As we all put one step in front of the other and move through this unprecedented time, I hope this letter finds you all safe and healthy.
At New Leaf, we’re feeling fueled by our shared passion to support our communities. While we miss seeing youth and partners face to face, we are focusing on the opportunity to expand the circle of who we work with and to think outside the box about how we carry out that work.
Some of the highlights over the last several weeks include:
- hosting a virtual workshop on mindfulness and stress for over 180 Toronto District School Board (TDSB) child and youth workers, social workers and other professional services staff
- forming a partnership with Rex Pride and Rexdale Community Health Centre to create a 4-week workshop series for youth ages 13-24 covering topics like working with challenging emotions, resilience, and healthy relationships
- offering live mindful movement sessions to youth workers at Pathways to Education and for child and youth work staff at the TDSB
- creating a model for weekly phone sessions that will be offered to youth who are incarcerated starting this week
We are also proud to have recently received a confirmation of grants from lululemon’s Here to Be Program and from Sporos Foundation. During this especially uncertain time for charities and non-profits, we are more grateful than ever for this vital support!
Before clicking away, please do check out some of our new digital resources—use them for yourself and share them far and wide with youth, teachers, and caregivers!
Wishing you continued health and wellness on behalf of the entire New Leaf team,
Laura Sygrove
Executive Director