1Call1Click.ca Staff Lace Up for RBC Race for the Kids

On October 17^th, staff members from 1Call1Click.ca gathered to support youth mental health programs and services at CHEO by participating in a virtual version of RBC Race for the Kids. 

Funds raised from this local portion of the event will be used to support two programs at CHEO including 1Call1Click.ca. 1Call1Click.ca Manager, Cindy Dawson, was so moved by what she heard while running alongside 1Call1Click.ca Intake Workers, Elissa Gazel and Ashley Utronkie, that capturing and sharing their words simply was a must.    

Questions and Answers with 1Call1Click.ca Intake Worker, Elissa Gazel

1. Could you please tell us a bit about yourself and your role at 1Call1Click.ca?

I am a registered social worker who works for Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services as an Addictions Counsellor. I also visit schools in this role. I now work for 1Call1Click.ca full time and tend to take both mental health and addictions related calls.

2. What do you like about 1Call1Click.ca and what are you seeing and hearing?

I love the quick intervention model that 1Call1Click.ca is offering. A lot of youth have been struggling for a long time and we are sometimes the first person they talk to. We want youth to know that you don’t have to suffer and that you are not alone. I love that we can have those first conversations with youth and that there is help to offer them.

3. How did you decide to participate in the RBC Race for the Kids?

I am a part time runner and thought this would be a really great way to meet Cindy Dawson and some of the team in person and safely during COVID-19.

4. Could you please tell me a bit about the day and the event?

Our team started out at the RA Centre and ran five kilometres in the pouring rain. We took a path along the river and after a good two kilometres slowed down to a jog for a conversation about our jobs under the 1Call1Click.ca umbrella (No pun intended!).

5. What is your hope for the future of 1Call1Click.ca?

I would love for 1Call1Click.ca to continue, grow, expand and create further partnerships. There is so much possibility for us to make a difference in places like rural communities. Sometimes the resources are so hard to find if you don’t know where to look and I love that we can be that connection. 1Call1Click.ca is truly one the coolest things I have ever been involved with.

Questions and Answers with 1Call1Click.ca Intake Worker, Ashley Utronkie

 1. Could you please tell me a bit about yourself and your role at 1Call1Click.ca

I have spent many years working as a Child and Youth Worker at Crossroads Children’s Mental Health Centre. I am trained in collaborative problem solving and infant and early childhood mental health. I have provided individualized treatment services and supported children and families at home, in schools, and daycares.  My passion is helping children, parents, caregivers and families live their best lives and believe in the potential of all people. I am the Crossroads Intake Worker at 1Call1Click.ca who is responsible for providing connections to core services offered by 1Call1Click.ca.

2.  What do you like about 1Call1Click.ca and what are you seeing and hearing?

Many children, youth, families and care providers have expressed that it feels good having someone help match them to a service that is best for their needs. 1Call1Click.ca creates a sense of belonging and reduces barriers, feelings of isolation and stress for clients when they know where they can go for help. It saves time and makes them happy knowing that we work collaboratively with other service providers. Providers too are finding 1Call1Click.ca to be an easier and helpful way of accessing support for their patients.          

3.  How did you decide to participate in the RBC Race for the Kids?

With increased needs for programs and services I wanted to help the children and youth at CHEO who are facing mental health challenges.  Also, RBC has provided a significant amount of funding to 1Call1Click.ca and I wanted to thank them by participating in the event.

4.  Could you please tell me a bit about the day and the event?

The 1Call1Click.ca Intake Team raised $1,767!  I hit the very wet pavement for a five-kilometre run with Cindy Dawson and Elissa Gazel.  It felt great to get out, move and spend time with others, talking and supporting each other, for a great cause!

5.  What is your hope for the future of 1Call1Click.ca?

To continue to connect local children, youth and families to the right mental health and addiction services and helping to make it faster and easier to access these services and support clients and families waiting for services. I would love to see permanent 1Call1Click.ca Intake Worker positions and further successful partnerships with other service providers.