COVID-19 Grants: Atlohsa Family Healing Services
COVID-19 Grants: Atlohsa Family Healing Services
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a non-profit, charitable organization, dedicated to strengthening community through Indigenous-led programs and services that offer holistic healing and wellness. When COVID-19 forced organizations throughout the area, including Atlohsa, to temporarily shut down their programming, many community members were left without meals they relied on.
“Without school meal programs, soup kitchens, communal dining and other similar services, a number of our community members were really struggling,” says Alana Lees, Director of Development at Atlohsa Family Healing Services. “There are roughly 200 children that we know of who are experiencing hunger since the closure of schools and with many health-related concerns, our seniors are having difficulty managing meals and dietary needs.”
With support from a LCF COVID-19 Response Fund grant, Atlohsa has been able to bring together community partners to plan and build a relief team to cook and deliver hot meals across London’s urban centre.
“Our primary goal is to ensure we are providing meals to children at this time,” says Alana. “If we can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that people are experiencing by helping a parent or caregiver ensure their child gets a good meal today or by supporting a family who needs respite, we are helping our community.”
With the pandemic exposing and intensifying many of the gaps in our system, it is more important now than ever to reflect on what we can do, as individuals and as a community, to move towards a better tomorrow for everyone.
“Educate one another, ask questions, dig for the truth and find the facts,” suggests Alana. “Share and be open to new ideas and perspectives, volunteer, and use your voice to help those who may be struggling.”
While there is still work to be done, the solidarity of our community and the willingness to help and support demonstrated by so many has been a source of inspiration.
“It has been humbling to see the community come together in this time of great need – watching local partners, community members and friends join forces, growing bonds new and old, setting intentions, and building solutions,” says Alana. “It shows us all, that there is strength in numbers and that together we are capable of creating change when we set our minds to it.”
If you’d like to support Atlohsa by making an online, tax-deductible gift to Atlohsa’s food security initiative and other essential needs – please visit http://atlohsa.com/Donate/.
Atlohsa is also looking for volunteer drivers to deliver hot meals around London and surrounding areas – please email volunteer@atlohsa.com to request a volunteer application form.
For more information, please contact Alana Lees, Director of Development | T (519) 430-7582 | alees@atlohsa.com