Open Minds Core Services Centre

01/21/2026

🧠💙 Join us for Bell Let’s Talk Day!
We’re hosting a special Self‑Care Workshop on Wed. Jan 21, 2026 from 3–4:30 pm at 124 Dennis St. 🌿✨
Create your own personalized self‑care kit at culturally inspired wellness stations! Activities include:
📝 Journaling
🧘 Stress‑relief tools
🍵 Calming teas
🌸 Grounding scents
💬 Affirmations from diverse traditions
All youth 12–25 are welcome! Come connect, create, and take care of YOU. 💛
And the best part? It’s FREE! 🙌
Register at: algomayouthhub.com
💙 💜

01/20/2026

Reminder! 2 more days to RSVP for our free Pages to Practice Book Study for educators.

For more information or to sign up, visit our website https://ssmopenminds.org/book-clubs

01/16/2026

Check out this free workshop, offered in short topic segments, by our friends and colleagues at The WITH Gift. Accessibility: Creating and Finding Neurodiversity-Affirming Spaces
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99mAXn_wP_s&list=PLR29HWDvMo2qORlD62HuNwIfJ0U9zDsat&index=1

01/15/2026

Welcoming all parents and caregivers to our next Connections group meeting on Saturday, January 31st: Collaborating with your child’s school team.

If you are advocating for your child in the school system for the first time or you are seeking support and new ideas, join our parent-to-parent discussion and receive some helpful tips from school board professionals who will be joining us. Find more information and sign up here https://ssmopenminds.org/connections-parent-group

01/13/2026

School refusal is often the result of a student being unable to attend due to significant, unmet, and often invisible needs. Families and school boards across the country are exploring ways to support our students and their access to education.

The first step is recognizing there is a reason(s) why the student is not attending, and being curious about what it might be. The student needs our understanding, and supports that address the ‘why’.

Kelsey Dugas, MSW, RSW offers counselling and other supports to students, caregivers, and families who are struggling with school attendance. For more information or to make a referral, contact us here https://ssmopenminds.org/social-work.

Other helpful resources:
https://www.schoolcantaustralia.com.au
https://naomifisher.co.uk/books/what-can-we-do-when-schools-not-working/

01/12/2026

📣 Free book study for educators - sign up by January 22!

Students tune in, engage, and learn when they feel safe and connected. But, how can we make this happen when we are struggling to manage behaviours, and when everything we’ve tried isn’t working.

If you are a teacher, educational assistant, early childhood educator, or school administrator who is interested in exploring a brain-based, relational approach that supports students to feel calm, connected, and ready to learn, reach out for more information or sign up here https://ssmopenminds.org/book-clubs.

Our small group of curious and dynamic educators will be sharing about experiences in the classroom and practical next steps, as we make our way through the chapters of Connections Over Compliance: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline by Lori Desautels. We meet virtually every 2 weeks starting on January 29.

01/08/2026

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https://www.develop.bc.ca/new-years-top-10-resolutions-for-a-more-inclusive-world/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPLJf1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEekKoZLT1Nw3e8ioj17S-QVo_ca4iiCbM6D73BQeavwaCsV9SGZ6f3hX5f2mk_aem_w5YbXV9q29eJku7VHEbw9g

It's a New Year with new goals. Here is the Top 10 list of simple commitments we can all make to better include people with developmental disabilities.

01/07/2026

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” - Helen Keller

We are very excited that Kelsey Dugas, MSW, RSW has joined the Open Minds Team! Kelsey is now accepting new referrals and bookings at the centre. https://ssmopenminds.org/social-work

Offering counselling and other wellness supports, Kelsey brings a wealth of experience, a passion for working with children, youth and families, and a shared vision for client care. We look forward to learning and working together.

Welcome, Kelsey! https://ssmopenminds.org/meet-the-team

01/06/2026

Open Minds is ringing in the new year by launching our new website! For more information about services, groups and upcoming events, visit us here - https://ssmopenminds.org

12/24/2025

Warmest holiday wishes to our families, fellow service providers, and community partners. Looking back with deep gratitude, and looking forward to continued growth and new beginnings in 2026!

12/24/2025

Beneath the fun, creative messes are the memories of connection and shared experiences. Wishing you and your family many more throughout the holidays 🎄

10/10/2025

Reminiscing about last year!