Pekewe House facilitates the preservation and reunification of Aboriginal families involved with Child and Family Services by helping them:
- Develop parenting skills
- Increase family functioning
- Connect to community resources
- Decrease child protection concerns
Families live together with their children in a safe, nurturing, and highly supported environment, while they work on developing the skills and support network they need to live successfully in their community.
Pekewe House is located in the northwest community of Rosedale. A unique family home, it has seven bedrooms, providing each family their own private space and emphasizing community living. Daily living and parenting skills are practiced while families participate together in:
- Daily chores
- Meal preparation
- House meetings
- Family outings
- Community events
The program provides a strong cultural component by supporting families who attend cultural events, feasts and ceremonies, and ensuring access to an Elder. An Aboriginal Teaching Parent permanently resides in the home providing emergency crisis support, teaching, counseling, and coaching to help the families meet their unique goals.
As families achieve their goals and connect with community resources, they are supported in transitioning into their own home in the community and increased independence. During this transition, an In-Home Support Worker continues to work with the family to ensure ongoing support. In-Home Support is initially provided more intensively and diminishes as determined by the family and the Support Worker. Families are always encouraged to maintain contact with the program and participate in community and cultural events with the group.
The families that engage in the Pekewe Program reduce their reliance on emergency services such as police intervention, accessing shelters, and involvement with Child and Family Services. Keeping families together and creating an environment for families to learn necessary skills increases family stability long-term, and creates value well into the future.
