Oshawa Community Health Centre

STAFF
Clinical Services Team
Dr. Adwoa Amamoo - Physician
Brigitte Upshaw – Hepatitis C Outreach
Worker
Catha McMaster –Director, Clinical Services
Cheryl Walker – Therapist/MSW
Dr. Chitha Nantheeswarar - Physician
Dr. Consolata Oketch - Physician
Danielle Grandmaison – Therapist/MSW
Dawn Donnelly – Registered Dietitian
Debra Pal – Registered Dietitian
Devon Cook – Medical Secretary
Dr. Girma Mekonnen -Tizazu - Physician
Heather Churchill – Receptionist (Medical
Leave)
Jill Todgham – Medical Secretary
Jennifer Lobban – Diabetes Clerk
Jo Anne Baker – Clinical Services Assistant
Judy Tamm – Diabetes Educator, NP
Katerina Alexopoulos – Therapist/MSW
Julia Blicharz - RN-EC PHC
Kelly O’neill - Hepatitis C Nurse
Lindsay Shopman – Registered Dietitian
Lisa Laflamme – Therapist/MSW
Linda Foote – Hepatitis C Coordinator
Lynne Brampton Lidkea – Social Worker
Melissa Nijmeh – Diabetes Nurse Educator,
RN
Melonie Powell – RN-EC PHC (Maternity
Leave)
Miranda Sauve – Medical Secretary
Nicole Daly – Medical Secretary
Nina Dekoker – Medical Secretary
Odilia Furtado – Hepatis C Social Worker
Pam Gullo – Hepatitis C Nurse
Ramona D’Mello –Diabetes Nurse Educator,
RN
Tracy Meulemeester – Medical Secretary
Family Community Outreach Team
Alyssa Heshmat – Youth League Supervisor
Ana Pacheco-Rye – Health Promoter
Andrea Rowe – Youth League Supervisor
Bill Littlefair – Aboriginal Assessment
Facilitator
Brendan Hill – Youth League Supervisor
Brian Joyce – Program Manager
Brooke Stewart – Youth League Supervisor
Cathy Kurelek – Health Promoter (Youth)
Heather Chalmers – Youth to Youth Coordinator
Jeff Dart – Community Health Worker (Youth)
Jo Anne Baker – Volunteer Coordinator (Part
Time)
Kara Rae – Early Years Assistant
Katherine McConkey – Program Secretary/Food
Security Assistant
Kelsey O’Meara – Youth League Supervisor
Kim Loenhart – Early Childhood Development
Worker
Lorrie Costello - Early Years Assistant
Louisa Stewart – Health Promoter (Early Years)
Lubna Hasan - Early Years Assistant
Marie Harrison – Youth League Supervisor
Pierre Hugues Comire – Dad’s Group Facilitator
Rhonda Pascoe - Early Years Assistant
Roxanne Fitzgerald - Early Years Assistant
Shantel Freeburn – Community Facilitator
Susan Gualtieri – Early Childhood Development
Worker
Susanne Watson-Bongard – Artscape Facilitator
Vickie Knox – Youth to Youth Program Assistant
Warren Edwards – Youth League Supervisor
Homelessness Initiative:
Shirley Guppy – Community Health Worker
(Homelessness)
Corporate and Administration
Catherine Munene - Project Support and
Coordinator – Information Management
David Leo – Finance/Office Manager
Dan Zhang – Data Analyst
Hazari Girdhari - Custodian
Kim Wildman - Resource Development and
Communications Assistant
Lee Kierstead – Executive Director
Lindsay Teatro – Human Resources Assistant
Maria Nebres – Human Resources Partner
Marian Van Pelt – Executive Assistant
Melissa Freire – Bookkeeper
Paula Carter – Resource Development and
Communications Manager
Phil Woodhouse - Technology & Information
Systems Coordinator
Rudi Nelson – Senior Custodian
Wei Ling Xu – Finance Assistant
Our Board
• Tom Wise, Chair
• Glenda Baker, Secretary/Treasurer
• Garth Johns
• Candice McAlister
• Christine Ordanis
• Kim Lepine
• Hannah Wheeler
• Kimberly Finn
• Lindsay Smith
• Teresa Rossen (leave)
• Gary Malach
OVERVIEW
Community Health Centre’s (CHC’s) are organizations that offer a range of coordinated primary health care
and related services with an emphasis on one or more priority group(s). The services are provided in a
multi-disciplinary manner and are specifically designed to meet the health needs of the distinct priority
groups. CHC’s are sponsored and managed by incorporated non-profit community boards, which involve
members of the community and others who provide health and social services.
