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As the Covid-19 outbreak continues to limit large gatherings a number of students will miss out on graduation and all that comes with it.

Pathstone Foundation in partnership with FirstOntario Credit Union and with support from Cogeco are celebrating friends, grads and their families with Neon Night, a virtual dance party that will stream at events.pathstonefoundation.ca on Friday, June 26^th at 8 PM. This event is FREE to view and will feature music, videos a few surprises and a slew of celebrities throwing props and advice to grads.

Whether you have great memories or not of prom and graduation, you still had memories. We wanted to acknowledge that yes this is a different world we are living in, but we can still celebrate all of the hard work students have put in at school.

Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR at Pathstone

We put the word out to a number of “friends of the foundation” who just happen to be well-known and many were quick to say yes to submitting a short video. A few of them I can tell you about are, music superstars, NHLer’s, comedians and actors.  (Tim Hicks, Brett Kissel, J.P Saxe, Brett Wilson, Colin Mochrie & Niagara’s Christian Lalama..just to name a few.) We also have a friend in DJ. Mike Oz-E who is mixing some great music and these videos together.

This event is for EVERYONE and content is family friendly. While there is no cost to stream Neon Night, online donations in support of Pathstone will be gratefully accepted.

FirstOntario Credit Union presents

Neon Night > Virtual Dance Party

Featuring celeb shout-outs to 2020 Graduates

Friday, June 26^th @ 8:00PM (EST)

To view, visit events.pathstonefoundation.ca

Starting Monday June 15^th, Pathstone Mental Health will resume face to face counselling at their St. Catharines walk-in clinic site, The Branscombe Centre.

All eight Hear & Now walk-in clinics were closed more than 11 weeks ago due to the pandemic. After implementing a re-entry plan, The Branscombe Centre will be ready to see children, youth and their families starting on Monday morning, June 15th.

The five day per week clinic will see a few changes. Appointments need to be made by calling Pathstone’s Crisis & Support line at 1-800-263-4944 during regular business hours. Staff will look to make your appointment the day you call, or for the following day. Based on availability.

On appointment day, clients will arrive 15 minutes in advance and call 1-800-263-4944 to “check in.” They will then be directed to enter the building to complete required forms. Visitors will be screened, asked to use sanitization stations when they arrive and leave Pathstone, and when physical distance of 6ft (2 meters) can’t be maintained, masks will be provided. Clients should come in for their appointment alone or with just one other support person.

Our walk-in clinic services have always been available without an appointment, but in an effort to avoid overcrowding our main lobby, we have implemented the need to make an appointment until further notice.  We hope to open our satellite walk-in clinic sites located across the Region in the near future.

Kim Rossi – Director of Philanthropy & PR

As always, our walk-in clinic services are for children and youth up to age 18 and their families. No referral, cost or health card is needed to meet one-on-one with a Pathstone counsellor. Appointments are typically one hour.

Hear & Now Walk-In Clinic – St. Catharines – OPEN 5 days per week

Days / Times:  EVERY Monday- Thursday– 9am – 7pm (last appointment taken at 6pm)

EVERY Friday– 9am – 4pm (last appointment taken at 3pm)

Location: The Branscombe Centre, 1338 Fourth Ave.

*Due to COVID-19 protocol, an appointment is required.

Today Pathstone Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a new online, “Catch the Ace” progressive jackpot raffle.

Based on the popular game also known as Chase the Ace, there is a weekly cash prize winner and a progressive jackpot that increases each week the Ace of Spades isn’t selected.  50% of weekly gross ticket sales goes directly to Pathstone Foundation and supports Urgent Needs at www.pathstonementalhealth.ca

There are four ticket levels to choose from, starting at just $10 per play. To play, visit PathstoneAce.ca

The concept of the game is as follows:

• To buy tickets, go to ca *ticket buyer must enable location services and be in Ontario when purchasing.
• Select the ticket option and spend you would like $10, $20, $50 or $100 *you can buy tickets up until 1 hour before the weekly draw is made.
• Then, click on an envelope that you think might contain the Ace of Spades.
• If you are the weekly winner, you’ll take 20% of that week’s ticket sales and if the card in your envelope is the Ace of Spades, you’ll also win the Catch the Ace Progressive Jackpot (30% of all ticket sales to date);
• If the weekly winner’s card is not the Ace of Spades, the Progressive Jackpot grows and that card is removed from the deck, increasing the chances of catching the Ace the following week;
• Following each Wednesday evening draw @ 5:00PM, a new weekly draw is launched with the updated Progressive Jackpot total. Players can then re-visit the site to buy new raffle tickets for the following week;
• Weekly Prize draws continue until the Ace of Spades is revealed and the Progressive Jackpot is won.

