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America’s Got Talent Judge Howie Mandel to deliver keynote at Pathstone’s 2023 Hope Gala

May 9th 2023 [Niagara Region, ON] – After a 3-year hiatus, Pathstone Foundation is thrilled to revive its Hope Gala with a star keynote speaker this fall. The 11th installment of the event co-presented by Mountainview Building Group & River Realty Development (1976) Inc., will welcome Howie Mandel to Fallsview Casino’s Grand Ballroom on Friday, November 3rd.

Mandel, a Canadian treasure continues to elevate as a comedian, actor and producer. With a career span of nearly four decades, he continues to reinvent himself and appeals to all age groups. Mandel, who was the voice of Gizmo in the film, Gremlins also starred in the medical drama St. Elsewhere. He created voices and starred in the children’s cartoon Bobby’s World. Additionally, Mandel serves as a judge on America’s Got Talent (AGT) and Canada’s Got Talent, was the host of Deal or No Deal (US & Canada) and recently began hosting the first season of the Netflix game show, Bullsh*t.

Mandel has been open about his mental health admitting that often times it became crippling. He will bring his truly personal story to the stage, sharing moments of struggle and success. Mandel will speak his truth, doused with his classic humour, making for a one of a kind night.

In addition to welcoming Mandel’s personal mental health journey along with taking your questions, we will also celebrate the impact Pathstone Mental Health has made in Niagara over the past year and share with our guests, and what the future holds for mental health care in the Region. Kim Rossi – Director of Philanthropy & PR, Pathstone Foundation

This truly unique night is not to be missed.

LIMITED Tickets/Tables are NOW on-sale online – Choose your table https://www.shop.pathstonefoundation.ca

2023 Hope Gala
Co-presented by Mountainview Building Group & River Realty Development (1976) Inc.

PathstoneAmerica’s Got Talent Judge Howie Mandel to deliver keynote at Pathstone’s 2023 Hope Gala
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My Story. This year’s theme for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

My Story. This year’s theme for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week

Pathstone marks May 1st-7th with a series of events & support strategies

Monday, May 1, 2023 [Niagara Region] – This week, Pathstone Mental Health marks Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (CMHAW) across Niagara.

Starting today, the city of St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland and the Region will raise our CMHAW flag. Niagara Falls, the Welland Bridge and Peace Bridge, along with the Branscombe Centre will also be illuminated green at times throughout the week.

The main goals of CMHA week is to highlight that now 1 in 4 children are impacted by a mental health challenge (an increase of 1 in 5).

Did you know?

Seventy per cent (70%) of all mental health issues, occur before age 25.

Throughout the week of May 1st– 7th, follow Pathstone on social as we host a number of activities and offer helpful mental health strategies. This year, we are hosting a Children’s Mental Health Fun DAY at the Pen Centre, in the Event Court (outside of SportChek) on Saturday, May 6th from 11-2pm. This fun filled event is FREE for all to attend.

This year’s CMHAW theme, is MY STORY. We encourage all to share their mental health story with someone. When you talk about your mental health it saves lives.

The other purpose of CMHAW is to command the attention of those who are changemakers in the mental health space. We need those voices! Currently at Pathstone, there are over 800 kids waiting for mental health support. Kim Rossi – Director of Communications, Pathstone.

 About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a lead agency and community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara who are struggling with their mental health. Thanks to supportive donors and volunteers, we are able address and meet the needs of more children and their families each year. Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

For Questions / Interviews Contact; Kim Rossi – c. 289-969-8342 e. krossi@pathstone.ca

PathstoneMy Story. This year’s theme for Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
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Battling Exam Anxiety What it looks like, and how parents can help

Some kids may have perceived it to be a benefit through the pandemic, the cancellation of exams. As we returned to a mostly normal school year and are closing in on the end of the first semester for secondary school students, many are feeling a little under prepared and overwhelmed about exam week. For many, this will be the first time they are writing an exam.

As we move ahead, putting the pandemic behind us, how do we help kid move forward and be ok with getting back to “normal?”

Pathstone Mental Health is ready with an arsenal of strategies to help students prepare for exam day/week.

Students need to also ensure, they are getting rest and are eating well.

Caffeine, sugar, cannabis and nicotine are known substances that will increase anxiety.

In advance:

  • Make sure you know the time and location of your exam.
  • Know how the exam will be formatted and the content of the exam. This will allow you to better prepare.
  • Have the proper equipment you need to complete the exam, be it pencils, sharpener, calculator etc.

