Food For Thought

Brandon “Food for Thought” snack program supervisor noticed two students who were consistently late for school. Upon talking to the students, she discovered that their mom worked late every evening, and their father went to work early. Very often the two siblings would wake on their own, get ready and go to school. The older brother soon took on the responsibility of making breakfast for the two of them. They would arrive to school ½ – 1 hour late, often with peanut butter or chocolate pudding on their faces. After speaking with the students for a while, they were soon comfortable enough to admit that they were still hungry. A chocolate pudding that morning wasn’t enough to feed them.

The students were given a muffin, a bowl of oatmeal, and a glass of orange juice. When they were done, they politely asked for seconds, and then thirds! Since then they have become regulars in the “Food for Thought” program. They have gotten used to what was served on what day, and looked forward to the variety. They also were satisfied with one serving, knowing that they would have the opportunity to come every school morning. The parents were very grateful for the support because they need to go to work to ensure the children had other necessities in their life.

The Counseling Centre

Struggling to make ends meet, Tannis, a single mom with three school-aged children, needed help to move forward and rebuild self-esteem, following the dissolution of an unhealthy, abusive relationship. Needing the support of a therapist to assist and encourage her in learning coping strategies and stress management techniques, Tannis had access to professional, affordable counseling provided through the Counseling Centre’s subsidized therapeutic counseling program.

Today, Tannis experiences a greater sense of well-being, is managing well at home, in the workplace and as a member of our community. The Centre’s subsidized therapeutic counseling program is made possible, thanks to the United Way. Your support of the United Way allows us to offer hope, healing and encouragement; together we can change lives for the better!

YWCA – Meredith Place

Betty arrived at Meredith Place, pregnant, with nowhere to go and no job. She stayed a few months. She completed her First Aid and CPR almost immediately which enabled her to find a job shortly after arriving. Staff at Meredith Place advocated on her behalf to EI&A to help pay for the training, and then referred her to other agencies that were able to help her. She has since found a suitable apartment for herself and her unborn child.

Jim arrived here after being kicked out of numerous places due to his drinking and partying. While at Meredith Place, he managed to stay sober and find a new group of friends. He got a part time job and found an apartment. He still stops in to say “Hi”, and to this date is still sober and in the same apartment.

COR Enterprises

Curt works in a paid position at a local grocery store. He had been a valued part of their team, and was working 40-50 hours per month.

Curt experienced some stumbling blocks with his performance, and was in jeopardy of losing his job. The business took an active role in dealing with the issues. Curt was suspended for 2 weeks, and his hours were cut to 16 hours per month.

With the support of the Employment Facilitators employed by the Westman Coalition for Employment Opportunities (WCEO), Curt was able to correct the areas addressed by his employer, and work at gaining back their trust. The WCEO employees have gone from full support to periodic checks. He is now working anywhere from 50-75 hours per month, and thoroughly enjoying his position.

This is not to say that there won’t be times when Curt will require the increased support, but with this support, he can maintain his position. This position not only assists Curt financially, but it also increases his self-esteem and inclusion into the community.

Big Brothers and Sisters of Brandon

Jordan was referred to Big Brothers & Sisters of Brandon’s In-School Mentoring by the school he was attending, to receive mentoring 1 hour a week with a volunteer. He was a shy boy, who didn’t trust anyone, and desperately needed a friend. He was matched with Andrew, a shy, quiet university student.

Andrew was determined to gain Jordan’s trust, but when Andrew graduated university, he found he didn’t have the time during the day for the In-School Mentoring. He didn’t want to give up on Jordan, so he switched his match over to become a traditional Big Brother, Little Brother match. This allowed him to spend more time with him after school and on weekends.

Jordan lived with his mother and younger brother. Shortly after Andrew and Jordan were matched, Jordan’s mother became ill, and eventually passed away. Andrew became the one support in Jordan’s life that he could count on. Andrew attended Jordan’s sporting events so that there was always someone there cheering Jordan on.

Jordan is now in high school. He plays school sports, his grades are good, and he has many friends. He is very busy with his activities and friends, but knows Andrew is only a phone call away. Because of Andrew’s support, Jordan learned how to trust, and has all of the skills he needs to become a success and reach his full potential. He plans on continuing his education after high school and hopes to be a Big Brother himself one day.