tre or ROC is a non-profit organization located in Picton. They provide daily activities for kids from 5-12 years old ranging from woodworking and cooking classes to drama activities and ping pong tournaments to name a few. Last year the ROC wanted to reach a new market, teens aged 13- 19. “We wanted to provide a safe place for teens to come and hang out at” says Darlene Thompson who is the president of the ROC. In order to create a successful program a marketing plan and materials were needed. Unfortunately the ROC did not have the necessary funds to put together a strategic plan and purchase marketing materials. That is when Darlene noticed an advertisement in the paper requesting applications from organizations for grants from PELA CFDC.

PELA CFDC is a non-profit organization, which operates out of Picton as well as Napanee. Along with grants and loans they also provide advice, counselling, and assistance in constructing a business plan, free of charge. “I picked up the phone and spoke with Justin Manlow, he was extremely helpful throughout the entire process to help put our application together in time for the committee review.” Justin works out of Picton and Napanee and is the administrator for the Eastern Ontario Development Program as well as assists in the delivery of the EODP grant funds.

The ROC was awarded a grant and went straight to work constructing a strategic marketing plan and creating marketing materials such as a promotional DVD, flyers, a newsletter along with holding successful fundraisers. The ROC successfully launched a teen program which meets on Mondays and Thursdays and is open to anyone between the age of 13-19. “The success of the program is almost overwhelming” says Darlene. “In the first 6 months we had on average 30 participants every Monday and Thursday. Today we average 50 and have had up to 100 in one day.” The teen program does more then simply provide a place for teens to hang out. At every gathering teens are offered a wide array of activities including arts and crafts and basketball. Supper is also provided for all attending. Near the end of the evening the teenagers and volunteers participate in the ROC talk which is an open forum discussion where no topic is tabo or any judgement is passed. “We see kids of all backgrounds with various issues ranging from general information to sex and pregnancy, to being homeless, and drugs. Even general discussions about the difficulty of being a teenager take place.”

Although the volunteers are not trained professionals with children’s mental health they do work very closely with various organizations. If a an individual needs more attention then the volunteers do everything in the powers to put the individual in contact with the appropriate organization.

“I can’t tell you how much this grant has done for these teens and the ROC. I would never of dreamed in a million years the support we would receive from the community and surrounding area. We have organizations offering to donate proceeds from their fundraising efforts to help support this program and the ROC in general. We even have surrounding communities requesting we hold talks about this program and how they can implement similar programs in their community. I can’t thank PELA CFDC enough for their support.”

For more information on how PELA CFDC can help your current or new business, or organization you can contact one of our friendly and resourceful staff at either of our two convenient locations