November 22nd – 28th, 2020 is Victims and Survivors of Crime week, a week to raise awareness about the issues facing victims and survivors and about the services, assistance and laws in place to help victims, survivors, and their families. Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is also a time to acknowledge the work of service providers and their dedication to assisting victims and survivors of crime.

Family Service Saskatoon is humbled to bear witness to the courage of victims and survivors of crime as we do our part to support you. We are committed to helping individuals, families, and communities move forward in healing. Join us this week, and always, in recognizing courage, and renewing our commitment to empowering survivors. Watch our social media pages all week for more on how we are working to raise awareness of this important week!

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve across Canada and the world. Family Service Saskatoon is committed to the well-being of our clients and we continue to shift our services to meet the needs of our clients.

Family Service Saskatoon is open to the public with the following protocols in place:

• Counselling sessions are offered in-person by appointment
• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Daily screening questions for all employees and clients entering our office
• Physical distancing measures in place, including our counselling space. Masks are required to be worn while receiving in-person services
• Everyone entering our office is required to wear a mask
• Plexi-glass shields in various locations

We are also offering counselling sessions via phone or video for those who would prefer to access support from home.

Groups are being offered either in-person or remotely.

Walk In Counselling Clinics are available on-site every afternoon – by appointment.

Contact us at 306-244-0127 for more information or to book your appointment. 

For anyone who would like more information about COVID-19, frequently asked questions, or how to minimize the transmission of the disease, please refer to the following websites:

• Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health.html
• World Health Organization https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• Saskatchewan Government: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus

Family Service Saskatoon unites its voice with the rest of the world and takes a stand against racism, discrimination, oppression, and intolerance in all forms.

We stand against injustice against people of colour and particularly persons of Black African descent in response to the murder of Gorge Floyd, and in all other ways by which hopes and dreams are killed and dashed through overt and covert, systemic and institutional structures.

As an organization that is established on the principles and core values that support individuals, families and the communities in nurturing safe, healthy and respectful relationships we identify with those who are most impacted by the recent incident, especially individuals from the Saskatoon Black Communities.

We are open to learning from you, journeying with you, and within our organizational capacity work with you to come up with strategies on how best to nip in the bud any current and emerging issues surrounding racism, discrimination, oppression, and intolerance in Saskatoon and area.

We recognize the contributions of persons from visible minority groups to organization and community building in Saskatoon and beyond, and we reaffirm our commitment to:

1. service accessibility to all people on an equitable basis without regard to race, religious belief, sexual orientation, age or financial status;

2. individuals, families, communities, and our focus is to promote their health and growth through innovative, diverse and high quality services;

3. client entitlement and empowerment using a holistic, collaborative and gender sensitive approach in the provision of services, and;

4. a working environment that is collegial, and family friendly.

Janine Baumann

For and on behalf of Family Service Saskatoon

Family Service Saskatoon is committed to the health and well-being of our community during these challenging and unpredictable times. We continue to provide emotional support, coping strategies and resources through telephone counselling.

Please find below useful links and resources about coping strategies in response to COVID-19:

• Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak     follow link
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation     download resource
• Mental Health Resources:  OUT Saskatoon     follow link 
• How To Apply For Employment Insurance Benefits During COVID-19    download resource
• Financial Assistance Information – COVID-19     download resource
• Saskatoon COVID-19 Service Directory     follow link
• Governmental Supports and Programs During COVID-19     follow link
• COVID-19 and Children’s Safety follow link