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Empowering caregivers with knowledge, tools and resources to build trust and create a sense of safety in the youth they care for. 

If you're caring for a young person affected by the stress and stigma of a parent's substance use, thanks for being here.  Our resources aim to empower you with knowledge through peer-developed and recommended support and caregiver connect sessions.

...I attended your caregiver session through Alberta Health Services and learned so much about how I can support my niece, but also felt so validated in my own childhood experiences. Thank you...

Ways we connect with caregivers:

Join one of our free monthly virtual informations sessions

Our caregiver sessions are aimed at supporting caregivers in building a trusting, destigmatizing relationship with impacted youth by providing you with information and resources that helps you understand their experiences, connect in meaningful ways, and build a positive sense of self and identity for youth.

Free Hope Kits


Each year, we proudly distribute 50 complimentary Hope Kits to caregivers in Alberta. These kits, valued at over $100, are meticulously crafted to offer peer-developed healing resources, healing books, and practical tools. They empower caregivers to forge deeper connections with the youth they support, fostering meaningful engagement and lasting impact.

Resources

Our first-of-its-kind resources are used around the world, and are  based on the lived experience of youth who have grown up with the stress and stigma of a parent's substance use. View/ Purchase below.

Book a free 1:1 session with one of our team members to support you as you help the young person in your life 

Hands Up
  • Mar 10, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    zoom
    A 1:1 session for Alberta Family caregivers who support a young person who has been affected by by the stress & stigma of a parent's substance use to access resources, tools, and pack hope kit for their young person (available for Alberta Residence).
  • Mar 11, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. MDT
    Virtual
    For us, the mentorship space isn’t just about support—it’s about empowerment, healing, and growth next to people who get it.
  • Mar 12, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    zoom
    A 1:1 session for Alberta Family caregivers who support a young person who has been affected by by the stress & stigma of a parent's substance use to access resources, tools, and pack hope kit for their young person (available for Alberta Residence).
  • Mar 17, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    zoom
    A 1:1 session for Alberta Family caregivers who support a young person who has been affected by by the stress & stigma of a parent's substance use to access resources, tools, and pack hope kit for their young person (available for Alberta Residence).
Hope kit

Hope Kit Order Form

Our Hope Kits are for a Caregiver to use alongide the young person 6-17 in their life or for a young person 18+ to use on their own for self reflection and community. Free delivery in Calgary. Contents on Hope Kits depends on our partners and donors.

Have you attended one of our caregiver sessions?
Yes
No
How do I sign up?

To order our hope kit, we ask that you attend one of our sessions to better understand how to use these kits and see if they are a good fit for you and your family. However, we understand the barriers that can come with attending online group sessions. Find the next session here: https://www.starlings.ca/caregiving-for-a-youth or please email programs@starlings.ca if unable to attend an upcoming session.

Is this for personal or professional use?
personal
professional

These community kits are for our peers and families (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, foster parents etc) not caregivers workking in a professional role, such as educators, peer facilitators, health professionals social service workers etc). Please reach out to programs@starlings.ca for partnership inquiries to distribute our kits.

Age for Hope Kit
To help us cater the Hope Kit to the young person based on our current Hope Kit items, please let us know if you/the young person in your life identifies as: (why? some of our items specifically state the below identities):

Thank you so much. You will receive an email with additional details.

Community Resources

Calgary Legal Guidance
Pre-apprehension Support

Family Advocacy Support Centre

System Navigation for parent with Children Family Services involvement

Children Supports through Office of the child and Youth Advocate

Community Resosurces
Mental health Resources

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Thanks for being here.

We are all a part of the village raising the next generation. How can you BEST contribute.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Moh’kinsstis, and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. We acknowledge all Nations – Indigenous and non – who live, work and play on this land, and who honour and celebrate this territory. Finally, we remain committed to continue to learn about the truth regarding Colonialism and residential schools in Canada, and will actively work towards reconciliation while advocating for our government to do so as well. Learn more: www.trc.ca


Starlings 2024

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