REACH Parent Network Information Exchange.

This information exchange, sponsored by Reach, is by parents for parents.  It's content is  guided by Reach's mission to provide choices for families,  be family centered, facilitate inclusion, and  exist as a quality resource.  The information is meant to meet the needs of a multitude of families' interests.  We caution readers that Reach does not investigate all claims, and that claims  made  are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Reach. Readers are encouraged to undertake further investigation on their own of items noted. 

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Reach News 

Help a Parent/Parent Support?  

 Autism

 ADD/ADHD

 Down Syndrome  

Education  

FASD

Medical and Mental Health 

Sensory   

Technology

Transitions

Ministry Information

Workshops and Training

Seasonal

Other

Submissions and Questions?  

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Reach News

• You're invited to join Reach Society and Reach Foundation as we celebrate the

55th Anniversary of Reach Child and Youth Development Society

FROM SEEDS TO LEAVES

An interactive discussion will update attendees on exciting new developments
with Reach, including: * New and enhanced Reach programming for children
and youth and their families * Our capital campaign to build a new
child development centre in Ladner * FINDS thrift store in Ladner

October 1, 2014

5:30 (registration)- 8pm

Delta View Centre 9321 Burns Drive Road, Delta, BC

Buffet Indian Dinner

Child minding available

Please RSVP by calling 604-946-6622 or email here 

 

• PRESCHOOL FALL 2014 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! Spaces available for 2, 3 or 5 half days a week. For more information call 604-946-6622 ext.308 or email here. t Reach Developmental Preschool our goal is to offer children a stimulating, inclusive environment with opportunities for social, emotional, cognitive and creative development, emphasizing the individual child's awareness of his or her self, peers, family and natural environment. We maintain a family-centered approach whereby parents and teachers work together to best address the needs of each individual child. The preschool may serve up to 80 families at any one time. Reach Preschool is an inclusive program, meeting the needs of children who require extra support and children who are developing typically. The children requiring extra support may include diagnosed syndromes including down syndrome and autism, behavioural challenges, hearing and sight impairments, physical disabilities or children who are medically fragile. Children play and learn together offering peer mentoring and friendship that builds empathy, leadership and social emotional skills that last a lifetime

• SOCIAL SMART GROUP - LEARNING SOCIAL SKILLS AND USING THEM! FALL SESSIONS STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.  Reach Social Smart Group is a 1.5-hour program that runs once a week in North Delta. There are small groups facilitated by one Behaviour Consultant and one group facilitator. Throughout the  weeks, our goal is to help strengthen your child's social skills by guiding, coaching, and supporting their social interaction with their peers.   Fall 2014 dates:   Tuesdays Sept. 30- Dec 2, 2104  6:00-7:30 pm( no session on Tuesday Nov. 11) Cost = 630.00 Grades 5-7 Wednesdays October 1 to Dec. 3, 2014  6:00-7:30 pm Cost = 700.00 Grades 2-4  Location for both groups are at  Reach Developmental preschool north located 10921 82nd Ave, North Delta For information on eligibility for registration please contact 604-946-6622, ext 315 or   email here 

• REACH PARENT SUPPORT GROUP  
  This group is for you if you are a parent or guardian of a child with additional needs who would like to talk with other parents about your struggles, concerns, successes and strategies. We meet to talk about certain topics and local resources, but mostly we are meeting to support each other in our journey with our children.
  Led by clinical counsellor, Yvonne McKenna, this monthly drop-in group might just be what you need.
  Where: Reach Play and Learn Centre, 11425 84th Ave, Delta
  When: The 2nd Tuesday of the month - 6:30 to 8:00 pm 

• REACH PARENT CIRCLE: Parent Support Circle is a free, monthly, confidential parent gathering with a focus on parenting children with ADHD or behaviour challenges. Led by trained facilitators. The last Friday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.at Reach, #3 3800 72nd street Ladner
  To register call Robyn at 604-946-6622 ext.328 or email here
  or call Bella at 604-569-3110 or email here 

• We're building a child development centre in the heart of the community.   Click here  to find out how you can help.

Click here to see our WEBSITE! 

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ADD/ADHD

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   Down Syndrome  

•  Kid Rapper MattyB Defends Sister with Down Syndrome in New Video.  We live in a world where differences are all around us. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in these differences, especially when we see them in the people that surround us everyday. MattyB believes that everyone deserves the same thing: love. It's not always popular to love someone and embrace their differences, especially when others make fun of them. But being a leader means standing up for what you believe in and choosing to do the right thing... even when it's not always popular.  

  Cyndi Lauper - True Colors (MattyBRaps Cover ft Olivia Kay)

  
  
   
   
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  Local dad creates comic book character with Down Syndrome. 

