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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
Community Lunch
In collaboration with Challenge Disability Resource Group, and in sponsorship with United Way, YH HSS and Reaching Home COVID 19 funding, FASSY continues to offer a community lunch for people using our service five days a week. Throughout the pandemic, we have provided a take-out lunch and starting in October 2020 have offered an option of sitting inside in our "drop-in" space in a pandemic-friendly environment that is safe, warm, and friendly.
Providing a nutritious community-based meal is an opportunity to benefit an individual's physical, mental and social well-being. The lunch program also provides outreach support, community inclusion, friendship, and good food!
FASD Prevention Initiative
The pregnancy test-kit dispensers remain active in Whitehorse and the communities. This prevention program provides women with a tool that they can use privately to help them make decisions in their life, Along with the pregnancy test kit dispensers we also provide a condom dispenser - another tool to support women in their decisions.
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, the Coast Mtn. High Country Inn and the CIty of Whitmore CGC - who continue to have pregnancy test-kit dispensers in their facilities. The Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program of Dawson City also has a pregnancy test - kit 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
Systems Navigation for Rural Communities in the Yukon
A new program to support people and their families with Neurodevelopmental disabilities in rural Yukon communities is being developed. This initiative is being led by FASSY under the guidance of a steering committee YIAND (Yukon Interagency Network on Disability). This collaborative effort is being funded by the Kids Brain Health Network under their ‘Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Resource Program’, YG under the Yukon FASD IAC - FASD action plan, and with Federal funding under the Reaching Home initiative. For more information, please contact: systemsnavigator.coord@fassy.
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!
Our Services
Outreach Services
FASSY has a team of five Outreach Workers who provide compassionate case coordination 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.
Our Library and 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 Activities
Caregiver Support Group
On hold at the present time.
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 Julie (coordinator): Phone: 867-332-4478. Email: outandabout@fassy.org
To see our monthly activities, please see the Calendar of Events page.
We started this program with funding under the Mental Wellness Innovation fund for 2 years after which we were and presently are funded under the FASD IAC action plan with funding support by YG HSS. We are funded for specific activities within this program by United Way Yukon, the City of Whitehorse, and Lotteries Yukon. We are greatly appreciative of all the support we are receiving for this program.
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
Wenda Bradley started with FASSY in 2006 as an Outreach Worker. Passionate and committed to individuals and communities impacted by FASD, Wenda renewed her committment to FASSY's work by accepting the Executive Director position in March 2015.
Our Board of Directors 2020-2021
FASSY is graciously guided by the following board members:
- Lesley Carberry - Chair
- Andrea Bailey - Secretary
- Catherine Lyon - Treasurer
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 on our team is one office manager, an office assistant, HR person and six outreach workers. We have also people reaching out to rural Yukon communities under a special project called Systems Navigators. 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
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.