About Us

Boundary Family & Individual Services Society (BFISS)

Philosophy

We as community members have a responsibility for the healthy development of children and families, recognizing that every person is unique and of equal value.

We believe it is essential that the whole community take responsibility through investment in the well-being of all.

We share this responsibility through education, promotion, prevention, and service provision.

Purpose

To provide services that promote healthy families and healthy communities in the Boundary area. These purposes include:

• To operate as a charitable institution (without profit to its members).
• To promote the health and well-being of individuals and families through facilitation and collaboration with other community organizations.
• To develop, facilitate, fund, and administer programs and services which provide support, counseling, recreation, rehabilitation, and education to families and individuals facing environmental, economic, physical, emotional or cognitive challenges.
• To provide leadership by promoting a healthy community.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boundary Family & Individual Services Society as a non-profit organization is to promote the well-being of children and their families with the aim of fostering healthy communities in the Boundary area.

In support of this:

• We assess, counsel, empower, educate and provide preventative and therapeutic services to children and their families.
• We educate the community as a preventative strategy to promote wellness and act as a catalyst for social change.
• We ensure our services are accessible, responsive, coordinated, and of high quality.
• We encourage individuals and groups to advocate for services to meet their needs and promote their well-being.
• We cooperate and liaise with other organizations to facilitate and promote our primary purpose.
• We provide assessment, therapeutic services and/or referral and follow-up services in an integrated, respectful, competent, and confidential manner.
• We support each other and work together in an environment of equality, warmth, respect, and continuing professional and personal development.
• We value the service and dedication of all employees and volunteers.
• We value the voice of the community.

BFISS counselling and support services are provided by professional counsellors and trained support persons. Our services are provided in a respectful manner, are confidential and are FREE OF CHARGE. Please connect with us for assistance in finding out which service will best meet your family's needs.

1. Early Years Services (Ages 0-6)

Pregnancy Outreach for Healthy Babies
Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program
Education, nutrition, and counselling services for women who will benefit from extra supports during their pregnancy and post-partum period. Call 442-5355.

Community Action Program For Children (CAPC)
Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, West Kootenay CAPC Coalition
In Grand Forks & Christina Lake -- A regular drop in group at the Glanville Centre for parents with children under 6 years of age. Call BFISS at 442-5355 if you want to get involved with this or other community programs and projects that strengthen families with young children.
In West Boundary communities -- A variety of services and supports designed to meet the needs of families with children less than 6 years of age. Call Rock Creek Medical Society at 446-2814.

Infant Development Program (IDP)
Funded by MCFD
Parent education and family support assistance for families whose children have or may have developmental delays and are between newborn and 3 years of age. If you have questions or would like information about your child's development, please call BFISS at 442-5780.

Children's Early Intervention Services
Funded by MCFD
Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and caregiver education services are provided for preschool aged children and infants in their homes and in their community environments. Call BFISS at 442-5780 for more information.

Family Services
Funded by MCFD
Family support services provided for families with young children with a focus on keeping children safe. Parenting and life skills education provided. Parents must be referred by a Social Worker. Call BFISS at 442-5571 if you would like more information regarding this program.

Nobody's Perfect
Funded by IHA, Public Health Nursing
A parenting program for parents who may be young or isolated or who have challenges to overcome. Parents must have at least one child who is less than 6 years of age. Childcare and transportation are provided. Call BFISS at 442-5780 for more information.

Parenting Programs
Provided by a variety of BFISS and Community Partner staff
Six to ten week group session focused on developing communication, coping, and parenting skills. Groups run at various times during the year throughout the Boundary. Call BFISS at 442-2267 for more information.

Make Children First
Funded by MCFD
Make Children First Learning Initiative works toward identifying the skills, resources, and assets of all of the Boundary communities and then integrating them with Early Childhood programs and services, so our children have the very best chance at lifetime success. Call BFISS at 442-2267 for more information about how you can get involved.



2. Youth & Family Services

Child and Youth Counselling
Funded by MCFD and the Ministry of Community (MCS)
Counselling is provided to children and youth affected by trauma, sexual abuse, family violence, grief and loss, eating disorders, and children exhibiting life threatening behaviours. Individual and group counselling provided to caregivers and children who have witnessed abuse. Community education, prevention services, support services, and groups are also provided for children and their caregivers. For more information, call BFISS at 442-5571.

Family Services
Funded by MCFD
Services are provided for families experiencing personal difficulties, life transitions, and family crises with a focus on keeping children and youth safe. Educational groups are available; parents must be referred by a Social Worker. For more information, call BFISS at 442-5571.

Aboriginal Family Support
Funded by MCFD
Family support services are provided for children, youth, and families of Aboriginal ancestry, in a culturally relevant manner, with a focus on keeping children safe. A cultural group meets regularly. Call BFISS at 442-5571 for more information.

Services for Youth
Funded by MCFD
Services are provided for youth who are experiencing challenges with their families, school, peers, the community, lifestyle choices, etc. Call BFISS at 442-5571 for more information.

Therapy Services for School Aged Children
Funded by MCFD and School District #51
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy services are available for children/youth in their schools, in their homes, and in the community. School and caregiver consultation is provided. Call BFISS at 442-5780 for more information.

Community Integration Program
Funded by Community Living Services
This service assists children and youth with disabilities to gain leisure, recreational, social, and life skills. Weekly groups for children and teens are provided. Children/youth must be referred by a Community Living Social Worker. For more information, call BFISS at 442-5780 ext 139 and leave a message.

DAWN Women's Services
Funded by the Ministry of Community Services
This service provides counselling support for women who are affected by sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse or assault. Groups are also provided. To connect with this service, call BFISS at 442-5571.

New Rural Partnerships
Funded by the National Crime Prevention Centre
A community development project aimed at developing safer, healthier, more vibrant communities through the pooling of resources, skills, and talents in the Boundary. To get involved in this project or for more information, call 447-6516.

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Find out More

BFISS services and staff can be reached at the Boundary Family Centres. These Centres are located in or next to the elementary schools in Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Midway, Rock Creek, and Beaverdell.

The Glanville Centre, on the Perley School grounds, is the hub site for most of our services.

Glanville Family Centre
Telephone: 250-442-2267
Toll Free: 1-877-442-5355
Fax: 250-442-3588
Email: Holli.Platz@bfiss.org

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Important Links