Ponoka Stepping Stones worked quickly to adapt its programming at the onset of COVID-19, in order to stay connected to the young mothers it serves.
“It became evident fairly quickly that during a pandemic our programming was going to have to change,” said Stepping Stones staff Nadine Davies, Brittany Koleba and Katie Peters in an email.
Stepping Stones is a non-profit program of Central Alberta Youth Unlimited.
“Our mission is to provide hope and wholeness to all young mothers in need.”
The faith-based community organization takes a holistic approach to supporting the spiritual, mental, physical and social well being of young women and children.
In response to the shutdowns and public health measures, Stepping Stones developed a weekly pick up in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church.
“We meet the women in the open church parking lot for a set time and give them a package filled with the material they needed to create, learn or achieve a new skill.”
Since March, Stepping Stones has continued to support young mothers and children, by providing 25 packages to young families each week.
On Thursdays, Stepping Stones comes together virtually to learn new skills, such as creating homemade pasta and sauce, building bird feeders, crisis budgeting, how to build a strong foundation and support system, and other fun and educational topics.
“This season has been unexpectedly rich, deep, fun and a little exhausting. We have all learned to be honest and upfront with how we’re doing from the living rooms of our homes.”