Mission Statement
As a leader in community health services and programs, we empower residents to improve their physical,
emotional and social well being. We are dedicated to building a strong and healthy Oshawa “Your Wellness, Our Mission”.
Strategic Directions
The strategic directions and strategic objectives developed by Oshawa Community Health Centre’s Board
of Directors for 2012 – 2017:
Oshawa Community Health Centre will actively expand its leadership role in primary health care and
community wellness OCHC. Will adopt a transformation agenda through which it will:
• Grow, in a planned manner, its primary health care service and program offerings, catchment
area, and facilities while promoting its culture and maintaining its high quality of care
• Redefine its target population to clients from “cradle-to-grave” with high needs (as determined
by the social determinants of health) and align its services and programs with that population
Friends of Oshawa
Community Health
Centre:
A Web That Works
Aldsworth PhotoWorld
Ann Douglas
Argos
Barry-Bryan Associates Limited
Baagwaiting Community Association
Brian Joyce
Buffett Taylor
Canada Post
Catha McMaster
CAW Local 222 Social Justice Fund
Central East Local Health Integration Network
Chartered Accountants of Ontario
CHANNEL 12
Churchills-Crossings
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Conpute
Conros Corporation
CUPE 1764
Dan and Paula Carter
Day of Hope and Leadership Team
Denis Stokes Spirit of Oshawa Award
Denise Marek
Derek and Wanda Dutka
Doug Schneider
Doreen Sachett
DUCA Credit Union
Dr. and Mrs. A.M. Lafarga and the Lafarga Family Fund with
Durham Community Foundation
Durham Community Foundation
Ian Hill
Durham College
Elaine and Rob Garnett
Enbridge Gas
Fieldgate Developments
fseap
Gay Company Limited
Garth Johns
General Mills Champions For Healthy Kids
Graham Construction
Great West Life
Green Shield Canada
Hallaway Construction
Independent Project Managers
Investors Group
Isobel Carter Youth Fund
It’s Worth Repeating, Courtice
Johnson
Lee Kierstead
Loblaw After School Program
Lorn Scanlon
Malvern Contract Interiors Limited
Marian Van Pelt
Meridian Credit Union
Mike and Cristal Ewles
Ministry of Health and Long Term Care
Ministry of Child and Youth Services
Ontario Motor Sales
Ontario Power Generation
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Once Upon A Child
Oscan Electrical Supplies Ltd.
Oshawa Golf Club
Oshawa Mayor’s Golf Classic Team
Paul and Carol Harrison
Penny Contreras
RBC Foundation
RBC Royal Bank
Region of Durham
Smart Centres
The Embassy
Todd Skinner
Tribute Communities
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Veridian Corporation
Whitby Hydro
Williams Communication
Whitby Wildcats Novice AE Hockey Team 2010/11
Community
Partners:
AIDS Committee of Durham Region
Bobby Orr Public School
C.O.P.E. Mental Health Services
Canadian Cancer Society—Durham
Canadian Mental Health Association of Durham
Central East Local Health Integration
Centre of Durham
Channel 12/CHEX TV Durham
Chapter
City of Ajax
City of Oshawa
Committee Nursing
Community Development Council Durham
Community Wellness Learning Advisory Committee
Cornerstone Community Association
D.R.I.V.E.N.
Dr. C. F. Cannon Public School
Durham Cancer Society
Durham Catholic Family Services
Durham Children’s Aid Society
Durham College
Durham Continuing Education
Durham Diabetes Initiative
Durham Distress Centre
Durham District School Board
Durham Family Court Clinic
Durham Family Services
Durham Infant Development
Durham Lives
Durham Mental Health
Durham Region Domestic Violence/
Durham Region Police Service
Durham Region Public Health Department
Faith Place
Family & Community Action Program
Father Leo J. Austin Catholic High School
Feed the Need Durham
G.L. Roberts C.V.I.
