Our Programs!
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION
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Serves those individuals, couples and families who are at risk of losing their housing or who have been homeless for less than 3 month. To be eligible for this program, you must, 1) provide an eviction notice if you are currently housed, 2) Have an income and provide
verification of funds, 3) be willing to work with a case manager on a housing plan, and 4) attend learning circles as recommended at the Friendship Centre.
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CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
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Serves those in a housing program who are interested in support through cultural teachings and Ceremonies. Cultural Connections offers; guidance and connection to ceremony and Elders, protocol teaching, Indigenous Awareness, Sharing Circles, Sweat Lodges, and Medicine Wheel Teachings.
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Wellbriety: A medicine wheel and 12 step program for those seeking sobriety. A culturally based program focused on the teaching of the medicine wheel, cycle of life, and four laws of change. Currently running every Wednesday at 6:00 pm through zoom. Call the center or check our Facebook group for the zoom link.
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KAIROS Blanket Exercise: The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is an interactive learning experience that teaches the Indigenous rights history we’re rarely taught. Blanket Exercise participants take on the roles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Standing on blankets that represent the land, they walk through pre-contact, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance. The exercise is followed by a sharing circle in which participants have the opportunity to discuss the experience as a group.
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WAHKOHTOWIN
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A 15 week culturally rooted Traditional Parenting program facilitated by our Four Directions Family Support/Cultural Family Educator Workers. Registration is open to parents and caregivers in the community. Sessions are delivered as circle teachings and focus on balance with the four aspects of the human being; physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. ​
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CREE LESSONS
Weekly conversational Cree lessons. Check with the center for dates and times.
FOUR DIRECTIONS FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM
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The focus of this program is to provide support to families and individuals through Indigenous culture & traditions. Using the Medicine Wheel teachings as a way of life we provide the necessary tools to parents and families to; promote positive health outcomes, improve parenting coping abilities, address behaviors which may place a child, family or community at risk, prevent unnecessary long term out-of-home placement of children, promote reunification of families, address and support families cultural needs in the home and in the community, and provide health awareness workshops.
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WOMEN’S WELLNESS
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Takes a holistic approach to healthcare; addressing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects together. This program encourages women to engage in self-care and education about health, promoting empowerment, balance and harmony for individuals and families
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Cultural Connections for Housing Success
Offers cultural support to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and who are accessing housing support programming through the Red Deer’s System Framework for Housing & Supports which includes the following agencies:
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Safe Harbour Society
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McMan
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Central Alberta Women’s Outreach Society
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YMCA
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Red Deer Native Friendship Society
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New Horizons Elders & Youth Program
Provides opportunities for youth and elders to get together for field trips, cultural learning, and mentorship.
