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Indigenous Innovation Meets Community Mental Health: Your Support Services Network and Anishnabeg Outreach Pilot New Online Resource

September 27, 2024, AURORA, ON . . . Your Support Services Network (YSSN) is proud to announce a new partnership with Indigenous-led organization Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) to pilot AONest, a self-guided online resource designed to support mental health and emotional well-being.

Anishnabeg Outreach, based in Waterloo Region, is dedicated to preserving Indigenous culture and history while fostering Reconciliation. AO developed AONest as a cloud-based platform to provide accessible life skills training and mental health resources. The platform offers a wide range of online courses on topics such as ADHD, addictions, anger management, anxiety, depression, parenting, and relationships. It also provides access to Indigenous cultural and language resources to enhance the learning experience.

YSSN is pleased to be the first organization in York Region partnering with AO to pilot AONest. Through this collaboration, YSSN’s staff will introduce the platform to their clients across the region, helping to refine and enhance the system based on participant feedback.

“AONest is not a replacement for existing mental health supports but an additional resource for self-directed learning,” said Kimberly Thorn, YSSN’s Executive Director. “This platform will offer our community a new, flexible tool to build resilience and navigate their wellness journeys at their own pace.”

In addition to piloting AONest, this partnership will elevate Indigenous voices in mental health services. “YSSN welcomes the Indigenous perspectives and knowledge that shape how we offer services,” Thorn added. “AONest provides culturally appropriate support for Indigenous people while offering valuable skills and resources to everyone in our community.”

Stephen Jackson, CEO of Anishnabeg Outreach, emphasized the broader impact of the partnership. “Our collaboration with YSSN extends beyond the AONest pilot,” Jackson noted. “It represents a model for how partnerships can contribute to Reconciliation and address complex issues like homelessness, addiction, and suicide.”

In recognition of this new partnership, YSSN has renamed its largest meeting room at their Aurora head office to “Giigdoowgamig,” which translates to “meeting place” in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Anishinaabe people. The renaming ceremony was marked by a traditional room smudging, bringing positive energy and peace to the space.

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About Your Support Services Network
YSSN is a not-for-profit organization that connects people, along with their families and caregivers, to the services and supports they need to live their best lives. As a social services hub, we support children and adults with developmental disabilities, mental health needs, addictions, and people experiencing crisis.  With direct 24/7 crisis support, access services and service coordination through community partners, YSSN provides a streamlined process for people to navigate the right supports for their unique needs, at the right time, across every stage of their lives.

About Anishnabeg Outreach
Anishnabeg Outreach provides Indigenous people with access to culturally appropriate services and strives to support individuals with direction and assistance to overcome barriers. This includes EarlyON programming, cultural training and resources, employment supports, tutoring, and healing.

About AONest
AONest is a self-guided software system that people can use on their own, with support, or in a group. It helps people set personal goals – and then begin to work on them. Stronger mental and emotional health gives people the confidence and courage to move forward in their lives.

Media Contact:

Rick Sikorski
rsikorski@yssn.ca
(416) 456-2924