3 minute read
Getting Creative with Moose Jaw Families for Change
The 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! 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!
In addition to providing activities that promote quality of life, MJFFC also initiated programs that promote joy for others within the community of Moose Jaw. Residential members of MJFFC created handmade clay hearts, which were delivered to a variety of local businesses and organizations, including: The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Moose Jaw Humane Society, South Hill Fire Hall, and Bellamy Harrison Animal Hospital. Those who participated in this project enjoyed both the crafting process and delivering the crafts around the city!
Following the clay heart project, the Project Plant a Smile Fundraiser was launched. While partnering with three other local businesses, MJFFC campaigned to “plant a smile” within the community of Moose Jaw. Those interested in participating purchased a hand painted pot fashioned with a quote of their choice, which was also topped with a succulent provided by either Field of Dreams Greenhouses or Dream Drop Shoppe. The third participating business was Starlight Creations, which provided the stencil quotes making it convenient for folks when hand painting the pots. This particular project has been well received by the community, and has kept residential members of MJFFC busy hand painting the pots and also providing delivery. To date, MJFFC has raised $200+ through the Project Plant a Smile Fundraiser, with all funds being utilized for community programs once normalcy has resumed.
MJFFC continues to work collaboratively with both residential members and the management team to provide creative alternatives until business can be resumed as usual. To learn more about MJFFC, or to follow their journey, follow the Moose Jaw Families for Change Accounts on Facebook: @MooseJawFamiliesforChange and @KinsmenCafe.
