ROC cares

Youth centre expands outreach during COVID

When the Prince Edward County Youth Centre had to close its doors at the beginning of March Break in response to the emerging COVID- 19 outbreak, hopes were high that it would soon reopen and continue to offer its services to vulnerable youth. However, as the pandemic continued and the closure was extended week after week, the Recreation Outreach Centre (ROC) had to find innovative ways to keep reaching out to its users. Texts, emails, video conference and phone calls replaced face to face counselling. Programming moved to social media. ROC frontline staff were given cell phones and they are now connecting weekly with over 100 youth and their families. One of the important continuing services is the Youth Inclusion Program (YIP), which promotes community safety and well-being for youth, addresses antisocial behaviour, teaches new skills and provides educational support.

Noah (L) and Amber (centre) with their care kits from the ROC. Younger sister Rebekah (R) also enjoys the visit by ROC staff.

ROC staff have continued to monitor the needs of the youth that they serve and are modifying their programs to better meet those needs. Early in the closure, they identified that basic care kits were needed and they provided those kits for pickup at the ROC. However, staff soon discovered that many youth were being left out because they were not able to make the trip to the ROC. They then launched the Neighbourhood Outreach Response (NOR) in May 2020, and every week staff will deliver these care kits to youth across the County, and even to Belleville where some youth are in temporary residence. The delivery is also a social call, where the coordinators get a chance to visit the youth and their families, and get some first-hand information of how they are coping, and have a catch-up conversation on what has been happening in their lives. It is more than simply dropping off a package, as there is a genuine and very much missed bond of friendship between the ROC staff and the youth. There is also a great deal of excitement for the youth receiving the care kits, particularly the healthy snack kits, which often contain sweet treats as well as supplies to make part of a family dinner. On a more practical note, the hygiene care kit provides much needed items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap and feminine hygiene products. The kits are tailored to meet the needs of the youth, as determined through a confidential assessment survey. “Youth and their families have told NOR staff that that they are very grateful for their deliveries as it has helped to ease some of the financial strain they are facing during the pandemic,” writes Alison Kelly, Administrator and Communications Officer. “Receiving these orders have brightened their day and they look forward to meeting and seeing the staff. Parents have commented that their children enjoy the socially distanced meetings with staff where they can catch up and check in.” Kelly notes that the staff visits have had a positive impact, as they have reported an overall increase in engagement between the staff and the parents or guardians.

One of the critical concerns is addressing the needs of youth who may be in unstable home situations, where the conditions become more difficult during a period of extended isolation. ROC staff are working closely with community partners such as Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society (CAS) and Children’s Mental Health Services (CMHS) to help youth manage stressful situations. “We are providing holistic wraparound services. By doing this, we are directly supporting youth to increase their feeling of belonging and social connection, thus encouraging positive outcomes,” writes Kelly. “Since March, ROC staff have witnessed the impact of their one-on-one support. Participants are now feeling less isolated, a reduction in their substance use and experiencing lower levels of anxiety and stress. They have also reported an increase in their overall mental wellness.”

The ROC is grateful for its many community partners. In addition to the CAS and CMHS, ROC staff call upon the assistance of Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (for social workers and guidance counsellors), the OPP and Ontario Works. There are also many donors, including the Picton and Wellington foodbanks, Food to Share, local grocery stores, Vickie’s Veggies and Carson’s Garden Market, among others. They have distributed almost 600 care kits, as well as over 240 frozen meals provided by Food to Share. The ROC has made, and continues to make, a huge difference in the lives of County youth. Two such youth are Amber and Noah Peeling of Cherry Valley. “The ROC gave me opportunities to learn more about what I want with my future,” writes Amber, a 2020 graduate of PECI. “Working within the centre made me convinced of going into social work. The ROC became another family to me and I got the chance to create so many interpersonal relationships and get the opportunities I never would have had otherwise. I had so many opportunities with the diverse ages and people generally. I always felt welcome by everyone.” Her brother, Noah, is a student at Athol-South Marysburgh. He says that the ROC made him feel welcome, and that everyone there accepted him. “There was a lot of stuff to do in the few hours that I was there, and there were a lot of nice people,” he says. When asked whether it has been difficult to remain at home during the past few months, Noah replies, “Yes, a thousand times yes.” However, he does look forward to visits from ROC staff. “It shows that the ROC hasn’t totally forgotten about us during the pandemic. It’s nice having people over once in a while when there is no one except your family.”

Youth in need of support can contact the following ROC staff, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Lindsay (613.408.6204); Ben (613.408.7068); Claudia (613.408.7624). The Kids Help Line is 1-800-668-6868 (24-hours). The ROC is in urgent need of donations, particularly personal hygiene supplies. Please visit theroc.ca/donate/.