FALL 2022 NEWSLETTER

A MESSAGE FROM:

Ian Wheeliker,

Executive Director

As the cooler weather of Fall starts to settle in, I look back on the past year of dedication from both our staff and the Board of Directors.

Our staff continue to provide critical community services to our clients, recognizing that the community needs them, perhaps now more than ever. Our Board of Directors has worked diligently throughout the year, to build strength in both the board and the organization.

We have adopted a new vision, mission and mandate that reflect the work of the entire organization and accurately represent our 4 major areas of service: healthy relationships, mental well-being and suicide prevention, housing stability, and self-sufficiency.

Thank you to the community and our funders who support us each year.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ANNUAL REPORT

The Annual General Meeting was hosted on September 21, 2022 at The Outreach Centre. It was a chance to reflect on the past year, and look ahead at what's to come for the organization.

We released our 2021-22 Annual Report, which can be viewed online. A summary of 2021-22 Program Statistics can be seen below (click to enlarge). This summary highlights the impact that your donations make throughout the year, ensuring that new and existing clients can access the supports that they require.

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

Observed on September 10th every year, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) provides the opportunity for people across the globe, to raise awareness of suicide and promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.

Staff were onsite at the Downtown Farmer's Market on September 7 and the Red Deer Farmer's Market on September 10, chatting about suicide prevention and mental health.

EVENT UPDATE

WALK-A-MILE IN HER SHOES

We had a great turnout at Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Red Deer 2022! Thank you to the donors and participants - your support helps us with our ongoing efforts in the fight against domestic and gendered violence.

Thank you to the following sponsors of this event - Mr. John Donald, Red Deer Kinsmen Club, 106.7 Rewind Radio, Sunny 94 and Special Event Rentals.

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH & RECONCILIATION

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

RED DEER KINSMEN CLUB

The Red Deer Kinsmen Club has served the City of Red Deer for over 80 years. The club performs a wide variety of local fundraising and service projects, dependent upon the greatest needs of the community. The club is made up of about 25 volunteers who desire to enhance and improve the well-being of others.

With a focus on compassion, inclusivity and integrity, the club's mission is to impact communities through service, leadership, fellowship and personal development. In 2021/22, the club donated more than $100,000 into the community, supporting various charity organizations. One of the Red Deer Kinsmen Club's largest fundraisers is the Kinsmen Dream Home Lottery, that has taken place every October - December for the last 40 years. This year's home is currently being built in Timberlands North.

The Red Deer Kinsmen Club have been continuous supporters of The Outreach Centre. According to longtime Kinsmen member Chris Klassen, "The Outreach Centre is helping people and bettering the lives of those in central Alberta. The Kinsmen's motto is to serve the community's greatest needs, and The Outreach Centre is doing just that."

For Klassen, being a member of the Kinsmen Club is a satisfying way to serve the community alongside a positive group of guys. "Joining the club has been a great way to make new friends, network and have some fun, while also giving back to my community." Those wishing to get involved in the Red Deer Kinsmen club can visit their website or reach out through their Facebook page.

TOOLS FOR SCHOOL

THANK YOU to everyone who has donated to Tools for School! Your generosity will help ensure a bright future for students in central Alberta!

We are still collecting donations of school supplies and backpacks. Check out our website for a list of needed supplies and drop-off locations, or to make a monetary donation.

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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

SCHOOL BASED EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Our School Based Education Programs are presented to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 across Red Deer and central Alberta. Presentations take place in individual classrooms and are focused on age-appropriate topics related to mental wellness, suicide prevention and help seeking behavior. This program provides youth with the skills, education and tools to seek appropriate help when needed and foster healthier communities.

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