Dan McCarty, Josee Belanger, Sharron Pountney, Tanya Genier; Gabriella Desmarais; Lauren Smith;
Timmins, November 5, 2014– NorthernTel is helping local youth deal with anxiety through a fun and interactive computer-assisted treatment program. North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) received a grant for $10,000 enabling the purchase of the Camp-Cope-A-Lot programs. This new interactive behavioural therapy program allows NEOFACS to deliver the sessions across the expansive service area.
“NEOFACS serves the Districts of Cochrane and Timiskaming. With this contribution from NorthernTel, we can now purchase this innovative solution allowing us to deliver the program consistently across our Districts in multiple settings,” said Josée Bélanger, Director of Services, Children’s Mental Health, Residential, Youth Justice and Community Based Services.
NEOFACS offers many children’s mental health programs and services. Some are offered at the community level and others are delivered in partnership with other community service providers. The Camp Cope-A-Lot Program will be offered and delivered in collaboration with local English school boards. Through fun and engaging interactive activities, youth learn critical skills for managing anxiety. Youth ages 7 to13 progress at their own pace through the first six sessions and can complete the final six sessions with the guidance of a therapist (coach.)
“The Camp Cope-A-Lot Program allows for personalization, anonymity and privacy. Youth are comfortable with technology so it makes sense to use this as a medium to deliver the program. When youth are comfortable and engaged the treatment program will be more effective,” said Gabriella Desmarais, Child and Family Intervention, Clinician, Timmins Campus.
NEOFACS mission of “Working together for the well-being and safety of children, youth and families” is realized when community partners such as NorthernTel commit to youth programs like Camp Cope-A-Lot. Partnerships like this, make a meaningful and lasting impression on our children, youth and families.