Tickets are priced as follows: 2 tickets for $10; 10 tickets for $20; 50 tickets for $50; and 200 tickets for $100.

We are looking forward to seeing the excitement around “Catch the Ace,” which has been a popular game for a number of groups and clubs across the country. The online aspect means anyone over the age of 18 can play as long as they purchase their ticket while in Ontario. What a fun way to support Pathstone and have a chance to win a large amount of money!

As Pathstone Mental Health sees a 10 to 20% increase in clients each year, the organization continues to research and implement innovative ways to handle the increase in cases while at the same time offer immediate evidence based mental health care and support for Niagara families. They can’t do it without the support of donors.

Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR – Pathstone Foundation

Topics ranging from resiliency, fear, gratitude, self-awareness, and ways to challenge your thinking round out close to a dozen online video chats led by mental health experts and professionals.

Pathstone TV, found at www.pathstonementalhealth.ca/pathstonetv launches today. Each Friday, there will be a new episode from a cache of Pathstone therapists and clinicians as well as friend of the agencies, Dr. Jean Clinton.

Dr. Clinton is a Clinical Professor at McMaster University, is on staff at McMaster Children’s Hospital and has been a consultant to children and youth mental health programs for over 30 years. She’s renowned nationally and internationally as an advocate for children’s issues.

In a five minute chat, Dr. Clinton tackles the subject, “What do we know about resiliency?”  A self-proclaimed “Brain Geek” Dr. Clinton offers science based perspective and thoughts on how to raise resilient children.

Other topics on Pathstone TV include:

Gratitude, Grief and kids, dealing with Anxiety using the F.E.A.R plan, Challenging your thinking, Self-Awareness and Grounding skills.

As a mental health agency, we feel it’s vital to support our community in whichever way possible. Making these conversations about important mental health and wellness topics accessible is part of our mission to foster a healthy community.

The cancellation of school for the remainder of the year was a disappointment for many and business are still not up and running in many cases further stressing many financially. The longer term effect that the pandemic will have requires further adjustment to change for children and adults. As a mental health agency, we felt it was important to provide some truly impactful content in an accessible way. This free to view, video series was designed to support mental wellness, and those who may be struggling or have family who is.

Shaun Baylis, CEO Pathstone Mental Health

As Pathstone Mental Health sees a 10 to 20 per cent increase in clients each year, the organization continues to implement innovative ways to support the Niagara community. As this video series evolves, we will continue to provide helpful content and tips for optimal mental wellness. Look for a new episode each Friday.

Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy & PR – Pathstone Foundation

Over the past 10 weeks Pathstone has been preparing for a gradual return to face to face appointments. It will be your choice as to whether you want to return to in person appointments and we will continue to support you and your level of comfort and how you are receiving your counselling/therapy services. We will communicate on our website, and social media accounts information as you prepare to return to seeing us in person.

Following the guidelines put in place by Public Health, outlined below is how we have prepared to keep you and staff safe.

Maintaining Physical Distancing and the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The importance of physical distancing remains in effect.  We are asked to keep 2 meters (6 feet) from one another. When this is not possible, Public Health recommends the use of PPE.. To support these guidelines and promote physical distancing, the following steps have been put in place.

• Access to the building by staff and clients is being limited. We are achieving this by staggering staff work hours and client appointment times. There will be limits to the number of clients per floor at one time, and staggered entry and exit to the building of both staff and clients.
• Meeting rooms have been set up to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained.
• Directional arrows can been found throughout the building to promote physical distancing.
• Lobby seating has been re organized, with some seating removed, to ensure physical distancing
• Plexi glass has temporarily been installed at reception areas to help protect you and staff
• All staff have been provided with and trained in the appropriate use of PPE. When physical distancing cannot be maintained, staff will wear and provide the appropriate PPE.
• Staff and clients are screened upon entry into the building for symptoms of COVID-19

Sanitizing

Nothing will fight the spread of this illness better than proper and frequent handwashing and diligent sanitizing.  Pathstone has taken the following measures to meet Public Health Sanitizing guidelines.

