FAITHWORKS with our
MINISTRY PARTNERS
What does programming look like?
Drop-ins have moved to an online platform. A youth helped set up The Dam on Discord, a chat room with voice and video options. There is a great partnership of youth and adults moderating the online space. Scheduled games, activities and live shows are providing safe online interactions for youth. The online world goes 24/7. The program teams are learning how to set boundaries or they could be connecting with youth day and night.
Staff are also using the social media platforms to intentionally reach out to different youth and see how they are doing. Online video conferencing tools such as Zoom can be used for small group discussions.
For youth in need of face to face supports, all social distancing practices are being followed with appropriate screening procedures in an abundance of caution.
So how are youth experiencing social distancing?
A youth was in crisis this week, yet opted for a video chat rather than risking coming out face to face. Other youth have to look after younger siblings so that a parent can work. And then there is straight boredom. We are especially concerned for those youth who live in difficult homes, the youth who live on their own, and those for whom the shelter system is home.
We can get food to those who need it, and we even have a few packages of toilet paper. Yet the effects of social isolation grow week after week. It will take all of us working together to respond and care for one another as we live, work and play within the guidelines set out by the Health Department in the midst of this unprecedented season.
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