Wood's Homes Blog

‘Monsters’ are real for most of the families and youth in our care. Their monsters are with them in the night – and sometimes, even in the day – hiding in the shadows, under their beds and in their dreams.

The youth and families who access our programs are all looking for something similar – safety from their monsters. It’s a simple feeling that many families struggle to achieve, sometimes for generations. Through the addictions program, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many youth and families who are unsure about what they’re actually seeking from me. In the end, it almost always comes down to safety – more specifically, safety while using (harm reduction), safety in conversations and safety in sobriety.

Why is it so easy for we, as human beings, to talk about a broken arm and so difficult to talk about a broken heart?

Many of us who have been in the business of caring for and helping children and their families for years would say we have come a long way with understanding and accepting our ‘mental or emotional health’, while many others would say we still have a long way to go.

It started out as an idea; a way to alleviate some of the fear and anxiety felt by the clients we serve who struggle with addictions. For a number of reasons, there are times when our EXIT Youth Hub clients aren’t heard from for long periods. Some find other supports. Some leave the city. Some, unfortunately, fall on hard times and can no longer make their way to us. Whatever the reason, as Wood’s Homes’ Addictions Specialist, I wanted to do something to help the clients who return to EXIT after they’ve taken time away from our services. 

Sometimes we are guilty of underestimating the power of language, and the way we choose our words. In my work as an Indigenous liaison at Wood’s Homes, I am very deliberate in the use of my words and I believe it’s something all of us need to be reminded of.

When we think of pride, we sometimes think of a pride of lions. Did you know what a pride of lions represents? A pride of lions is a symbol of a family structure. A good example of what a pride represents is seen when we look at the community that lions build in support of each other. That community is in pursuit of a common goal: The Pride! And it teaches us about balance and how all living things together represent balance in life.

On June 25, we proudly hosted more than 50 people at our Annual General Meeting at our Inglewood campus. Filled with vibrant colours, great food (prepared by YCAP) and the smiling faces of our Board and committee members, partners, donors and friends, the event provided another opportunity to showcase our campus and to hear inspiring stories from across the agency.

Our very own Josh Groen, School Support Counsellor with Wood’s Homes’ William Taylor Learning Centre, spoke about the innovative ways he and his colleagues encourage renewed interest in learning and participation among the students there. He shared many stories of success… here’s what he had to say:

This year, Children’s Mental Health Day was on May 9 and once again, Wood’s Homes took the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of paying attention to our mental health.

Many of us who have been in the business of caring for and helping children and their families for years would say we have come a long way with understanding and accepting our ‘mental health’ while many others would say we still have such a long way to go.

It took a while for the boys to settle into their chairs. One was busy tinkering with the spoon in his teacup; another anxious to show anyone willing to listen, his magic deck of cards. A third was fidgeting with his ear buds.

And then the sweet grass was lit, marking the official start of our togetherness and some quiet.

These youth, along with a half-dozen others, are clients at Wood’s Homes. They were gathered recently in a circle that included special guest Elder John Crier, and Wood’s Homes’ Indigenous Liaison Tye Rhyno. They were here to listen to the Elder who had stories to share.

I have had the pleasure of working at Wood’s Homes for over nine years, first as the Director of Fund Development, and then more recently as Philanthropy Advisor. And now as I retire from my career in fundraising, I have been reflecting on what I have accomplished the last 40 years. Without question, working at Wood’s Homes has been a highlight for me.

March is Social Work month in Canada.

When I left university two years ago with a political science degree, I never thought I’d find myself in the social work profession. When I discuss my educational background, people often ask what led me into this profession, but to me social work and politics are closely intertwined. However, social work and its role in the political arena is overlooked.