Pivotal Help Community Association is a brand-new non-profit organization that launched on December 1st, as a means to provide accessible funding by application for local counselling and guidance for those in need. The non-profit organization aims to aid in improving the mental health of children, adolescents, and adults in small communities, beginning with its focus on Smiths Falls, Perth and Lanark, with the potential for growth in the future.
The board for Pivotal Help is made up of four women who share the same vision; to create compassion, connection and change in the lives of those in their community. Executive Director Breanna Bedor along with her fellow board members Haley Bowes (registered social worker), Veronica Felizardo (registered clinical social worker) and Tammy Edwards, bring a diverse amount of both professional knowledge and personal experience to the table. Pivotal Help’s Executive Director Breanna Bedor, shared with us that the process of bringing the project to life, “was a huge team effort, and I am lucky to have such strong women on the board. They are powerhouse visionaries who all share the same goal”.
Founder and Executive Director of the association, Breanna Bedor, created the non-profit organization as counselling was something that she did not have access to in her greatest time of need; when she lost her mother to cancer at the age of eighteen. Her hope is that Pivotal Help will make a positive difference in the lives of others and that this will have a ripple effect in small communities. Bedor, who has been an educator for 16 years, has witnessed many of her students, friends, and family members struggle with their mental health.
Pivotal Help board member, Haley Bowes stated in an interview with Hometown News that “the organization will be able to serve some people who are currently unable to access some of the social service agencies, as well as those who do not have benefits.” Bowes added, “as a counsellor I feel that mental and emotional health needs to be deemed as important as our physical health”. Board member Haley Bowes is a Registered Social Worker with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has experience working with individuals and families – counselling a variety of challenges including, sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, divorce, addictions, and grief. Haley has previous experience with serving on non-profit boards.
Pivotal Help’s service options currently consist of counselling, psychotherapy, and coaching. Those in the supported communities who are seeking financial support for these types of services, can complete an online application, and if they meet the criteria for approval, may receive funding up to $1000 for mental health counselling services. 2022 applications for financial support will be open from January 10-30, 2022. Financial support will be provided for as many people as possible, with all other approved applicants being placed on a wait list until funding is available. Applications to apply for funding can be found on their website beginning January 10th at: www.pivotalhelp.ca. Pivotal Help’s funding is made possible by the generous donations of community supporters, sponsors, donors, fundraising events, and partners who wish to help make an impact. Local businesses have started to jump on board as supporters, such as Sinders Bridal House, and Perth-based business Paaper Studios’ Jaana Brett, who generously donated a brand package to Pivotal Help Community Association. For those wishing to make a general donation to the fund, or to become a Corporate Friend can visit www.pivotalhelp.ca Pivotal Help can also be found on Facebook & Instagram.
Article by Shannon McLellan
