S P R I N G
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SIRCHlight An unwavering belief in people and possibilities
Watch for our outdoor Bistro patio coming soon to Maple Ave!
A message from our Executive Director One Saturday in April, the SIRCH Board of Directors and myself met for a facilitated day of visioning. We started by talking about what we are currently doing at SIRCH, from our long-standing charitable programs, to several exciting pilot projects that show great potential. We talked about our social enterprises – businesses that don’t just create revenue for SIRCH charitable programs, but that must meet the social purpose of making the world a better place. We acknowledged the difficulties of the last 2 years for this community and how it has impacted nearly every facet of life. We talked about gaps in community services – some longstanding, and some created by the realities of life right now. And we envisioned where SIRCH needs to go, where we can help, and what aspects of community health we could impact. These three things will be our focus: “… creating resilience … reducing poverty … encouraging connection.” Please join us in our efforts.
SPRING 2022
School’s Cool School’s Cool was developed by SIRCH to level the playing field for children entering kindergarten. Research shows that children who take the School’s Cool program not only experience significant developmental gains (language, math, social, self-help and psychological skills), but KEEP those gains as they progress through school. In 2020 and 2021 the Trillium Lakelands District School Board funded SIRCH to provide an adapted program (due to COVID) in 6 schools. SIRCH helped 140 children in 3 counties over the past 2 years. “Isaiah’s behaviour drastically improved. He was really missing socializing with other kids and having a routine of in school activity. He hated virtual school. Asher’s vocabulary improved and he was so excited to tell me what they did every day.” Leanne Young, School’s Cool mom 2021
This summer, we will provide our 6-week program in Haliburton, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Lindsay and Coboconk. The focus will be on helping children who are enrolled in kindergarten but who have experienced learning gaps. Last year, children advanced by an average of over 45 weeks – we’ll try to do better this year. For more information about School’s Cool 2022 email: info@sirch.on.ca or call 705-457-1742.
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SPRING 2022
Memories to Life Memories to Life launched this year thanks to a very generous anonymous donor. M2L connects individuals experiencing memory loss with wonderful volunteers who help them create a scrapbook of their life. Stay tuned for a “Big Reveal” in the fall, to hear and see the journeys of many residents, including some that are both harrowing and inspiring.
SIRCH Training Programs Training continues to evolve at SIRCH. A year ago, we went to a year-round flexible training model. That means that people can enter training any time of year. We start all our training with a certificate program for “in demand” skills that all employers want – teamwork, customer service, problemsolving, communication and more. This is not an online program, but rather in person learning where you talk and learn in a group setting. The program can take as little as two weeks, or can be integrated into other training. Our “First Steps Training” is a gateway to entry level training and employment in a variety of areas – like food services, retail or carpentry. Then we, in partnership with Fleming Crew, find placements and employment options. Basics of Carpentry is the most recent addition and we have two groups of students that will be completing the course in May. An added bonus: a bunkie and a shed will be built and put up for auction, with proceeds going to SIRCH programs! In order to try to level the playing field for folks who want to take training but don’t have transportation, SIRCH, Fleming CREW, City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton County, partnered on a “participation service”. A van and driver now provide SIRCH trainees with a ride to and from training or placement. More on that in our next newsletter!
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SPRING 2022
Bistro, Bakery & Marketplace Since opening its doors in November 2020, the SIRCH Bistro, Bakery & Marketplace has become a destination in Haliburton Village for fresh, homemade meals, delicious breads and treats, and one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. Local artisans and entrepreneurs are able to sell their unique offerings in the Marketplace, while the Bistro & Bakery provide a safe, welcoming atmosphere to enjoy nutritious meals and baked goods made with local ingredients.
Fun Facts:
Did you know we showcase more then 20 vendors whose offerings range from birdhouses to locally made honey?
Every week our team bakes 100+ loaves of fresh baked bread, that range in flavour and variety.
The Marketplace is your one stop shop to find unique, handcrafted items made by local entrepreneurs. Maybe it’s a charcuterie board made from local lumber, or knitted socks for your new grandchild. The Marketplace has just what you need. But it’s more then just a store, it’s a place where you can shop with a conscience, knowing you are supporting entrepreneurs and giving back to the community.
Visit our Bistro, Bakery & Marketplace at 49 Maple Avenue in Haliburton Village
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SPRING 2022
Thank You! Thanks to your generous donations, since March 2020, our Community Kitchen team of dedicated staff and volunteers has made and given out over 40,000 nutritious portions of food, FREE, to residents who were struggling.
Did you know? In 2022, SIRCH will be providing services, or partnering, with other organizations to provide SIRCH resources and programs in Ottawa, North Hastings, City of Kawartha Lakes, Muskoka, Northumberland as well as Haliburton County.
Josh’s Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Each edition of our newsletter will feature a recipe from our talented Bistro & Bakery staff. Josh is a graduate of our Cook It Up training program and dreams of opening up his own sandwich shop one day. ½ cup basil ½ cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup maple syrup 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 cup extra virgin olive oil Salt & Pepper to taste Prep: 10 mins Total: 10 mins 5
Directions: Place vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper into a bowl. Whisk together until mixed, add olive oil mix then taste. Add salt or pepper to taste.
SPRING 2022
Thrift Warehouse Haliburton & Bancroft 128 Mallard Rd., Haliburton 705-457-5247 141 Hastings Street North, Bancroft 1-844-THRIFT2
Did you know that in the past year SIRCH, through our Thrift Warehouses: Sold hundreds of thousands of items at low prices? Diverted over 50,000 cubic feet of items from the landfill? (That’s over 750 pick up loads!) Gave away more then 770 articles of winter clothing? Worked with other partner agencies to re-home people who were homeless or precariously housed?
Thank You. Your support has helped us help so many!
An unwavering believe in people and possibilities! 49 Maple Avenue, Haliburton, Ontario K0M 1S0 6
705-457-1742