I would like to start this greeting with acknowledgement that it has felt like a very long winter this year. I am thankful that we are officially into the season of spring, a season that represents new opportunities, rejuvenation, and growth. As I write this, it is very grey and dark out, and rain is pelting my office window, a sure sign that the winter is being washed away.
Over the past few months, teams at the Community Health Centres of Northumberland have been busy reinvigorating programs and partnerships that were perhaps, put on the shelf during the pandemic and planning for exciting new initiatives.
In January of this year, we began a great new partnership with the Municipality of Port Hope and Port Hope High School to facilitate a weekly youth drop-in program at the high school. We have also entered into an arrangement with Rebound Child and Youth Services to offer easy pathways to mental health services for family members of youth who access Rebound services. Additionally, a partnership with Northumberland Hills Hospital Community Counselling Services is in the works, as are talks about bringing back support groups for stroke survivors and those with acquired brain injuries. These are the initiatives that not only keep our teams invigorated, but are responding to the needs of the communities we serve.
A recent Ontario Trillium Foundation grant is going to allow us to further develop our food and nutrition programming here at the CHCN. We have, over the years, developed a comprehensive food security strategy that has included access to food for those who need it, nutritional counselling for individuals and groups, a community garden, and cooking classes both in-house and in the community. The grant we are receiving will span a year of further development for new food initiatives and sustainability planning. We look forward to sharing with you the “growth” of this program in the coming months!
Our Board of Directors is beginning to develop an approach for development of our next organizational Strategic Plan, which will include strong linkages to the work being done by, and outlined in the inaugural Strategic Plan of the Ontario Health Team of Northumberland. Our targeted launch date for a new plan will be in early 2024.
Finally, work is underway to plan our 15th Annual General Meeting, which will be held here at our 99 Toronto Road location on Tuesday, June 20th at 3 pm. We are looking forward to showcasing all of the great work and growth that has occurred over the last 15 years since we opened, and in particular highlighting the last five years, which have been quite a journey. The AGM will be a community event and all are welcome!
While this, and more work is being done to bring appropriate services to our community, I am reminded that it is the voice of the community that helps us to determine the best path forward. As always, we invite you to become involved in our planning and programing, either through one of our many volunteer opportunities, or by reaching out directly with comments and feedback.
Wishing you all a season of growth and renewal.
Taryn Rennicks
Executive Director
Community Health Centres of Northumberland