Gate 316
Glen Street Public School
Gordon B. Attersley Public School
Grandview Children’s Centre
Healthcare Issues for Homeless
Healthy Babies/Healthy Children
Hearth Place
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Intact Financial Corporation
It’s Worth Repeating
John Howard Society
Kinark Child and Family Services
Lakeridge Health Corporation
Lakewoods Public School
Mary Street Community School
Ministry of Child and Youth Services
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School
Narcotics Anonymous Network
No Frills Nancy and Agostino Bloor Street
Ontario Early Years Centres
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Ontario Works Program
Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council
Oshawa Children’s Community Fair
Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres
Pinewood Addiction Support Services
Queen Elizabeth Public School
Region of Durham – Best Start Network
Resources for Exceptional Children & Youth
Ritson Public School
Rose of Durham
Ryerson Early Childhood Education Program
Ryerson Nursing Program
Ryerson University
Sexual Assault Care Centre
South Oshawa Community Centre
Southern Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (SOADI)
Stop 46
Strategic Planning Alliance for Children and Youth - Leadership
Council
Supervised Access to Care
The Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Rose of Durham
The Youth Centre
Two Men and a Truck
University of Ontario and Institute of Technology
University of Ontario Institute of Technology - Program Advisory
University of Toronto Faculty of Social Work
Victorian Order of Nurses
Village Union Public School
Vincent Massey Public School
Willow Park
Women’s Multicultural Resources and Counselling
Woodcrest Public School
Working Together on Homelessness Issues
Youth Services Network
YWCA
Vision Statement
• We are instrumental in the creation of a caring and respecting community in which all people
have dignity and an optimum quality of life with access to a broad range of programs and services.
Value Statement
In our daily efforts we will:
• Strive for excellence
• Remove barriers and improve access
• Demonstrate fairness, respect and dignity
• Have integrity and be open, honest and trustworthy
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively
Value Stakeholder Proposition
Through living by our values, we will achieve:
For Employees
….personal enrichment and involvement
More opportunity for growth and personal
development
Open communicative/positive work environment
performance-based culture
For Community, Public, Partners
…good for the Healthcare Sector
Cooperative, supportive, leader
Knowledgeable, creative,
expert source
For Clients
…responsive, accessible, wholistic, attentive service
Respected/treated as valued customer
Easy access
Convenient and wholistic service
For Funders, and Board
…worth the investment
Organizational stability and sustainability
Compelling investment
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As Oshawa Community Health Centre (OCHC) Board of Directors and Senior Leadership contemplates the
challenges facing an unsustainable health care system, it is clear to us that OCHC must leverage the strengths of our
model of primary health care and community wellness to assist in transforming the system.
Notwithstanding our ongoing commitment for continuous improvement, operating results for 2011/12 year,
demonstrate that OCHC’s client centered model of care, focused on health promotion, prevention, and chronic
disease management, directly correlate to positive client outcomes/experiences while reducing the resource burden
on other parts of the health system.
INTERESTING FACTS
Number of new clients:
Number of visits to our groups:
Number of individual appointments:
Number of volunteers:
Number of volunteer hours:
Oshawa
Community
Health Centre
Statistics
Multi-Sector
Accountability
Agreement (M-SAA)
Targets
Number of
Registered Clients
6269
6000
Inter-professional
Diabetes Care Rate
64%
51%
Cervical Cancer
Screening Rate
52%
36%
Colorectal
Screening Rate
47%
24%
Indicators
Some facts on OCHC:
1. Client Complexity - Compared to other primary care models, Community Health Centre’s across the
province demonstrate a significantly more complex client base yet have a much lower than expected
Emergency Department utilization. (Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences Study March 2012)
2. Client Experience – OCHC undertakes an annual client satisfaction questionnaire to gauge client experience.
Results for the 2011/12 year indicated over 98% positive response to the statement of “Overall, I am very
happy with the programs and services I receive at OCHC”.
3. Accountability - OCHC over performed on all targets for service level and clinical indicators, within
budgeted financial and human resource targets. (As per our Multi Sector Accountability Agreement)
In light of the provincial economic outlook and need for system change, the Board of Directors of OCHC has recently
adopted a new strategic intention that will advance our leadership role in transforming primary health care within the
Central East Local Health Integration Network over the next 5 years. We look forward to working collaboratively with
all our stakeholders in defining and operationalizing this vision.
We would like to close by sincerely thanking all of our board members, staff, volunteers, partners and supporters for
believing and committing to the mission of our centre – “As a leader in community health services and programs, we
empower residents to improve their physical, emotional and social well-being. We are dedicated to building a strong
and healthy Oshawa.”
Respectfully Submitted,
Tom Wise
Board Chair
Lee Kierstead
Executive Director
1680
34120
11690
200+
8000+
As you can see, Oshawa Community Health Centre was
successful in over-achieving our targets!
OUR HISTORY
Services
Client Childcare
Childcare Services is a free in-house childcare program;
it’s purpose it to eliminate any barriers to clients
accessing medical, counselling and other programs and
services at Oshawa Community Health Centre. The
service is provided five days per week with varying time
slots.
