October 3, 2024

Rebound Child and Youth Services received a provincial grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to upgrade facilities to better meet the needs of children and youth.

It is my pleasure to once again welcome MPP Piccini to Rebound and to thank you all for joining us as we celebrate the celebrate the generous Capital Grant funding Rebound received from the Ontario Trillium Fund.

I want you to imagine you are 7 years old, coming through the front doors of Rebound for the first time. Or that you are a parent, desperate for some help, or a teenager here because this is a safe place for you. From that first step in the door, our space sets the tone for how your time at Rebound will go. I’m hoping most of you are thinking of the same things I am, that this is a welcoming, engaging, inclusive, vibrant and safe space for everyone

Thanks to the OTF grant, we were able to make some enhancements to our program area and meeting rooms. This included upgrading the kitchen and appliances, creation of engaging spaces with new multi-sensory furniture, custom locally made tables and benches, and a new smart screen. Our goal was not to recreate a school-like environment, but rather to incorporate aspects that are familiar to the children & youth of this community and that that familiarity helps create comfort, all of which supports our vision that all children and youth have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

Throughout 2023-2024, we served over 1880 clients, many of which interacted with our physical space. By enhancing this space through creative design, we have transformed into a multi-purpose, fully utilized space that will support our client’s success in 2024 and beyond. With the inclusion of the new smart screen, laptop charging stations, and virtual meeting hardware, we can support the needs of children and youth across all of Northumberland County. Through updates to our kitchen and as part of the student nutrition program, we continue to prioritize access to food and nutrition, knowing that it is essential for the well-being and success for everyone, but especially growing children and, some might say, ever-hungry, youth.

I have been with Rebound for just over a month now, but nothing can be clearer. Our team, of dedicated staff, volunteers, and board directors is committed to ensuring children and youth throughout Northumberland County have the opportunity to develop a positive social and emotional foundation through accessible mental health, youth justice, and prosocial programs and services. Last year alone, over 800 youth received mental health support through Rebound, over 106 participated in restorative justice and prevention programs, and we know that these numbers will continue to rise. So, what’s a bit of fresh paint, and how will that help? Well, it’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do!  It has changed the energy in the room. And now, our improved youth friendly spaces have stress reducing and sensory aware furnishings like bean bags, wobble chairs, and comfortable couches, vibrant but calming colourful soft furnishing. These items were chosen deliberately and strategically to enhance the programs and services delivered by our team.

Rebound is grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, not only for the grant, but for their continued support. You can say a lot with a space, they are essential for setting up children and youth for success. I am proud that our space says that all children and youth are welcomed here as we continue to support kids today for a better tomorrow.

Sam Rockbrune

Executive Director