2024
CALGARY JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY
Support again went to Gear Up! for winter
At Gear Up, youth between 12 and 24 can attend and access haircuts, flu shots, or smudge supplies. They can see a nurse, a lawyer, a dental professional, get an eye exam and speak with an Elder. Youth can get, a library card, a hot meal, some hygiene supplies, warm clothes, a bus ticket, and even enroll in school. This is a safe place to pick up a Naloxone kit and other harm reduction supplies. Gear Up is a chance for youth to get a brand-new backpack, fill it up, have some fun, and get connected with youth serving organizations ALL IN ONE PLACE!!! One unique piece of Gear Up has been a “wish table”, where youth can get that “extra thing” (gift card, new work boots, make up case, etc.).
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE
A grant continues support to the Young Mothers Pre/Post Natal Program.
Our Pre/Post Natal team has had another incredibly busy year, much the same as all the others! The continue to work with upwards of 80 clients each on their caseloads and do their best so there is never a waitlist for the program. They’ve also identified a need to be able to provide support to families with toddlers (as families “age out” of this program when infants are over 1 year old), and The Alex is very excited to be launching a new Early Childhood Program to support families with toddler-aged children. This means that many families involved in the Pre/Post Natal program will be able to continue to receive support in the same location, where they feel safe and where they have built strong, trusting relationships.
THE DOORWAY
Funds went to support implementation of the new Alumni/Peer Support program. The program aims to provide youth with a stronger support network, particularly outside typical business hours. It also provides graduates from The Doorway’s MyPlan program to develop leadership and future employment opportunities.
2023
CALGARY JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY
A grant supplied back packs to youth plus general support for Gear Up! for winter. Last year the annual event worked with other donations, sponsors, 150 volunteers, and 35 organizations to outfit over 450 vulnerable youth at a one-day fair at the Calgary stampede grounds.
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE
2023 marks a decade of support for the Young Mothers Pre/Post Natal Program.
Sophie’s Story
Sophie was referred to The Alex Pre/Post Natal program when she was approximately 17 weeks pregnant with her first child, by the Elbow River Healing Lodge. She needed social support and help connecting with a midwife for prenatal care. One of The Alex’s Pre/Post Natal Specialists referred her to Phoenix Midwives, and set up a team meeting to coordinate support across programs and organizations.
Sophie had a smooth pregnancy medically, however near the end of her pregnancy, she ended up in a shelter after escaping a domestic violence situation. Off and on, she stayed at the shelter and at a friend’s place, while working hard to navigate the system to apply for housing; this was an incredibly stressful situation, but she continued to be an incredible mom to her new son throughout. The Pre/Post Natal Specialist visited her post-partum to provide breastfeeding support, helped her in obtaining her baby’s birth certificate, and to get to medical appointments.
Although Children’s Services did become involved, they were very impressed with Sophie’s ability to keep her baby safe, make great choices, and follow through with what was asked of her. She recently started at Louise Dean school, which she organized all on her own, and has been accepted into a second stage housing program.
Sophie had a few extra challenges to overcome while learning how to be a mom, but she is now thriving, and even more confident in her ability to be an incredible parent.
2022
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE
A ninth year of grant support went to the Young Mothers Pre/Post-Natal Program which provides “at risk” youth and their babies with wraparound services in a holistic, client centered environment to ensure the best possible outcomes for parents and children.
Reconnecting With Family
In January, we had a young pregnant client come in requesting to see a doctor. She was unsure how far along she was, had been using substances, and had no stable place to stay. We connected her to our medical team and a Pre/Post Natal Specialist, and she began attending appointments sporadically. The Pre/Post Natal Specialist supported her in applying for income support, getting connected to a housing program, and completing some paperwork for ID and taxes. Throughout her pregnancy, she worked hard with her team to get stable, get sober, and reconnect with her family. When her baby was born, she was 2 months sober and living back at home with her parents. She was able to take the baby home with the support of her family and today she is attending school full time while her mom helps with the baby. She is a devoted and connected mom, who frequently comments on how much happier she is and grateful she is to be safe and sober and focusing on the important things in life.
THE DOORWAY
Funds went to the Peer Support Feasibility Study. A consultant was hired to conduct a feasibility study to understand the current context of peer support for youth and identify key programmatic elements/principles for the proposed program.