• Installed multiple hand sanitizing stations.
• Paper products, plastic toys, electronics have been removed from our lobby area
• All “public rooms” in our building will be properly sanitized before and after meetings
• Signs have been placed throughout our buildings describing proper handwashing practices, and proper sneezing/coughing techniques to reduce spread of the virus.

Offering Mental Health support through the pandemic and beyond.

St. Catharines, ON (May 26^th, 2020) – With COVID-19 not yet in our rear view mirror, Pathstone Mental Health has moved forward swiftly on a plan to bring innovative mental health treatment options to children, youth and families across Niagara.

This was a project we had identified ahead of the outbreak with a one year timeline to research, develop and launch. When COVID-19 shut down the country, we expedited this to the top of our priority list. This fully digital/virtual platform will be a complement to in-person mental health counselling services once they resume. In the meantime, counselling via video and phone will be our best options to meet the mental health needs of our existing and new clients. The overall goal of Pathstone remains the same. To reduce wait times for services and remove barriers whenever possible.

Shaun Baylis, Pathstone CEO

“After a diligent investigation we selected a virtual platform that will be used by clients, their families and Pathstone staff to provide effective mental health therapy sessions that are completely confidential. Doxy.me (dock-see-me) offers an unlimited length of time for sessions, live chat features and a virtual waiting room which will allow us to triage cases. Clients and staff can also fill out and sign documents whether they are working with iOS, Android or PC technology.  After surveys, testing, training and a soft launch. We are ready to take this platform to our Pathstone clients.”

Erin Clayton, Clinical Manager and Digital Team lead at Pathstone

As an organization, the video counselling platform will serve our families well in a variety of ways says Baylis. Families who lack reliable transportation, don’t need to leave their home to meet one-on-one with a Pathstone therapist. Inclement weather won’t result in cancelled appointments and situations like COVID-19 will no longer get in the way of effective mental health therapy. Once we resume “normal” operations clients and counsellors can together decide the best method to meet their mental health care needs.

A letter to our supporters,

In a time when anxiety and fear surrounds us all, we wanted to assure you that we are still here to support the needs of our community.

Despite our declared State of Emergency in Ontario, the professionals at Pathstone know the importance of staying connected with clients and supporting those across the Niagara Region, many of which are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety during this time.

We would like to share with you a few updates on how we are continuing to support our most vulnerable.

While our building sites are currently closed preventing face-to-face visits with clients, clinicians have reached out to arrange counselling sessions to be held over the phone. In the next few days, we will introduce encrypted end-to-end video chat sessions.

In addition, our Crisis Line is available 24.7 by calling 1-800-263-4944.

We have put extra staff on the lines to help with the higher volume of calls we have been experiencing since the outbreak hit home.

Online, at pathstonementalhealth.ca you will find a tip sheet on talking to your family about COVID-19, how to ease fears, and have accurate and calm conversations about staying healthy and safe. We have also provided a link to Niagara Region Public Health where the most up to date information can be found.

All Pathstone events that were planned from March through May have been postponed or cancelled in alignment with Public Health Ontario recommendations for social distancing. If you were planning on making a donation, your support is still needed. Please consider doing so online, at pathstonefoundation.ca/donate

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and the advice of public health officials. As such, we may make further decisions around the extent of fundraising activities in the future. We will keep you posted on our website and social media channels.

Twitter. @PathstoneMH  Instagram. @PathstoneMH_Niagara and on Facebook

Although this continues to be a rapidly evolving situation, I want to reiterate that, like Pathstone Mental Health, we at Pathstone Foundation will continue to do whatever we can to ensure every one’s well-being and safety.

I’d also like to recognize the tremendous work our clinical teams are doing to support our community in what has become a trying time for those who already struggle with their mental health.

With thanks for your continued commitment and ongoing support during these extraordinary circumstances.

