Community News
Community Event

Join us on Saturday, September 20th, at the Native Sons Hall in downtown Courtenay, BC, for The Alchemy of Gathering – a transformative event designed to heal your body, mind, and spirit. Experience live sound healing performances in the Grand Hall and immerse yourself in soothing music. Participate in wellness workshops from 11am to 6pm, focusing on creativity, empowerment, and community. Engage with interactive stations featuring meditation, sacred smoke clearing, and more. Explore local artisans and wellness products. Celebrate connection, creativity, and healing. Be part of a unique journey to enrich your life and community. Don’t miss it!

Counselling for a Heathier Tomorrow

At CFS, We offer therapeutic counselling services to families, couples, individuals and children. We also offer life improvement programs. Fees for counselling are based on ability to pay – no one is turned away because they cannot afford to pay. Counselling is available to all regardless of their race, religion or age.

We also offer single-session-format Rapid Access Counselling in partnership with Family Service Saskatchewan so that no one has to wait to see a mental health counselor. The service is for everyone and offers a conversation with a professional counsellor that could help you identify solutions, and build on your existing strengths.

For upcoming programs and to see all that CFS offers, check our website at [email protected]

Active Family Benefits

Did you know our government has doubled the Active Families Benefit tax credit to help keep these activities more affordable? Families are eligible to claim up to $300 per child (or $400 for children with disabilities) when the gross household income is $120,000 or less. Parents who enroll their children in sport, culture and recreation activities in the 2025 calendar year are reminded to keep their receipts so they may claim the benefit when they file their taxes for 2025. We hope you and your family enjoy active time together this year!

Swing Into Health: The Benefits of Golfing

Golfing provides a range of health benefits that contribute to physical fitness and mental well-being. It offers a low-impact cardiovascular workout, improving endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance. Walking the course helps burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. Golfing in green surroundings reduces stress, enhances mood, and promotes relaxation. Being outdoors during golf exposes players to sunlight, aiding in vitamin D absorption. It reduces tension, improves sleep, and promotes longevity

Camping: Natures Stress & Pain Relief

Did you know camping can boost fitness and release endorphins? An endorphin acts as a natural pain reliever, a “feel good chemical” your body releases, it makes you feel better and transforms you into a positive state of mind! Spending time outdoors, hiking, kayaking, or swimming boosts fitness and releases these endorphins. Exposure to fresh air and natural light supports better sleep, while unplugging from screens enhances focus and mindfulness. Being in nature strengthens mental resilience, and fosters a sense of peace and well-being.

DID YOU KNOW??

Fascia aka connective tissue is a three-dimensional web that spreads throughout the body and surrounds every muscle, bone, nerve, blood vessel and organ. So, when a fascial restriction occurs due to a physical or emotional trauma, or a surgery, there is a binding down of the fascial system. This binding down of the fascia can create tremendous pressure in the body causing pain, limited mobility, and restricted range of motion. If you are struggling with pain or restricted movement, schedule yourself a myofascial release treatment, and get back to moving pain free. Help is just a call away.

Cherishing Generations

Grandparents’ Day was introduced in Canada in 1995 to recognize the love, support, and wisdom grandparents bring to families and society. Championed by MP Sarkis Assadourian, it is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. The day encourages intergenerational connection, respect, and appreciation for the vital role grandparents play. Inspired by the U.S. version started in 1978, Grandparents’ Day highlights the importance of honoring seniors and strengthening family bonds across generations.

Holistic Wellness Program

Youth Engagement & Empowerment program is available
for youth and operates five days a week (Tuesday to
Saturday) and is free to register. Transportation and food are
provided. Participation is required, and our goal is to provide
a safe space where youth can develop self-esteem, leadership
skills, and healthy relationships. We offer evening, summer,
and Saturday day programs, including cultural activities and
on-the-land camps. We aim to reduce illegal behaviors and
drug use among indigenous youth and address their mental
health concerns. Our team includes Elders, youth workers, and
various facilitators. We care about urban Indigenous youth and
are here to help and support them and their families.

Healthy Homes Start with Proper Construction

A well-built home isn’t just about appearance—it’s about YOUR health. Proper construction means vapor barriers to prevent water leakage and mold, roofing systems with adequate venting and combating ice build-up, ice and water membranes for spring thaw. With proper construction, barriers, drainage and weeping tile, you can avoid water leaking into your house and flooded basements—which is a major cause of mold. Mold can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. By protecting your home from moisture, you’re safeguarding your family’s wellness, air quality, and comfort for years to come.

Gentle Hands, Greater Comfort

For those with arthritis, stiffness and discomfort can limit even simple movements. Soft tissue therapy, combined with gentle and effective mobilization techniques, offers relief by easing tension in surrounding muscles and ligaments. Manual traction and targeted joint mobilization help reduce tightness, improve flexibility, and promote better movement patterns. Infrared modalities reduces pain. These approaches work together to restore range of motion, making daily activities more manageable. By addressing both joint and soft tissue restrictions, this gentle care supports mobility, eases discomfort and helps patients move with greater freedom and confidence.

Chicken Lemon Dill Meatball Soup

Ingredients
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 small onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
5 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
3 cups water
1 3/4 cups bulgur
12 oz. ground chicken breast
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
Directions
Step 1
In 6- to 7-quart saucepot on medium, cook carrots, celery and onion in olive oil 10 minutes, stirring. Add chicken broth and water; heat to boiling on high. Stir in bulgur. Reduce heat; simmer 8 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are almost tender.
Step 2
Meanwhile, combine ground chicken breast, dill, lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Form chicken mixture into 1-inch balls; add to simmering soup along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 6 minutes or until cooked through.
Enjoy!