Friendship & belonging

Who we are

Our Virtual Hangouts are Foundation supported groups planned and facilitated by a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Life Skills Coach, Youth Facilitator, and a Youth Mentor. Collaboratively, this team offers a virtual community of friendship and belonging where all youth and children are welcome to participate at their own pace by engaging in fun online activities with their peers.

Who we serve

We accept self-referrals from parents (caregivers), as well as internal and external referrals. Clients aged 7-14 years old will participate in our JR RECC Room group, and clients aged 15 to 21 years will participate in The HIVE group. We do not have a waitlist for this service; however, prior to joining all interested families are required to participate in a consent call. Clients are asked to register through Eventbrite.

What we do

The team designs and leads theme-based fun and interactive games for weekly one hour sessions. Clients are encouraged to participate as they feel comfortable, and staff are available to help them engage as needed. These groups are designed to promote social skills development, peer engagement, comfort using virtual platforms, and self-advocacy in a fun and supportive way. Example games may include but are not limited to: Kahoot, Name that Tune, Trivia, Pictionary, Riddle, Identify the picture. Fun in-person special events are also offered by the team 2 to 3 times per year to provide participants the opportunity to also meet in person if they wish to do so.

Meet our team

	Heather Keating Clinical Operations Manager
	Melissa Thorne Youth Facilitator (YF)
	Erin Heck Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS)
	Mirusha Ravindran Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS)
	Rachel Arsenault Life Skills Coach

Friendship & belonging: virtual hangouts

Great opportunity to meet new youth and try out a virtual social recreation experience. Games are easy and fun. Participate in whatever way is most comfortable for you. Program access is via Zoom.

Christmas In person event !

Virtual Hangouts in-person group celebration,successful implementation since Spring 2020!

Client and family testimonials

What did you enjoy about the HIVE?

Connecting with friends
Finding similar interests with peers and having a place to chat

Why is this program meaningful to you?

I've noticed good times where there was a lot of inclusivity, collaboration, celebrating the differences
Not being judged for the condition or differences you have, there is NO judgement
During covid we were all at home so having the virtual thing was really good it gave us something to do
For those who live a little further it give you opportunity to participate even though you live far.

Parent Feedback:

My child… “loves the discussions and it helps my child improve their vocabulary and confidence in speaking up.”
My child… “is more confident to express her ideas and can express herself using new words during conversations.”

See flyers below for our current offerings.