The DeGroote School of Business held a food drive for ROCK's (OCC) Our Community Cares program this December.  We are so grateful for their generosity and support.

OCC programs work within the community to empower people and to help build skills in adults and children who are at risk for mental health problems.  ROCK operates out of three locations in the Halton community.

Submitted by Kirsten Dougherty, Director of Foundation Operations, January 2012

On June 22^nd, 2011 the Ontario McGuinty government released aComprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, which focuses on children and youth over the next three years. In year one, supports for kids target three key areas: fast access to high-quality services, early identification and support, and helping vulnerable kids with unique needs. Key Investments for children and youth include providing more services such as short-term therapy and crisis intervention in community agencies to help 13,000 more children and adolescents and reduce service wait times.

The Ministry of Children and Youth Services has decided that ROCK will receive sufficient funds to provide services to 400 clients per year. This translates into 8 fte. positions – 3 counselling, 1 early years (0-6), 2 psychology and 2 compass.  Start-up costs are allocated to each new position, however infrastructure funding will not be assigned. The planning process to integrate the new funding for ROCK has begun. We will be discussing the direction we will take with our primary collaterals in Education, Health Care and the CAS.

The Ministry representative commended the work that ROCK does to benefit the children, youth and families in Halton. This funding will not ‘end the wait’, it will however shorten wait times and demonstrates a commitment to the Mental Health of Children and Youth in Ontario.

Ron Rodgers, CEO

M.M Robinson High School woodworking students turned their class project into a colourful dollhouse that was donated to Reach Out Centre for Kids (ROCK).

The class had been working away on a month-long framing project. They were to frame the dollhouse like an actual house. When the project was completed, what was to become of the miniature house?

Carlo Crechiola, construction technology teacher at MMR, says through a convsersation with staff, he was made aware of ROCK and the work they do.

To read the rest of the story and see the dollhouse go to:

MM Robinson High School - News

Submitted by Wendy Woudstra, ROCK Early Years Supervisor, July 4, 2011