LAKELAND - Jessie Heisler, an educator and manager of the education and outreach team with the Dragonfly Centre, was at the Cold Lake Public Library on July 13, to present a program for children on body safety, boundaries, and secrets.
The Dragonfly Centre provides services and supports for people directly or indirectly impacted by sexual violence.
Heisler said she she has been travelling around the region since May presenting the program to different organizations. She said her presentations in Smoky Lake, Bonnyville, Cold Lake, Slave Lake, and Calling Lake have been well received.
"For younger age groups, this is often a silent topic and a concern, but the sessions have been well-received and supported. There has been no push back."
The dozen people who attended the Cold Lake program received a safety book to take home. The books contain a dragonfly craft and activities that encourage parent/guardian and child discussion.
The aim of these summer sessions was to reach more people.
"During the school year, the Dragonfly Centre has programs in schools about relationships, body safety and digital safety. We wanted to reach the younger children who may not be in school yet. They are a missed age group." She hopes the centre can run the program annually.
Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about the Dragonfly Centre services, which are free to all ages (suggested ages is for those over three years old) and genders. Although they are not open 24-7, Heisler stated the Dragonfly Centre website has a confidential chat from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and flexible appointments for clients.
The Dragonfly Centre provides police and court support, services for support people, counseling and support group counseling, which can include topics such as trauma. The organization has also added a walk-in service for Bonnyville every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. For those who need help outside of Bonnyville, there are now offices in Cold Lake and St Paul.
Within Alberta, there are fifteen Dragonfly Centres, the newest being in Hinton.