Crisis Intervention and Counselling
A crisis is defined as the distress any individual is feeling
due to being overwhelmed with an issue in their life. All
staff are trained every two years to perform crisis
intervention. Crisis counselling is available for current
clients of the agency. Once a referral has been made a
Counselling Service Team member will meet with the
client and up to six sessions will be scheduled to
address their needs and recovery.
Diabetes Education Services
Our Dietitian and Diabetic Nurse Educator provide
education, counselling and tools for adults to build skills
for healthy living and coping with type 2 diabetes and
for pre-diabetes clients . These services are available to
our clients and members of the community.
Individual/Couple/Family Therapy
Therapy is provided to current clients utilizing various
professional models of intervention. In addition to
face-to-face and phone contact with the client, this
therapy also includes client advocacy, consultation, and
collaboration with other service providers.
Ontario Telemedicine Network
Oshawa Community Health Centre hosts a thirteen week
course on Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management,
developed by Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix. Through Ontario
Telemedicine Network, class participants link with other
participants across the province to learn the practice of
mindfulness and formal meditation. Participants integrate
mindfulness practice into their everyday lives and explore
the connection between mind and body. Participants
report a positive reduction in their intensity of pain
suffering and develop new strategies for ongoing pain
reduction.
Primary Care Services
Health promotion and education services are offered to
provide counselling for at-risk clients and to offer
prevention strategies, which address the whole health of
the individual. In addition, we provide for some onsite lab
services for the convenience of our clients.
Youth and Child Counselling
This informal counselling/provision of resources will
continue to address the needs of youth who need
assistance in decision making, job search techniques, peer
pressure and problems associated with their home life,
etc. Internal referrals will be made to the Counselling
Services Team for youth whose issues cannot be
addressed by the scope of this informal counselling or
external resources.
The Giving Room
The Giving room is available to all Oshawa Community
Health Centre clients to help support them in moments of
crisis and break down barriers to the necessities of life
examples: clothing, books, outerwear, foot wear, etc.
The Beginning...
• In 1982, Reverend Bill Piercy founded the South Oshawa Community
Development Project (SOCDP) with a grant from the United Church of Canada, to
address the needs of people living in South Oshawa in a non-partisan religious
and political manner.
• In 1982, after submitting a proposal to the Durham Region District Health
Council, the South Oshawa Community Development Project opened a
Community Health Centre under its auspices. Funding from the City of Oshawa,
United Way and the Ministry of Community and Social Services permitted the
acquisition of personnel to bring forth increased programming and community
development for an area devoid of resources and opportunity.
• By 1990, the health centre moved from the basement of an old church into 777
Simcoe Street South in Oshawa.
•By 2005 we had expanded to capacity and began to plan a facility that would
ensure that the Centre could continue providing our community with an optimum
quality of life with seamless access to a broad range of free programs and
services.
The Present...
• In July 2008 with the support of the Oshawa community, the City of Oshawa and
the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care we opened a new home – almost
tripling our capacity to help children, families and our community.
• Our services include family medicine, social work and counselling and a variety
of health promotion and community development groups, many focusing on
children, youth and women. All of our services and programs are free.
• Oshawa Community Health Centre is a Not-for Profit Corporation & Registered
Charity
• Accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation through 2015
Community Initiatives
FINANCIALS
Revenues
Aboriginal Assessment Project
Through funding partnership with Ministry of Health
Promotion, OCHC will be conducting an Aboriginal
Needs Assessment of the Durham Region with the assistance of an Aboriginal Assessment Facilitator and Aboriginal Advisory Circle.
Community Capacity Building Project
Glen Street Project- As identified in the 2009 needs
assessment, two of the major needs of the South Oshawa
residents are the need for respite time and the need to
have experiences outside of their local neighbourhood.
Summer months are from June- August which leaves a lot
of down time for families and children so extracurricular
activities are planned during these months.
Community Garden
Community gardens involve residents sharing in the
creation, maintenance and rewards of gardening. They
provide food, recreation and therapeutic opportunities for
a community. They can also promote environmental
awareness and education.
Community Labyrinth
This program initiative promotes the further development
of the community labyrinth. A labyrinth is a traditional
design of pathways that are unicursal (meaning that they
offer one way in, and the same way out) and circular in
shape.
Conant Complex Neighbourhood Fair
The major focus of this Community Initiative is about
informing the residents of Oshawa about the new
location, programs and services offered at the Oshawa
Community Health Centre and the Oshawa Senior Citizen
Centre at the Conant Complex.
