RESOURCES & PAST SEMINARS
BRING THEM CLOSER: A FAMILY WELLNESS SEMINAR (JUNE 24)
Kids are falling through the cracks right now both in Education and in our mental health system. Both parents and educators need tools, but tools that are rooted in research and psychology for a firm foundation to support the complex needs our kids are facing right now.
Topics covered in the seminar: How to manage anxiety – How to support kids with depression/anxiety/suicidal ideation – How to bring our kids out of mental health crisis – How to impact positive behaviour – How to help hurting kids flourish
Connie Jakab has been working with kids falling through the cracks for over 20 years, but the deeper learning she has experienced is with her own son who was hospitalized for depression. The practical tools Connie brings comes from her professional background from working in schools and with youth, but also from her personal experience as a parent with a child who has struggled through depression and anxiety.
Connie Jakab is the Co-Founder of the global movement, Flourishing Life Coaching and is the author of the best selling book Bring Them Closer and two other books. Connie is passionate about rebelling against status quo living and encouraging others to branch out. She has been working in the field of mental health for 25 years, starting with working with youth at risk in East Vancouver. She is a sought out speaker for her raw honestly and humour.
Connie drives her passion outward into the arms of those wanting something more radical and meaningful in life.
INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES (JUNE 9)
Is it better to invest in real estate or market portfolios? This question looms for all investors. There are pros and cons for investing in each sector. Which is best suited for you?
Part 1 of this seminar featured a recorded panelist of speakers from Servus Credit Union who shared about real estate/market portfolios.
Part 2 was a live speaker who shared on everything about cryptocurrencies.
FITNESS, HEALTH & WELLNESS SEMINAR (MAY 19)
Anxiety and mental health concerns are at an all time high, while our physical health is at an all time low. Is it a coincidence, or is our physical and mental health related? Join our health and fitness expert to understand how your fitness impacts your mental state, and the simple habits that make it happen for a lifetime.
Speaker Bio: Linden Ellefson is a Personal Trainer out of Calgary. He earned his degree in Kinesiology, and helps clients get stronger, more fit, and living the life of their dreams. When not training, he loves to spend time with his wife and son, or out at the golf course.
A SEMINAR ON EATING DISORDERS (MAY 12)
The seminar will include an introduction to what eating disorders are, different types of eating disorders, and how and why eating disorders often develop. Information about how to notice the early signs of an eating disorder, how to support a loved one who is struggling with an eating disorder and/or how to seek help for yourself, along with specific resources will also be provided and discussed.
Speaker Bio: Chelsea Beyer is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and PhD Candidate who practices in Langley and Vancouver, BC. She also teaches in the Department of Psychology at Trinity Western University. A focus of her clinical work and research is eating disorders and body image related issues, and she is a contributing author of a handbook on eating disorders and embodiment. At the heart of her clinical practice and research is the desire to help people feel more at home in their own bodies.
DEPRESSION SEMINAR: DISCOVER THE POWER OF LIFESTYLE CHANGE (APRIL 28)
Did you know that exercise is one of the best treatments for depression? Or that supporting gut health improves brain health? Come explore how diet, exercise and other key lifestyle factors influence mental wellness. Leave with specific strategies you can start implementing immediately.
Speaker Bio: Magda is former family physician who has overcome severe, treatment-resistant depression through a focus on lifestyle change and faith. She currently works as a mental wellness educator and peer support trainer, teaching other people the strategies that led to her recovery.
ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR (MARCH 31)
This seminar is designed for parents of adolescents who are wrestling with questions of meaning, purpose, and identity as they navigate the current challenges of today’s world. The goal is to provide insight and tools for parents who are seeking to better support and strengthen their adolescent’s overall mental health and well-being.
Speaker Bio: After serving as a pastor for 15+ years, Robb Penner felt drawn to take his passion for working with youth into the realm of clinical psychology. He recently completed his doctor of psychology, which focused on exploring adolescent religious and spiritual struggles and the impact these have on mental health and identity formation. Robb lives in Calgary with his wife Melissa and their three children and is currently interning at Norum Psychological Services in the southeast community of Midnapore.
For access to the video for this seminar, please contact Josh Rans.
WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY (MARCH 3)
Does the idea of future loss bring bring you anxiety and stress? Come out on March 3rd to hear some practical tips on how to prepare for the future. This seminar will touch on the following:
What happens if you die without a will
What is a power of attorney and why we need one
How to best provide for your family after you’re gone
Speaker: James Bilcox is a Certified Financial Planner and has worked in financial services in the Calgary area for over 20 years. Over his professional journey, he has spent time with ATB Financial, RBC and the last nine years with Sun Life Financial where he runs Searchlight Financial Solutions Inc and collaborates with clients on their financial strategy throughout the community.