Studying:

You can reduce anxiety by being well prepared.

Spread your studying out, versus cramming it all into a

Study effectively

  • Reduce anxiety by being well prepared
  • Spread your studying over the whole term rather than “cramming.”  Feeling that you don’t have enough time to cover everything increases anxiety.
  • Study in 50-minute blocks with 10-minute activity or nutrition breaks.
  • Learn memory enhancement techniques.
  • See the Student Learning Commons: Exams for additional resources.
  • Study by getting comfortable with what you will have to do in the exam: writing answers to practice questions under a time limit while sitting at a desk.

Prepare to write the exam

  • Eliminate extraneous sources of anxiety such as how to get to the exam room by figuring that out in advance.
  • Think about what commonly distracts you during exams (e.g.: frequent clock-watching, noise from other students etc.) and develop strategies in advance for dealing with these distractions.
  • Get as much rest as possible the night before the exam.
  • Wear a watch to monitor your time.
  • Wear layered clothing so you can control your temperature during the exam.
  • Only go to the exam room a few minutes early to avoid encountering anxious people.

Adjust your attitude

  • Maintain an attitude of doing the best you can under the circumstances, rather than requiring perfection from yourself.
  • Plan a reward for yourself after the exam. Praise yourself as you write the exam; e.g.,“half done and so far, so good.”

Change unhelpful thoughts

  • Learn, and practice over time, how to challenge your negative thoughts (e.g., “I’m going to fail.”).
  • See SFU’s Health and Counselling Services’s resources on emotion healthy resources.

Use test-taking strategies

  • Do a “memory dump” of information you are afraid you will forget on the back of the exam when you first receive it.
  • Read through the exam at the beginning and figure out how much time to spend on each question, according to what each question is worth.
  • To build confidence, start with questions you know rather than focusing on the ones you don’t.
  • Start with any multiple-choice or True/False section to gain clues that might help you answer other questions.
  • Take 30-second “mini-breaks” at specified points during the exam to use a relaxation strategy such as closing your eyes, relaxing your hands, and breathing deeply.

If your thoughts are racing and your mind becomes cluttered with worries:

  • Don’t focus on getting rid of the anxiety because that will only feed the anxiety;
  • Mentally yell “STOP” to break the cycle;
  • Take a 30-second “mini-break”;
  • Concentrate hard on a specific sensation (e.g.: the hum of the lights in the room) to clear your mind of anxiety; OR
  • Be with your anxiety – concentrate on your physical symptoms. If you can completely experience a physical sensation, it often disappears.

Use anxiety reduction techniques

  • Learn and practice, on a daily basis, relaxation and visualization techniques so they will come easily to you at exam time.
  • Check SFU’s Health and Counselling Service’s resources on Self-Guided: Well-being & Resilience.
  • While preparing for the exam, visualize a positive exam-writing experience. Seneca College has helpful techniques on memory and the SLC has additional resources on exam anxiety.

Pathstone Mental Health operates treatment programs, a crisis and support line, video counseling and nine in-person walk-in clinics for children 18 years old and under in the Niagara Region. They are in the process of trying to meet the high demand for counseling among school-age children in Niagara and are reaching out with helpful strategies, because all kids can use this support no matter where they live. During the past year they have seen 10,045 kids which is a whopping 40% increase since before the pandemic, with an unprecedented 550 plus kids on the waitlist for programs. And the demand for kids’ mental health services isn’t expected to go away anytime soon according to Erin Clayton, RSW and RP, Clinical Manager of Outreach Services, Youth Justice and High-Risk Therapist at Pathstone.

“1 in every 5 children will experience a mental health struggle but that statistic is expected to increase to 1 in every 4 children as a result of the pressures caused by the pandemic,” explains Clayton. “Because the start of a new school year, specifically, can be extra tough for kids who already suffer from mental health issues, we put together a “prep kit” full of tips to try and help as many kids and their families with the transition as possible.”

Pathstone’s tips on how to help kids get the 2022/23 school year off to a heathy start:

If you’re a parent who wants to measure your own readiness to identify and support your child’s mental health struggles this school year, visit pathstonementalhealth.ca/backtoschool to take a short quiz and find next-step resources.