$5,123,790
Central East Local Health
Integration Network
4%
Ministry of Health and Long
Term Care - Hep C
6%
12%
Family Christmas Program
The Family Christmas Party offers a fun time for all the
families during the holidays of which the entire family is
invited to a dinner, they receive food/vouchers, play
games and each child receives a gift from Santa.
Donations, Grants and
Fundraising
6%
5%
66%
Ministry of Health and Long
Term Care - Diabetes
Program
Ministry of Children and
Youth Services
Other
G.L Roberts Wellness Centre
Primary health care services, health education and
counselling for students of GL Roberts Collegiate.
Homeless Health Initiative
This community centered service is situated in the
downtown core at Cornerstone Community Association
Durham, a community partner. The main focus of this
imitative is to provide services to the marginalized and
homeless community of Oshawa. Services provided
include basic health care, wound care, First Aid care,
health monitoring, health promotion, health education
and advocacy for health services for clients. Referrals to
this part-time program come from the Emergency
Shelter and transitional housing programs at
Cornerstone, the medical team at OCHC, community
drop-ins and the local Canadian Mental Health
Association.
Expenses
$5,563,672
10%
8%
Capital Project Amortization of Facility
18%
17%
Operating
Clinical services
Group/Programs/Comm
unity Work
47%
Corporate and
Administration
Programs
Your Journey to Wellness with Diabetes
This program has been designed by the OCHC Diabetes
Education Team for adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Group
classes, facilitated by a Registered Dietitian and a
Registered Nurse, consist of three 2.5 hour sessions
(2 consecutive weekly sessions and a follow up session
based on need). Participants are provided education on
living a healthy lifestyle with diabetes with all information
based on the Canadian Diabetes Association 2008
Guidelines.
Youth League
The Youth League currently offers 20 recreational
programs weekly during the school year and 1 program
during the summer, Christmas holiday and March Break
for children and youth in the Oshawa area. Programs
operate at 4 locations. Youth League continues to
introduce in-program leadership opportunities to our
youth. This leadership initiative will encourage
leadership skill development in youth that are able to
‘lead’ the group in one/more activities. Youth League
also includes cooking, nutrition, health promotion and
physical activity to educate children on the importance
of a healthy lifestyle.
Youth to Youth
Youth to Youth is an approach to community
development that is initiated by and led by children
and youth. It is based on a belief in the ability of
children and youth to make important contributions to
the health and well-being of themselves and others.
Children and youth are empowered to express
themselves to become agents of change in their
families and communities. The intent of Youth to Youth
is to develop self-esteem and empowerment by
allowing the children to make decisions, be part of the
planning process, and having an opportunity to make a
difference in their community.
The Parent Advisory Committee
The Parent Advisory Committee is an active, working
committee, whose role is to provide guidance to the Early
Years Health Promoter in terms of the Parent Workshops,
provide feedback regarding all Early Years Programming,
participate in the planning and implementation of any
preschool events, and identify and address (where
appropriate) gaps and issues within the community.
Sexual Health Workshops
Sexual health workshops are run by Ryerson and UOIT
nursing students at G.L. Roberts C.V.I. and Lakewoods
Public School during class time. Interactive and
educational workshops are then planned and delivered by
the nursing students based on best practices and
feedback from previous sessions.
South Oshawa Teen Council
The South Oshawa Teen Council is comprised of a group
of dedicated youth whose purpose continues to be to
fundraise for various projects/initiatives in the Oshawa
area. SOTC is supported by an OCHC staff member that
will continue to act as a liaison between SOTC and
Oshawa Community Health Centre.
The Spark Newsletter
The Spark Newsletter provides an up-to-date list of
programs, groups and resources intended to prevent
violence and is produced and distributed three times a
year. The newsletter is sent out to service providers and
individuals, as well as distributed through our own
programs and website.
Youth Workshops
The program offers opportunities for youth throughout
the year and is designed to meet the ongoing/changing
needs of the community.
.
Programs
Programs
Anger Prevention Program
Many children have difficulty controlling their anger and
would benefit from learning skills to be better equipped
to deal with anger provoking situations. In this three-part
workshop, held at Glen Street Public School, grade 5
students will learn strategies for self control, healthy
expression of anger and be provided with opportunity for
skill rehearsal.
Artscape
The Artscape Art program is offered to adults/parents in
the Glen Street and south Oshawa area. The group will be
an opportunity for adults in the community to explore
various art mediums in a fun, encouraging, and positive
manner. Parents will be able to add to their own skill set
which they can in turn share with others, including their
own children.
