Project to help Innisfil teens/young adults
Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County is expanding it’s YouthCALL Service Link program into Innisfil, thanks to a $16,250 grant from Innisfil Community Foundation.
YouthCALL is a Coordinated Care Project serving vulnerable transitional aged youth. The collaboration, led by Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County (CFCSS), was established in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, CONTACT Community Services, Gilbert Centre, New Path, and Youth Haven. The grant will expand the program beyond its original boundaries of Bradford and Alliston, allowing coordinated service delivery for Innisfil teens and young adults with mental health conditions.
“The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a challenging time, full of complex decisions. For teens and young adults with serious mental health conditions, this phase of life poses even greater health challenges,” says Michelle Bergin, Executive Director, CFCSS. “We’re grateful to Innisfil Community Foundation for understanding how important it is to help young people navigate these challenging times and we’re thrilled to bring this program to Innisfil.”
To access YouthCALL, Innisfil residents aged 14 – 28 can call or text 705-790-2338 for assistance navigating social engagement, crisis support, mental health, addictions, housing, finances, primary care, employment, education, legal matters and more. The phone is monitored Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
“Of all the heartbreaking effects of COVID-19, it’s impact on young people is one of the most devastating,” says Sandra Rizzardo, Innisfil Community Foundation Board Chair. “The collaboration between these organizations is nothing short of impressive and we are so pleased to see them working together to wrap their collective arms around our youth.”
So far in 2021, Innisfil Community Foundation has granted $99,750 to organizations supporting Innisfil residents. Learn more about grant recipients.