Goods on Wood's: December 2020 Edition

A client in our Youth Culinary Arts Program shares his story with Global Calgary in a recent interview at our Inglewood campus.

Our Community Steps Up Through Global Calgary

Wood’s Homes is honoured to have been chosen by Global Calgary to participate in their 2020 Month of Giving campaign. We are one of four charities chosen by the station’s annual campaign that began on Dec. 2. This past Wednesday (Dec. 16) was our special day and featured interviews with two of our clients (who shared their inspiring stories), our CEO Bjorn Johansson, and a couple of senior leaders. If you weren’t able to catch us, CLICK HERE.

At the time of this writing, more than $18,500 has been raised in support of our crisis counselling services at Eastside Community Mental Health Services and the Inglewood Opportunity Hub, which serves vulnerable youth.

Eastside is reporting an almost 40% increase in therapy sessions over 2019 numbers. Albertans are calling us with anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Wood’s Homes relies on support from the community in order to continue meeting increased demands for help.

If you would like to spread the word with your family, friends and colleagues about Global Calgary’s Month of Giving to support our organization, please share the link below.

We are here for anyone who needs support.
Especially in these challenging times.

Well, here we are in December 2020 – and what a year it’s been! We hope this newsletter finds you and your family keeping healthy, safe and warm.

There is some light at the end of the 2020 tunnel with the announcement of vaccines arriving; however, COVID-19 still remains a constant shadow and has created various mental health challenges for many Albertans. At Wood’s Homes, we have seen a near 40% increase in therapy sessions compared to this time last year. We see the effects on the individuals, couples and families we work with – people who already were facing extraordinary challenges.

We are here to help. Our Eastside Community Mental Health Services are immediate and no-charge, and there are many different ways to receive counselling, such as Text, LiveChat or e-therapy. Callers are able to book virtual therapy online, as well as access extended services (with the same therapist).

Eastside Community Mental Health Services are available at the locations listed below. Until the current restrictions are lifted, all walk-in services are on hold. Please call 403-299-9699 for help. A professional counsellor will answer and help you find the best mental health service for your needs.

Northgate Mall - #255, 495 36 St. NE

Wood’s Homes’ Inglewood Campus – 1008 14 St. SE

Calgary Central Library (Wellness Desk) – 800 3rd St. SE

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed mental health service delivery like no other event in recent history. At an extremely rapid pace, organizations like Wood’s Homes have had to adapt mental health care practices to comply with ever-evolving public health recommendations and policies. This, while also balancing the need to provide continuity of quality care to clients when transitioning to new technology platforms.

When the pandemic first started back in March, we were forced to temporarily suspend walk-in access to our Inglewood campus, where vulnerable young people typically arrive looking for help.

Staff there were determined to not leave our clients out in the cold with no supports. So, they headed out in the program van three times a week to deliver food hampers (in accordance with safe practices). More than 350 hampers, 90 hygiene kits and 50 first aid kits were distributed to our clients in the downtown core and surrounding areas. Between April and August, 352 youth were provided with crisis and social support. And help continues to this day in various ways.

The Inglewood Opportunity Hub at the campus focuses on three main service areas for multi-barriered youth (up to age 29). They include mental health and wellness, employment training and housing support. All of these services continue via virtual support.

Wood’s Homes is no stranger to challenges, and with thanks to our loyal staff and our community of supporters, we are well able to continue our mission to help children, youth and families with their mental health needs.

Patience and silver linings during COVID-19

Take a virtual tour of our campuses

Ever wonder what our three campuses look like?

Former CEO is national award finalist

Congratulations Jane!

Your support is so important to the mental health programs and services provided to thousands of children and their families at Wood’s Homes.

Our services quickly pivoted because of COVID-19