Breastfeeding Buddies
The “Breastfeeding Buddies – Oshawa Community Health
Centre” is a peer facilitated breastfeeding support
program inspired by two breastfeeding moms in the Glen
St. and south Oshawa areas. The group is co facilitated
with a nurse from the Region of Durham. This group is
geared to pregnant and new moms and their nursing
infants in South Oshawa and specifically the “Glen St.
Neighbourhood.” The group will also welcome expecting
parents who are interested in learning more about
breastfeeding, before birth.
Bully Prevention Program
Bullying continues to be a serious and complex issue with
devastating effects for victims, bullies and bystanders.
Research demonstrates that community and school based
interventions can reduce the level of peer to peer
bullying. The ongoing program will operate on a
bi-weekly basis within the school. The Health Promoter –
Youth will facilitate in-class activities (curriculum based) for
children in grades JK – 12. The Health Promoter will
receive support from teaching staff, Principal, Vice
Principal and School Leaders.
Babysitting Course
The Babysitting course is a program in which youth ages
11-16 acquires knowledge about how to care for babies,
toddlers and young children. The youth who attend this
course will learn about stages of development, safety,
dressing, age appropriate activities, feeding, bedtime and
what to do in an emergency.
Challenge, Change, Choices
A 20 week women’s psychotherapy group for adult
Body Beautiful
women who have experienced trauma in a relationship
This is an 8 week group for women which will explore
whether in childhood or adulthood.
body image – how it is created, and ways to feel and treat
oneself better. The group also strives to encourage
Teenage Storm
participants to work towards living a healthy lifestyle that
Workshop is a 12 week support group provided to
is based on health rather than on achieving thinness,
parents and caregivers of teenagers 12 – 21 years old.
reflecting a health at any size philosophy.
The workshop focuses on the challenges of parenting
teams. The topics of the workshops will be group directed
based on needs of the families we service and an Interest
Survey that parents are asked to complete.
.
Summer Ready for School
The Ready For School Program is a structured program
designed for children entering Junior Kindergarten in
September. This program will be open to a maximum
of 10 children (that will be referred and informally
screened by OCHC staff and/or community services
agencies i.e. Durham Infant Development etc.), and will
be planned, implemented and evaluated by two
Oshawa Community Health Centre Early Years Staff and
volunteers if available. The program will include a wide
variety of activities that will foster and enhance
children’s five key developmental areas as well as,
providing them with a healthy lunch & snack. The
program will be designed to simulate a kindergarten
classroom, therefore making the transition into school
more familiar for children.
Teen Cuisine
The program offers 10 spaces per evening (twice per
week). Youth sign up ahead of time by writing their
name on the attendance sheet. Youth will be involved
in planning menu items that they would like to try along
with some items that encourages multicultural food
experiences.
VIK Kids Day Camp
The VIK Camp is an affordable and quality day camp
offered to the families in Oshawa that may not be able
to send their children to some of the more expensive
camps. The program is entering its 29th year of
servicing the community primarily in the south Oshawa
area.
Volunteer Program
The agency will continue to support volunteer
opportunities including recruitment, orientation, and
recognition of volunteers. Current volunteer positions
include board members, student placements,
administrative work, maintenance, program assistants and
event day volunteers.
Wellness Program
The fundamental purpose of this educational, support
group is to help women increase control over their own
lives. The program delivers current information and
inspiration through professional presenters. Each
participant has the opportunity to grow in personal
development and self-confidence through what they learn
and practice in their own lives. Healthy snacks and
community resources are consistently available.
Worry Workshop
A three part workshop series looking at the issue of worry
that will teach three of the most common therapeutic
modalities which address worry and anxiety – cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance
and commitment therapy (ACT). People are asked to
make a commitment to come to all three parts as the
information will build upon the previous week.
YWHAG
YWHAG is a psycho-educational group for up to 15
adolescent women with a lot of stress in their lives. It is
held at G.L. Roberts Collegiate during school time. The
group is voluntary. Participants select topics about
common stressors in their lives such as; relationship
problems, depression, anxiety, sex, anger, family
problems and addictions. These topics are addressed
through the use of discussion, role plays, group activities,
literature, guest speakers and a final day celebration.
Programs
Programs
Parent and Child Program
The Parent and Child Program is a program for children
ages 0 to 6 and their parents and/or caregivers. The
program includes two components; one for children,
which includes a structured and stimulating environment
that provides a wide variety of activities that will foster
children’s five key developmental areas.
