The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) has received $52,900 to aid in staff training from the Ontario Trillium Foundation at the Murray St. Baptist Church on Tuesday.
The money came from the Resilient Communities Fund grant which was designed to help non-profits rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
The extra funding will be used to help with adding more staff training programs. This included Mental Health First Aid for, Natural Support Connection training provided by A Way Home Canada and the development of an organization-wide well-being strategic plan.
“The YES Shelter for Youth and Families provides a critical service to young men and women in our community facing unique challenges. I have been proud to support their team as they carry out their diligent and compassionate work,” said MPP Dave Smith. “It’s often said that you should take care of the hands that take care of you. In this case, the mental health support this funding enables will ensure the dynamic, high-quality service offered by the staff at YES can continue as we move forward.”
YES has seen an increase in mental and physical health crises amongst those experiencing homelessness with far fewer supports available since March last year.
There has also been an organizational rise in staff burnout accompanying the additional pressures on front-line positions according to Aimee Le Lagadec, YES interim executive director.
“The onset of COVID-19 significantly increased the mental health needs of youth and families experiencing homelessness in Peterborough,” she said. “The Ontario Trillium Foundation made it possible for us to provide our staff with impactful training that has further equipped our organization to support youth and families during a crisis.”