Cool Aid Society officials say the decision to close the “Red Barn” location in Grande Prairie was a hard one to make but ultimately was a necessary one.
Executive and Financial Director AmandaBeret Gerber says like many organizations the Cool Aid Society has been facing financial challenges since the pandemic along with rising costs. However, she says one of the biggest issues that the organization is facing at this time is the decline in community support and engagement.
“Despite trying to maximize everything that we could we had to come to the difficult decision in December to close that facility and put our main focus on one facility.”
Gerber says the organization has also seen a decline in youth engagement, which she says could be attributed to potential misunderstandings of the organization, along with the programming and resources they offer.
“We offer diverse inclusive programs, from educational initiatives and awareness campaigns on critical issues such as mental health, body positivity, bullying to recreational activities, and skill-building workshops. We started to create a more well-rounded space for all youth.”
“So regardless of background or socioeconomic status, our doors are open to every individual who is looking to learn, grow and develop. In the past we have potentially had a stigma that we are only for low-income families, or that we are only offering a certain program, and I think that might be some of that misconception that has arisen in the past.”
The programs are focused on working with those ages five to 17, and Gerber says though having to make the announcement about closing the organization’s north location was hard, they are looking forward to the upcoming launch of a pair of programs. On February, 1st the Cool Aid Society in partnership with the Grande Prairie Centre for Suicide Prevention will host an 18-week program youth mental health program tailored to three different age groups.
“We are going to be doing interactive, activity-based programs, where we are going to be building positive connections, fostering healthy conversations, developing self-awareness,” “We are going to be covering issues all within there that include health, stress management, wellness, body positivity and more.”
Along with the mental health program, the organization is also launching what Gerber says is a “unique career-driven program” that collaborates with professionals in the Grande Prairie community. The program will focus on the concepts of career exploration, emotional well-being, and financial literacy. The “Business Plan for our Tweens and Teens” program allows the young participants to learn about different careers in the Grande Prairie community, chance to master interview tactics, financial literacy education, an understanding of tax planning, along with the ability for the youth to take advantage of different volunteer opportunities.
Gerber says as exciting as the announcement of the pair of upcoming programs is, she understands the closing of the “Red Barn” location is a disappointment to those who accessed the facility. However, Gerber says the organization is actively looking at ways the families can access the south location.