Hello From Reach Out Chatham-Kent!
So far, 2024 has been another year of growth for R.O.C.K. We’ve settled into our permanent location on Richmond St, and have created a rhythm and support network that now encompasses more than one avenue of engagement. In April we re-located a new space in Wallaceburg, giving us two active, low-barrier drop-in centers in Chatham-Kent that provide daily support to the community.
In partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Employment and Social Services, we continue to employ outreach workers who work diligently to engage, support and meet our friends where they are at. Funding from Health Canada has expanded our Peer-2-Peer team, amplifying the voices of People With Lived Expertise and enabling harm reduction efforts in smaller CK communities.
This has cemented our vision and idealism that peer work, peer voices, and peer leadership has been the most vital and necessary integration into all our programming.
While the work has been exhausting and challenging, the growth in our community in all sectors gives us hope and shows its rewards in many ways. We are a trusted name for the people we serve.
Our important work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of donors like you. Thank you for your continued support!
That, ultimately, is the greatest achievement.
Renee Geniole
Renee Geniole, Executive Director
R.O.C.K.’s Retrofest 50/50 Raffle
Did you attend RetroFest in Chatham this year? You might have seen our volunteers selling 50/50 tickets to support R.O.C.K.! We hosted an online raffle from May 10th to 31st and were thrilled to sell tickets in person at RetroFest in Downtown Chatham. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised a total of $37,310, with half awarded to our lucky winner, Scott, who took home $18,655. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, and congratulations to our winner!
Honouring Memories: Our Recent Memorial Event
On May 29th we held space for a time of remembrance to honor those who have lost their lives to overdose, the houselessness crisis and the war on people who use drugs.
There was laughter, there were tears, and a strong sense of community. We came together to support one another, share stories, and remember those we’ve lost.
Harm Reduction: Save A Life. Carry Naloxone.
Naloxone is a medication that temporarily counters the effects of opioid overdose. Naloxone only works if a person has opioids in their system. When in doubt, use Naloxone. It will cause no harm if an opioid is not present. R.O.C.K. is a distributor of Naloxone in CK, and it is also available free of charge at local pharmacies.Get Involved: Join Our Outreach Team!
Our dedicated volunteers engage with community members experiencing houselessness, substance use, and mental health challenges. Twice a week we provide lunches, harm reduction supplies, hygiene products, and support.
We are currently seeking additional volunteers for Saturdays in Chatham from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
If you are interested please fill out the volunteer form on our website: www.reachoutck.com/volunteer or, contact us at ck@reachoutck.com
The Power Of Your Donation
$5 provides a meal for someone in need
$10 provides first aid supplies for wound care
$20 provides 1 weeks worth of bus passes
$50 provides an outdoor care kit*
*Visit www.reachoutck.com/donate to see what’s included in an outdoor care kit
Support Us With These Items
- Tents (small 2-3 man tents are ideal)
- Sleeping bags
- Gauze bandage rolls
- Gauze pads
- Medical tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Body wipes
Upcoming Events And Important Dates
July 17th 4PM-7PM – 39 Richmond Street Open House
RSVP to ck@reachoutck.com