-minded. To improve communication with the youth, these are 5 steps that can be taken: 1. Active Listening- This means giving the youth your full attention and trying to understand their point of view without interrupting or judging. 2. Show Empathy- Acknowledge their feelings and perspectives and show that you care about what they have to say. 3. Use Clear Language- Avoid technical terms as much as possible and speak in a fashion that is appropriate 4. Ask Open-ended Questions- Encourage them to share their thoughts and opinions by asking open-ended questions. 5. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment- Create an environment where the youth feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment or retaliation. In conclusion, communicating with the youth is crucial in supporting their growth and development. By actively listening, showing empathy and respect and creating a safe and supportive environment, the adult world can foster positive relationships and enhance communication with the youth.

Jevior Riley, FUTFS Field Placement Student