Young Carers Initiative - Recreational Respite

Young Carers Initiative, Toronto Star

The Young Carers Initiative (YCI), a program of the Powerhouse Project, with sites based in Port Colborne and Haldimand Norfolk, could expand across Ontario thanks to a 2009 Innovations in Health Care Award from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. YCI provides activities and peer support to empower caregivers under the age of 18 who are looking after family members with Alzheimer’s disease. YCI was initially known as the Young Carers Initiative Niagara, the brainchild of AS Niagara’s Marge Dempsey and Sylvia Baago. Marge and Sylvia, who retired from the Niagara, now sit on the YCI board, and are leading the charge to support the well-being of young caregivers. The Star article features Brittney Grove, who was a guest speaker at an ASiO President’s Forum several years ago, and her grandmother Sandra. The Groves have been a long-time client of AS Niagara. Kudos to all involved in bringing this important issue to light. It’s especially timely as we get ready to launch Rising Tide in January.

YCI provides activities and peer support to empower caregivers under the age of 18 who are looking after family members with Alzheimer’s disease.

YCI was initially known as the Young Carers Initiative Niagara, the brainchild of AS Niagara’s Marge Dempsey and Sylvia Baago.

Marge and Sylvia, who retired from the Niagara, now sit on the YCI board, and are leading the charge to support the well-being of young caregivers.

The Star article features Brittney Grove, who was a guest speaker at an ASiO President’s Forum several years ago, and her grandmother Sandra. The Groves have been a long-time client of AS Niagara.

Kudos to all involved in bringing this important issue to light. It’s especially timely as we get ready to launch Rising Tide in January!!