Comox Valley Family Services Association
We are a not-for-profit, family service organization based in Comox Valley with one satellite office in Campbell River. We have been providing child, youth and family services since 1974. Our commitment is to provide the highest standard of family community service possible. We believe that healthy individuals and nurturing families are the foundation of stronger communities. Comox Valley Family Services is strengthening the community every day with a range of programs that support families, children and individuals.

1415 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.7575
f: 250.338.2343
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://cvfsa.org/

Parenting

Community Action Program for Children (CAP-C)
Open referral and no cost. Parents with children birth to 6 years, 25% of the families who attend are of Aboriginal ancestry. Weekly drop-in program providing parent education on care-taking, safety and injury prevention, nutrition and infant/child development. Transportation, lunch and childcare provided. Format is individual (home visits) and group.

p: 250.338.7575
f: 250.338.2343

Healthy Babies Prenatal Program
Open referral and no cost. Free prenatal nutrition program, to assist pregnant women throughout pregnancy and their postpartum. One on one outreach counselling and group support, free vitamins and 10 dollar food vouchers, and weekly meal group. Assists with breastfeeding concerns, improving diet and offers the opportunity to meet other pregnant moms.
1415 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.7575
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.comoxvalleyprenatal.com/services.html

Nobody's Perfect
Open referral and no cost. Parents with children up to 6 years of age. Interactive parent group where the purpose is to learn how to understand yourself and your child/explore concerns about safety, development and behaviour.

Call CVFSA of Public Health Nursing Department
p: 250.338.1711
Times: Six (6) week sessions – two hours once a week, 4 times a year.

Parents of Twins Support Group
For parents of twins, including expecting parents. Information, support, social activities. Meet 1st Monday of month; 8pm at Courtenay Health Unit; Dogwood Room - No children at meetings please.

Denise
p: 250.703.2638
Kari
p: 250.338.5599
Joan
p: 250.898.8986

Children, Youth & Families

Family Development Program
Closed referral (except group). Funded by Ministry of Children and Family Development, and no cost. Intervention strategies: parenting education, child development information, crisis management, life transitions, communication issues, problem solving and intensive support for children and their families. Individual and group opportunities offered for parents and their children/youth – birth to19.

1415 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.7575
f: 250.338.2343
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://cvfsa.org/children.htm

Delta Resources
Closed referral (except groups). Funded by Ministry of Children and Family Development and no cost. A collaborative Family System approach to: conflict resolution, mental health issues, addictions, parent-teen conflict, healthy parenting and community integration and training. Offer groups for parents and teen girls.

This program is based out of Campbell River and offers in home counselling for youth and family, an outdoor based day program for youth not attending a mainstream school, and various evening groups for parents and youth.

p: 250.338.7575
f: 250.338.2343
 

Specialized

Child & Youth Sexuality Clinic
Open referral and no cost. Offers: Education, assessment and referral. Open to parents, teens and anyone in the community with concerns about childhood sexuality. Information on: normal sexual development, problematic sexual behaviours, recognizing and disclosing sexual abuse, dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse. Lending library for sexuality concerns.

Open clinic: Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
1415 Cliffe Ave.
Courtena,y BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.7575
f: 250.338.2343
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://cvfsa.org/special.htm

Child & Youth Mental Health Support
Open referral and no cost. Children with mental health challenges and their parents. Psycho-educational groups provided jointly with the Ministry for Children and Family Development Mental Health Team.

Open referral and no cost. 8 weeks, once a week program for children 7-12 years with anxieties.

Community Based Victim Services
Open referral and no cost. Providing assistance for victims of child sexual assault, sexual abuse and adult male and female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Children 18 and under.  Child victims of recent sexual assault/abuse age 18.  Children and adult victims of past sexual assault/abuse call Community Based Victim Services at Comox Valley Family Services Association.

p: 250.338.7575
f: 250. 338.2343
 

Support group for parents, families, and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirit, intersex, queer, or questioning persons. Meets the 2nd Monday of each month; 7:30pm in the lower end of the Comox United Church. Everyone welcome. Call or email for more information.

p: 250.338.2718
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Sexual Abuse Intervention
Open referral and no cost. Therapeutic and educational components for parents, children, youth and families. This program has two distinct parts, as follows: Children 3 to 12 with sexual behavioural problems; Children 3 to 19 who have experienced sexual abuse for whom sources of funding for counselling are unavailable.

Suicide Prevention Outreach Support Worker
St. Joseph’s Adolescent Outpatient Services Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Open referral and no cost. Short-term counselling and referral service: for children and youth, up to their 19th year, who experience suicidal feelings, depression, loss, social isolation. Visits can occur in the home, community or Agency office.

Family Education Programs

Girls' Group
Small cost. 8 weeks, once a week program for preteen and adolescent girls, for them to gain awareness of self from a female perspective. Girls between the ages of nine and eighteen would participate and the group focus would be on life skills development, relationship and self esteem issues and building capacity to reduce risk of likelihood in high-risk activities.

