ENRICH
(English Network Resources in Community Health)

Contact Us:
President: Sheilagh Murphy
Executive Director: Kathy Teasdale
53 Principale, Gatineau, (Quebec) J9H 3L4
(819) 210-3442
Email: enrich.ed@sympatico.ca

About Us

ENRICH (English Network Resources in Community Health) is a non-profit volunteer community organization serving the English-speaking population of the Outaouais region in the area of health and social services.

ENRICH is most active in the urban core of the Outaouais, and in the Wakefield, Low and Kazabazua areas of the Gatineau Valley. Current programs focus primarily on the needs of youth and their families.

Incorporated in 1997, ENRICH grew from the recognition that in order for the English-speaking population to fill certain service gaps, a community organization is required that can provide advocacy, support and services for this particular population in the area of health and social services. ENRICH was formed as an umbrella organization that could bring projects and people together with funding agencies and/or institutions, in a network of services, in order to maximize services, minimize costs and avoid duplication.

Operating with a volunteer Board of Directors, ENRICH has active partnerships with the Outaouais Health Agency, the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB), the Regional Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ), the Outaouais Health and Social Services Network (OHSSN), the provincial Community Health and Social Services Network, (CHSSN) and the Quebec Learners Network (QLN).

ENRICH receives funding support from the Ministry of Health and Social Services through the Outaouais Health Agency. Its programs and services have been supported by: Health Canada, Justice Canada, Heritage Canada and the Western Quebec School Board.

Services

HELP (Healthy Lifestyles Program)
In partnership with the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB), ENRICH facilitates the Health Lifestyles Program (HELP) in 2 secondary schools.

HELP is a health promotion and prevention program offered to youth between the ages of 12 and 18. This program helps youth develop skills for making healthy choices. Students commit one hour of class time per week over an 8-week period. The focus is on the prevention of problems before they develop rather than intervention. Work is done with peer groups using discussion and other teaching strategies in order to increase problem solving and communication abilities. Youth are selected for groups who show strong interest and motivation. Follow up groups can continue for up to one year to help students integrate the program information with personal experiences. Parents sign an authorization form in order for students to participate.

Elementary Social Skills Program
The Elementary Social Skills Program is offered at 4 elementary schools reaching over 600 students at different grade levels. 'Pro-social' skills are learned through modeling, role playing, feedback and transfer. Each participating classroom teacher selects 8 skills from a choice of 60 that are specific to their group. Implementation is done through large and small group work with the help of a facilitator, the classroom teacher and a school-based helper. The program is designed to assist elementary school children to learn a variety of life skills and socially acceptable ways to deal with problems and socialize with peers and significant others.'

Safe Prom
Using the motto ‘Make it magic, not tragic’, Safe Prom is offered at 2 WQSB secondary schools. Using a combination of activities in the school and on-site reminders on prom night, individual students make a signed commitment to keep safe on prom night.

Aware, Prepared and Linked
Aware, Prepared and Linked is a program for English-speaking families with teens (13-17 years old) who are at high risk for substance abuse and school drop-out. Participation usually comes through referral from the CLSC and/or school counselors. There are three components to the program: summer program for teens, fall family follow-up program and community sensitization and support program.

During the 8-week summer teen program, 4 weeks are devoted to promotion of lifestyle change using boardroom-style interactive sessions with youth. In addition, guest speakers from the business/professional community talk to the teens about their careers/work and the training and education necessary for success. Teens also learn to write resumes and role play for job interviews. The last 4 weeks are spent in 2 different work placements.

The 4-week autumn family follow-up program involves teens and parents coming together one evening a week. The objective is improved family functioning. The two groups meet separately and then together with a facilitator for further discussion.

Aware, Prepared and Linked is founded on community sensitization and support. It involves the education community, the health and social services network and the business and local community. These partners supply promotion, support, time and expertise crucial to the program’s success.

For further information about any of the programs listed above please contact ENRICH at: enrich.ed@sympatico.ca or phone (819) 210-3442.