If you suspect your child is struggling with their mental health, reach out to Pathstone. Their Crisis & Support line operates 24/7 at 1-800-263-4944 and their in-person mental health walk-in clinics are for youth 18 and under, as well as parents and caregivers who have questions about how to best support their kids. For locations and hours of operation, visit www.pathstonementalhealth.ca/walk-in-clinic.

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara struggling with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to address and meet the needs of more children and their families. As the primary provider of mental health services for children in Niagara, we are also a lead agency for the province of Ontario. Note, Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

  1. https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/pdf—osduhs/2021-osduhs-report-pdf.pdf
  2. https://covid19-sciencetable.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Science-Brief_Education_20210604_published2-2.pdf

For more information, to schedule an interview with Erin Clayton, or for high-resolution photography, please contact The PR Department at 416-535-3939. Email: medias@prdepartment.ca

 

PathstoneBattling Exam Anxiety What it looks like, and how parents can help
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Two local Orgs Fund Youth Mental Health in Grimsby

Left to Right – Kathryn Drury, Rhona Wenger, Stacy Elia, John Darch & Kim Rossi.

Four years ago, Pathstone Foundation began the task of appealing to local councils to seek support to establish and fund youth mental health clinics closer to home.

Our goal in creating walk-in clinics across Niagara was to allow kids to be within reach of mental health care with no hoops to jump through. We positioned it as getting mental health support in your own backyard without cost, referral or a health card. Initially these clinics allowed walk-in’s but implementing an appointment structure through Covid, actually improved care.

When parents or youth call to make an appointment, they are speaking with a counsellor in our Crisis & Support program. Our staff can have a preliminary conversation with the client, recommend the closest walk-in clinic, and provide further info.

Of the nine in-person walk-in clinics located across Niagara, the majority are being funded by town and city council budgets.

We have a few cases where funds are coming from a private donor versus the city or town. This year, Grimsby city council is not funding their walk-in clinic, but two local organizations have come to the table and are supporting what they say is an essential service to Grimsby.

John Darch Insurance & Investments Inc, Co-operators, located in Grimsby and GBF, Community Services have both been allies to Pathstone for countless years. When Pathstone Foundation appealed to them for a $10,000 commitment each, there was not a hesitation.

Left to Right – Kim Rossi, Rhona Wenger, Kathryn Drury, Stacy Elia & John Darch.

With the support of Co-operators Advisor Community Fund, and in partnership with GBF, I’m grateful to be able to provide the funding necessary for Pathstone to be able to keep the Grimsby Walk-In Clinic open. Easy access to mental health care for children is critical, especially with the added impacts of the nearly two-year pandemic on children and families.
John Darch, John Darch Insurance & Investments Inc.

It is wonderful for GBF Community Services to be able to financially co-sponsor the walk-in clinic in Grimsby.  Access to service is probably the greatest hurdle for people to get on-going, mental health supports. It is so vital to have this kind of service available for youth and their families locally.  We are extremely proud to be a part in keeping this clinic in Grimsby.
Stacy Elia, Chief Executive Officer -GBF.

This type of community support and buy-in is why we have such strong presence across Niagara. Over the past 12 months, we supported nearly 10,000 kids of which a few thousand were from the Grimsby area. We are grateful to GBF and to John Darch for their commitment to the Grimsby clinic which is one of the busiest of the nine clinics we operate. We can’t forget one of most important partners at the Grimsby Library and Art Gallery for offering a safe space for our kids and counsellors to meet each week.
Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR, Pathstone Foundation.

The Grimsby Public Library and Grimsby Public Art Gallery are pleased to be continuing our partnership with Pathstone Mental Health. The Library Art Gallery building is centrally located and easily accessible; a familiar public space where community members seeking help with their mental heath needs can readily access that assistance. The past two-years have made it more evident than ever how important mental health is to our overall well-being. We appreciate the work that Pathstone is here to do and thank them for being here in support of Grimsby residents.
Rhona Wenger, Executive Director, Grimsby Public Art Gallery & Kathryn Drury, CEO & Chief Librarian Grimsby Public Library

Currently, Pathstone is open for in-person walk-in clinic sessions at all nine locations. The Grimsby clinic operates out of the Grimsby Public Library, every Wednesday. An appointment is required for all in-person appointments and can be made by calling, 1-800-263-4944.

