For almost 30 years now, Sea to Sky Community Services has operated Healthy Pregnancy Outreach Program (HPOP) and for many years it has been the only perinatal drop-in program in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
The program supports prenatal and postpartum parents who may be facing financial and social barriers, as well as caregivers looking to improve the physical and mental health of themselves and their babies. The program provides a safe, inclusive space to meet other parents, access support and resources, enjoy a nutritious meal and pick up healthy ingredients to take home. Discussion groups offer an inclusive and safe space to ask questions and share concerns about childbirth or early parenthood. Guest speakers, mentorship opportunities and professionals answer questions about birth and preparing for new parenthood at each session. One-on-one support is also available.
The connection new parents get through sharing and learning from one another is priceless. However, as participant needs are increasing, so are costs to run this program. Pregnancy and postpartum are transformative times of life that also come with unforeseen challenges and evolution of self. Community support during these transformative times can have a huge impact on the entire family and improve their future overall health. This grant would help us continue to maintain and enhance the quality of this underfunded program.
We are specifically requesting support to provide food for individuals who participate in our HPOP program. The ability to access healthy foods during pregnancy is vital yet it is increasingly challenging during this time when the cost of groceries has risen 6.5% over the past year (Aug 2022 to Aug 2023- Source: BC Consumer price index). The recent Squamish Vital Signs report highlighted that the average monthly cost of a nutritious food basket for a family of 4 in the Sea to Sky area in 2022 was $1441 (which is $130 higher than all of Vancouver Coastal Health Region).
Líl̓wat Nation has 2,275 members, approximately 1,490 of whom live in their community located 7km north of Pemberton. They are the third largest First Nation in British Columbia.
A key need right now is support for the Youth Centre programming – and the most important program is their hot meal program. The Youth Centre provides a safe space for young people after school and in the evening. They can come and drop in and spend time together, connect with staff, participate in activities, and have some time for themselves. The Youth Centre has a range of activities throughout the year including cultural activities with the Elders, Knowledge-Keepers and youth, planting and tending a garden and making pizza from the grown vegetables, and support for homework, training, and finding jobs.
The most recent expanded program is the daily hot meal program, served at 5pm every day. This program helps youth feel loved and cared for. Food security is a challenge for many in the community and providing a hot meal every day has been a positive way to care for them. The majority of youth who attend are male and as well as a healthy, hot meal, this program provides an incentive for them to come to the Centre where they build positive relationships with the skilled staff team. They are able to develop relationships that provide a safety net when they need it.
In a few short years, these youth will be leaders. By choosing to support the program we are providing funding to help feed and care for the youth at the Youth Centre for at least the next 12 months.
Each quarter 100 Men Who Care Whistler will randomly select three registered charities from our collection of member-nominated organizations. These three charities will be asked to come and present to our membership group. A vote will take place after all three nominees have presented and majority wins. The selected charity organization will receive the entirety of funds from our membership group ($100 per member).
Their logo and organization description will appear here!
100 Men Who Care Whistler is designed to make an immediate positive effect on the lives of our neighbours by bringing together 100 (or more) men in Whistler who care about local community causes and who are committed to community strength.
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