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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

United Way Initiatives acknowledge mental health needs of children and youth during the pandemic

Virtual Success by 6 and Quarenteens images provide resources for kids, youth, families and caregivers during challenging times

Kingston, ON (April 13, 2021) – COVID-19 has been challenging for everyone including kids and youth. In consultation with KFL&A Public Health, local School boards and the Queen’s University Psychology clinic, United Way of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington learned that just like all of us, kids are struggling with their mental health and well-being too.

In an effort to raise awareness and offer resources for parents, caregivers and young people in the community, United Way KFL&A has shifted traditional Success by 6 programming in 2021 and added on Quaranteens resources to help during these challenging times.

“The pandemic has created a huge burden for our children, youth, and their parents,” explained Karen Fleming, Executive Director of the Maltby Centre in Kingston. “Stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma is a result of carrying this burden and we are seeing this in our clients and client volume increase at Maltby Centre. Please reach out for support. You are not alone.” 

With the help of BM Dodo deisgns’ Jen Cameron, a series of images and animations were created to help point children, youth, parents and caregivers to activity suggestions and resources. These tools have been posted to social media and include everything from gardening, to playing games at home, to virtual interaction suggestions and resources for mental health support and assistance during the pandemic.

“In the absence of in person events and activities, people are encouraged to take the time, make the moments matter with their young children and youth,” said Bhavana Varma, President and CEO, United Way KFL&A. “We recognize this past year has been tough for everyone and, in consultation with local partners, wanted to bring attention to resources and activities that can help. We hope this engagement and awareness of where to turn for help will encourage families and youth to reach out for support.”

For more information, downloadable images and resources visit www.unitedwaykfal.ca/successby6 and www.unitedwaykfla.ca/quaranteens

About United Way KFL&A
United Way works with individuals, organizations and key partners to build and strengthen our community bringing people and resources together to facilitate change. Our vision is a future where people are self-sufficient in a community where individuals live with hope, dignity and a sense of belonging. United Way funds programs that meet immediate needs and address the root causes of local issues. Stay up to date by following our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn or visiting www.unitedwaykfla.ca 

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Media Contact:
Mandy Pasch, Manager, Marketing and Communications
United Way KFL&A
613-876-3088, marketing@unitedwaykfla.ca

Quaranteens

The pandemic has been hard for everyone and adapting to virtual interactions, social distancing, and safety protocols is tough. As everyone tries to navigate their own feelings you may be feeling alone, isolated, confused, angry, frustrated – all of this is ok.

Success by 6

Traditional Success by 6 programming isn’t possible this year, but we encourage community members to keep the spirit of the annual event going. By investing in young children, their parents and caregivers, we dramatically increase our children’s chances for a healthy and successful future. Take the time, make the moments matter.

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"My wife and I have always donated to the United Way KFL&A because we know the donated funds are used in our community. In my retirement, I have become more aware of the people in need in our community. I encourage you to support these vital programs by volunteering and by making a donation. Through the United Way you make a difference in the lives of so many."
Jim Parker
"With our United Way funding, we go right to the grocery store or a local supplier and purchase the food that helps a student take advantage of everything school has to offer. You can be confident that your donation to the United Way stays here, in KFL&A and supports students in our community"
Brenda MooreFood Sharing Project
“United Way came in and adopted us and things changed dramatically, we didn’t have people waiting on the step for a bed in the winter. They stay as long as they need to and we help them get into transitional housing. We provide them with structure and help them. Because of United Way we get to help raise these children and I feel honoured and so proud to know them.”
Denise LambKingston Youth Shelter
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United Way of KFL&A would like to acknowledge this traditional territory’s longer existence and its significance for the Indigenous people who lived and continue to live on Turtle Island.

We are situated on traditional Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat land. There are Métis and other non-status First People from many Indigenous Nations present in our community today. This acknowledgement symbolizes the United Way KFL&A’s first step, of many, along this path toward Indigenous reconciliation, in a respectful manner.

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