GORDON RUSSELL'S CRYSTAL KIDS YOUTH CENTRE

Best practice rooted in relational care trauma informed care and harm reduction we provide critical Mentoring literacy interventions life skills competencies nutrition and wellness support to hundreds of youth clients ages 6-19 and in some cases up to 21. Creating and nurturing authentic relationships our degreed team members serve youth one-on-one in small and large group in-centre as well as online mentoring sessions embedded in daily activities in a layered delivery model. With access to the latest research and training in the human services fields of study. Acknowledging innate protective instincts and building upon those strengths capacity growth is inevitable as we assist youth in navigating themselves out of generational poverty. A commitment to provide Indigenous cultural programing includes bringing in Elders Knowledge keepers and other teachers to meet the needs of all children. Medicine picking drumming indigenous art music singing and the like smudging pipe ceremonies and celebrations occur throughout the year and are ongoing. Seniors: In addition to working with youth we also serve isolated senior citizens. We offer weekly nutrition and social opportunities to marginalized and impoverished seniors.

A one year program commenced summer 2023 designed to combat POST -Covid isolation and disconnection for teen girls. To strengthen their existing relationships that were affected by isolation during Covid and disconnection from School nurture new relationships and teach them to maintain their relationships. Peer to Peer mentoring and supporting each other rather than treating friendships as disposable. The friendship culture was adversely affected during isolation and disconnection from School. The program involved connecting to culture in particular Indigenous culture ceremony sweats ribbon skirt making and medicine picking as well as exposure to the arts to post-secondary opportunities esthetician training etc.