Wood's Homes Blog

As Wood's Homes Addictions Specialist, one of the most common question I am asked, “What is an addiction?”

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary (2020) defines addiction as “a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence: the state of being addicted.”

However, I believe that a more appropriate definition would be “a negative coping strategy for ones trauma” and that by changing our perspective, we could help to remove the stigma, self-stigma and shame of users.

Bullying is a workplace issue.

When you were growing up, did you ever imagine this would be a reality? Statistics on bullying range from 19% to 60% of people having experienced this behaviour at work. It’s easy to recognize the blatant bullying – the yelling, nasty comments and jokes at someone’s expense. But what we sometimes don’t recognize as bullying are the callous remarks in meetings, rolled eyes, gossiping and spreading of rumours. Remember – the majority of your communication is not what you are saying, but how you are saying it.

The old adage, ‘good things come to those who wait’ is likely getting very old to many of us right now. Tom Petty once crooned that “the waiting was the hardest part”, Dr. Seuss wrote about The Waiting Place, where “everyone is just waiting” and poet Mary Oliver described “the dull hangover of waiting,” which I feel more aligned with as we enter yet another month of waiting for the pandemic to end. 

What does waiting mean to you?

In Alberta, October is recognized as a month to appreciate our Foster and Kinship Caregivers for their commitment to going above and beyond in meeting the needs of the children placed in their care.

Wood’s Homes Family Support Network is honored to support and recognize 27 dedicated kinship homes in 2020.

In Alberta, October is recognized as a month to appreciate our Foster and Kinship Caregivers for their commitment to going above and beyond in meeting the needs of the children placed in their care.

Wood’s Homes Foster Care Network is honored to recognize 34 dedicated foster homes that have helped support up to 80 children in 2020.

Thanksgiving 2020 feels different this year – for all of us. COVID-19 has moved us to think about life in different ways and to count our blessings just a little more. What tops our ‘Be Thankful’ list here at Wood’s Homes is the joy we get working with children, youth and families, the support we receive from our loyal and generous community, and our ability to continue the work of our founder, Reverend George Wood. 

In the spirit of the season, we decided to ask our clients and staff what they are thankful for. Click 'Read More' to hear what they had to say.

Today we acknowledge the inter-generational impacts on all Indigenous families from the residential and day schools throughout Canada. 

We welcome the knowledge and wisdom from our Elders who come to support our children and families. The opportunities to ground, anchor, and instill a sense of belonging to a rich and diverse culture that comes from these lands. We acknowledge that ‘Every Child Matters’ – all of their uniqueness and vibrant ways of being. 

I love to learn.

I’m often curious about what it means to be successful, and I enjoy researching and reading about many philosophical figures, doctrines, and religions that explore the way human beings think and find meaning in their lives.

At 23, I started to fully embrace the importance of my mental health, and working at Wood’s Homes two years later complimented this embrace.

With most children returning to school this week, parents are being tasked with yet another challenge in this ‘new normal’ world – how to prepare their children for mask wearing at school.

Read the full blog post for some quick tips and things to keep in mind when helping your child navigate some of the challenges they will face.

I took on the role of Communications Co-ordinator for Wood’s Homes about five years ago. That’s a fair length of time, but one that pales in comparison to many of my colleagues, some of whom have been here 10, 15, 20 and even 30 years dedicating their professional lives to improving the lives of thousands of struggling youth and families. In the long run, I’m fully aware that five years really isn’t a long time, but early in one’s career, I think it’s one of those numbers you hit and then reflect on a bit.