UNFC services expand into new office

The United Native Friendship Centre here has started the year off with a bang, moving some established programs–and new ones–to a second building.
Services such as the Aboriginal Family Support Program, formerly located beside St. John’s Anglican Church on Church Street, now can be found at the corner of Mowat Avenue and First Street East.
Office manager Rosemary Spellman said the move was due to expanding programs.
“The lease at the old place was up in December and we’re getting more programs all the time,” she noted. “We needed more space.”
Both the Aboriginal Family Support and pre-natal care programs, along with the pilot program, “Healthy Babies, Healthy Children,” moved into the building in early December.
“It’s really nice–more open,” noted Corrine Adams, head of the Family Support program, which is located in the former Warrior Workwear & Gifts space.
“It’s nice and bright.”
Pre-natal care, headed by Noreen Gustafson, and “Healthy Babies,” co-ordinated by Tracy Blasky, both now share a space where Mary’s Little Lambs used to be.
But while the east half of the building currently is unused, three youth-oriented programs will be moving in and fully underway by next month.
Besides the well-known Lil’ Eagles program, headed by Brad Herbert, the new “Youth at Risk” and “Urban Multicultural Aboriginal Youth Centre” also will be set up there.
UMAYC co-ordinator Bryanna Scott noted her pilot program is an extension of the drop-in centre concept started at the UNFC last summer.
“Last year, we found out what they wanted to do, whether they should sign-up for activities or volunteer, and when were the best times to have them.
“Even in the summer, we found the majority came by between 3-7 p.m.,” she said.
“This is a huge space. Now, we’re working in an office space,” Scott enthused. “At the UMAYC, we’ll have pool tables, foozball, air hockey–all things we can have now with more space.
“We’re really looking forward to having the drop-in centre. It’s place for the kids to go,” agreed Spellman.
The centre aims to provide youths aged 12 and over with a hang-out after school, picking up where the Lil’ Eagles program–geared for those six to 12–ends, said Scott.
And the new “Youth at Risk” program, headed by Darcy Neufeld, is a type of counselling service meant to help youths with any problems they might have, and get them into a positive environment among peers.
“We will be working together to help each other out and do the best for the kids,” said Scott.
Spellman said the building eventually will get a name in time for an open house in April. More prominent signage will follow.
The UNFC’s main office remains at 516 Portage Ave.