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Chip considers his son a superhero, having undergone three open heart surgeries before his first birthday. But when Chip wanted to share a comic book passion with Ollie, he couldn't find one featuring a hero like his son. 

   

   

   

   

   

   

  So, Chip wrote one himself.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   Click here to read more and see a sample
   
    
• 'You Lucky Dogs': A Dad Reimagines a Down Syndrome Diagnosis.The other morning I was doing my cursory search for anything new on the subjects I tend to write about: adoption, parenting, special needs, etc. My search revealed an article from the spring of last year written by Maureen Wallace. It was entitled, "How the Medical Community Fails When Delivering a Down Syndrome Diagnosis." I didn't read the excellent article at that time, but I smiled and my imagination ran wild. I could see a doctor walking up to a couple with the mother holding their new baby. The doctor smiles and shakes his head while delivering the news: "YOU LUCKY DOGS!" Click here to read more and see a sample
   
•  What a married woman with Down syndrome wants you to know.

  Meet Kate Owens.

  Kate got married 3 years ago, and is busy loving life! I asked Kate to share some things about herself as well as her new marriage. 

  She has something important to say to other mummies of kids with Down syndrome or special needs, too.

   Click here to read more and see photos!

• Mission Possible Cruise - Down Syndrome Cruises & Conferences.  Here are all of the videos that Mission Possible Cruise has uploaded to Vimeo. CLick here to see all the presentations!!!
   
• You are Invited to a Delta Down Syndrome Support Group meeting: OUR GOALS ARE
  · To provide guest speakers (Reach therapists, community
  professionals and other programs) to discuss common issues
  · To provide support and information to families in Delta who
  have a child with Down Syndrome
  · To help connect parents of children with Down Syndrome
  · To provide monthly meetings for parents and their children
  · To provide on-site child minding while you attend the
  discussion
  When: First Thursday of each month
  Where: Reach Developmental Preschool North Delta
  10921 - 82nd Avenue, Delta, BC
  Time: 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  Cost: No charge
  Light refreshments provided
  Please RSVP to Sarah Garnham at 604-946-6622 extension 321.
  or email here 

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•  The Autism File Magazine - Education Issue! Click here 

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FASD

• The FASD Wheel (Fetal Alcohol news & tips)
  #FASD took over my life (again) on FASD Day last week, and made me realize (again) that every day is FASD Day. That and a recent quote I read about courage gave me the idea to post 1-2 minute videos a couple times a week of me sharing my experiences or thoughts as a foster parent and psychologist dealing with FASD. It'd be easier than writing the blog, more frequent, and way less edited with "real life" thoughts and observations and struggles as they happen. Heck, it might spark ideas for others struggling with FASD and help us all out. Click here to see his video

• REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL FALL FASD CONFERENCE: UNTANGLING ANXIETY!  The conference will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 at Douglas College in New Westminster!Conference participants will:
  * Learn about emerging knowledge of anxiety as it relates to individuals with FASD and their caregivers
  * Learn about current practices and supports available for individuals living with FASD who also  experience anxiety
  * Learn self care strategies for caregivers and support professionals who experience anxiety while  supporting individuals with FASD
  * Network and liaise with families and professionals Click here for more information 

• Langley - FASD adoptive and foster parents. Monthly support group meetings for those with children who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Info: Jamie, 604-530-5917.

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Medical and Mental Health

• STRIDES - Anxiety BC's September newsletter - click here 
• Check out the video helping your kindergartner enter kindergarten plus MORE

• Complex Child September Newsletter - COMMUNICATION 

• The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are pleased to announce an amazing lineup of educational events  To find out more about the dates, topics, and how you can join in, view our poster or visit our website here
  Time Thursdays, 12-1pm (PST)
  Registration PHONE 604-875-2084 or 1-800-665-1822
  EMAIL HERE
  WEB HERE
  OCT 16 2014: Suicide and Safety Planning
  NOV 13 2014: Mental Health and Online Safety    

• Mind Matters e-newsletter provides new resources and programs offered by Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division and is committed to the mental health of British Columbians. Click here for their current newsletter   

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Technology

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Transitions  

• SenseAbility prompts businesses to hire more people with disabilities. Canadian Business SenseAbility, a new not-for-profit organization, launched Wednesday. A Brampton, Ont., cupcake shop is hoping to help other businesses see the benefits of hiring people with disabilities."I'm a very hard worker," says one of the employees of Cristina's Tortina Shop, where nearly all the employees have either autism or Down syndrome. Owner Mary Iusso says the decision is part business and part personalClick here to learn more and see a video
   
