In recognition of United Nations International Youth Day on August 12th, Camrose Energy Corporation is delighted to announce our annual financial contribution to the Camrose Open Door Association, as part of our ongoing Community Partner Program.
A Partner since 2013, we are pleased to continue to share a portion of our annual 10% profits with The Open Door, as directed by our customers. Even though new customers cannot select The Open Door as a funding partner, Camrose Energy is proud to continue supporting their great work. Our customers continue to help this vital and worthwhile community resource, just by paying their utility bills.
WHAT IS THE CAMROSE OPEN DOOR?
The Open Door is a regional non-profit organization offering support services and hope to youth and adults up to 24 years old, and their families, in need of assistance. Operating since 1998, The Open Door offers services with a holistic wraparound approach, striving to meet the growing needs from the Alberta-Saskatchewan border to Rocky Mountain House. Serving over 1,000 clients a year, youth can receive a wide range of assistance, ranging from – but not limited to – suicide prevention, emergency housing and counselling to transitional housing, employment assistance, restorative justice and outreach services.
WHAT DOES THIS PARTNERSHIP MEAN FOR THE OPEN DOOR?
Jessica Hutton, Chief Executive Officer of The Open Door, tells me the Association is incredibly grateful for the Camrose Energy partnership. We have been a big part of the organization’s fabric over the years and the support is monumental.
“The Camrose Open Door Association is a not-for-profit organization providing support services and hope to vulnerable individuals within our community,” Jessica explained. “Success is unique for each client and those successes range from graduating high school and obtaining employment to reconnecting with family and reducing or eliminating substance use.
“The support we receive from Camrose Energy has been greatly influential in allowing for the continued provision of services for our clients to allow them to reach such successes. It is very meaningful for our clients to know that there are other community businesses such as Camrose Energy that aspire for them to live safe and secure lives.”
Jessica said the partnership with Camrose Energy is very significant in that we share a common focus with connecting to the community and meeting primal human needs. It is Camrose Energy’s continued support that sustains our mission and makes all the difference.
HOW ARE THE FUNDS USED?
During the pandemic, Camrose Energy’s Community Partner funding was used to buy masks, school supplies, and COVID-19 activities for youth including painting sessions at Paint Pottery and games from Fox & Fable Book and Game Cafe.
In addition to our partnership funding, Camrose Energy always answers the call when The Open Door needs help for their events or other special projects.
We also provide single-serve meals for their clients. Always in high demand, these meals range from single-serve soups or cans of tuna to microwave meals, and these are seen as a hand up – not a handout – for many clients; helping them bridge the gap during challenging times in their life.
Here’s a video with Jessica and I explaining how the Single Serve Meals can be a lifesaver:
https://www.facebook.com/CamroseEnergy/posts/1998299430252595
HELPING EARLY BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
Through their diverse support services and other partnerships, Jessica said The Open Door “strives to provide services to youth before there is a crisis” by keeping youth out of emergency shelters or redirecting their activities away from self-destructive behaviour. For example, over the past five years, Jessica has seen that youth in the 11 to 14 age range have increased access to drugs and pornography… both activities can form the foundation for more dangerous addictions. Fortunately, teachers and school staff trained to identify youth in jeopardy help complement The Open Door’s services.
WHY ARE YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS?
There are countless reasons for homelessness, ranging from family violence and abuse to addictions, mental health issues or neglect… and sometimes people just don’t get along so they need a break from each other. The Open Door helps youth facing all these situations. As for homelessness in Camrose, it’s best described as “Hidden Homelessness” where people are couch-surfing or staying in abandoned buildings or unsafe environments – they may appear to have a place to stay, but in reality, they don’t.
WHAT DOES “YOUTH IN NEED” MEAN?
To The Open Door, “youth in need” is any youth requiring assistance in any part of their life – this might include needing someone to talk to, a place to live, help to find a job, going to or getting to school or needing guidance to work with parents or other caregivers.
HOW CAN INDIVIDUALS HELP THE OPEN DOOR?
While The Open Door appreciates the community’s generosity, the best way to support their endeavours is by donating prepaid gift cards. The cards help The Open Door buy food for housing and outreach services – and they can be given to clients living independently who need help to cover food expenses. Other gift cards for clothing, housewares or activity passes are also tremendously helpful.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY – AUGUST 12
The United Nations’ observance of International Youth Day gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement. This recognizes the importance of youth participation in political, economic and social life and processes. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that young people “are on the front lines of the struggle to build a better future for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the dire need for the kind of transformational change they seek – and young people must be full partners in that effort.”
WE ARE PLEASED TO SUPPORT THE OPEN DOOR
Camrose Energy values the efforts and impacts that the Camrose Open Door Association continues to make on the Camrose region and we are optimistic that our contribution will help them continue the great work they do. For more about The Open Door, please visit camroseopendoor.com
