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About FASSY
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Society Yukon (FASSY) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering accepting and educated communities, where individuals with FASD have equal access to opportunities to reach their full potential.
FASSY has been dedicated and passionate in their work with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a society since 1996. We continue to provide a vital resource to Yukon communities about the impact of FASD.
Our Mission Statement
To foster informed, inclusive and nurturing communities that work together to prevent FASD and to support individuals affected by FASD.
Our Vision
FASSY envisions a Yukon in which Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is prevented and where persons with FASD are fully included in Yukon society.
Our Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023
To read about our strategic plan, please see this document:
FASSY Strategic Plan-2016-2019
Our Programs
Supportive Lunch
In collaboration with Opportunities Yukon and in sponsorship by United Way, Second Harvest, YG - HSS, and Reaching Home, FASSY continues to offer a take-out lunch for people using our service five days a week. People have an option to take out or eat in our "drop-in" space which gives them an environment that is safe, warm, and friendly. Outreach staff is also available to talk and support. FASSY also helps other services obtain the food for their service users by providing in-kind delivery of lunches to their services - Bloodties Four Directions and OFI (Options for Independence).
Providing a nutritious meal is an opportunity to benefit an individual's physical, mental and social well-being. The need for food is a basic need we all have -- and getting proper nutrition helps everyone have a better day!
If you wish to donate, please contact the FASSY office at 867-393-4948 or donate through Canada Helps.
Out and About Program
Four NGOs (FASSY, OFI, TOZ, and Inclusion Yukon) have come together on an initiative for individuals across all neurodevelopmental disabilities. This program provides support to attend activities and if needed, programming for evenings and weekends. Our goal is to improve the quality of life and promote mental wellness through inclusion, engagement, and education.
For more information, contact Neha (coordinator): Phone: 867-332-4478. Email: outandabout@fassy.org
To see our monthly activities, please see the Calendar of Events page.
FASD Awareness Initiative
Helping people be aware of choices they have by providing the tools they need helps prevent FASD. This awareness program provides women with a tool that they can use privately helping them make choices in their own reproductive care. Choosing not to drink alcohol during a pregnancy will prevent FASD. Along with the pregnancy test kit dispensers a condom dispenser is available - another tool to support women in their decision.
The pregnancy test dispensers remain active in Whitehorse and the communities. We are grateful for the ongoing partnership with Yukon University Whitehorse campus and their rural campuses, the Dirty Northern Public House pub, the Gold Rush Inn and the City of Whitehorse - Canada Games Centre - who continue to have pregnancy test-kit dispensers in their facilities. The Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program of Dawson City provides a pregnancy test dispenser in the lobby washroom of the Downtown Hotel. This project is funded by donations. For further information on this project - please call 867-393-4948
If you wish to donate, please contact the FASSY office at 867-393-4948 or donate through Canada Helps.
LWEH Program
The Landlords Working to End Homelessness (LWEH) program works to provide housing for our most vulnerable clients; many of whom are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Our staff work on building a supportive and secure connection between landlords and tenants, as well as offering a wide range of assistance throughout the tenancy. Landlords who wish to learn more about this program are encouraged to contact us through our housing outreach worker fassyhouisngoutreach@fassy.org
Outreach Services
FASSY has a team of five Outreach Workers located in Whitehorse, who provide compassionate support services for people with FASD. Along with community advocacy and liaison work, our Outreach Workers focus on the areas of housing, finances, health and community inclusion. We are part of the CHAT (Community housing Action Team) that works collaboratively to help people who are homeless to obtain housing. We have an Eder in house to support people using our service with connection to their culture and for the staff to engage in a culturally informed support to people using our service.
Please contact our lead outreach worker for more information and if you want to use our service.
Systems Navigation for Rural Communities in the Yukon
At this time this program is on pause as we sort out some logistics as we transfer from the pilot project to a sustainable program within Watson Lake - however, we hope to have it going again soon.
The pilot project - to support people and their families with Neurodevelopmental disabilities (NND) in Watson Lake and other nearby communities like Lower Post., BC. was initially supported by KBHN (Kids BRain health network) under their ‘Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Resource Program and YG HSS under the FASD action plan. The program helps people with NND access services within Watson Lake and other Yukon communities as needed. It has been a successful program and has increased capacity within Watson Lake. The WL interagency committee has been very supportive as has Liard FN and all are working towards continuing this program.
