It’s been nearly a year since COVID-19 impacted every aspect of our lives.  Everyone has felt the effects one way or another.  Certainly, this has been the case for youth who receive services from the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society.  These youths between 16 and 21 face a number of challenges particularly as they seek independent living.  Poverty, unemployment, addictions and mental health are common. The impact of COVID-19 has served to compound these. As a result of two grants, youth have been able to be provided with care hampers that meet many of their immediate needs.

United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County Covid-19 Emergency Grant – This grant assisted 75 youth living independently with packages including a digital thermometer, personal protective equipment, grocery gift cards and personal hygiene products.

Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada Covid-19 Response Program Support Fund for Former Youth in Care – A component of this grant subsidized the distribution of 25 Culturally Responsive Discharge Kits for youth of various cultural backgrounds that are leaving care.  The kits include personal protective equipment, a first aid kit, smoke & carbon detector, fire extinguisher and a grocery gift card for a specialty store that reflects their individual culture.  Other aspects of this grant include assistance with rent, access to improved internet service, educational supports such as laptops, emergency and long term counselling and emergency transportation supports.

The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Foundation is most appreciative of this great support that provides hope and inspiration to youth who are facing so many uncertainties.