New name, rebranding for Wood’s Homes
Wood’s Home now known as the CORE
The Youth Emergency Shelter run by Wood’s Homes now has a new name: the CORE. Wood’s Homes works with vulnerable young people in the community. It has changed the name of the shelter in order to better represent the numerous services it provides.
The CORE is an acronym that stands for:
• Crisis services, including shelter beds, basic needs, walk-in support, and professional counselling;
• Outreach support, for youth to connect with family and school, or establish Housing First support;
• Resources and referrals, to help youth and family create new solutions to find their way; and
• Engage, encourage, and empower, with a “never-give-up” response.
Jeff Hansen, program manager for Wood’s Homes, said the change is part of a province-wide shift in how shelters are looked at.
“There’s kind of a mandate throughout the province,” he said. “(The province is changing) use of the word ‘shelter.’”
Ultimately, the change will better represent all of the services provided by Wood’s Homes. No services were changed or removed during this rebranding.
“We felt like we were more than just (providing a bed for the night),” Hansen said. “We’re a drop-in service. We’re 24/7/365 on-site counselling. We’re a place where parents or guardians can come if they have an issue with a child.”
The rebrand was made during the Children’s Benefit Dinner on May 6.
The event featured an Aladdin theme and featured musical performances by G.S. Lakie Middle School. The annual event is the primary fundraiser for Wood’s Homes in Lethbridge.
Hansen said a primary reason youth find themselves at Wood’s Homes has to do with disruptions in their family dynamics.
“There’s a breakdown of family structure somehow,” he said.
Lethbridge Wood’s Homes has provided support in more than 500 incidents in the past year, either on the phone or through walk-ins.
It was founded in 1914 and has always focused on the well-being of children. As an accredited children’s mental health society, the organization works extensively through Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
“The shelter opened (in Lethbridge) in 2003,” said Hansen. “The dynamics of children today, the mental health needs of youth, is very taxing on parents and the community itself.
“We’re an integral part (of the community). We’re that resource when there’s nowhere to go.
“Well, there is a place to go. It’s Wood’s Homes.”
The organization is always looking for donations to help run the shelter, and there are also a number of volunteer opportunities available.
Follow @JWSchnarrHerald on Twitter