THE TRUTH ABOUT PORNOGRAPHY (MARCH 3)
Pornography is a widespread epidemic in today’s world. As a multi-billion dollar industry, it presents itself as beautiful and fun, but behind the scenes is quite different. Come learn about the abuses of the industry, the documented effects porn has on users, and what each of us can do to protect people in our lives.
Matt Cline lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with his wife, Louise, and two young boys. He is the founder and director of Restored Ministries, an organization focused solely on equipping men and women to live free of sexual bondage. He is a leading voice in Canada on the issue of pornography and his work has impacted thousands of people of all ages in more than 40 countries around the world. He is also the co-host of the Pure Victory Podcast.
Understanding Your Valentine (FEB 10) & Keeping the flame BURNING in your marriage (feb 17)
Kelvin Block, our guest speaker, has been a pastor for over 25 years, 14 of which he was head of the pastoral care and counselling departments in two different churches. He’s have been married 27 years to his wife Lorinda.
He has a Masters of Divinity – counselling focus and a one year Counselling Internship Certificate from Providence College and Seminar as well as a Bachelor of Religious Education from Briercrest College and Seminary.
SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER | JANUARY 2022
Canada’s winter season brings shorter days and longer nights. For many Calgarians, this change can bring on seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, and this can cause symptoms similar to those of depression. Fortunately, there are many strategies that can help those with SAD to cope with and overcome these “winter blues.” Join us as we learn more about this affliction and how we can overcome it.
BLENDED FAMILY SEMINAR | JANUARY 2022
Join Gerald Eefting and Judith Ravensbergen as we discuss the joys and challenges of navigating life in a blended family.
GOOD GRIEF SEMINAR | DECEMBER 2021
“Good grief!” proclaimed Charlie Brown. An exclamation of frustration, rather than the title of a seminar on grieving, Charlie’s disgruntled cry is often what people in grief experience: pain with no idea of how to get through. On December 2, Chaplain Marlette Reed and Dr. Annette Lane joined us to present a seminar on “good” grief entitled “Good” Grief: Lessons in Healing and Sharing.
FRAUD PREVENTION SEMINAR | DECEMBER 2021
Becoming a victim of financial fraud can be devastating. And it’s easier than many people think for scam artists to con you out of your hard-earned money. But there’s good news: even the most sophisticated, well-orchestrated schemes usually present red flags – you just need to know what to look for.
MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR | OCTOBER 2021
On October 23, we heard from a registered psychologist as men addressed the question: “why am I so angry?” Review the seminar video here.
LEARN TO THRIVE, NOT JUST SURVIVE FAMILY SEMINAR | OCTOBER 2021
Sometimes life can seem like we’re treading water and about to go under. How would it feel to be infused with energy to not just keep going, but make it out of crisis mode? Resilience is essential in order to flourish. This workshop with Joyce Rees provided practical steps to increase personal resilience and apply it in every area of family life.
INVESTING & BUILDING A SMART FINANCIAL FUTURE | OCTOBER 2021
On October 14, we welcomed two financial industry experts for a seminar in two parts. Part 1 of the seminar focused on how protect and replace income in case of injury or illness, and how to ensure your family will never struggle financially when you pass away. Part 2 was an introduction to the stock market and other types of investment options. Review the seminar notes below.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR | SEPTEMBER 2021
On September 30, we hosted a mental health seminar for youth; a fantastic resource for youth, young adults, university students, and parents of these age groups. We heard from a healthcare expert about what these youth are experiencing during the pandemic, and explored some practical tips to help them thrive. Review the seminar notes below
ENGAGING WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLE SEMINAR | SEPTEMBER 2021
In September 2021, the Community Engagement Manager of The Mustard Seed, Dave Conrad, joined us to talk about engaging vulnerable people and sectors. Review the resources from this seminar below.
FINANCIAL LITERACY SEMINAR | SEPTEMBER 2021
In September 2021 we were joined by Erin Daniel, founder of Bread and Butter Wealth, as she shared tips for designing a cashflow system, reducing debt, and understanding our emotions with money to help us feel more confident in managing our finances well. We hope you find this helpful, and please also share it with those in your life who could benefit from it.
FAMILY BACK TO SCHOOL ANXIETY SEMINAR | AUGUST 2021
In August 2021, we hosted a family back to school seminar with Dr. Neil Parker, to educate and discuss anxiety over the upcoming school year under the ongoing pandemic. Please enjoy this video of the seminar, along with some excellent resources to check out with your family.