Couchiching Jubilee House is starting new programs aimed at tackling social isolation and empowering women.
The Orillia non-profit is launching the Community Walk as well as an outreach program, the Women’s Connection Group. The walk will take place every Thursday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., from May 26 to Aug. 25. People are asked to meet up at the Couchiching Beach Park boat launch at 10:50 a.m.
The walk is open to everyone, and registration is not required.
After the walk, Couchiching Jubilee House will hold its Women’s Connection Group at 79 Colborne St. E. from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Participants will be provided lunch and take part in a program that will focus on topics such as confidence building, stress management, vulnerability and other life skills.
“The goal of this group is to provide a safe and welcoming space for connection that combats social isolation and removes barriers to women thriving in our community,” the organization noted in a news release. “We are also offering access to technology, food boxes, bus passes and counselling appointments to women who self-identify (as being in) need."
Registration is required for the Women’s Connection Group. To register, contact program co-ordinator Justin Ervin at [email protected] or 705-955-2335.
“As the program co-ordinator, I’m super excited to be facilitating our new Community Walk and outreach program. It is our hope that this program will help to unite the community and be a source of connection that has been missing for many people over the last couple of years,” Ervin said.
“After a long time away from each other, being able to go out, enjoy nature and be active together is something that we are excited to hold and share with all … Seeing old faces to new ones, reconnecting and building new connections to the community is something that we are extremely excited to be able to do in person once again.”
The pandemic led to “a growing need for intensive outreach support” and “a deepening affordable housing crisis and a crisis of social isolation,” said Paige Jakobczak, fundraising co-ordinator.
“Our outreach program is targeted at these issues to elevate women who are facing housing precarity. When women are supported with access to transportation, technology, food supports, social connection and mental health supports, we believe housing can be retained and women will thrive in our community.”
Couchiching Jubilee House has served numerous families since opening in 2001 and is excited to continue helping those in need, said executive director Bre Plue.
“We recognize the impact COVID-19 has had on all of us — the isolation, feeling of disconnection, and the need for relationships as we search for a ‘new normal,’” she said. “We’re looking forward to being a part of what our community and future looks like moving forward as we all recover and invite everyone to join us on this journey.”
The weekly walks, she added, “will serve as a casual connection point for everyone,” while the outreach program “will take that sense of belonging one step further.”
