ABOUT US
Our Mission
"to enhance the lives of individuals and families with FASD"
Our Vision
"for individuals with FASD and their families to recognize themselves as safe, supported, valued and contributing members of the community"
Our Mandate
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To provide supports and services to individuals and families living with FASD.
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To provide information, awareness, and education about FASD to individuals who may provide supports and services to those living with FASD.
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To work towards the development of life-long services and supports for individuals living with FASD.
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To promote prevention, early assessment, diagnosis, and intervention.
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To work in partnership with government, business, agencies and the community as a whole in order to fulfill our mission.
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To respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action
History of the FASD Network
1993
In 1993, the Saskatchewan Institute on Prevention of Handicaps hosted a provincial symposium on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. A group of parents and caregivers of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) connected at the symposium in recognition of the need for parent support.
The peer support group was helpful, but it soon became apparent that external support was necessary. There was an obvious absence of services and supports to individuals and families affected by FASD. So in 1995, the Saskatchewan Fetal Alcohol Support Network became incorporated. At that time, the group performed a needs assessment to determine common areas of concern and future direction.
1995 - 2019
During the twenty years after its incorporation, the Network has experienced tremendous growth.
2002 – The Network opened its first office
2003 – Official website was launched
2004 – The Network’s first stable funding was received
2005 – The first educational FASD presentations were developed
2007 – The first edition of the ‘Awareness Guide’ was created
2011 – The Support Program was piloted
2015 – The Network launched its new brand
2016 - 'FASD: Unexpected Journeys' book was created
2017 - Outreach support services were offered across the province
2018 - Regina office was opened and justice services were added to the Support Program
2019 - Justice support services were developed
2020 - virtual Training Program launched
2021 - The Network's Guiding Principles were put in place
2022 - federal funding received to expand the justice support services
Today
Although the current Network may not be recognizable as the small group of parents who started in 1993, the values of this organization originate from that first meeting. The spirit and determination of those caregivers will forever be the foundation of the Network.
It was their vision and hard work that allowed the Network to support and educate so many people through the years. It was their unwillingness to let the lack of services continue, their endless volunteer hours, their relentless pursuit of funding, and their incredible ability to care for their own families while supporting others that led to the last 20 years of success.
Now, the future of the organization is bright. FASD is more prominent in the minds of the public; general awareness and understanding of the disability has increased throughout the province. The Network will continue to foster this growth through training and support.
The staff at the Network are committed to fulfilling the vision laid out by our founders. We share the great privilege and responsibility of carrying this legacy into the next 20 years.
Media Coverage
Recognition
The FASD Network would like to thank the following funders for their continued support and commitment to individuals and families impacted by FASD.
2023-24 Funders
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The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health
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The Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services
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Health Canada
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Saskatchewan Health Authority
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The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA)
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Law Foundation of Saskatchewan
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City of Saskatoon
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United Way of Saskatoon and Area
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Communities Initiative Fund
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Saskatoon Community Foundation
