Strengthening People; Nurturing Relationships; Building Communities
We provide services that promote safe, healthy, and respectful relationships for everyone in our community. Most importantly, we offer hope. Our counselling services and group programs are provided by qualified and experienced counsellors using trauma- and violence-informed practice. Client needs are the most important thing to us and we work on creating a space that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and welcoming. We provide services that help people handle life challenges.
We support youth, couples, families, and individuals in their journey towards healthier relationships with themselves, with others, and with the community.
We offer counselling support and group programming for those:
- experiencing intimate partner violence
- wanting to solve problems without violence
- seeking to build healthy relationships
- experiencing separation and divorce
- wishing to enhance their parenting skills
- requiring support for their mental wellness
- needing to access anger management programming
Our Mission:
We serve individuals, families, and the community to nurture safe, healthy, and respectful relationships.
Our Vision:
Healthy individuals and families contributing to a strong community.
Our Guiding Principles:
VALUES
Care
strive to be at our best for those we work with, for those we serve and for ourselves.
Respect
We treat each other with compassion and consideration, and we value diverse perspectives.
Communication
We are committed to being professional, authentic, clear, honest and consistent in all forms of communication.
Collaboration
We actively engage with and support each other as we work toward a common goal.
Responsibility
We are accountable for our work, actions, contributions, and decisions.
Trust
We believe the best about each other and conduct ourselves with integrity, authenticity, and empathy.
ACCESSIBILITY
For all people on an equitable basis without regard to race, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, or financial status.
COMMUNITY HEALTH & GROWTH
Of individuals and families through innovative, diverse, and high-quality services.
CLIENT ENTITLEMENT & EMPOWERMENT
Using a holistic, collaborative, and gender-sensitive approach in the provision of services.
PROFESSIONALISM
Of employees and students, high ethical standards, and a commitment to professional development.
COLLEGIAL & FAMILY FRIENDLY
In our working environment and relationships with colleagues, professional partners, and clients.
SUPPORT OF INTERNS, STUDENTS, AND VOLUNTEERS
With high importance and respect for their role, supervision, and training.
COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
With other non-profit organizations, public sector agencies, and businesses for the purpose of fulfilling our mission.
Annual Reports
Membership and affiliations:
Board of Directors
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Kyle Christopherson
Madasan Yates
Ivy Armstrong
Andrew Gaucher
David Nwosu
Janvi Tuteja
Jessica Wasylynka
Penny Babbings
Julia Eichholz
Sara Alonso
Siobhan Morgan
Karlee Schulzke
Executive Team
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Janine Baumann
Myrna Kanigan
Ian Shaw
Martha Hollinger
Faith Rowland
Kevin Kobialka
Program staff
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Counsellors
Janette Gamble
Jillian Cowen
Kayla Seel
Myron Peters
Julianne Gordon
Natasha Knorr
52 North Program
Martin Nyai
Sheena Tremeer
Kelsey Reddekopp
Domestic Violence Court Program
Alana Gardiner
Sadie Proctor
Intimate Partner Violence Outreach
Cara Fox
Chelsea Kentel
Jody Hanson
Child and Youth Support Program
Teddy Ward
Administrative Support
Loretta Morin
Paula Nivins
History
Family Service Saskatoon is a registered charity and non-profit organization that has served the Saskatoon community and surrounding areas since 1931. We are a non-partisan organization, governed by a volunteer, community-based Board of Directors.
Behind the Name
Over the years, we’ve had a few different names.
In 1931, we were founded as the Family Welfare Association.
In 1961, the Association changed its name to the Saskatoon Family Service Bureau.
In 2001, it changed again to Family Service Saskatoon.
Although our name has changed since our foundation, our mission has always remained the same.
How it Started
The Family Welfare Association was founded in order to support those in the community who needed a little extra help. In 1930, the Canadian Welfare Council determined that the city of Saskatoon needed access to more resources in order to support those who were struggling. The Family Welfare Association became an avenue for these resources, providing families with professional social work services with a focus on supporting them.
When we formed in 1931, Mrs. C. K. Langford was appointed as the president. She was the first woman in Canada to become the president of a family welfare society.
Saskatoon Community Service Village
Since 2001, Family Service Saskatoon has been a member of the Saskatoon Community Service Village. The Village was built next to YWCA Saskatoon in 2001. The Saskatoon Community Service Village is a unique agency model. It was created as a space where 6 community-based partner agencies could work together to enhance the quality of life and services for the community.
These agencies came together with the goal of operating more efficiently by sharing resources, strengthening each agency’s ability to serve, and
improving ways of delivering services to the community.
Helping the Community
In 1947, we joined with the Canadian Welfare Council to protest increasing rent prices. Together, we advocated for the maintenance of rent control for at least another year, so lower income families could have time to adjust to increased expenses.
Since then, Family Service Saskatoon has continued to support the anti-poverty campaign that began in 2000. We also support the development and expansion of quality and affordable day care in Canada, and the end of the corporal punishment of children.
Today, we continue to focus on the prevention of harm and supporting youth, couples, families, and individuals in their journey towards healthier relationships with themselves, with others, and with the community.
These partner agencies include:
CFS Saskatoon
Family Service Saskatoon
Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service
Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre
United Way of Saskatoon and Area
YWCA Saskatoon
The Village is an example of effective partnering that demonstrates increased capacity to serve a wider range of clients with innovative and more integrated services. It is a meeting place for residents of Saskatoon where all can work together to build a stronger and more vibrant community.