United Way chili lunch supports NFCS Programs

Feb 17, 2016

Brian Dunford, the youth coordinator at Northern Frontenac Community Services was manning the door at the Child Care Centre in Sharbot Lake at a recent United Way chili lunch fundraiser that took place there on February 11. Dunford is someone who knows first hand the importance of giving the community an opportunity to support the United Way.“ Two of the programs we offer through Northern Frontenac Community Services are supported by the United Way so we like to support the organization who in turn help us to support youth adults in our local community”, Dunford said when I spoke to him at the Child Care Centre on the day of the event. ” Dunford who heads up NFCS' youth programming which includes leadership training, after school programs and baby sitting courses said that these youth programs and in a particular the youth leadership programs help foster leadership skills for local youth by giving them an opportunity to gain confidence, develop communication skills and work alongside others in their local communities. “These programs are hugely beneficial to youth since they offer youth a chance to lead in front of their peers which gives them the confidence and leadership skills which in turn can foster opportunities in their futures, be it jobs or volunteer opportunities”, he said.

Emily Britt, who is a family counselor at NFCS, was also in attendance at the fundraiser. She said that through the United Way funding they are able to offer a number of family counseling services to adults 18 years and older in the local community. These include counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma and grief as well as two new group programs that are currently on offer.

The first, a workshop titled “Managing Powerful Emotions”, is available through NFCS and a partnership with Providence Care . The second is a wellness group that offers participants an opportunity to learn various life skills and study many other subjects related to wellness. Anyone wanting more information about these youth and family counseling programs offered through NFCS, through the support of the United Way can call 613-279-3151 (for family counseling) or 613-279-2244 (for youth services).