YMCA ReConnect
 

The YMCA of Greater Moncton, in partnership with Downtown Moncton Centre-Ville Inc. implemented the ReConnect program in June 2001. ReConnect, located in the heart of Downtown at 150 Queen Street, provides short-term and long-term assistance through outreach to youth and adults who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless, all in an effort to increase their knowledge of available resources (i.e. food, clothing, shelter, education, employment and counseling) and to provide support in accessing them.

Objectives:

-Provide central entry point for referral and greater access to services.

-Increase level of knowledge and awareness of the community about homelessness.

-Increase collaborations, partnerships and networking.

-Build strong collaborations and partnerships with the business community.

-Collect data on homelessness.

Who we serve:

The YMCA of Greater Moncton has an open door policy serving all people regardless of ability to pay. ReConnect focuses on serving individuals and families, in some cases in crisis, who present gaps with their basic needs like food, clothing, shelter as well as education and employment.

Statistics:

On average ReConnect Staff conduct 250 interventions with clients per month.

Youth represent 20% of interventions and Adults represent 80% of interventions. The program also averages 20 new clients a month.

Services:

• Staff conduct frontline interventions.

• Seek support services for the individuals in need and assist the client in accessing these services.

•Active and empathic listening and problem solving.

Other Initiatives:

“Partners for Change”

Launched in 2002, “Partners for Change” is an alternative to giving change directly to panhandlers. Funds from the collection boxes placed in local businesses help provide the fundamental resources like food and clothing to people in need through the YMCA ReConnect program.

“Working for Change”

Pilot initiated in February 2005, “Working for Change” provides job opportunities to clients of ReConnect through Downtown Businesses.

Drop-In Services: ReConnect Office and Central United Church

Staff of ReConnect ensures they are available and accessible to individuals and families by providing drop-in services at the office Monday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Central United Church Outreach Committee initiated a drop-in service in 2002 every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Volunteers are on hand to provide a food, refreshments, activities and a listening ear.

Partners

The success of the program is dependent on a number community partners and collaborators, which include but are not limited to Government of Canada: National Homelessness Initiative; United Way; Downtown Moncton Centre-Ville; Codiac RCMP, City of Moncton; Moncton Youth Residences; Local Churches; and local agencies and organizations.

YMCA ReConnect Contact Information:
(506) 856-4362 (office at 150 Queen St.)
reconnect@nb.aibn.com
http://www.ymcamoncton.ca

Contact:
Nadine Lipton
Executive Director
Blankets For Moncton
Phone - 506.961.0963
Email -  BlanketsForMoncton@gmail.com
Website -  http://blanketsformoncton.com
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