Parent Relief
The Parent Relief program will operate once a week to
provide relief/respite for parents of children ages 0 to 6
yrs. The program will provide care by 2 qualified ECE
staff, for 9 children ages 0-6, plus one emergency spot,
for a total of 10 children at any one time. Parents will be
able to access this program once a month.
Parent Workshops
The Parent Workshops are monthly workshops provided
to parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 6 years.
The topics of the workshops will be developed based on
needs of the families we service and an Interest Survey
that preschool parents are asked to fill out. Typically, the
workshops cover topics that will enhance parent’s knowledge of child development, therefore strengthening their
parental skills and capacity.
Positive Parenting Program
The Positive Parenting group is a six (6) week program for
parents and care-givers of children ages 2 – 12. The
group runs over six sessions and offers education and
information on parenting young children.
Preschool Program
The Preschool Program is a structured program designed
for 2 ½ - 6 year old children. Children will attend
preschool once per week for a 2 hour class. Fourteen
classes will be provided weekly with a maximum of 10
children registered per class. The program will run from
Sept. – June, 5 sessions, 7 weeks in length with 1 week of
Registration. Locations include: Oshawa Community
Health Centre, The Malaga Complex, Stop 46, Glen St
School, Queen Elizabeth School, Woodcrest School and
Dr. C.F Cannon School.
Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety is a 25 week present-focused group
therapy treatment that helps participants attain safety
from trauma/PTSD and substance abuse. This group
treatment works to establish safety for those who have
experienced trauma and have difficulty with substance
abuse. The program consists of 25 session topics which
address a variety of cognitive, behavioural, and
interpersonal areas. The treatment offers practical tools
and techniques, and safe coping skills, which can be
integrated into the lives of participants
Social Committee
This committee works to improve workplace wellness and
initiate cohesiveness with and between teams throughout
staff.
Summer Stay and Play Program
The Preschool Summer Stay and Play Program is a
collaboration between Oshawa Community Health Centre
and The Ontario Early Years Centre. The program is for
children ages 0 to 6 years and their parents and/or
caregivers, and aims to provide a positive, cooperative
place during the summer for children to participate in
crafts, games, songs, stories and other stimulating
activities.
Community Kitchen
The Community Kitchen program is a 6 week (2 hours per
week) cooking and nutrition program for parents and
caregivers of children ages 0 through 6 years. It is offered
a total of 6 times the year, for a total of 36 sessions. The
program provides participants with the opportunity to
plan, prepare and cook nutritious meals on a budget.
The program will promote healthy eating, the
development of new skills, increased social networks and
building community capacity.
Creative Circle
The Creative Circle is a weekly program that gathers
people together to quilt. Many of the participants
experience isolation in their daily lives. Participants learn
to stitch and work collaboratively on a quilting project.
Conversation is shared and connections are created.
Group projects are donated to fund-raising events (silent
auctions, raffles etc.), to individuals who could benefit
from a quilt, and for other charitable events. Self-esteem
is developed when participants share their individual work
in a “show and tell” format while seeking advice on other
projects.
Diabetes Support Group
This popular program is open to adults with Pre-Diabetes
or Diabetes and their family members and operates at a
host off site location. Monthly meetings provide a
peer-to-peer supportive network where participants share
ideas and concerns in self-management of their diabetes.
Educational topics and guest speakers are based on the
requests of the participants in the group.
Families In Action for Teens
Families In Action for Teens is a video-based program for
ages 11-14 years. The program teaches important
communication skills while helping teens understand the
dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
Free Income Tax Clinic
In conjunction with the Association of Chartered
Accountants of Ontario (who also provide us with a
donation once the clinics are complete), we will hold free
tax clinics for clients of the Oshawa Community Health
Centre and the community. Volunteer accountants, who
are qualified and experienced with the income tax
process, will complete income tax forms of those who fit
their established criteria.
Fresh Produce Monday’s
The Fresh Produce Mondays Program offers the
Dads VIP Group
opportunity for clients to save on their grocery bill by
An interactive program where Dads can attend, with or
receiving free fresh produce 1-2 times per month. The
without their children, for free play time in the gym, crafts, program also encourages consumption of more fresh
discussion and dinner.
fruits and vegetables.
Girls Hang Out
Girls Hang Out is designed to offer support and
education to young women who are facing stressors in
their lives and could use more support. The program will
also consist of a fun, social activity in order to help build
relationships within the group and improve social skills.
It is offered off site at local schools.