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara struggling with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to address and meet the needs of more children and their families. We are the primary provider of mental health services for children in Niagara and have been helping kids for over 50 years. Note, Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

 

Media Contact / Interviews: Kim Rossi p. 905.688.6850 x 167 e. krossi@pathstone.ca

PathstoneTwo local Orgs Fund Youth Mental Health in Grimsby
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Pathstone continues in-person Mental Health Services

St. Catharines, ON (January, 5th, 2022) – Deemed an essential service, Pathstone Mental Health remains open for in-person mental health support.

With nearly two years of pandemic restrictions and measures, mental health support is not only an essential service, it’s become a life-line for so many children and youth in Niagara. Preventing access to care would be more harmful than beneficial for the thousands of young people we see each year. January and February as well as September and October tend to be two of the busiest mental health seasons at Pathstone. Shaun Baylis, CEO Pathstone Mental Health

We also know that the preference of many is to speak to someone in person, privately, versus over the phone or over video. Clients come first. Being able to offer mental health support and access in many forms ensures we are best supporting our youngest clients the way they are most comfortable and in a way that will be most beneficial to them. Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR

Our Pathstone team is reaching out to their clients and families to make arrangements for their sessions in the format best for them. Those options include, in-person, video, or over the phone.

 With any in-person appointment, clients will be screened in advance, asked to sanitize their hands, and masks will be mandatory. A physical distance of 6ft (2 meters) will also be respected.

Speaking specifically to our off-site walk-in clinics located across Niagara. In-person support will also be available, by appointment only, beginning the week of January 10th. That appointment can be made by calling 1-800-263-4944.

Keeping in mind, Pathstone staff are not immune to COVID-19 and may need to make other arrangements with clients should they become sick themselves.

Appointments for all in-person or video counselling sessions are to be made in advance by calling the Pathstone Mental Health’s Crisis & Support line at 1-800-263-4944

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara struggling with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to address and meet the needs of more children and their families. We are the primary provider of mental health services for children in Niagara and have been helping kids for over 50 years. Note, Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

 Media Contact / Interviews: Kim Rossi p. 905.688.6850 x 167 e. krossi@pathstone.ca

PathstonePathstone continues in-person Mental Health Services
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Finalist for CharityVilliage Awards

We are very honoured to be a finalist in two categories of the CharityVillage Awards this year.

The two categories are:

SPECIAL AWARD FOR A CHARITYVILLAGE HOSTED CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN

  • Nonprofit Employer – under 20 staff

This award recognizes excellence in crowdfunding through CharityVillage’s own Crowdfunding Platform. Finalists will be chosen by a special panel of judges from CharityVillage and its crowdfunding advisors.

And BEST FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

  • Nonprofit Employer – under 20 staff

Never has there been such a wide array of fundraising tools available to help nonprofit organizations raise money for their important mission work. This award recognizes an outstanding fundraising campaign by a nonprofit or charity across any fundraising channel. A panel of fundraising experts will judge this award.

The awards will be given out at the 2021 CharityVillage Annual Conference & Awards on Wed, Nov 3, 2021.

 

PathstoneFinalist for CharityVilliage Awards
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Outdoor Ceremony & Tour Mark Unveiling of the Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning at Pathstone

School renamed after donor

Thorold, ON (September 22, 2021) – Today, donors, stakeholders, community members and staff gathered at Pathstone’s school on Merrittville Hwy to re-open the campus as the Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning. Guests then took part in an outdoor exploration tour of Pathstone’s newly developed play and learning hubs.
The new naming comes after Mountainview Building Group, made a Lifetime Impact Gift of $1M to Pathstone.

This donation provided not only an overhaul of the HVAC system, replacement of interior lights and skylights, it also helped fund the development of a series of outdoor learning and play hubs on the property which includes two outdoor classrooms.

This site plays a vital role in Pathstone’s intensive therapy program where counsellors work in collaboration with DSBN teachers tailoring a plan for each student they support. Kids in grades 1 through 8 come from across the Region typically for one full school year to receive this specialized care. Pathstone’s goal is to strengthen students’ emotional, social, and educational skills, to better equip them for future success when they return to their former school.

Today, was about gathering with people who were immensely moved by what happens at this school. No longer referred to as the school on Merrittville Highway, it was officially named after a company and organization that are both forward thinking, invested, committed, and filled with passion for the work they do.
Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR, Pathstone.

