The COVID-19 pandemic had local charities finding new ways to support. The COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges to overcome for Muskoka’s most vulnerable and the people who support them.
“COVID has had a significant impact on persons living with dementia, including disruptions in their social networks and support systems, reduced access to health services in general,” said Karen Quemby, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Muskoka, who says the pandemic has affected the organization’s supports, education and some social programming. “We’ve seen many of our clients deteriorate in terms of physical health, mental health and cognition.”
Not only has the functional status of many with dementia been affected, but caregiver health and well-being has also been impacted.
Similarly, YWCA Muskoka has found that, although already taking an outreach approach to their service delivery program, “this time has deepened our understanding of how isolation can affect people,” said executive director Hannah Lin, who notes the agency will continue to prioritize reaching out and making sure their services are accessible and free wherever possible, “especially for those most marginalized.”
All of these organizations rely strongly on community funding and Fallon Miller, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka, says the biggest challenge they needed to overcome was the transition to virtual fundraisers.
“This has proved really challenging in Muskoka, where donors like to have face-to-face relationships and interactions,” she said.
Another challenge for the mentorship agency is recruitment and branding, having relied heavily on having positive recruitment interactions during public events and fundraisers.
Transitioning online was helpful and they managed to utilize technology to bring in fundraising dollars and recruit new mentors.
The Alzheimer Society moved online for conferences and face-to-face meetings; utilizing Zoom for peer support groups, education planning and recreational programming, as well as distributing robotic animals, activities boxes and kits to clients, including residents of long-term-care homes. Fundraising has also gone virtual.
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YWCA Muskoka distributed $30,000 of COVID relief funding to address many of the urgent needs made more complex for women and families through the pandemic. Again, throughout the pandemic, programs were moved digital and technology was provided to individuals who couldn’t afford it.
This support provided one-on-one sessions for those who needed to learn to access online services, such as attending church or order groceries.
“We hope to continue hybrid models of programming in the future where accessibility due to transportation or weather is an issue,” said office administrator Jiana Cutting.
This also means volunteers are able to continue their hard work in the community.
“My match has impacted my life in a positive way,” said Melissa Mitchell, of Gravenhurst, a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka. “Giving back to my community by being in a mentorship role gives me not only a sense of fulfilment but allows me to be a support for another little human who may need some guidance or assistance navigating different life situations. This, in itself, is rewarding.”
These volunteers impact more than the charities they work for, “One thing I have noticed is I find myself checking in on friends and family more,” said Kassie McLean, a mentor from Bracebridge. “Since communication is so important when being a mentor, I found it easier to reach out to family and friends who I may not speak to as often.”
Mary Beth Hartill – Bracebridge Examiner – February 8, 2022