Eagles Nest Update
While COVID has impacted us all individually, it has also impacted many organizations that work with the most vulnerable in our community.
For more than 18 years Eagles Nest has been working in our community, equipping people with tools to create a healthier future. They work with individuals and families by helping to cultivate healthy relationships, navigate trauma and develop self-worth. Eagles Nest offers counselling, coaching and support programs to adults, youth and children. Their services are free or at minimal cost to help make them accessible to everyone.
We caught up with Executive Director, Amanda DeVries to see how Eagles Nest has managed through COVID and what their operations looks like today.
Can you tell us how Eagles Nest has been doing over the last little while with COVID changes, etc? How are you, how are the staff?
The last two year have been a mix of challenges and new opportunities for Eagles Nest. The pandemic unfortunately resulted in an increased need for our services, along with challenges how to operate in a world of restrictions. The unknowns of the pandemic also caused an uncertainty with our finances and made it difficult to plan.
I am thankful that in a world of challenges, our team continues to be encouraged. We continue to see God’s faithfulness and provision. He gave our team new opportunities and He has provided financially in unexpected ways allowing us to not our sustain our current programming but also to begin to expand.
As we start this season of Spring, our team is thankful to be working together in person again and planning for what is ahead. There are many reminders of hope around us.
What is the current status of your programs?
Although the HOPE Centre is now open for in person services and programs, we continue to offer virtual options for many of our programs and services. We have learned that virtual is preferred for some of our clients and not just for reasons related to COVID-19. For some virtual removes the challenge of finding transportation, eliminates the worry associated gas prices, or the stress of finding and paying for childcare.
How has COVID changed how you approach your services – what is the current need from the community?
The pandemic has forced us to be creative and think outside of the box. We not only learned to shift our programs and services to an online platform, but we also learned how to do in person differently. Throughout the pandemic we heard our clients share that they are lonely and miss connection. We believe that we are created to do life in community. For some individuals we work with they are very isolated and for some the people around them are unhealthy. We recognize in person services are so critical for some clients, yet we have been restricted in how we can do things. Our team was challenged to think outside the box and we launched a new program – “Walk and Talk Therapy”. The HOPE Centre is located by the Bruce Trial, providing a perfect place to walk. Along with providing a safe environment in our world of COVID-19 to meet face to face for therapy, there are other benefits for one’s mental health including being outside and getting physical exercise.
Currently the greatest need we are seeing right now is for young people. Inquiries for young teens needing support have been overwhelming. Parents are desperately seeking support for their son or daughter struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts or self-worth.
Can you tell us a little bit about how CNOY went? What was the total raised?
This past February marked our fifth year for hosting our annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser walk. We are grateful that each year a team from Compass Point has joined us to raise funds and awareness. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, walkers walked on their own or in small groups. This past year our community raised over $63,000. Not only did we raise the most funds to date with this event, but we doubled our goal! We were encouraged to see new walkers and sponsors get involved. These funds will help us be able to respond the current need we are seeing with young people. We look forward to next year, when we can return to an in person event and walk together!
How can we pray for you and your team and the community you serve?
To be able to respond the current need in our community, we need to grow our team of therapists. Please pray for people who not only have the right skill set, but people who align with our values and have a passion to make a difference. Please also keep in prayer those in our community who are struggling and need support. Reaching out for help is not an easy step. Pray for courage for those needing to make that first phone call.