#202 576 England Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2N3
p: 250.897.0511
http://www.cvts.ca/index.php?id=36

S.T.E.P. (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting)
Small cost. 3 series available on a rotation limited basis – S.T.E.P. Under 6; and S.T.E.P. Teens. Problem solving, consistency, and how to improve parenting techniques. STEP has created clear and concise instructions on how to meet the challenge of raising responsible, cooperative, happy children and how to take the anxiety out of the parenting role and replace it with confidence. There are many aspects that influence a child's behavior. It is helpful to be aware of how a child progresses through his world and what impacts his or her place in it.

http://www.lifematters.com/step.asp

Positive Parenting/Parent Coach
Small cost. Individual one on one format where parents can receive educational information, discuss discipline strategies, community resources, and problem solving. Fee and one-on-one approach. Not therapy/counselling; focus is on coaching and supporting action for change.

367 11th St.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 1S4
p: 250.338.7582
f: 250.338.7592
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://cvboysandgirlsclub.ca/

Assaultive Men's Treatment Program
A group process providing an opportunity for men to take responsibility for ending their violence and abuse.

1455 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.7341
f: 250.338.6568

Gay Help-Line
Support for gay men, telephone support; information about social events.

p: 250.338.5212
Hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm - Monday to Friday

Men's Support Group
Drop-in men's support group encouraging open communicationin a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way. Speak about issues from your own perspective and listen to others in a respectufle and confidential manner. Very helpful for building self-esteem and encourageing exploration of new perspectives. Focus on mutual support, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Comox Valley Nursing Centre; VIHA
961A England Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2N7
Jonathan Buchanan
p: 250.898.4691 - Leave message

Men's Peer Group Referral
Referral service for men who wish to join and/or form self-help groups. No counselling.

David
p: 250.338.1112.

Prostate Cancer Support Group
Support and information for men who have, or have had prostate cancer.

Comox Valley Canadian Cancer Society
102-1509 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.5454
f: 250.338.7692
www.bc.cancer.ca

Recovery Centre
28-day residential supportive recovery program, clients attend group sessions, lectures, peer feedback, video presentations, and one-on-one counselling sessions.

641 Menzies Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 3C3
Jane Worth
p: 250.338.7144
f: 250.338.6242

 

Bus Pass Program
Offers a one-year pass for $45 for use on all local buses in BC for low income seniors and disabled people. (Eligibility criteria apply; call for more information)

Ministry of Human Resources
Box 9430
Victoria, BC
V9W 9V2
1.888.661.1566

Dial Alert
Daily telephone reassurance for seniors or lonely people, no charge.

Mrs. Mahoney
p:250.338.4974
Mrs. Rader
p: 250.338.5847

HandyDART
A transportation service, within Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland, for individuals who are incapable of using public transit due to mental or physical disability. Individuals must pre-register in order to use the service and there is a fee.

Box 100
Lazo, BC
V0R 2K0
p: 250.339.5442

Health & Seniors' Information Line
Provides general information about Ministry of Health programs, services and initiatives and about health and non-health services for British Columbia seniors. The line also provides information to B.C. residents regarding cardiac care services, cancer diagnostic and treatment services, organ transplant programs, hospital funding and other related health care initiatives.

1.800.564.4911
Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:30am to 4:30pm (recorded message off-hours)

Senior Citizen Counsellors
Help for seniors having problems with any government service. Examples: pensions, medical services plans, death certificates, income tax.

Thelma Stevenson
p: 250.334.2206
Russ Hammond
p: 250.339.5143

Seniors' Medication Information Line (BC SMILE)
Free medication hotline for seniors, their families and caregivers. Telephone consultation by licensed pharmacists. Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

University of British Columbia
2146 East Mall
Vancouver, BC
V6T 1Z3
1.800.668.6233
f: 604.822.3035

Seniors' Wellness Council
Council made up of people interested in seniors health and wellness concerns; Advocacy Group.

Yvette Toombs
p: 250.897.0406
Margaret Palmeter
p: 250.339.2727

West Coast Continence Clinic
Assessment and Treatment for incontinence.

Cumberland Health Centre
Box 400
2696 Windermere
Cumberland, BC
V0R 1S0
p: 250.336.8708
f: 250.336.2100

Adult Daughters of Dysfunctional Families
A support group for adult women from dysfunctional families (drugs, alcohol, etc). Call for meeting times and place.

p: 250.338.1133
f: 250.334.9251

Anne Elmore Transition House (Campbell River)
24 hour crisis/support line, confidentiality, safe shelter, homey environment, food and basic personal needs, information, support, counselling and referrals, children's counselling.
Campbell River & North Island Transition Society

p: 250.286.3666
1.800.663.2188
p: 250.287.7384
f: 250.286.6252

Breast Cancer Support Program
Counselling, support group and hospital/home visiting for people who have, or have had, breast cancer.

102-1509 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.5454
f: 250.338.7692
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.bc.cancer.ca

Mom and Baby Groups

Breastfeeding Drop-ins
Support for new mothers who are breastfeeding. Contact the Breastfeeding Resource Nurse at 338-1711

p: 250.338.1711
Public Health Nursing Services
961 England Ave.
Courtenay, BC
Tuesdays: 9:30am-11:30am
Comox Recreation Centre
1855 Noel Ave.
Comox, BC
Thursdays: 9:30am-11:30am

Cumberland Baby Group
Support, guest speakers, films, and group discussions for expecting and new parents and their babies aged birth to 1 year. Other caregivers also welcome. Drop-in Wednesdays from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.

