Mental Health & Well-Being

Girls Inc. of York Region

By offering evidence-based programs in a safe pro-girl environment, Girls Inc. of York Region inspires all girls to be Strong, Smart, and Bold. We are champions for the rights and well-being of all girls while focusing on the needs of those from vulnerable communities. Girls Inc. of York Region provides an all-girl environment, which allows girls ages 6 to 18 to focus on their interests, at their own pace, free from distractions and comparisons. Our programs address the whole girl. They provide her with leadership experience; build her athletic skills and competitive spirit; teach her money management skills, self-reliance, and life-skills; nurture her ability and interest in Science, Math, Engineering, Arts, and Technology (STEAM); equip her with critical health and sexuality information; and foster her self-respect and self-determination. The girls and their families also receive crucial mental health counselling and supports and food support. We are committed to building a culture of unity and hope – one in which each girl is recognized and valued.

Improving Mental Health and Well-Being Outcomes for Vulnerable Girls During and After COVID-19.

This program provides increased access to mental health services and supports to girls and young women as well as their parents from low-income families and communities facing socio-economic barriers. Participants benefit from improved mental health and well-being outcomes and parents have increased capacity to help their daughters.

Services and supports include Mental health counselling sessions from a Psychotherapist/Social Worker for the girls. These sessions are provided two days weekly and in-person three days weekly, from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Home visits by Social Workers are conducted to do wellness and safety checks when food gift cards, fresh produce baskets, hygiene, and homework kits are delivered. During these visits the parents and/or the girls can also receive additional counselling. Counselling for the parents is also provided through phone calls or in-person. This program increases access and provides navigation support to social and additional mental health services. Staff increase their skills in providing mental health supports through training provided by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. A data-base of community based services has been developed and is updated regularly to provide a resource inventory of social and mental health services.

Project Initiation

2021

Status

Active

Organization Website

https://girlsincyork.org/

“It is with great honour and privilege that we continue to serve the York Region and surrounding community through these unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it many additional challenges for our girls including, isolation and declining mental health. Families are struggling with unemployment, financial challenges, addictions and domestic abuse is on the rise. Girls Inc. of York Region responded to participants' needs through phone call sessions, front porch visits, mental health check-ins, and counselling. We also launched a Food Support Program which included the delivery of produce boxes and grocery gift cards to families in need. These crucial services continue today.”

Girls Inc. of York Region