COMMUNITY CONNECTION KITS HAVE BEEN 'VERY WELL-RECEIVED,' SAYS RENKEMA

to provide easy and seamless access to their digital resources to Bethell residents and their families," she said.

Bethell provided each of its 10 private resident rooms with a tablet, which was pre-loaded with digital content access for Hoopla, Overdrive, PressReader, Flipster and Kanopy by the library.

Generic library cards and accounts were created so hospice residents and families could easily access library resources while staying in and visiting the hospice.

Training modules and tip sheets to be shared with Bethell staff and hospice clients were also created by the library staff.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the second phase of our Community Connection initiative was prompted by the library's active participation in the Town of Caledon's community recovery team," Renkema said.

Despite the availability of 100 wireless hot spots for loan, CPL recognized that many underserved members of the community did not have access to the technology required to use the internet.

To support their social recovery and to address concerns of isolation, the library partnered with Caledon Community Services (CCS) to make Community Connection Kits (CCKs) available to those most in need, Renkema explained.

The CCKs include a Chromebook, internet hot spot and access to library staff training resources and assistance.

"As a means of managing demand for hot spots, the CCKs are made available only to those with a demonstrable need, as identified through an intake and referral process facilitated by Caledon Community Services," Renkema said.

These kits can only be borrowed by first contacting CCS, she added.

"The kits are then loaned out so that community members can connect with loved ones, gather information, alleviate isolation, search for a job and attend virtual events and meetings, including medical appointments, job interviews and funerals," said Renkema.

The loan period for the kits is customized to meet the community member's unique circumstances, as the reasons for borrowing these kits are as varied and unique as those who borrow them.

Cathy Perennec McLean, director of employment and training at CCS, said the kits provided clients without personal devices the opportunity

to participate in employment and language programs at CCS.

"Approximately 18 LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) students were able to access daily English classes virtually thanks to this innovative program," she said. "Job seekers were able to utilize devices to connect with their employment specialists virtually for coaching and continue their job search."

The initial partnership with Bethell Hospice was launched in

the spring of 2019. The Community Connection Kits were launched in early 2021.

"Our organizations have leveraged each other's strengths in innovative ways to positively impact the communities we collectively service, enabling library access through the tablets for our residents and families, to the amazing in-person, virtual and hybrid model programs supporting those with palliative care needs within the community," said Bethell Hospice executive director Margaret

Paan.

Through this partnership with Bethell Hospice, the Caledon community gets open and equitable access to information in the form of books, e-resources and programs regarding end-of-life care and the role of a hospice, ensuring residents are empowered to make informed decisions and to discover available supports, Renkema explained.

It also supports those living at the hospice with the means to enjoy the free resources offered by the library.

"The library recognized the need to support underserved and at-risk Caledon residents who face social and economic challenges by providing access to the internet and technology," added Renkema.

A Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport spokesperson said the dedication and expertise of the library community are essential to the health and vitality of communities.

"Initiatives such as Caledon's help people in communities across the province access essential resources and services. This is especially critical for vulnerable populations, which were the main focus of Caledon's initiative," the spokesperson said.

Renkema added the response to both parts of the project has been positive.

"The initial partnership with Bethell has grown to include ongoing monthly shared programming and events that support the needs of the community," she said. "The Community Connection Kits have been very well-received and have been borrowed 126 times since the inception of the project."

STORY BEHIND THE

STORY: After CPL was shortlisted for the Minister's Award for Innovation, we wanted to learn more about their Community Connections project and how it has helped two organizations, Caledon Community Services and Bethell Hospice.