2021
2020
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE
Early in March the Alex started to pivot services in response to Covid-19. Supports shifted to virtual outreach to young parents with one-on-one contact with the pre/post-natal specialist and nurse plus weekly parenting groups. Basic needs such as baby supplies and maternal items were provided and inter-agency advocacy and system navigation continued to keep young parents engaged and connected.
THE DOORWAY
The Doorway is a youth employment society that empowers street-involved youth to move toward legal income, housing, and intentional living. Covid restrictions saw impacts to operations but staff were able to transition and find safe ways to continue supports virtually and in person.
Learn why Myplan worked for Jakob
https://thedoorway.ca/2020/12/01/learn-why-myplan-worked-for-jakob/
Covid-19 specific grants:
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE
Assisted Self Isolation Sites, Social Dispatch and Community Food Centre
THE DOORWAY
Kitchen equipment to provide safe, distanced meal options for clients.
2019
CALGARY JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY annual Gear Up! event
Our hope is that youth participants, who face daily struggles of: disengagement from family/friends/school/support system, addiction, justice involvement, homelessness, and mental health issues will (also) feel as though they have value and worth. -Danene Lenstra
HORIZON HOUSING
A one-time grant purchased safe and supportive housing for new and expectant mothers.
A new partnership between Horizon Housing and local support agency, Emma House, brings a home-like environment together with supportive programs to offer a safe and stable foundation for new and expectant mothers. At Glasswaters House, women find their independence and gain essential skills and tools as they begin their journey of parenthood.
“Individual bedrooms, private bathrooms, and plenty of common space, makes Glasswaters House an ideal home for new mothers to build social connections and work on the skills they’ll need to thrive as new parents,” says Martina Jileckova, CEO of Horizon Housing. “Thanks to glasswaters foundation, this partnership is a leading example of how, together, we are working to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness and build resilience among young women at-risk.
2018
NOURISH COWICHAN
A one-time grant went to assist in the construction of a commercial kitchen that will feed underprivileged children in the Cowichan Valley. Nourish Cowichan began a feeding program at 1 school in 2016. They now prepare and deliver nutritious food to 9 schools, 3 daycares, and the local maternity clinic.
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE
A grant was also provided for the annual GearUp! event.
On November 8th, 2018, 491 young people entered the Grandstand space (34 of them being under the age of 7). Each had the opportunity to eat a hot meal, get stuff that they needed for winter, meet up with old friends and staff, and get some self-care done. We ran out of lots of stuff, most especially winter coats, boots, clothes, and basic hygiene items. The hot food was gone by 4:30pm but the amazing crew from Hero Events managed to pull extra from their food truck (at no cost), keeping the youth and volunteers fed. -2018 report and thank you
2017
THE DOORWAY
Since coming to The Doorway it has been a struggle. The Doorway and its staff have helped me a lot. I’m working on a lifestyle change and everything else. I’m gonna make change because it’s the only hope I got to a happy good life, maybe?! -A participant
2016
2015
2014
WOMEN’S CENTRE OF CALGARY
Funding was for program delivery research and assessment of the Girl Power camps held each spring and summer by the Women’s Centre. The camps promote equality, self-determination and empowerment through mentorship.
2013
MAKING CHANGES EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATION
A grant went to the Employment and Life Skills program to support women unable to find funding under federal programs to attend this empowering training program.
“Being here with many women with the same interests and the same necessities…we were all fighting with the language; fighting with the weather…with everything. Trying to get a job and have our families in the right position…it was great. It was such a nice experience.”
2012
CALGARY IMMIGRANT WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, BUILDING FUTURES
A grant supported literacy training and employment assessment and support.
MAKING CHANGES EMPLOYMENT ASSOC, MY BEST FRIEND’S CLOSET
Start up support was provided to this new program that assists teens from low income families to get outfitted for school.
WOMEN’S CENTRE OF CALGARY
A grant provided sponsorships for attendance at the Women’s Gathering.
2011
Funding supported capacity building, life and employment skills training and youth assistance programs.
MAKING CHANGES EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE, YOUTH GEAR UP EVENT
2010
Support focused on employment readiness and equipping street youth for winter.
MAKING CHANGES EMPLOYMENT ASSOC OF ALBERTA, WALK IN CLOSET
THE ALEX YOUTH HEALTH CENTRE, YOUTH GEAR UP EVENT
2009
Support provided people in need with education opportunities and housing assistance.
CALGARY IMMIGRANT WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION INTEGRATION PROGRAM
HUMANITIES 101: AN ODYSSEY