‘Our mission is changing lives, changing families,’ says Kettle and Stony Point Family Well-Being Program worker
By Colin Graf
CHIPPEWAS OF KETTLE & STONY POINT FIRST NATION—Members of Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, along the south shore of Lake Huron, had a chance last month to learn about the many services available to them close to home.
The Info Expo, originally planned for May 4, started with the Star Wars theme song to recognize the intergalactic celebrations, ‘May the fourth (be with you)’, but the services on display in the gym at Hillside School for the community were much more down to Earth. Residents spent part of their Saturday visiting booths with presenters from local agencies such as the Kettle and Stony Point Health Centre, housing services, and economic development.
The staff of the Head Start Day Care showed off the work of their 44 children; Ewok figures in their own habitat by the toddler group; Chewbacca masks made by their Junior Kindergarten age group; and a Star Wars character mural by the Grade 1 students. Their bright and colourful display was aimed not only at giving the kids bragging rights in front of visiting family and friends, but was also about “reaching out to new families in the community, inviting them into the daycare,” said program manager Erica Bressette.
As people walked from booth to booth, getting their “passports” signed to enter prize draws, Princess Leia (Kimberly Bressette) and Yoda (Sarah Bressette) speak with people about the Family Well-Being Program they run. Their mission to help families in difficulty with transitional housing and building futures, is an important part of the First Nation’s family programming, says Kimberly.
The agency provides temporary housing for five to six families in two homes for up to six months in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. This accommodation assists the families who may be struggling with a range of difficulties to build a plan of care, link them to resources and other service providers, and work as an advocate for the families or individuals, Bressette shares.
Back row (l to r): Candi Lucas, Pam Wilde. Middle row (l to r): Theresa Cloud, Lisa Soudant, Frieda Shawnoo-Plain, Christine Alberti. Front Row (l to r): Manager Erica Bressette, Denise Anderson, Suzie Bressette.
“Our mission is changing lives, changing families,” she says.
Many of their families are involved with Child Welfare or the criminal justice system, or are struggling with addiction, Bressette explains.
Working for the Family Well-Being program has special importance for Sarah Bressette, as she has gone from being a client of the service to being a member of the team helping others.
“It feels great, it’s a big accomplishment in my life,” she says, having just celebrated 15 months of sobriety. “I got my foot in the right door, this is the work I want to do.”
Supporting others in need by providing programming for parents and children, setting up meetings with other agencies, and even going to court with clients “if they need that moral support” is what she is offering in her role.
“I’m living proof this program works. I go to work every day proud and motivated to help people get back on track like I did.”