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November • 2021 The power of positive, solution-based journalism.
ADVERTORIAL
Connecting with Courage
Equipping youth for the future through inspiring adventures in nature
Many teenagers today are more stressed and overwhelmed than ever before. In response to this ongoing crisis, Outward Bound Canada partnered with The Maddie Project in 2019 to launch the Connecting with Courage program. The innovative program is designed for youth ages 14-16 and combines traditional outdoor activities such as hiking or paddling with exercises that focus on self-expression and mental health awareness, all led by instructors who serve as powerful and confident role models. The Maddie Project was created in memory of Maddie Grace German Coulter, a third-generation Outward Bound participant. When she died suddenly at just 14, her family channelled their grief into The Maddie Project (themaddieproject.ca). Founded in 2015 and driven by community collaboration and events, The Maddie Project exists to spark conversations about youth mental health and help provide uninhibited
Learn more at OutwardBound.ca
access to support for youth and their families. The past year and a half of the pandemic has only added to the stress that teens face. They have had to endure prolonged isolation, repeated school closures, hours of screen time, and increased anxieties and fears about the virus, all of which have dramatically impacted both their physical and mental health. That’s why Outward Bound’s programs remain so critical, as they offer inspiring adventures in nature that develop confidence, leadership, resilience, and social connectedness, helping young people gain the skills and experience they need to thrive in an unpredictable and changing world. This summer, a brigade of young people participated in the 2021 Connecting with Courage course, spending a week backpacking in Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. They returned with their hearts and minds filled with adventure, friendship, and a belief in themselves and others.
“I want to send my deepest thanks for giving our son the gift of a week at the Outward Bound Connecting with Courage program. I cannot express enough how much it meant to see our son experience something so truly life-changing. He has struggled from an early age with anxiety and OCD, which lead to depression. These past months have been extra hard on him since the pandemic has left him very isolated and insular. We really worried about sending him off to Outward Bound. How would he do? Would he make friends? Would he be miserable? All of our fears were forgotten when we picked him up after a week of camping and hiking. He emerged a happy, healthy, optimistic teenager who could finally see the possibility of an amazing and fulfilling life laid out for him. Thank you, thank you with all of my heart for making this happen.” —Parent of Connecting with Courage Participant
cient cultural traditions in order to protect and empower their most vital asset: their children. “Programs offered by SKC and Shkoday are supporting and improving the lives of all children. While narrating this film, I thought about the immense amount of work still to be done, especially within the Indigenous communities,” says Shania. “I am proud to be part of this project and the new
partnership with Shkoday.” A special screening of For Love will be held in Thunder Bay on November 10 at the Victoria Inn. Tickets are available online a uwaytbay.ca, with all funds raised supporting the new Biwaase’aa program at St. Vincent Catholic Elementary School. Seating is limited, and all attendees will be required to follow provincial guidelines and provide proof of their vaccination status.
Shania’s Childhood Promise, Fulfilled and Shared future through holistic and cultural programming. The Biwaase’aa proInternational sweetheart and gram, offered by Shkoday, works to reigning Queen of Country Pop increase the life skills of Indigenous Shania Twain knows what it is like and non-Indigenous children, to be a child living in a dysfuncyouth, and their families through strategies of academic improvetional family. Much of her childhood revolved around keeping up ment and emotional development, appearances so that no one would cultural awareness, and nutritional know that her family life was far support. Like the SKC program, from perfect. She made a vow that Biwaase’aa focuses on mental someday she would find a way to health, social and emotional give back to kids like her—a vow behaviours and physical well-being that led her to create Shania Kids while using cultural teachings to Can (SKC), a nonprofit organiachieve these goals. Ultimately, both organizations are helping kids zation that supports underprivsucceed in school and life. ileged children living in similar “We are so pleased to announce circumstances to those she faced that SKC, Shkoday, and the as a child. Through one-on-one United Way of Thunder Bay consultations, academic support, will be bringing the Biwaase’aa group activities, and nutritious program to St. Vincent Catholic snacks and meal programs where needed, Shania Kids Can offers a Elementary School,” Shania shares. “I look forward to working safe environment where children together with Shkoday to deliver can feel supported. these critical programs and Now, SKC is sharing that vow services to children and youth in with a larger community. Like Thunder Bay.” SKC, Shkoday is a communiDeveloped to support the ty-based organization helping Indigenous children create a brighter Aboriginal Head Start initiative, RAYE MOCIOIU