• 2014 Visions for a Great Life: Transition Conference. A revamping of last year's Transition Conference - featuring new content, a complimentary lunch & refreshments, a lunch period resource & shopping bazaar, a variety of workshops to choose from, and opportunities to connect with others.
  Join us for a full day conference for youth and their families, intended to support early, effective transition-planning for youth as they begin to think about life after high school.
  Saturday, October 18, 2014
  9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  Dogwood Pavilion
  624 Poirier Street, Coquitlam. Advance Registration Required
  Space is still available - Register by Monday, October 6th
  email here or call April at 604-528-3950

• New tools for employers to support inclusive employment. VANCOUVER - A new online supportive employment report and toolkit is now available for social enterprises and other employers to help them successfully employ people with multiple barriers to employment. Click here to read more
   
•  Teens with ASD: Life Skills.I asked parents of older teens and adults (link below) what advice they had for parents of tweens and one resounding concern kept coming back - "academics are nice but if your kid can't function in the real world, he's in trouble, so teach them life skills."Here is the critical piece though - YOU must teach life skills to your child. Yes, the school or a therapist can help, but unless you are consistent with your child 24/7 about learning and using these skills consistently everywhere you go, then they won't stick. Always remember that life skills must be functional and stick to be useful.Click here to read more 

• The Vancouver Parents Transition Group (VPT)bis an education and support group for parents of youth with disabilities who are transitioning to adulthood. The group meets once per month and features guest speakers who provide information and support to families. Click here to learn more! 

• Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation Improving Services to People with Developmental Disabilities Click here to learn more and see a video showing how to apply for services!  

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Ministry Information  

• Ministry of Children and Family Development:Responsible for providing a range of services and supports for children and youth with special needs and their families.

• Community Living British Columbia:
  Responsible for delivering services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities    

• Ministry of Housing & Social Development:
  Responsible for education and support payments, work programs, bus passes and health and dental benefits for persons with disabilitie. 

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Workshops and Training 

•  CLick here for the FALL CCRR Training Calendar of workshops! 

• Click here for information on RDSP presentations 

• Click here to see all of ACT's Upcoming Presentations 

• Click here for all upcoming workshops by Delta Assist   

• Click here for upcoming events sponsored by the BC Council for Families   
•  
• Pinwheel Education Series: The pinwheel series are a group of free, all inclusive monthly education events open to anyone in BC. The aim is to provide learning opportunities for the public on key mental health and healthy living topics, and host a forum where people can engage in dialogue with experts and persons with lived experience.How to join:
  In person: BC Children's Hospital, Mental Health Building, 4555 Heather Street (Heather St. and 29th Ave.) Vancouver, Entrance #85, Third floor room P3-306. You can drop in or register here
  Telephone: Dial 1-877-291-3022 and enter the access code 4611577#
  Telehealth: Contact your local Telehealth coordinator to book a videoconference room and get them to forward your location name, room number and the ISDN/IP Address/Alias of your site to Kelty here. For questions, please contact Aazadeh Madani, Project Coordinator at email here
   
• Oct 16 2014 - 12:00pm

  Pinwheel Education Series: Suicide and Safety Planning 

   

  Nov 13 2014 - 12:00pm

  Pinwheel Education Series: Mental Health and Online Safety 

   

• Boy Smarts - Action Talk!  Barry MacDonald! RATHER than surppressing a boy's high-spirited physicality and aggression, or his sensitive and shy reluctance, learn constructive ways to respond to his varied needs so he can express himself in safe

  and respectful ways. LEARN how to listen beyond your son's frustration and anger to connect with him, and to understand his deeper needs. LEARN how to advocate for your son at school to ensure that he receives optimal support and guidance. BARRY MACDONALD

  is a skilled educator, author, and Registered Clinical Counsellor, who will expertly lead you through the corridors of boyhood. His highly practical and positive approach will inspire you to mentor your son to be successful at school, and become a man of courage and compassion. take advantage of earlybird specials: register 4 people for the price of 3

  bring a guest for free until june 30th

  Vancouver October 4, 2014  Register here 
   
• BULLYING INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
  - Responding for Prevention
  Vancouver:  October 9, 2014 (early rate deadline September 18)
  Effective responses to bullying need to address both its impacts and root causes, while also holding perpetrators of bullying meaningfully accountable for their actions. This workshop will push beyond attitudes and responses that rely solely on isolation and punishment and move towards more restorative responses.  Click here for more information 

