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.
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.
Initially ENRICH was active in the urban core of the Outaouais, but recently has expanded its programs to include schools in Chapeau, Low, Kazabazua, Shawville, Maniwaki areas. Future programming is also planned for schools in the Val d’Or , Temiskaming and Rouyn Noranda areas as well. Programs are focused on both Junior and High School students and are directed primarily to the needs of youth and their families.
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.PROGRAMS
HELP (Healthy Lifestyles Program)
In partnership with the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB), ENRICH facilitates
the Health Lifestyles Program (HELP) in 4 secondary schools.
Elementary Social Skills Program
The Elementary Social Skills Program is offered at 4 elementary schools reaching
over 500 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, the Centre Jeunesse and/or school counsellors. Sutdents may
self-refer. 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 2-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.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Rural Intervention and Prevention Programs (RIPP)
A 3 year program whose overall objective is to provide more English – speaking
youth in rural areas with a reliable continuity of drug prevention that
has consistent messaging and allows for short term immediate intervention.
The three activities to achieve this overall objective are;
- The delivery of an in-school drug prevention health promotion program adapted for rural youth based on the Early Prevention Program developed by the Royal Ottawa Hospital.
- The promotion of Safe Prom activities for all graduating classes where no programming exists.
- Collaboration with youth centres (French or English) in the provision of summer based drug prevention programming.
For further information about any of the programs listed above please contact ENRICH at: enrich.ed@sympatico.ca or phone (819) 210-3442.