Opportunity Changes Everything

At BGC Kawarthas, we set high expectations for 2022-23 as we emerged from COVID-19 with some bruises and a bit of post-traumatic stress, but largely in one piece. Many organizations in our sector have struggled with recruitment and retention challenges and while we have not been immune, we have remained fairly resilient by investing in our team in the 2nd year of our 5-year Living Wage program, and focusing on wellness initiatives. We are nothing without our people and we continue to work on a strong team culture so that we may meet the needs of our communities.

Goal number one was to return to full service for as many children, youth and families as possible. We restored programs that had been paused during COVID – like Kid Food Nation, youth programs and dinner in the Warehouse, our wide range of sports and recreation and targeted prevention curriculum like Take It Easy that we deliver to schools. We reopened childcare spaces in rooms that had been reduced in numbers due to health restrictions, our rural after school programs grew once more to capacity and we focused on rebuilding in Peterborough. We returned to our preferred delivery of inperson care, retaining only virtual programming where it proved better for our clients.

But it wasn’t enough to achieve pre-pandemic service levels. In 2022-23 we also responded to the evolving needs of children, youth and families who had suffered from turbulence and isolation. We built a new skatepark for skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters to create a safe place for all ages to try these sports. And subsequently, opened our doors to upwards of 100 new young people who came first to the park, and then, to the Youth Warehouse. We signed onto the new Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program so that our families could benefit from lower fees. And we worked collectively to better incorporate Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into our policies and practices.

Throughout the year we measured our success through the BGC Canada-led Learning & Impact study – first through surveys of children and youth, and then interviews. From this we learned so much about where our programs have succeeded. For instance, 93% of children and youth say they are more active, and have a more positive influence on others, because of the Club. The study has given us many more insights as well and we continue to learn.

In the 4th quarter, we dug deeper into where we want to go next, as we embarked on a strategic planning exercise. More than 200 people engaged with the process and a 202328 Strategic Plan was approved in May. The five strategic priorities will guide our work. They are: Cultivate a Thriving Workplace; Deepen and Expand Life-Changing Impact; Foster a Culture of Belonging; Amplify the Voices of Children, Youth and Families; and Inspire Investments in BGC.

I want to personally thank all of our board members for their commitments to BGC Kawarthas, and to our amazing staff team – you make us all proud.

To provide safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life.