For 25 years, theROC has been supporting local young people with academics, basic needs, justice system navigation, social development, and mental well-being. Over the years its support has expanded to meet the demand. 

21 percent of theROC’s funding came from the municipality last year. Ahead of budget discussions, theROC’s Executive Director came forward to detail its work.

“There are bright, capable teens, who are quietly overwhelmed, who don’t ask for help and who just need someone to notice. At theROC we notice,” said Ms. Collins

Demand for youth mental health support is spiking, and theROC has responded by conducting 9,608 mental health check-ins this past school year, more than double the figure from two years ago.

TheROC helped 9 unhoused youth find housing in the past two years. Additionally, this year, they tallied 7,883 cases of food insecurity support. One of theROC’s mandates is addressing the basics as soon as kids walk in the door. 

“Basic needs come first,” said Ms. Collins. “Youth can’t focus on learning if they’re hungry or stressed.”

“Thanks to our partnership with Food to Share, youth can take frozen meals home to their families and we’re also able to extend the support to other members of the community.”

Reestablishing a firm foundation under the feet of youth in the County extends to helping them navigate the justice system. 

“This year, 25 youth were supported in navigating the justice system, ensuring they and their families have strong, consistent guidance,” Ms. Collins said. 

The growing challenges are also met by success stories. This past year, students at theROC received 863.5 hours of academic support, including one-on-one tutoring, leading to 33 graduations. 

TheROC launched a new academic bursary for grade ten students called the Bright Future Award. The award, funded through the County Foundation, provides $1000 to a student who has overcome barriers in their pursuit of post-secondary success. 

The Get Grounded program is tailored for grade seven and eight students to help them navigate the stress of a transitional time and build a support network. 

Another new program targets a different transitional time: from youth to adulthood. With support from the Trillium Foundation, theROC launched YIP-IA (Youth Inclusion Program-Into Adulthood), for those ages 16-24 to attain the life skills needed for adulthood with personalized case management. 

“This past fall we were happy to bring Get Grounded to Athol and Sophiasburgh, and we’re looking forward to reaching more County schools this winter and spring,” Ms. Collins noted.

TheROC’s community partners extend throughout the County, engaging with schools, social services, and law enforcement to identify barriers and tailor supports. 

“Supporting our youth is truly a community effort,” said Ms. Collins.

Ms. Collins shared a video of students at theROC, offering a cacophony of voices expressing the safety, sustenance, and fun they get out of the programs. 

She was joined in person by a youth named Alex, in grade nine at PECI.

He noted he does not have access to a cell phone. “One thing would really help is having phone booths around town that we can use at anytime,” he said. 

On the subject of theROC, Alex stated simply that it’s a place he feels comfortable going to with any problem. “It’s fun, it helps me relax, and when I’m stressed they help me work things out.”