Programs
Programs
Glen St. Sewing Group
This is an interactive life skills program. Participants will
learn the art of sewing. This group will support moms to
learn how to sew, mend and create clothing for their
family. Each participant will have access to their own
sewing machine and the facilitator will teach them how
to operate it. The group sizes will be small to enable the
facilitator to have an ample amount of one to one time
with each participant.
Good Food Box Program
The Good Food Box Program offers the opportunity to
purchase fresh produce at a bulk purchase rate – making
it more affordable and accessible. In addition, the
program provides a delivery service to various locations,
eliminating the need for transportation issues normally
encountered (ie, lack of vehicle, saving on cost associated with taxi/bus, etc.). The program also encourages
consumption of more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Healthy You
The Healthy You program was originally developed by
the Hamilton Family Health Team for use with groups of
clients whose goal is to lose weight through healthy
lifestyle changes. The program provides clients with the
knowledge needed to make informed decisions regarding food choices and health and equips clients with the
support necessary to overcome factors that influence
these decisions such as emotional eating.
H.E.A.R.T
Homework, Education, Activity & Reading Together
was developed to improve children’s literacy skills. It
runs evenings from 6:00-8:00pm in the Hope Centre of
Learning.
Hope Centre of Learning
This room, sponsored by Dan and Paula Carter, will
allow all members of the community to have a place to
read a book, have access to both PC’s and iMac computers, and the opportunity to participate in special
training programs sessions throughout the year. A
lending library of Books, DVDs and laptop computers
has been established so these items can be taken
home.
Kindermusic
Kindermusik Family Time is music and movement class
for families with Children ages 0-7years. Families will
have the opportunity to make music, dance and spend
time with their children in a positive learning
environment. The program provides a convenient class
that families can take together. The class introduces
musical concepts and develops musical skills. It also
allows children to develop social and emotional skills,
such as sharing and turn-taking, in a multi-age,
multi-child environment.
Lead Your Life
This is a health and life skills development group created
for women of any age. The purpose of the group is for
women to develop a number of skills that will lead them
towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Participants will
be given the opportunity to share in a number of
activities that focus on nutritional, physical and
leadership skills.
Living Well With Diabetes
Living With Diabetes is a 6 week continuous, psycho
educational, drop-in group experience. It has been
designed for clients and their immediate family members
who are currently living with diabetes. This group works
to address some of the thoughts, feelings and
behaviours associated with a diabetic lifestyle. Living
with Diabetes also endeavours to increase client’s sense
of participation and control over their diabetic condition.
Weekly group discussions include acceptance, coping,
grief, fear, isolation, regret, anger, family and external
supports, anxiety and depression.
Mind Over Mood
The Mind Over Mood group is based on the book
“Mind Over Mood” by Greenberger and Padesky. This
psycho education treatment uses Cognitive Behaviour
Therapy (CBT) to teach clients how to gain control over
their thoughts in order to change their moods. Mind
Over Mood is offered to men who experience symptoms of anxiety and depression and who have difficulty
managing stress. This 8 week group runs in 2 hours
sessions.
Mommy and Me
This experiential group is designed to empower the
parent, bringing awareness of your unique parenting
style while fostering a healthy connection with your
child. Sharing experiences promotes safety and
intimacy for parents and children to explore together.
In a playful environment, the group creates a parallel
process opportunity to manage the challenges and
acknowledge the practical and emotional successes of
new parenting.
Lunch and Learn
The Community Kitchen lunch program is a 4 week (2
hours per week) cooking and nutrition program for
parents and caregivers of children ages 0 through 6
years. The program would provide participants with the
opportunity to plan, prepare and cook nutritious lunch
meals on a budget. The program promotes healthy
eating, the development of new skills, increased social
networks and building community capacity.
Nobody’s Perfect Program
The Nobody’s Perfect Parenting Program is offered to
caregivers and parents with children 0 to 6 years of age.
It is a discussion based group focusing on 4 books that
participants keep once the program is completed. The
program focuses on the needs of children and their
developmental stages. The parents are given the
opportunity to express their specific interests and
needs when they attend the first session.
Mind, Body, Fitness
The focus of mind, body, fitness Program is to engage
the entire being. The intention behind mind-body
exercise is to bring wellness to both aspects of our
being. When this is achieved, willingness and awareness
in making other healthy lifestyle choices will naturally
follow. Using concepts founded on the ancient art of
yoga as well as mind-body techniques, facilitator will
create enriching experiences for their clients and class
participants.
Nordic Pole Walking
The Nordic Pole Walking Group is an exercise group
that has a focus on social wellness The group runs for
up to 1.5 hours and includes warm up, walk, cool-down
and snack.