We’ve all had to adapt to a changed world, and some of the most important programs and services in our communities have modified their efforts to ensure they continue to provide support and funding to everyone who needs them.
“We’re doing everything completely different. Typically, we’re a 14-bed men’s emergency shelter. When COVID-19 hit in March, we couldn’t physically distance in our facility. With support from the County of Simcoe, we quickly moved the men to a hotel and increased our beds to 25,” says Linda Goodall, Executive Director of The Lighthouse Soup Kitchen & Shelter in Orillia.
There was also a need for a women’s shelter for women fleeing abuse. Another hotel was able to accommodate up to 19 women.
Goodall says the shelter closed the community soup kitchen, but a bagged lunch program was developed to safely offer lunches to those experiencing food insecurity. Over 25,000 meals have been served and 341 people received shelter. Funds are currently being raised for the construction of two new facilities as part of The Lighthouse Building Hope Campaign.
Aaron Lutes, Executive Director for Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka says during the pandemic they’ve safely helped their members adapt to new Cancer Support Program opportunities.
“A pandemic environment has not only forced people to various online options, but we’ve seen a steady acceptance of virtual offerings. However, access and pricing of high-speed internet in Central Ontario is an emerging issue and isn’t easily solved without some increased capital investment and servicing expenses.”
Donor funds facilitated the purchase of new equipment and gear to safely host virtual programming from the Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka Clubhouse. The program has helped 651 people in 2020 so far.
“Adapting our professionally-led support groups, social and community activities, educational workshops and lectures, kids and teen support groups, and more has been a challenge. Your support made our evolution possible,” says Lutes.
Empower Simcoe is the largest developmental service agency in Simcoe County and initiated COVID-19 precautions immediately. They were able to keep the virus out of all their 41 supported living locations, says Jamie Hall, Marketing and Communications Manager.
“Our Community Support Services Day programs in Barrie and Orillia have pivoted supports to provide online programming like yoga and meditation, cupcake decorating, crafting, music therapy, bingo, and virtual trips and tours to museums and amusement parks. For those who can’t participate online, staff provided curbside drop off.”
Sam White, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Hospice Simcoe says they also pivoted early to provide high quality palliative care and bereavement support.
“The staff and volunteers working within the Community Programs team adapted quickly, supporting clients over the phone and hosting virtual Zoom meetings by the end of March. We continue to provide online and phone support to best meet the needs of our community,” says White.
Donations are significantly desired for the hospice Fund Development Program because most events were cancelled, and in-person memorial donations made at funerals and celebrations of life weren’t possible.
The isolation many of us have felt during the pandemic can be particularly difficult if it also involves living in an abusive situation. The Women & Children’s Shelter in Barrie is humbled by the continued support they’ve been receiving from community donors.
“During COVID-19 our services may look a bit different as we protect our clients and staff, but our commitment to help all women and their children won’t be affected. Violence against women doesn’t end in a pandemic. We’ll all do our part to get through this pandemic, and our agency will continue to do our work to end violence against women,” says Katie Taylor, Development Manager.
Please continue to support all of our community programs and services by reaching out to them. These are difficult times for all of us, and we must continue to care for each other.
Empower Simcoe is the largest developmental service agency in Simcoe County and initiated COVID-19 precautions immediately. They were able to keep the virus out of all their 41 supported living locations, says Jamie Hall, Marketing and Communications Manager.
“Our Community Support Services Day programs in Barrie and Orillia have pivoted supports to provide online programming like yoga and meditation, cupcake decorating, crafting, music therapy, bingo, and virtual trips and tours to museums and amusement parks. For those who can’t participate online, staff provided curbside drop off.”
Sam White, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Hospice Simcoe says they also pivoted early to provide high quality palliative care and bereavement support.
“The staff and volunteers working within the Community Programs team adapted quickly, supporting clients over the phone and hosting virtual Zoom meetings by the end of March. We continue to provide online and phone support to best meet the needs of our community,” says White.
Donations are significantly desired for the hospice Fund Development Program because most events were cancelled, and in-person memorial donations made at funerals and celebrations of life weren’t possible.
The isolation many of us have felt during the pandemic can be particularly difficult if it also involves living in an abusive situation. The Women & Children’s Shelter in Barrie is humbled by the continued support they’ve been receiving from community donors.
“During COVID-19 our services may look a bit different as we protect our clients and staff, but our commitment to help all women and their children won’t be affected. Violence against women doesn’t end in a pandemic. We’ll all do our part to get through this pandemic, and our agency will continue to do our work to end violence against women,” says Katie Taylor, Development Manager.
Please continue to support all of our community programs and services by reaching out to them. These are difficult times for all of us, and we must continue to care for each other.
LOCAL LINKS
Women & Children’s Shelter Barrie
barrieshelter.com
Hospice Simcoe
hospicesimcoe.ca
Empower Simcoe
empowersimcoe.ca
Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka
gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org
The Lighthouse
orillialighthouse.ca
