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CLUB MEETING HIGHLIGHTS January 23, 2024 Fleming Centre, Beamsville Pinch-hitting for President Joanne, who was absent because of a mandatory work responsibility, Lindsay Dressel & Pod #4 members, Margaret Andrewes, Gayle Lucas-Roth & Paul Roth, took responsibility for running the meeting. When called to order, there were 15 Lincoln Rotarians in attendance along with special guest, Chrissy Sadowski. Following the Land Acknowledgment, Margaret Andrewes offered the Invocation as our opportunity as Rotarians… When there is turmoil swirling around us, let us be the calm. When the world is dark and full of fear, let us bring the light of dawn. When voices shout and conflict reigns, let us be there for relief. When hope is needed everywhere, let us raise a voice for peace. She then invited a Toast to Rotary International including all the clubs in the world, all of us as Rotarians, along with our friends and supporters because we could achieve little without them.  Lindsay shared President Joanne’s Point of Pride highlighting the extraordinary experience that Grimsby & Lincoln Rotarians had on January 13 as they participated in interviewing District 7090 2024-25 Youth Exchange candidates.“It was truly inspiring to meet & interview students who already have an idea of their life path, have already accomplished so much in their lives, and are eager to move to another country and experience the culture and people. These young adults will be the next generational leaders in our communities if not the world. Both Bridget and Wolf did exceptionally well in their interviews and I was proud to have them represent the Rotary Club of Lincoln.” HAPPY BUCKS  Lots of happy bucks were offered as a tag on to Joanne’s POP as members noted how pleased they are that many young people in our community are taking advantage of the various Rotary International programs available to them - Youth Exchange, Interact, RYLA, all of which are enthusiastically supported by our club. Others spoke of their happiness with winter activities in which they’re involved here at home while those who are not winter enthusiasts were happy about their plans to escape to warmer climes in the next few weeks. Vernah - especially delighted with the turnout for Eco-Series, Part 1, on January 10 & looking forward to good crowds at the next two sessions scheduled on February 14 & March 13. 50/50 DRAW Phil Goodwin had the winning ticket but pulled the 9 of diamonds leaving the Ace of Spades in the deck. PROGRAM Young Caregivers Association of Niagara Chrissy Sadowski, Community Engagement Facilitator Introducing the program, Margaret spoke of the community assessment that Lincoln Rotary is undertaking to determine where our club’s support can have the most impact in relation to current needs of the many organizations that serve children & youth in our community. As one of these organizations, she noted that Young Caregivers Association of Niagara is on our radar and extended a warm welcome to Chrissy Sadowski, who grew up as a young caregiver herself and understands the stress that comes with that position. Now as a parent of a child with autism with high support needs, she recognizes the toll it can take on siblings as well.  It all began in 2003 when the Young Carers Initiative Niagara was created as a special project of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara in response to the children and youth they identified as participating in the caregiving of a loved one with dementia. These children were struggling with stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. Building on the principle that caregiving is a family event, action was taken. Through a collaboration of YOUNG CAREGIVERS, community partners, research, and funders, awareness and educational materials were developed along with programs designed specifically for YOUNG CAREGIVERS. “When compared to non-caregiving peers, research reveals that young caregivers are at a greater risk of stress and depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, high anxiety levels, loneliness and isolation, difficulty relating to peers, self-harm and even suicidal ideation.” In just 20 years, the organization has expanded to British Columbia, Alberta & Nova Scotia based on the foundational work completed by YOUNG CAREGIVERS NIAGARA, which continues to be supported by Alzheimer’s Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton, Halton with base funding from Ontario Health augmented by grants & donations. Young Caregivers Association™ is a registered charity. MISSION is to be the leader in service, awareness, and empowerment for YOUNG CAREGIVERS and their families across Canada. VISION is to have a Canada where YOUNG CAREGIVERS and their families are recognized, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential. Central to its services is POWERHOUSE™ - an evidence informed program developed to teach YOUNG CAREGIVERS life and personal development skills, provide opportunity to connect with other caregiving kids, bring caregiving families together and reinforce self-care. Powerhouse™ programs are delivered throughout Niagara, Haldimand & Hamilton. Geared to ages 5 to 25, all Powerhouse™ services aim to build the resilience of YOUNG CAREGIVERS and their families and include: - summer camp
- weekly respite
- in-person & virtual counselling (group and individual)
- young adult programs
- parent workshops
- in-school programs
The co-design approach for Powerhouse™ programs ensures that young caregivers have a voice in its development. Available online is the YOUNG CAREGIVERS KNOWLEDGE CENTRE - a vast virtual library for helping young caregivers and their families, educators, health care professionals & social workers connect with resources and tools to support wellbeing.  Chrissy is also closely associated with Niagara Children’s Centre. She and her husband, Mat Siscoe, served as AMBASSADORS for the Centre’s Help Kids Shine fundraising campaign in 2021. Read their story here. As a centre of excellence, the Niagara Children's Centre provides individualized education and therapeutic programming in small group settings to children and youth 4 to 21 years of age with multi-learning and physical exceptionalities. |
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