Creation of the outdoor learning and play hubs were the work of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, considered innovators in designing rich, natural and restorative outdoor spaces. Founder and lead designer, Adam Bienenstock shared their overall vision for Pathstone. “Our goal was to create a respite from the stress our children face, especially now, and a place for every child to grow and find joy and success. Our team at Bienenstock is so proud of our collaboration with Pathstone Foundation. It is rare to find clients and sponsors and community who have fully dedicated their lives to improving the lives of others”

Of course, none of these projects would have been possible without the commitment that came from Mountainview Building Group, and in addition, commitments from the late Rosslyn Reed, Rob & Patricia Neill, The Memme Family, The Basciano Family, Meridian, Lowe’s Canada, Walker Industries, Ontario Power Generation, and the Djebbari Family.

What I find incredibly inspiring is the passion of the people working at Pathstone and the way they splash their hearts all over, in the name of their students. We have seen first-hand the benefits of our past gifts and hope to continue to strengthen Pathstone’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives with this one. Watching people doing good moves me, and we at Mountainview want to do our part to make the walk easier for anyone who is struggling in any form. We are thankful to Pathstone for allowing us the opportunity to join their efforts in a significant way.
Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Building Group.

The Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning will continue to serve as Pathstone’s primary school, as well as support other Pathstone programs. Our mission is to continue to move our organization forward through thoughtful, innovative thinking. Mark truly understands the ‘big picture’ of investing in our children’s mental health and well-being, and he is ultimately building a stronger and healthier community for generations to come. We feel so fortunate to have Mark in our corner on a number of our major projects.
Shaun Baylis, CEO, Pathstone Mental Health.

The entire team at Mountainview have been long-time supporters of Pathstone through sponsorships, lead gifts, and volunteer efforts. Mark’s first major project with Pathstone was the Mountainview Playground & Garden, a 10,000 square foot outdoor space, located at the Branscombe Centre in St. Catharines. Mark has also supported and mentored the philanthropic efforts of three local high school students who make up The Mane Event Team. This young group has raised over $40,000 for Pathstone over the past three years.

About Pathstone Mental Health
Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara who struggle with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to meet the needs of more kids and families in Niagara.

Note, our Crisis & Support Line is open 24/7 at 1-800-263-4944.

About Mountainview Building Group
Calling the Niagara Region home, Mountainview Building Group has been constructing award winning communities and projects that meet the highest standards for more than 40 years. We aim to continuously improve the building industry, create sustainable and affordable options for future buyers, and to simply build excellence. Decade after decade, Mountainview continues to be honoured with awards for its work by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, Niagara Home Builders’ Association, Avid Ratings, The National Association of Home Builders and Tarion to name a few. Our charitable commitments to Hotel Dieu Shaver, Niagara College, Community Care St. Catharines/Thorold, McMaster SickKids, Pathstone Foundation and others align with our mission to support the communities we so greatly value.

PathstoneOutdoor Ceremony & Tour Mark Unveiling of the Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning at Pathstone
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Building stronger families: Participants Needed

Research study focussed on the overall betterment of families.

Kids and their families have been subjected to monumental change through the pandemic. A collaboration on a parenting and family support study will take a closer look at two new parenting programs.

The Offord Centre for Child Studies out of McMaster University and Pathstone Mental Health have collaborated on this effort and hope to gain an overall understanding if families in this study benefit from one program over the other, or see benefit in both.

The Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and the Circle of Security Parenting Program (COSP) each offer ways for parents and caregivers to develop practical skills, which can help decrease challenging behaviours and emotions in young children, and help, better the families’ relationship. This fall, the study will also address an important evidence gap – “we want to see which of the programs will benefit families and their children more, and whether these programs are better than existing ones”. Andrea Gonzalez, Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Family Health and Preventive Interventions, Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University. This project comes at a time when COVID-19 continues to add challenges to kids and families.

40 per cent of parents indicated their children’s behaviour/mood had deteriorated and there were findings of extremely high levels of depression among caregivers. *Offord Centre’s landmark 2020 Ontario Parent Survey.

As students head back to class, we know there will be a new set of challenges that families experience. Research suggests that parenting programs can improve emotional and behavioural adjustment of children and enhance the psychosocial well-being of parents. By taking part in this study, parents/caregivers may find they feel more positive about themselves and caregiving skills and strategies, but also helping other parents/caregivers in the future.

“We are actively looking for families with children aged 2 -6 to enrol in this study,” says Gonzalez. If families need technology in order to participate, we can help with that too. In recognition of the time and effort as participants in the study, parents will receive gift cards for completing required interviews.

Interested in participating?

