2. Sharing the Warmth Program

Share the Warmth is a registered, not-for-profit charity that purchases heat on behalf of families, seniors, terminally ill and disabled who have had or are in danger of having their utilities disconnected. This program is for people who simply don't have the money to pay their energy bills.

Families, seniors, disabled or terminally ill persons seeking energy assistance may apply by calling (519) 352-0440

4. Volunteer Bureau

Volunteers play an important part in the services of the Chatham-Kent Children's Services. Many of the programs offered would not function without the expertise and commitment of volunteers.

Volunteers are people looking for opportunities to share, to learn, to grow, to contribute, to make new friends and to tackle new challenges.

Volunteers are people like you...

• They are men and women from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds
  
• They are young and old, single and
  married
  
• Some are working professionals, some are retired
  
• Some are students, some are homemakers and some may be unemployed

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers give their time and energy to individuals or groups in a variety of programs such as driving, mentoring children, youth and parents, tutoring, assisting at Bingos and in the toy library, knitting for children in need, acting as clerical support or helping with drop-in programs.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities or serving on the agency's Board of Directors, call (519) 352-0440

1. Hope Housing In-House Support

The Hope Housing In-House Support Program is provided to residents of HopeHousing subsidized housing units in Chatham. Two staff are available to meet with Hope residents in their own homes to provide assistance related to child management, tenant concerns, budgeting, nutritious cooking on a limited budget, relationship issues, decision making skills, goal setting, problem solving, resume writing and referral where warranted to community agencies. The service is provided on a voluntary basis.

Throughout the year residents can participate in special activities including: collective kitchen programs, garden programs, support groups and summer activity groups for adults and children.

Tenants can self-refer or agree to a referral from an outside source. Working together, staff and family members identify areas of concern and develop ways in which the issues can be addressed.

To find out more information about this program, call (519) 352-0440

5. Public Education

Through Public Education, the community keeps informed of the agency's services. Discussions with community groups include topics about changes in child abuse and neglect legislation, child development, as well as children's mental health.

Staff of the Chatham-Kent Children's Services are available to make presentations and educate the community on a wide variety of issues related to children and their families.

For more information about this service, please call (519) 352-0440

3. Power of Youth

The Power of Youth program is designed for primary and junior elementary students to promote healthy attitudes about themselves, their peers and the community in which they live.

Students explore topics through student centred activities, role-play and discussions.

There are three components to the Power of Youth program.

1. The In School Program designed for Grades 2-7promotes pro-social skills, self-esteem, techniques for managing anger and conflict and an awareness of substance abuse as a prevention to delinquent or other risk behaviours. Individual teachers sign up his/her class for the program and choose 3 topics he/she feels would benefit the class. Two weeks are spent on each topic during the six week program.

2. The After School Program is designed for adolescents 9-12 years of age. Youth attend two afternoons per week for six weeks. They explore a variety of life skills through recreation-based activities such as cooking, drama, arts & crafts and physical education.
3. The Summer Program is offered to adolescents 9-12 years of age in order to promote a healthy attitude about themselves, their peers and the community in which they live. The youth attend two days per week for four weeks. They have the opportunity to travel to various locations in the city to tour and visit people in a variety of job settings. The group members also participate in cooking and craft sessions. The program is offered two times during the summer.

For more information on this program, please call (519) 352-0440