- Mayor Randy Hope speaks to Block Parent volunteer Kimberly Lang after a recent flag raising ceremony celebrating the 35th anniversary of the organization in the municipality.
The Block Parent sign, posted in a window in homes, has long been seen as a sign of safety in communities.
However, Jane LaBute, treasurer for the Chatham-Kent Block Parent board and a volunteer herself, has noticed a significant shift in the demographic of those seeking help these days compared to those a couple decades ago.
“Now, all the young people have telephones and can get their own help, so now most of the incidents are older people needing directions or not quite sure where they are,” said LaBute.
Those asking for assistance are those who are not technologically savvy, says LaBute, ranging from the age of 40 and over that might not always carry a cellphone.
“In my house in particular, I’ve only had one instance where that person was not an adult,” said LaBute.
Recently, members of the community gathered in front of the Civic Centre to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Block Parent in Chatham-Kent and the 45th anniversary of the Block Parent organization.
In addition to changing their client demographic, technology has also played a key role in helping to expand and inform the community of the Block Parent organization with the creation of a website, www.ckblockparent.com and a Facebook page created by a summer student.
“It was a great asset for us,” said LaBute.
Their newsletter can also be sent with the click of a button by e-mail. It is still also available in print.
The recent celebration, attended by the Life Skills class from Ursuline College Chatham and volunteer Block Parent Kimberly Lang, was also a chance to celebrate the dedicated volunteers who offer their help.
Lang, who lives in Wallaceburg with the assistance of Community Living, offers her home as a safe Block Parent refuge for anyone seeking assistance.
Assisted with around the clock care, Lang is an example of a community member who is involved in the program to make her neighbourhood safer.
“She participates in as many activities as she can,” said Ila Barnes.
One of the activities Lang is looking forward to is handing out the yearly Halloween glow sticks to kids to increase their visibility while trick or treating.
With the many influences and changes Block Parent has undergone, it still remains a valid and essential program in the community for not only local people but for those outside, says LaBute.
The group is currently looking for volunteers to become Block Parent homes in Cedar Springs and Pain Court.
“For places like Cedar Springs where there is a lot of travel through, it’s important to have that there,” said LaBute.
For more information on Block Parent, visit their website, www.blockparent.ca or call 1-800-563-2771 for more information to get involved.
