Information & Resources
Building into our community
Education and connection is a great way to give back to our community. It involves sharing knowledge and skills through workshops and classes, creating opportunities for personal growth. This helps build a stronger, more connected community and leaves a positive impact for the future.
Mainsprings is committed to providing free and confidential services, aiming to empower teens and adults with evidence-based information, critical thinking skills and support as needed.
Community Education Program
Take Charge at School
Empowering and equipping students for healthy relationships
Through the Take Charge at School Community Education program, we facilitate conversations about healthy relationships, dating, and sex. Teens are talking about these topics, and with our program, we can safely join these conversations and, in grade-level-appropriate workshops, discuss how to build mutually respectful relationships. These classes address a portion of the Alberta Learning Curriculum for Health Studies and cover a wide range of topics, including consent, healthy relationships, abstinence, pregnancy and STI prevention, and more.
Our junior and senior high workshops are free of charge and facilitated by trained presenters. Information is taken from Alberta Education’s authorized resource suggestions, and all statistical information is thoroughly researched and referenced. By fostering an open and informed dialogue, we aim to equip students with the tools and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their relationships, health, and well-being.
To learn more or schedule a workshop please contact Zoë Shortt at zoe@mainsprings.com or phone (587) 393-2957.
Take Charge at Home Newsletter
Our Take Charge at Home, Tip of the Month newsletter includes tips and ideas on how to build healthy connections with your teens or young children. Topics include Internet safety, building healthy relationships, smart decision-making, family activities and more!
Teacher’s Testimonials
“The techniques used and framework in which they were delivered was excellent. Students felt comfortable discussing their feelings and admitting what they did and did not know. [The presenter] was excellent – engaging and warm – created a non-threatening atmosphere conducive to students sharing their thoughts. I thought the techniques were great and I will use some of them in future sexual health lessons. Well done!”
What Students Have Said
- “I’m more aware of how I want to set personal boundaries.” (junior high student)
- “I learned how to respectfully say no and about consent. I feel like it’s a good skill that everyone should know” (junior high student)
- “I learned about what is important in a healthy relationship.” (high school student)
Post Abortion Facilitator Training
Living in Color Program
Living in Color is a program developed for women who are struggling with a past abortion experience. This 8-week program has been designed for use in a small, facilitator-led support group; however, it is suitable for small groups, mini-groups or on a one-to-one basis.
While each woman’s experience is different, some women experience strong negative emotions following an abortion. These may show up at different times in life. The program assists women as they process any unresolved grief and emerge into a life full of colour.
For more information contact info@mainsprings.com or (403) 269-3110.
Living in Color Facilitator Training
The Living in Color training seminar is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to confidently support those who are struggling with a past abortion experience.
Topics discussed include:
- Grief
- Depression
- Loss
- Trauma
- Forgiveness
- Reconciliation
For more information about our facilitator training, please contact info@mainsprings.com or 403 269-3110
About the Facilitators
Jenny McDermid
Author of Living in Color: the goal of post-abortion recovery. Jenny has been active in post-abortion grief support at Mainsprings for more than two decades. Jenny’s greatest reward is in supporting women through their grief and loss journey after abortion. A former educator and business entrepreneur, Jenny’s passion is to equip facilitators with inspiration, knowledge and confidence.
Jutta Wittmeier
Executive Director of Mainsprings and co-author of Affirming the Birthmother’s Journey: A peer counsellor’s guide to adoption counselling. Jutta is energized by sharing her research, wisdom and experience. She has a special interest in grief and trauma awareness, counselling, and a firm commitment to providing relevant, sensitive and meaningful opportunities for healing.