1. Family Support Systems
Report and Presentation
Part 4: Individual Reflection Paper
Course name: Understanding and Communicating With
Families
To: Sheila Sullivan
Date: Nov. 22, 2011
Student name: Yunfan Jiang (Fiona)

2. Individual Reflection Paper
Visiting Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre is my first experience to know how this kind of
agency helps the youth to resolve a variety of problems in their life. As we know, when children
enter adolescence and youth, they experience a series of physiological and psychological
changes, such as rapid physical growth, sexual maturation, moodiness, strong desire for
independence, etc. “Some young people do not adapt well to the new situations, demands or
responsibilities of adolescence and respond in ways that are unhealthy” (Robert V.Kail &
Theresa Zolner, 2009). As a result, some common problems, such as drugs, sexual health,
violence, and depression, occurred during this stage and bring a lot of negative effects to the
youth’s life. To solve these problems, this agency provides a variety of corresponding solutions
to meet their special needs at this vulnerable stage. I think this kind of service is so important to
the youth. They really need this kind of help to lead them to a successful life.
Another group visited an agency named the Canadian National Institute for the Blinds (CNIB).
This agency provides services for people who are visually impaired or partially sighted. The
visual impairment brings a lot of inconvenience to their life. They face a variety of challenges and
barrier. Fortunately, this agency has a lot of resources, such as CNIB library and CNIB stores, to
help these people to solve their problems. They provide counseling and support to convince
people this visual impairment is not the end of the world and help them re-build the confidence.

3. There are also a group’s members who have visited an agency named WoodGreen Community
Services. One of the programs provided by this agency is for single mothers who are qualified to
access their services. This agency provides 2-year free post-secondary education for these
single mothers. This service is really useful for those single mothers who are in predicament, and
can help them gain life skills. After they graduate, their life can change a lot.
According to the experience I have learned, I find that most agencies mainly focus on some
vulnerable groups which need special support. They actively help these people and also seek
support from individuals, organizations even the whole society. Many hands make light work.
Therefore, we each also have the responsibility to do our best to provide world-wide available
resources to help these people overcome the difficulties. As an early Childhood Educator, I know
that early childhood education plays an important role in child development and has significant
influences on their future life. I will take full advantage of my professional skills to build a
nurturing environment for children. As a global citizen, I will provide as much support as possible
for people who need help. I know different groups have different needs. We should learn to think
from their perspective and therefore find corresponding and effective solutions for them. I believe
I can make a difference in their life as long as I really take actions instead of just think about that.