• EDUTALKS FALL SERIES!
• Thursday, October 23  2014, 7:00 - 9:00 PM Fish Don't Climb Trees: Supporting Students with Learning Challenges with Sue Hall
• Friday, October 24, 2014, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Teaching Social Skills to Individuals with ASD with Leah Mumford
• Friday, October 24, 2014, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Understanding the Experience of Students with ASD with Leah Kelley
• Click here for more information

• The 4th Health & Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Developmental Disabilities Conference. 
  Date: October 22nd to 24th, 2014

  Location: Coast Plaza Hotel, 1763 Comox Street, Vancouver
  Hosted by: UBC Interprofessional Continuing Education 

  About the Conference: The term Developmental Disabilities (DD) refers to individuals with Intellectual Disability, Autism and other Neurodevelopmental Syndromes such as Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X. Children, youth and adults with DD are vulnerable to high rates of general health and mental health concerns. These concerns impact significantly on the affected individual's quality of life as well as their families, caregivers and the community.  Click here for more information 

• Barry MacDonald - Helping Boys Thrive - Strategies to Engage Boys!  PD for educators.
  The problem of male underachievement is persistent and  hard to ignore. In nearly every academic and behavioural marker, boys and young men are struggling. Boys account for 80% of children diagnosed with ADHD, 80% of school suspensions, 90% of juvenile alcohol and drug violations, and 3 out of 4 suicides. Would we not see such numbers as troubling if they represented girls? Being a boy is not a social disease. How can we foster
  engagement, achievement, and well-being among boys? 

  Surrey October 24, 2014 Cloverdale Catholic School, 17511 - 59th AveClick here for more information
   
• Promoting Speech and Language in Individuals Across the Autism Spectrum: Collaboration for Success Presented by Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. October 24 & 25 - Vancouver.  Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) frequently participate together on intervention teams for children with autism. Collaboration between these professionals can enhance the team's work, the outcomes for children and reduce the stress of parents.  Click here for more information 

• AUTISM - Strategies for Self-Regulation, Learning and Challenging Behaviours
  Vancouver:  November 4-5, 2014 (early rate deadline October 14)
  The primary focus of this workshop is to provide practical strategies related to working with individuals around self-regulation, learning practices and challenging behaviours. Participants will review a behavioral framework to provide effective strategies for each of these areas, which they will be able to adapt to their own specific environment and context.Click here for more information


• Working with Anxious Children and Youth:  Building your Tool box :Presented by
  Cameray Child and Family Services     Friday, November 14, 2014

This fast-paced one-day workshop features four leaders in the field of anxiety!

It is designed to provide specific tools for professionals who work with anxiety and children. It is appropriate for psychologists, school counsellors, mental health clinicians, social workers, members of school-based teams, youth and family workers and community service providers. Click here for more information

 

• Best Practices in Early Intervention: An Update on the Research and Helping Families Build their "Team" Friday, November 21st, 2014

  Karen Bopp, Ph.D., RSLP,Senior Behavior Consultant, MCFD & Research Affiliate, CIRCA - UBC SFU Harbour Centre  Vancouver, BC Click here for more information 

   
• REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL FALL FASD CONFERENCE: UNTANGLING ANXIETY! The 7th Annual Fall FASD Conference: Untangling Anxiety will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, 2014 at Douglas College in New Westminster! Conference participants will:
  * Learn about emerging knowledge of anxiety as it relates to individuals with FASD and their caregivers
  * Learn about current practices and supports available for individuals living with FASD who also  experience anxiety
  * Learn self care strategies for caregivers and support professionals who experience anxiety while  supporting individuals with FASD
  * Network and liaise with families and professionals
  Click here for more information

   

   

   
• The Science of Making Friends Helping Socially Challenged Teens and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

  Friday & Saturday, December 5 & 6, 2014

  Elizabeth Laugeson, PsyD Founder and Director, PEERS Clinic, University of California Los Angeles SFU Harbour Centre  Vancouver, BC Click here for more information 

   
• 6th International Conference on FASD Research: Results and Relevance 2015
  Integrating Research, Policy, and Promising Practice Around the World
  March 4-7, 2015 | The Westin Bayshore | Vancouver, BC, Canada
• Abstract Submission by May 31, 2014
• Click here for more conference information 

• 2015 General & Special Education Conference March 4, 5, & 6, 2015
  Seattle, WA Location: Grand Hyatt Conference & Hotel-

  Proven Interventions to Increase Student Achievement Pre-K through 12th Grade

  A Professional Continuing Education Event. Click here for more information

   
  
   
  
   

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Seasonal 

• OCTOBER is Community Inclusion Month
• Click here for events sponsored by PosAbilities!

