Gathering Together

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all children and families who have been affectd by a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Our program operates from a holistic approach based on the cultural beliefs of the Tsuu T’ina First Nations, guided by the Tsuu T’ina Elders and community members. Tsuu T'ina Gathering Together is committed to achieving its mission by collaborating with families and professionals, both on and off-reserve , in preventing the pre-natal exposure of alcohol to unborn children in this and future generations.

Program Philosophy


Because the people of Tsuu T'ina believe that it takes a community to raise a child, our program focuses on all family members (mother, father, brother, sister, auntie, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers, and all those with whom a bond has been formed). We view all family members and professionals as advocates whose goals are to bring healthy changes in the lives of people who have been affected by someone born with an FASD. At the heart of our philosophy are the teachings and guiding principles of our Nation's Elders and community leaders whose primary concern is the well-being of the Tsuu T'ina Nation people.

Our Vision


The vision of our program is to have no child born with an FASD, in this and future generations. Our program believes that fathers and other family members are equally as important as the mother for ensuring that her children are born alcohol-free.


What is FASD?


Here are some links to get you started:

www.calgaryfasd.com
www.fasworld.com
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnih-spni/famil/preg-gros/intro_e.html



Our Model


Our program adopts an advocacy model where our staff (the advocate) provide clients with a supportive relationship. Some of our clients may or may not have a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or they may be the parent/caregiver of someone who does. All in all, the services we provide are for men, women, and families who have struggled with alcohol in their intimate relationships. The role of the advocate is to help the client make a connection with the people and services that can help meet their emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs.

The model that most closely represents the type of work we do is adapted from the Parent-Child Assistance Program (P-CAP) that first started at the University of Washington back in 1992. This program is based on the priciples of relational theory. One of the principles of relational theory is the belief that women develop and grow when they form healthy connections with other people.

In our program at Tsuu T'ina, we believe that this prinicple of relational theory is also important in the development and growth of healthy men, and that anyone who has been touched in some way by FASD, will greatly benefit from the relationships and connections with the people and services in their community. Because of this, our advocates (often referred to as "mentors" because of the supportive role they take in the client's life) become an important link between the client and the relationships that can encourage them to lead a balanced life.