Alberta Health Services Mental Health and Addictions Youth Day Program just got a big boost of support. The 100+ Women Who Care Grande Prairie organization gathered to celebrate their second anniversary and support a worthwhile cause at the same time.
The program, which is new to Grande Prairie, offers an eight week outpatient treatment option to youth. They work with kids in Grades 7 to 12 who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation say the funds will go to the purchase of a “starter sensory system.” Clinical Supervisor Christie Spronk says trauma can impact youth’s brain development which can effect their ability to control emotions or understand consequences.
“Sensory modulation helps bridge this gap. This is what this program is designed to do; to give these youth the skills and
tools to learn to identify, understand and cope with their emotions and to give them skills to be able to live, health, happy successful lives.”
The room could include things like a bubble tube, fiber optics, a swing or hammock, a diffuser and weighted blankets.
100+ Women Who Care Grande Prairie meet multiple times a year and at each gathering women in attendance donate $100 each to the selected cause. Three groups will attend to make their pitch to the group for the funds and then a vote decides where the donations will go.
They say their goal is to raise at least $40,000 every year. A cheque presentation will be held June 7, 2018. The official donation amount will also be revealed then.