• Walk Now for Autism Speaks Canada: Vancouver 2014. The 2014 Walk is at a temporary venue near Science World at 1st St and Ontario (in the overflow parking lot).  We are currently seeking options for a new permanent home for the  Walk and will be forwarding a short survey to all past participants to help us to make a selection. When: Sunday, September 28, 2014  Where: Science World/Olympic Village.  Click here for more information

• FSI is having its' 7th annual Trivia Night on November 7, 2014 (7:00pm-10:00pm - doors open at 6:30pm) at Marlborough Elementary School (6060 Marlborough Avenue in Burnaby).
  If you are in town, come join us for a night of fun, laughter, food and prizes. The funds raised will help FSI to strengthen and support families faced with the extraordinary circumstances that come with having a family member who has a disability. A limited number of tickets will be sold so get a team together (table of 8) or buy a ticket individually.  It is an excellent team building event. Come and challenge other teams! Ric Tesan, RP volunteer Coquitlam, will be organizing this event again. We raised over $2,500 at last year's Trivia Night. With your support, we hope to make the 7th one bigger and better!    Any item would be a welcome gift to help us in our efforts to support families in communities throughout BC. If you would rather make a financial donation instead, we would be happy to issue a tax receipt for tax purposes
  

  FSI - Trivia Night 2013 Video

   
  If you would like more information please contact the FSI office at 604-540-8374 (extension 523) / toll free at 1-800-441-5403 or via email here
  
   

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Other                

• Quote of the Day: "All children do better in an inclusive environment. There are higher expectations of children with disabilities in an inclusive classroom and they have opportunities for social interaction they don't have in segregated classrooms. There's also benefits for students without disabilities who get more exposure to diverse learning styles."

  Jerri Katzerman, Southern Poverty Law Center 

• Barry McDonald's Boysmarts October Edition - MOTIVATION MATTERS!

• Click here for the current edition of Parenting Special Needs Magazine! 

• PosAbilities presents: Our traditional Art Show, the INCLUSION Celebration of Art, will take place on Thursday, October the 23rd from 1-8 pm. By opening our doors for the whole day, artists from outside of Metro Vancouver, families and guests will be able to participate. The show will feature all types of art, including paintings, glasswork, photography, crafts, pottery, small collections and much more. We hope that this year, even more artists, family members, friends and arts aficionados will join us. This event is open to the public and admission is by donation.  Click here for more information

• Social Skills Through Drama! Does your teen want to learn about acting? The study of drama has many crossover benefits in developing social skills. Taught by theatre professionals, this inclusive class will be both fun and challenging as students develop self-expression through voice, movement, improvisation, acting games, and script work. All abilities welcome. Im-proved social skills, while not the focus, is expected to be a happy crossover effect.Who is This Class for? *
  Teenagers who have social difficulties with or without an accompanying diagnosis. Some examples:
  Teenagers with:
  High functioning Autism (e.g. aspergers or PDD-NOS)
  ADHD
  Learning Disabilities
  Social Anxieties like extreme shyness or fear of talking in front of others.
  * This is who the class is targeted for, but it is not meant to exclude others. Teens who simply have an interest in taking a drama class will benefit fully from the class,and are welcome and encouraged to register.Location: Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88th Ave., Surrey
  Session Start Dates:
  Session #1: Sept 17-Oct 22, 2014
  Session #2: Oct 29-Dec 3, 2014
  Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
  Cost: $150 for each 6-class session
  To register: Call the Surrey Arts Centre at 604.501.5566
  Registration Codes:
  Session #1: 4373541
  Session #2: 4373545
  If your youth requires 1 to 1 support, then a caregiver must attend and caregiver participation in the class will be encouraged.

   

• The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a long-term savings plan to help Canadians with disabilities and their families save for the future. If you have an RDSP, you may also be eligible for grants and bonds to help with your long-term savings.

  You should consider opening an RDSP if you have a long-term disability and are:

  • eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (disability amount);
  • under the age of 60 (if you are 59, you must apply before the end of the calendar year in which you turned 59);
  • a Canadian resident with a Social Insurance Number (SIN); and
  • looking for a long-term savings plan.

  You may contribute any amount to your RDSP each year, up to the lifetime contribution limit of $200,000. With written permission from the RDSP holder, anyone may contribute to the RDSP. Please click here for more information 

• PLAN (Planned lifetime advocacy network)  offers a variety of workshops regarding RDSP's, wills and estates and setting up personal networks. Please click here for dates! 

• Your One Stop Shop for children and families in Delta - Deltakids.ca - click here!  

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Submissions or Questions?

To submit for our newsletter or have a question for Pam to research please contact her at

Parent Network 

or 604-946-6622 ext 359.  

You can sign up at the Reach Child and Youth Development Society website to receive this newsletter directly.

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