When schools and OCISO’s offices closed more than a month ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YOCISO quickly jumped into action – finding ways to continue to engage with the newcomer youth through several online platforms.

YOCISO is currently using Instagram, Facebook, Zoom and Google Hangouts for these types of activities:

• Daily engagement through activities, questionnaires and challenges.
• E –learning initiative launched March 30 for online homework and academic support facilitated through Zoom and Google Hangouts via live video chats. Volunteers currently linked to the tutoring and after school program are leading these study sessions.
• Mental Health supports available online through clinical counsellor via Instagram and Facebook direct messaging to ensure confidentiality.
• Workshops facilitated on a weekly basis through Zoom. Programming includes physical health, mental health supports, creative expressions/arts, academic supports, social drop in and career and employment development.

See YOCISO’s online calendar.

When a new staff member was recently hired, a short video was developed to introduce Schnael (Sham).

Staying at home can make everyone sluggish and inactive, so YOCISO launched a dance off challenge.

“We constantly strive to keep connected with our youth clients,” says Donnielle Roman, Manager, YOCISO. “At this time, more than ever before, we need to maintain that crucial connection to youth who can be faced with isolation in these trying times.”