Willow Winds Support Network

Willow Winds has recently expanded coverage to include Paul Band First Nation. We sat down with Willow Winds Executive Director Angela Kemble to find out more.

***

Q1: How did this relationship between Willow Winds and Paul Band start?
Angela: Paul Band is on the outskirts of network coverage and the supports they were receiving were being contracted out to a third party which expected residents to come to them, rather than go on reserve. Willow Winds was approached to expand our network of coverage but we didn’t have funding to do so at the time.

Once I became a WRAP coach, I took the Paul Band schools (as well as Spruce Grove and Devon) into my network. As I was building relationships with the schools, I hosted a lunch at the school and connected with the health unit next door to the school. The Health Unit asked us to do some Professional Development for them, which is ultimately how the relationship with Paul Band really got started. To this day, the health unit continues to be our champion.

We did an environmental scan of what they needed for support and found a way to fund a part time FASD/PCAP/Prevention Conversation mentor position under Willow Winds. Debbie at Healthy Families, Healthy Future now covers Paul Band. With permission from EFAN (Edmonton Fetal Alcohol Network), Willow Winds took over the entirety of FASD support services for Paul Band April 1, 2024 and caseloads have steadily grown ever since. People there knew of us from our work in nearby Alexis and were ready to work with us.

When I was there and saw the need first hand, I couldn’t say no – the need is there and more funding is needed for all communities to receive this kind of support.

Q2: What are you most excited for with this expansion?
Angela: For the entire community to be served – cultural sensitivity training, building connection to the community, building connection with chief and council, access to school for programs and support, access to youth and children, etc. We strive to provide the same well rounded service we provide in Alexis and help them build things in community so they’re self sufficient.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Have you sent in your submission yet??

As we celebrate the creativity of people living with FASD, we are now accepting submissions for our 2024 Art Contest!

Send your submission in by September 30 for review by our panel of judges from the Nina Haggerty Art Centre. Winners will be highlighted in our upcoming calendar distributed throughout the Willow Winds community.

SUBMIT YOURS TODAY!

Meet Willow Winds’ Executive Director, Angela Kemble. We sat down with Angela to ask her Four Quick Questions about her work (and a bonus to cover the important things in life.)

*****
Q1: How long have you been WWSN’s Executive Director?
Angela: It will be 9 years in September 2024.

Q2: What brought you to Willow Winds?
Angela: I was a WRaP success coach in the schools in 2013 and 2014 and wanted to continue on my FASD journey. My supervisor for the WRaP program brought me the advertisement for the Executive Director position at NWCFASD Network (now Willow Winds) and encouraged me to apply. I am so grateful she did.

*****
Go to the link in the comments for the rest of our interview, including the most important question of all :)

The language we use is important! Subtle differences in wording can make a big difference to those living with FASD.

Since 2017, Canada FASD Research Network has published a resource focused on respectful ways of writing and talking about FASD – the “Common Messaging Guide.”

Every year, the guide is reviewed and updated based on new research and conversations within the FASD community. Individuals with lived experience of FASD have been increasingly involved in providing feedback on the topics covered and language used to describe issues related to FASD.

Link to our full article and the Common Messaging Guide in the comments below.