By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Rebound Child and Youth Services welcomed Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini Thursday to see the work being supported by the $39,600 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant at their D’Arcy Street facilities in Cobourg.
The tour spotlighted the new multi-sensory furniture, custom-made locally crafted tables and benches, and a new smart screen.
Piccini spoke of the value this work is supporting for the young people of the community – who, like so many in rural Ontario, face special challenges.
“Having dedicated people to support those families and youth is important. It takes a special person, I think, to do that,” he said.
“One of the ways we can help is the Trillium Fund, which is Ontario and Canada’s largest grant agency, and we are very proud of that.”
Standing on a floor which still bears six-feet-apart stickers, Piccini noted the significant challenges small nonprofits faced during the pandemic. This spotlighted the need behind the Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund for these agencies as well as for their clients.
On Wednesday, the results could be seen in the welcoming new furniture, vital equipment and freshly painted walls – including the beautiful new mural by Newcastle artist Michelle Akil. A young girl named Blue Jean is seen in front of a rainbow blowing bubbles into the air – bubbles ideally suited, Akil noted, to be used as background for plexiglass sponsor and donor acknowledgments in the future.
Since the pandemic hit, Piccini said, Rebound has been supported with $500,000 in funding for new, innovative ways of supporting youth at risk.
“I think this is important, and Trillium is an important provider.
“What I love most about it – it isn’t a political thing, it’s the people in the community on the board. We have a great presence for our local Trillium fund board, more residents from this county than ever before.”
Rebound Executive Director Sam Rockbrune said that the comfy new furniture and other items were purposely chosen to create an engaging and inclusive environment that a young person can feel the first time he or she steps through the door. And the equipment – from the smart screen to the new appliances – will enhance programming and efficiency.
Rebound served more than 1,800 clients last year, including helping more than 800 access mental-health services and assisting 500 with restorative-justice measures.
“From the first moment children, youth and their families enter our welcoming and engaging space, to their sessions with counsellors in the updated meeting rooms, it’s clear that this place is designed for them and their needs,” Rockbrune said.