Shkoday supports children, youth, and caregivers on their life journey by providing a healthy environment and experiences that reflect their cultural values. “We believe that everyone has an important role to play in improving lives and building a strong community. My thoughts in bringing SKC and Shkoday to the table is that together we can: ensure that the immediate needs of local individuals and families are met; focus attention on creating an inclusive and connected community, and increase supports to children and youth to help them succeed in school”, says Albert Brulé. “The United Way of Thunder Bay is proud to be collaborating with Shania Kids Can and Shkoday on this important program.” Meanwhile, Shania Twain’s latest project sees her lending her vocal talents to the narration of “For Love,” telling the story of how Indigenous Leaders across Canada are working together to heal generations of colonial harm by revitalizing their an-
© SHANIA KIDS CAN
ADVERTORIAL
Empowering Women to Choose Their Own Future The Denise House is an emergency shelter serving the Durham region for 36 years, providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment to abused women and their children in Durham region. The shelter strives to provide integrated, anti-racist, anti-oppression services to empower the diversity of all women to choose their own future. The Denise House further exists to educate the public at large about issues resulting from the abuse, oppression, and discrimination of women and their children. EMERGENCY SHELTER SUPPORT AND CRISIS COUNSELLING SERVICES INCLUDE: • Secure Emergency Shelter for women and children fleeing abuse of any kind (whether physical, emotional, sexual, or financial) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year • Confidential 24-hour crisis and supportive assistance by telephone or in-person at the shelter • Emergency transportation to the shelter • Food, clothing, and basic
personal necessities • Supportive counselling for women; safety planning; goal planning • Women’s therapeutic wellness groups • Children’s Program staff to support children • Help finding community resources and supports • Legal and court support referrals and information about rights • Assistance with Special Priority for rent geared to income housing • Crisis Counselling and Transitional Support COMMUNITY OUTREACH SUPPORT COUNSELLING Our Outreach Support Workers provide support to women and their children who are currently involved in an abusive relationship, are planning on leaving or have left a partner, and would like further options to empower themselves to move forward to a healthy, abusefree life. The Denise House works together with women to help establish short and long-term goal planning based on their individual
needs. Support and follow-up • Develop plans based on your are provided through telephone individual needs support, email, home visits, or an • Understand your rights alternative safe location to meet. and responsibilities towards building a lasting tenancy SERVICES INCLUDE: • Short-term Supportive COMMUNITY CHILD & Counselling YOUTH COUNSELLING • Goal Planning The Community Child and • Safety Planning Youth Worker is available to • Advocacy, Resources, support children and youth ages and Referrals five to 18 through issues of fam• Housing Support ily change, recognizing healthy and unhealthy relationships, HOUSING SUPPORT positive ways to express their PROGRAM feelings, healthy ways to release The Denise House understands and overcome feelings of anger, that abuse often has lasting effects and building positive self-esteem. that may interfere with a womThe Community Child and an’s ability to ask questions, gather Youth Worker will assess and offer information, weigh out options, group opportunities and individual make decisions, and take action. support according to the needs of The Housing Support Program each child/youth. offers one-on-one support and advocacy to women and chil- WOMEN’S THERAPEUTIC dren from abusive relationships WELLNESS GROUPS to obtain suitable and safe ac- Women’s therapeutic wellness commodations. You can expect a group takes place every week. It progressive step-by-step program provides a safe and supportive to help you: environment for women to share, • Find out options heal and support one another. • Gain access to Women will often state that they community resources look forward to these groups as it
gives them space to focus on themselves and their healing journey without the ongoing distractions of life responsibilities. Group topics change weekly and focus on various skills, including coping and grounding, self-esteem, letting go, and healthy versus unhealthy relationships. Groups also include nature walks, yoga, adult colouring, journaling, and other therapeutic activities for residents to explore. No one should have to live in fear. You are NOT alone. We can help. 24-Hour Toll-Free Crisis Line: 1-800-263-3725
Are you living with family violence and abuse? Call our confidential 24-Hour Crisis Helpline at 1-800-263-3725. Our trained counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help answer your questions.
Visit our website for more information at www.thedenisehouse.com
© MELISSA MCCORMACK 2006