Debbie Callan
p: 250.336.8270

Just for Moms and Babes
Support, guest speakers, films and group discussions for pregnant and new mothers and their babies aged 0 to 6 months. Partners and other caregivers welcome.
Drop-in. No fee.
Thursdays: 10:00am - 11:30am (all year)

Comox Community Centre
1855 Noel Ave.
Comox, BC
Liz Naish
p: 250.334.0545

La Leche League
Monthly groups for women interested in breastfeeding. Held in informal settings with accredited leaders who are also mothers. Information, support, discussion, and social time. Children and babies are welcome. Lending library on parenting, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and related issue available to participants. No admission. Refreshments served.

Courtenay/Comox
Cathy
p: 250.339.4082
Louise
p: 250.338.7307
Merville/Black Creek
Cherie
p: 250.334.0941
Denman Island
Sue
p: 250.335.2441

Women's Choice Program
Services available through Campbell River Hospital Choices Pregnancy Program. For Women who are unexpectedly pregnant, assistance in making choices (adoption, abortion or keeping the baby). Free & confidential.

p: 250.287.7111
Hospital
p: 250.923.3454

Pregnancy Care Centre
Free pregnancy tests, confidential and non-judgmental support, educational information, maternity wear, gently used infant clothing, community referrals.

785 6th St.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 1M8
p: 250.334.0048
f: 250.334.0058
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
http://www.cvpregcare.ca/

Adolescent Outpatient Services
Provides individualt, group, and family therapy for youth ages 14 - 18 to help them cope with problems such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Referral can be from self, parents, doctor or other agencies.

2137 Comox Ave.
Comox, BC
V9M 1P2
 p: 250.339.1496
f: 250.339.1578
http://www.stjosephs-comox.org/

Adolescent Resource/Suicide Outreach Program
Focus: Open referral and no cost. Short-term counselling and referral services: for children and youth, up to 19 years, who are experiencing suicidal feelings, depression, loss, social isolation. Visits can occur in the home, community or agency office.

Comox Valley Family Services Assoc.
1415 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.7575
f: 250.335.2343
David Hext
Pager: 250.338.9112

Peer Support Counselling
Connects you with the services that you need. Helps with housing, tutoring, and other issues. Assists you in organizing and running activities, events and projects. Provides access to free space, sound equipment, computers amd printers.

Youth Connections (Y.O.U.R.S.)
3rd and Cliffe
Drop-in: 2-5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
p: 250.338.9131

Teen Mediation
Mediates conflicts between parents and their teenage children. Crisis situations such as runaways handled. Can be contacted anytime.

Dorrie Woodward or Ann DeCosson
p: 250.335.2343

Youth Opportunities Unlimited Resource Society (Y.O.U.R.S.)
Peer Support Progam for youth ages 14 - 24. Provides access to available youth services, support for youth-run events, life skills support services and peer leadership opportunities. Youth Cafe and computer access. Call for drop-in times or to make appointment.

237 3rd St. (downstairs)
Courtenay, BC
V9N 1E1
p: 250.338.9131
f: 250.338.9974

Youth Outreach Program
Focus: Open referral and no cost. Youth ages 12 to 19. Offers short-term counselling, advocacy, assessment, community networking and referrals. Assistance given in bridging relationships in the community, home, school, police and courts.
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 1:00 pm to midnight
Friday: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  For emergency and protection issues use HELPLINE FOR CHILDREN: Ministry of Children & Family Development - Call - 310-1234 (24 hours).

Comox Valley Family Services Assoc.
1415 Cliffe Ave.
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2K6
p: 250.338.7575
f: 250.338.2343
Ray Crossley
Pager: 250.338.9112

Interagency Child, Youth and Family Program
Program Objective: To stabilize families whose children and/or youth are identified as "high profile" through intensive intervention strategies and interagency coordination.

Tammie Relkoff for referral and information
http://www.camh.net/About_CAMH/Guide_to_CAMH/Child_Youth_Family_Program/index.html

Alcohol & Drug Services for Youth & Families
Program Objective: To facilitate youth in reaching out and maintaining drug and alcohol free lifestyles by providing assessment, supportive and treatment recovery focused counselling on a one on one basis and/or group, for motivated individuals and families

Karen Gauthier or Wedlidi Speck for referral/information.
http://www.viha.ca/mhas/services/youth.htm

Alcohol & Drug Treatment School Suspension Program
Program Objective: To provide assessment, education, treatment to youth and their families referred by their school for using drugs or alcohol on school property a second time.

Karen Gauthier for information

Alcohol & Drug School Based Prevention Program
Program Objective: To provide Robb Road Junior High School, and surrounding community, activity based prevention, and early intervention strategies related to alcohol and other drugs. Also to develop the capacity of the school and community to be effective partners in the prevention of substance abuse.

Susan Rose for information only.