Envision Counseling has had a successful first year in Carlyle, servicing a number of families in need of support. The doors of Envision opened to help aid families dealing with crises. With a high demand for services and a lack of facilities in the immediate area, Envision was finally able to make a home in Carlyle of April last year.
Helping families resolve parent and adolescent conflicts, high risk adolescent behaviours, assisting through divorces, blending family challenges, and dealing with loss of family.
"At this time the Carlyle office is only offering the Family Intervention Program services to families who have had some form of crisis impact the family dynamics," Christa Daku, Counseling Coordinator, explained.
"What the counselor will do is work with the family and their strengths based on what they need, so it is a client directed service," Daku said. "The counselor will provide non-judgemental support, tools, and referrals to resources within the community to help support the family."
Since their opening last year the service has seen many people utilize their services.
"Families reaching out for support has been consistent since we opened a year ago."
"This program is very diverse in the clients we see. The reason the Ministry of Social Services funds it is because it's another step of prevention for children."
The program focuses on providing information to families, educating families to create awareness, skill training regarding communication and conflict resolution, while providing flexible and focused support.
"If families have support we can build on their strength and work through the issues they're experiencing," Daku stated.
In 2010, Envision worked towards finding funds to open a program in Carlyle as they saw a need in the area and a chance for those in the community to find opportunity without having to travel to Estevan or Weyburn.
"We recognized years ago that there was a need for family support in this area," Daku explained. "There was a real gap with families having to go to Estevan or Regina. We advocated for funding about five years ago for this program and were fortunate to get the funding."
Though the Family Intervention Program is currently the only service offered out of the Carlyle office they are planning on expanding if possible.
"We're hoping to grow and be able to provide all of the services, but funding is an issue," Daku said.
Envision provides confidential counseling and for those seeking services or more information about the Family Intervention Program contact the Carlyle office at (306)453-2405 or carlyle.envision@sasktel.net.