If you are a family with children aged 2-6 and are interested in participating in this study, contact Pathstone Mental Health at 905.688.6850 x 319 or email clinicresearch@Pathstone.ca

About Pathstone Mental Health
Pathstone Mental Health is the primary provider of mental health services for children and youth in Niagara. Our mission is to provide innovative and effective treatment to those children and youth from the start of their life to age 18. Note, Crisis Services are offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

About The Offord Centre for Child Studies
A multi-disciplinary research institute established in 1992. Through collaboration across fields such as child psychiatry, pediatrics, policy development, and social work. The Centre’s aim is to better understand children’s mental health problems with the overall goal of improving the lives of children and youth.

Contact for Questions / Interviews on the study:
Andrea Gonzalez, Associate Professor
Tier II Canada Research Chair in Family Health and Preventive Interventions
McMaster University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences Offord Centre for Child Studies.

PathstoneBuilding stronger families: Participants Needed
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Pelham Community supports a 9th Youth Mental Health Walk-In Clinic.

Ahead of what is typically their busiest time of year, Pathstone Mental Health is announcing the creation of a ninth in-person walk-in clinic, to be located in the town of Pelham.

The opportunity for an in-person mental health walk in clinic was presented to Pelham Town Council and approved unanimously. Funding for this clinic, ($20,000 annually) which is not covered by the Ministry of Health is coming from a variety of funding streams that include, the Town of Pelham, The Fenwick Lions Club, Fonthill Lions Club, the Fonthill Kinsmen Club, and the Pelham Library.

This kind of commitment from so many groups show a collaborative spirit in support of children and youth in our community. Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR at Pathstone

The youth mental health clinic will be hosted on the second floor of the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill, every TUESDAY from 11:30- 7:30pm, beginning Tuesday, September 7, by appointment. As always, mental health support will be offered in-person by a Pathstone clinician with no referral, cost or health card needed. Same day or advance appointments can be made by calling 1-800-263-4944.

It’s great news for Pelham to be able to have the clinic opening. Right now, it is really important to have mental health support available for youth and their families. We are very happy to see this partnership happen.
Mayor Marvin Junkin, Pelham

It is a privilege for the Fonthill Lions Club to support this program in Pelham. We are in the midst of a time when Mental Health has come to the forefront. Going through this pandemic has been hard on all of us, especially the youth. We have to remember they are our future, so it is paramount that we have the best resources available to them.
Fred Arbour, Past District Governor, Fonthill Lions

The Fabulous Fenwick Lions are always ready to support youth as part of our commitment to the community. Our Club unanimously supported a Motion made to support this clinic with the understanding that our youth need all the resources available to them so that they may become adults who will change our world, making it a better place to live.
Jeff Pickup, President & Secretary, Fabulous Fenwick Lions Club

Having heard from countless members of the Pelham Community that COVID and the shutdowns have increased their concern for their children’s mental health, the Pelham Public Library Board was extremely happy to offer its support for a local, weekly, walk-in clinic in our community.
Nicole Nolan, Pelham Public Library Board Chair.

The Kinsmen of Fonthill and District have supported Pathstone in the past. They have spoken at one of our dinner meetings, so it was an easy vote by our club, when we heard they could provide a clinic right here in Pelham”.
Len Doyle, President, Kinsmen Club of Fonthill & District

Over the past 12 months, Pathstone saw close to 10,000 kids. This was a 35 per cent increase from the previous year, and projections show a further increase to come. With In-person Walk-In Clinic’s open and available in so many locations across the Region, accessing mental health support, in-person, the moment it’s needed is more robust than its ever been.

This program is serving the purpose we knew it would which is to reach children and youth right when they need us. Localized walk-in clinics also mean we are removing barriers to service. With this commitment from the Town of Pelham, they become the ninth in-person walk-in clinic currently operating in Niagara. All sites are open to Niagara’s children and youth up to age 18 as well as their parents / caregivers who want to talk about their children. We understand that sometimes kids do not want to come, but their parents can reach out for support. Tara Kelly, Clinical Manager at Pathstone

In-Person Walk-In Clinic Locations

EVERY Monday – Thorold & Welland
EVERY Tuesday – Fort Erie & Pelham (New Clinic at the Meridian Community Centre in Fonthill)
EVERY Wednesday – Grimsby & Port Colborne
EVERY Thursday – Beamsville & Niagara
MONDAY-FRIDAY – St. Catharines
Video Counselling; MONDAY-FRIDAY – From ANYWHERE in Niagara