Kim Rossi, Director of Philanthropy – Pathstone Foundation

St. Catharines, ON– When you arrive at 1338 Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines, you will soon see a new name that graces the building. Formerly known as the Branscombe Mental Health Centre, the facility has now been named simply, The Branscombe Centre.

The conversation with the Branscombe Family Foundation and Pathstone’s CEO Shaun Baylis began after a cosmetic change was being made to the buildings’ exterior.

Over the past year, the cement panels at the front and back entrances had cracked. After our general contractor took down the letters to replace the tiles, we saw an opportunity to speak to the Branscombe Family Foundation about the building that was in the families’ name.

Shaun Baylis, CEO Pathstone Mental Health

Home of Pathstone Mental Health and Pathstone Foundation, The Branscombe Centre is no longer a place that is solely offering mental health programs and services. The Rankin Family Community Wing’s main floor is now home to the Niagara North Family Health Team made up of physicians and Pathway Pharmacy. The second floor of that wing will soon welcome a hearing clinic and a community partner agency.  Located in the lower level of The Branscombe Centre is Comfort Kitchen Cafe, a catering company offering on and off-site food services.

This building has transformed from a mental health facility to more of a community centre for all, and we wanted the Branscombe family name to be properly reflected in that change of landscape.

New signage on The Branscombe Centre is currently being installed on the front and back entrance of the building located at 1338 Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines.

For more information or for assistance arranging interviews, please contact:

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

This new partnership to be signed between two Niagara organizations is designed to build a children’s mental health system that will be more inclusive and supportive.

Pathstone Mental Health and The Niagara Regional Native Centre’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed this Saturday, October 5^th at Montebello Park in St. Catharines during the NRNC’s Annual Community Pow Wow.

This collaboration was constructed to not only build on a more inclusive children’s mental health environment, but also to explore potential opportunities to support counselling services and programming, co-develop workshops for parents and professionals on youth mental health and well-being but also to engage in reciprocal trainings and lectures allowing staff from both organizations to be better informed and foster healthy relationships that are mutually beneficial.

As a Lead Agency for the province and the largest provider of children’s Mental Health services in Niagara we are enthusiastic about the work we can do together in supporting the mental health needs of children and youth being served by the Niagara Regional Native Centre. This partnership will also bring a greater knowledge of the cultural needs and practises of Indigenous people. We believe this MOU represents a tremendous foundation that will build capacity, improve services, and help children and youth across the region.
Shaun Baylis, CEO-Pathstone Mental Health

 This three year MOU will also involve the creation of a joint governance committee made up of an equal number of representatives from both organizations. Their job will be to provide insight, oversight and foresight, and to discuss and review joint programs, initiatives and opportunities.

We are pleased to be collaborating with Pathstone to provide culturally relevant and supportive mental health services to the Urban Indigenous community in Niagara. This formal understanding is an extension of the relationship the two agencies have shared for many years.  Indigenous traditional teachings speak of respect, friendship, interconnectedness and having a Good Mind.  Additionally, as professionals, we use a two lens concept with respect to Mental Health treatment of our people.  We understand the need for the Western way of treatment, but also recognize that our original teachings embody the concepts of trauma informed practices.  We will put our Good Minds together to service our next 7 Generations.
Dawn Moughtin, Interim Executive Director- Niagara Regional Native Centre

About Pathstone Mental Health
Pathstone is the primary and only Accredited Children’s Mental Health Agency in the Niagara Region. It is the designated Lead Agency for Children’s Mental Health services and programs in Niagara. Pathstone offers over fifteen specialized mental health services, which are evaluated annually.  Pathstone also provides formalized training and execution to graduate students who ae fulfilling their internship and practicum requirements.

About Niagara Regional Native Centre
Niagara Regional Native Centre is an Indigenous Social Service agency that addresses the needs of the Urban Indigenous Community in Niagara. Made up of 25 culturally relevant programs/services, NRNC strives to promote awareness of the various traditions and Cultures of Indigenous persons in Niagara, and foster healthy relationships with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations/services.

 For more information or for assistance arranging interviews, please contact:

 Kim Rossi,
Director of Philanthropy and Public Relations,
Pathstone Foundation / Mental Health
krossi@pathstone.ca
289-969-8342