SARC UPDATE SUMMER 2020
GETTING CREATIVE WITH MOOSE JAW FAMILIES FOR CHANGE
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has posed some extremely trying times for many people, in many communities across the world. As an organization that supports individuals of varying abilities in both residential and community settings, Moose Jaw Families for Change (MJFFC) was presented with a challenge by the pandemic to continue promoting activity and quality of life. Although closure of community programs were a result of the pandemic, MJFFC has provided creative solutions to work around these closures. While making the health and safety of all a priority, MJFFC was able to continue functioning by offering the following: community outings and programs for residential members, virtual programs, opportunities to learn new skills, and a few unique projects; a Clay Heart Initiative, and Plant a Smile Fundraiser. Community outings exhibited proper social distancing and health practices, and included: drive-by bingo, outdoor walks, bike rides, canoeing, and embarking on local adventures. By providing these opportunities, those involved had the opportunity to engage in physical activities, enjoy nature, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors! 6
In the event that weather did not cooperate with outdoor activities, MJFFC residential members were presented the opportunity to learn new skills. Those who were interested had the opportunity to focus on cooking skills, learning to sew, and learning or improving their skills with money, which all promoted personal growth. The crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic allowed MJFFC to praise the age of technology, as the idea of Virtual Programming was presented by a member of the MJFFC management team, Mariah Horsnall. Mariah presented the idea of translating the daily programming (where applicable) to digital format, for both residential members to participate in, as well as members of the community, entirely risk-free. Virtual programs include: book-club, cooking, craft hang-out, and coffee club. MJFFC has utilized Facebook and Zoom as platforms to participate/facilitate in these above mentioned programs. Additional virtual programming that was engaged in included fitness classes with a local fitness group, The Strong Studio by Dance Fitness with Kyra. In participating with Kyra’s online fitness classes, folks were able to engage in physical activity, as well as enjoy music and have fun!