Learning opportunities
At FASSY we encourage everyone to expand their knowledge on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. There is a growing body of literature on FASD available world-wide and dropping into our library is a great place to start. We carry a small, but diverse, range of topics and titles.
We also encourage you to use the online learning platform formed by CanFASD through their "Foundation in FASD" online learning course. They also provide more advanced courses in Justice, Education, and Prevention. This research-based organization has the most up to date knowledge about FASD in Canada. www.CanFASD.ca
For Yukon based learning opportunities please email us at prevention.education@fassy.org. We work collaboratively with the FASD IAC (Interagency Advisory Committee) KEM (Knowledge Exchange and Mentoring) subcommittee to bring education about FASD to Yukon citizens.
Our Work in the Community
The Outreach Van
FASSY is one of the partnering agencies on the Outreach Van. The Outreach Van provides services and support to a marginalized and vulnerable population in Whitehorse.
Our role is to provide input and staffing for the operation of the Outreach Van service in general and to offer our expertise on working with FASD.
Please see The Outreach Van for more details about this program.
Yukon College Courses
FASSY is working with the Northern Institute of Social Justice to deliver FASD Core Competency training. These courses provide participants with essential understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders as a brain-based condition that challenges current ways of understanding behaviour and thinking about support and intervention.
Please contact FASSY at 867-393-4948 for the latest course schedule.
Community Education
FASSY provides specifically designed workshops in a variety of areas related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder education.
FASSY will tailor training to meet the needs of your organization. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions, ideas, or to schedule a consultation. You can reach us at 867-393-4948.
Our Operational Structure
Our Executive Director
Neena MacKinnon joined FASSY in 2022, bringing with her a background in the non-profit sector and a passion for education. She is dedicated to working collaboratively with other agencies to raise awareness of FASD and to create systems that work for those impacted by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.
Our Board of Directors 2022-2023
FASSY is graciously guided by the following board members:
Andrea Bailey -Chair
Jennifer Budgell - Vice Chair
Meesha Wittkopf - Secretary-Treasurer
Ludovic Gouaillier - Director
Cindy Densmore - Director
Kevin Kennedy - Director
Our Staff Team
FASSY has a fantastic team of staff members who are all very knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to working with people impacted by FASD. Included in our team are one office manager, an office assistant, an Elder In-House, and six outreach workers. FASSY offers services in Whitehorse and Watson Lake. If you would like to contact them individually, please see our Contact Us page.
Our Funding 2020/2021
FASSY would like to acknowledge the generous financial support of the Government of Yukon (Health and Social Services) and the Government of Canada (Reaching Home) and the United Way.
For our Lunch Program, we would like to acknowledge the United Way, Holland America, and the individuals who contributed by private donations and through our fundraising activities.
We would also like to thank YG - HSS (under the FASD advisory committee), Lotteries Yukon, and the City of Whitehorse for funding our Out and About program. YG - HSS (under the FASD advisory committee) and Kids Brain Health network funds the Systems Navigator project. http://kidsbrainhealth.ca
Honouring Yukon FASD Leaders
- FASSY is very proud of the work we have accomplished, in partnership with many others in the community, to raise awareness, promote prevention and support people with FASD. We are very fortunate to have had many strong leaders over the years who have worked, often behind the scenes, to support FASSY.
We are very pleased to announce that we are celebrating International FASD Day 2021 by installing our first ever “wall of honour” to acknowledge our FASD leaders. A picture and short write up of each leader will be framed and hung on the wall. We intend to add to this wall of honour each year.
This year we are paying tribute to three strong and committed Yukon FASD leaders who have done so much to support FASSY over many decades: Judy Pakozdy, Ione Christensen and Larry Bagnell.
How to Get Involved with FASSY
Employment Opportunities
FASSY currently has no job postings. Check back again soon.
Volunteer Opportunities
FASSY is looking for board members.
Please call 867-393-4948 to find out more.
Memberships
FASSY is always looking for new members!
Please call 867-393-4948 for more information.
Donations
FASSY graciously accepts donations! All monies contribute directly to our programming. 