All clinics (in-person or video) require an appointment to be made by calling Pathstone’s Crisis & Support line at: 1-800-263-4944

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization with a mission to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara struggling with mental health and addictions issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we can help meet the needs of more children and families. As the primary accredited provider of mental health services for children in Niagara, helping Niagara’s kids is not only our job, it’s our passion. Note, Crisis Services offered 24/7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

Media Contact – for Questions / Interviews: Kim Rossi – Director of Philanthropy & Public Relations
office. 905.688.6850 x 167 email. krossi@pathstone.ca

PathstonePelham Community supports a 9th Youth Mental Health Walk-In Clinic.
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Lifetime Impact Gift made to Pathstone Foundation

Pathstone’s School to be named after donor

St. Catharines, ON (July 20, 2021) – Today we are celebrating a significant gift that will leave a lasting impact for children who lean on Pathstone Mental Health for help.

A donation of $1 million from Mountainview Building Group owner Mark Basciano, will support Pathstone’s primary school on Merrittville Highway. Construction is already underway on outdoor play and education hubs that include two classrooms.

This school plays a vital role in Pathstone’s intensive therapy program where therapists work in collaboration with DSBN teachers. Students in grades 1 through 8 come from across the Region typically for one full school year. Our goal is to strengthen students’ emotional, social, and educational skills, to better equip them for future success when they return to their former school.

This Lifetime Impact gift has been earmarked for a number of major projects at Pathstone’s educational campus which includes an outdoor space designed to enhance student engagement and connect them to nature. Studies have long shown exposure to education and play in an outdoor environment improves focus and retention, reduces stress and anxiety, and instills an element of calm in young people. Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR, Pathstone.

What I find incredibly inspiring is the passion of the people working at Pathstone and the way they splash their hearts all over, in the name of their students. We have seen first-hand the benefits of our past gifts and hope to continue to strengthen Pathstone’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives with this one. Watching people doing good moves me, and we at Mountainview want to do our part to make the walk easier for anyone who is struggling in any form. We are thankful to Pathstone for allowing us the opportunity to join their efforts in a significant way.
Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Building Group.

Mountainview and Pathstone align in their core values, to strive for excellence in all that they do, lead by example, and demonstrate deep commitment to community. With Mark’s commitment to Pathstone, we are honoured to name our school after his company.

The Mountainview Centre for Innovative Learning will continue to serve as our primary school, and support other Pathstone programs. Our mission is to continue to move our organization forward through thoughtful, innovative thinking.

Mark truly understands the ‘big picture’ of investing in our children’s mental health. He is ultimately building a stronger and healthier community for generations to come and we are so fortunate to have Mark in our corner.
Shaun Baylis, CEO, Pathstone Mental Health.      

The entire team at Mountainview have been long-time supporters of Pathstone through sponsorships, lead gifts, and volunteer efforts. Mark’s first major project with Pathstone was the Mountainview Playground & Garden, a 10,000 square foot outdoor space, located at the Branscombe Centre in St. Catharines. Mark has also supported and mentored the philanthropic efforts of three local high school students who make up The Mane Event Team. This young group has raised over $40,000 for Pathstone over the past three years.

About Pathstone Mental Health

Pathstone Mental Health is a community-based organization whose mission it is to provide innovative and effective treatment for all children in Niagara who struggle with mental health issues. Thanks to support from our donors and volunteers, we are able to meet the needs of more kids and families in Niagara. Note, our Crisis & Support Line is open 24/7 at 1-800-263-4944.

About Mountainview Building Group

Calling the Niagara Region home, Mountainview Building Group has been constructing award winning communities and projects that meet the highest standards for more than 40 years. We aim to continuously improve the building industry, create sustainable and affordable options for future buyers, and to simply build excellence. Decade after decade, Mountainview continues to be honoured with awards for its work by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, Niagara Home Builders’ Association, Avid Ratings, The National Association of Home Builders and Tarion to name a few. Our charitable commitments to Hotel Dieu Shaver, Niagara College, Community Care St. Catharines/Thorold, McMaster SickKids, Pathstone Foundation and others align with our mission to support the communities we so greatly value.

For more information and assistance in arranging interviews, please contact:

Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations – Pathstone Foundation / Mental Health
KRossi@Pathstone.ca or c. 289-969-8342.

 

PathstoneLifetime Impact Gift made to Pathstone Foundation
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