GPFC Pikiskwetan

09/03/2025

Healing isn’t the same for everyone. It’s a personal journey. 👣

Check out these inspiring stories of hope and recovery 988lifeline.org/stories ***dePreventionMonth

09/02/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. Learn the warning signs, ⚠️normalize help-seeking, and let people know there are proven treatments that work. Check out SAMHSA’s ***dePreventionMonth toolkit
➡️ samhsa.gov/su***de-prevention-month

09/01/2025

Su***de Prevention Month and Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month are both observed in September.

These observances are often linked because of the strong connection between substance use disorders and mental health issues, including a higher risk of su***de.

Su***de Prevention Month
• A month dedicated to raising awareness about su***de, educating the public on how to prevent it, and promoting hope and healing.
• Break the Stigma: Encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and su***de to reduce the shame and isolation people often feel.
• Educate and Inform: Teach people to recognize the warning signs of su***de and how to respond, such as by asking a person if they are having suicidal thoughts in a caring and non-judgmental way.
• Provide Resources: Promote access to crisis hotlines, support groups, and mental health services.
• Emphasize Hope: Remind people that su***de is preventable and that help is available.

Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month (also known as National Recovery Month)
• An annual observance that celebrates individuals in recovery from substance use disorders and honors the contributions of treatment providers and recovery support services.
• Celebrate Recovery: Showcase that recovery from addiction is possible and that people can and do live healthy, fulfilling lives.
• Reduce Stigma: Challenge the negative stereotypes associated with addiction and highlight it as a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing.
• Promote New Practices: Raise awareness of evidence-based treatment and recovery options.

These two observances are often highlighted together because substance use disorders and mental health conditions, including those that lead to suicidal ideation, frequently co-occur.
People struggling with drug and alcohol addiction are at a significantly higher risk for su***de.

08/29/2025

We're hiring!

Join our team, we have the following position available:

-Case Manager, Kiwewin Program

Visit www.gpfriendshipcentre.org/careers for the full job description and details on how to apply.

08/29/2025

Did you know ….?

A teepee (also tepee or tipi) is a cone-shaped tent, traditionally made of animal skins upon wooden poles. A teepee is distinguished from other conical tents by the smoke flaps at the top of the structure.

The teepee is durable, provides warmth and comfort in winter, is cool in the heat of summer, and is dry during heavy rains.

Teepees can be disassembled and packed away quickly when people need to relocate and can be reconstructed quickly upon settling in a new area.

Walking The Red Road at The Mustard Seed made their own teepees yesterday. 

08/27/2025

🌞 With the hot weather this week, hydration is critical. The Kikinaw Outreach Program at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre is asking for donations of bottled water to help keep our clients safe.💧We are grateful for the support of our community!

08/26/2025

Today I am grateful to be taking the Walk With Me: Indigenous Su***de Bereavement course.
This is a journey of understanding grief and how to better support individuals who are struggling with having someone close to them die by su***de.

08/25/2025

It’s happening!!!! Join us September 4th!!

You’re Invited to GPFC Open House!

Join us on September 4th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre in our newly renovated space at 10513-98 avenue.

Come learn about our programs and services, meet our incredible staff, and connect with community. Lunch will be provided at 12:00 pm.

Everyone who attends will be entered for a chance to win a brand-new pizza oven!

We can’t wait to welcome you!

08/21/2025

Participants at Walking The Red Road took it easy today and played some BINGO for some great Mental Health prizes!!