Hello Scoopers! Chris here, welcoming you back to another edition of the Asper Scoop. It’s the end of March and the semester is close to wrapping up, with both finals season and warm weather just around the corner. Let’s just hope the geese don’t return with a vengeance again this year (#callback).
While I’ll probably start reflecting on my life choices 1 hour before a final I didn’t study enough for, CSA President Betty Mae Ferrer is taking time to reflect on her term as she transitions out of her role this week.
We also sat down with Michelle Kowalchuk, Director of Mental Health and Addictions at Resource Assistance for Youth, to hear more about the organization’s approach to support in our community.
Welcome to this season finale edition of the Asper Scoop!
Betty Mae Ferrer: A CSA “Year That Was”
It was only a year ago that Betty Mae Ferrer was campaigning for President, selecting her Executive team, and finalizing the CSA’s General Council for 2023-24. Preparing to take on the biggest challenge of her University career, it was hard to imagine everything that was to come in the next 365 days. Fast forward to today; with a successful term behind her, Betty has the chance to look back at the year that was.
When kicking off the term, a big focus for Betty’s team was to make sure Asper students felt heard, welcomed, and included. Taking student feedback into consideration, the CSA introduced a variety of inclusive programs to uplift new voices and ensure that there was an event for every student. From brand new EDI initiatives such as the Biz Thrift Shop and EDI in Action panels, to The Commerce Week’s Food Truck Market providing an alternative to traditionally alcohol-based programming, the emphasis on inclusion was evident.
In the end, the CSA ended up hosting over 20 new events and initiatives throughout the year, resulting in a 28% increase in student engagement.
Coming in with an extensive background in student leadership, the role of President added the responsibility of being a voice and advocate for students. Working closely with the Dean’s Office, The Associates, and various corporate partners, Betty ensured that the best interest of students was a top priority. Helping to create a distinct strategic vision for the CSA, student advocacy was present in every decision made.
When looking back at her vision for the year, Betty’s campaign pillars of include, empower, and celebrate were achieved through the hard work of her team. Incorporating ideas and initiatives from each member of the Executive Council, everyone was tasked with strategic pillars and responsibilities to ensure the CSA remained on track. With monthly check-ins and reminders about strategic priorities, the Executive team worked together to make sure the overall vision was realized from day one.
As a parting message to Asper students, Betty wanted to relay a huge thank you for supporting the CSA’s various events throughout the year. She emphasized that students who took the time to learn about the CSA, engage with the organization, and attend events made the year what it was, and both her and her team are incredibly grateful. As another cohort of students transition into their new roles, Betty encourages individuals to continue creating their Asper legacy by getting involved.
With just a few days left before her retirement era, it’s clear that Betty and her team have left the CSA in a position for long-term success.
Resource Assistance for Youth: A Wrap-Around Approach to Support
Throughout the year, the CSA’s 5 Days charity team has been working to raise money for Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY) through various events and initiatives. RaY, a local organization that supports youth experiencing homelessness, has been a staple in Winnipeg for the past 30 years. This month, we had the privilege to sit down with Michelle Kowalchuk, Director of Mental Health and Addictions at RaY, to learn more about the incredible work this organization is doing in our community.
At around this time last year, Michelle Kowalchuk was signing a contract to become Resource Assistance for Youth’s Director of Mental Health and Addictions. Coming off of a 30 year stint working with youth and families in the field, Michelle aligned with RaY’s values and was excited at the prospect of working at a not-for-profit. Now, one year into the job, she is even more eager to share RaY’s story and what the organization has in the works.
As highlighted by Michelle, RaY uses a unique wrap-around or hub approach to support, meaning that the organization strives to provide all the essentials a person needs to improve their circumstances. This includes basic needs such as meals, clothing, hot showers, and hygiene products, to more hands-on services such as housing supports, mental health counseling, and addiction programming. In addition, the organization’s Education and Training department provides employment readiness and life skill training that aims to prepare individuals for the future. On top of this, RaY provides support both inside and outside of their facilities, with the organization’s street outreach team delivering resources and supplies across the city on a daily basis.
Celebrating 30 years of operation, RaY is continuing to adapt its offerings to fit the modern environment. This past year, the organization has focused heavily on conducting research to find out where people are when they need service on the street. Using GPS technology, the outreach and research teams were able to pinpoint general locations that will inform how they deliver street outreach services moving forward. In addition, the organization is being more deliberate about providing cultural resources for those who identify as Indigenous. By increasing Indigenous-focused workshops, activities, and teachings, RaY is continuing to promote education and awareness.
In Michelle’s own Mental Health and Addictions department, the team is focused on ensuring support in the community post-inpatient care. With two new employees who specialize in addictions case management, the department has even more resources to support folks who want to talk about detox programs and addiction treatment. The department has also rolled out an online platform called RaY Wired, where youth can manage their mental health and wellness virtually by learning about mental health topics, setting goals and care plans with a RaY Care Manager, and chatting with mental health professionals. With a growing team and expanding resources, those who have substance use problems are able to receive assistance the moment they need it.
The organization is continuing to forge relationships in the community, not only with those looking for support, but with other support providers in Winnipeg. Michelle emphasized the importance of working together with other organizations in the city, ensuring that services aren’t being duplicated. Through developing partnerships and relationships with other providers, RaY is working to make support more easily accessible, no matter what organization provides it.
If you’d like to support 5 Days and RaY, you still have time to donate here! Any donation made before March 31st at 11:59 PM will enter you into a prize basket giveaway, with prizes including Winnipeg Ballet tickets, a St. Vital Mall gift card, and a $500 West Jet Airlines voucher. All proceeds go to Resource Assistance for Youth.
Well, that does it for this 2023-24 run of the Asper Scoop! Special thank you to Betty and Michelle for chatting with us this month, and another round of applause for everyone who agreed to be showcased this year. It’s onwards and upward for the Scoop; be sure to keep tuning in as we transition writers for the 2024-25 term!
Before I end this edition off, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who is reading this. Our goal coming into this year was to uplift and showcase stories that deserved to be heard, and those stories were only heard because you took the time to read. Whether you tuned in for one edition, all eleven, or anything in between, I very much appreciate your support. I hope we cross paths again in the future!
Signing off,
Chris