HAVE A CUP OF JOE WITH JOE – Get Dressed To The Nines During The 18th Annual Say Yes To The Prom Dress!

With two locations in the area, New Beginnings is an important organization known for the many services they offer in the Windsor Essex region.

Since 1972, they have worked night and day under the radar, to help safeguard our community and to provide essential second chances in life for at-risk youths needing them. (Note: for more information about their history, evolution, and services check online).

For the past 18 years New Beginnings has held an annual event — Say Yes To The Prom Dress! — a time when girls can browse through a vast selection of semi- formal, prom, and graduation dresses, ranging in sizes from 0 to 26.

The event is FREE and open to the public. Plus, there are plenty of fitting rooms available to ensure a perfect fit.

This year’s event takes place March 21 (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) and March 22 nd (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at New Beginnings, 1015 Highland Avenue in Windsor.

The public is invited to participate by donating prom, semi-formal, and graduation dresses (all sizes especially sizes 0 to 4, as well as 14+), and accessories such as dress shoes, jewellery, etc.

Drop off locations are at both New Beginnings locations, 1049 Janette Avenue and 1015 Highland Avenue, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are accepted until March 17, 2025.

Stacey Yannacopoulos is the Executive Director of New Beginnings and the Coordinator for their annual Say Yes To The Prom Dress! Beaming with happiness and pride over the continuing success of this event, she has been described as a person with “some contagious enthusiasm.”

During the main event, New Beginnings staff work together with community partners and volunteers such as; Windsor Police Service, Delta Zeta Sorority at the University of Windsor, Keller Williams (Chris Kambouris Real Estate Team), and Rocket Innovation Studio.

Also, the Windsor Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association (BANA) assists by promoting health and self-esteem for the young participants by decorating the mirrors in the dressing rooms with positive affirmations and messages to make this a fun and memorable event.

In addition to dress donations from the public, a boutique partnership exists with His & Hers Bridal, 828 Ottawa Street in Windsor, owned by Nelly Semaan.

“We are so grateful that every year they donate tons of formal dresses for this event. We’d love to bring more area boutiques on board to assist in this amazing event.” – Stacey Yannacopoulos

Youth who attend are given raffle tickets for gifts donated by local businesses, like those listed here from 2024: Scizzors Inc., Amalfi Panini and Café, East African Community Resource Center, IncluSV Beauty Solutions, Potka’s Kitchen, Karma Jewelry, Mardin’s Barbershop, Prestige Barbershop Windsor, Sawyer’s Craft BBQ, Shoppers Drug Mart (Golden Mile), Classy Lashes, K.O.M.A. Restaurant, Lavish Hair Concepts, Macro Foods,

Firehouse Subs Windsor, Pure Vibez Nutrition, Hairstyling By Janet, Frate Street Food and Oggi Esthetics by Julia Holmes. Reflecting on last year’s event, Yannacopoulos reports: “We provided over 500 dresses last year (and 50 suits for young guys — yes, the fellas are also welcome to participate) and more than 2,000 outfits in the past three years.”

Good corporate leadership looks to connect with outside interests to enhance their constructive interaction. New Beginnings achieves this with the United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent (UWC).

“Every year we allow first access (one hour before opening to the community) to a group of students identified by United Way as in-need, and the staff brings them in from the county,” explains Yannacopoulos.

“Since the event is so appreciated by the students, their staff offers to help by ways of partnering through organizing an internal donation, and by members from their Women United group volunteering on the event days.”

Liam Giles-Hayes, Vice President, Programs & Strategic Relations from UWC comments: “Programs like Say Yes to the Prom Dress! are so important. It is essential that our students have the opportunity to take part in all the typical teen experiences, like prom. These milestones are a vital part of growing up, and every student deserves to feel included, celebrated, and part of their community.”

And Kaila DiCecco, UWC Team Lead, Post-Secondary Transition & Alumni Support adds: “Say Yes to the Prom Dress! is a transformative experience for our students in our On Track to Success program. It is about more than just finding the perfect dress, suit, or accessories — it is about instilling confidence, self-worth, and the belief that they are deserving.”

Yannacopoulos’ 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa, also helps her mother with this event and describes the experience: “I brought three of my friends and a cousin to the event and we all got dresses, heels and jewellery. Mirrors in the dressing rooms had affirming and positive messages. The place was super busy, lots of people. It was high energy and a room full of love.”

We also must mention that Alyssa dances with Windsor Dance eXperience Inc. and she had them donate several dresses to the event as well.

Madi Gilson is 21 years old and a past recipient of a dress from last year and sums up the whole event quite nicely in the following quote: “It was an amazing experience. I was able to try on so many dresses, and I found the perfect one for me (purple); it made me feel like a true ‘Princess’ (see accompanying photo). I also found some accessories to go with it and was supported by the volunteers who were hyping me up saying how beautiful I looked. It was a magical experience!”

Biz X magazine wishes New Beginnings great success in the 2025 Say Yes To The Prom Dress! as they help “dress up” Windsor, one young person at a time!

The post The 18th Annual Say Yes To The Prom Dress! appeared first on Biz X magazine.

THE PARENTING BIZ – The SAPPACCY & Beauty Is Me Programs… Helping Windsor Essex Black Children And Youth

Canada celebrates Black History Month throughout February, and 2025 marks 30 years since the House of Commons officially recognized this special month.

Ever since December 1995, we have been honouring the rich and vibrant history of African-American culture in Canada.

This year’s theme is: Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations. (View the latest updates here).

Every February everyone has the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and diversity of Black people in our country. At this time, we should also remember and acknowledge the difficult history and recognizable challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face today. These include systemic barriers, racism and discrimination.

In observance of Black History Month, Biz X magazine is focusing on two local organizations that support the needs and challenges of Black children, youth and their families in the Windsor Essex area.

A Strengths-Based And Healing Centred Approach To Recovery With SAPACCY

The acronym SAPACCY stands for Substance Abuse Program for African Canadian and Caribbean Youth.

SAPACCY was originally founded in 1993 as a community-based, stand-alone substance use program. It was designed to address the needs of Black youth with concurrent disorders; many of whom were being cycled through the criminal justice system.

Originally based on Marlee Avenue in Toronto’s Little Jamaica neighbourhood, the program has expanded significantly over the years. As of May 2022, the Windsor Essex SAPACCY Program has provided support to over 1,500 individuals.

The program now operates in several locations across Ontario, including Etobicoke, Hamilton, North York, Ottawa, Toronto, Peel, Scarborough, and Windsor.

While the program promotes improved mental wellness for young people who identify as African, Caribbean and/or Black; through the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre (weCHC), the SAPACCY team also provides community-based mental health and/or substance use services that are holistic, anti-oppressive, Africentric, and culturally safe for Black youth (ages 12 to 29), their families and caregivers.

SAPACCY recognizes the unique challenges faced by Black youth and their families. This includes anti-Black racism, criminalization, poverty, and other forms of discrimination and oppression within the mental health care system.

According to SAPACCY Case Worker Olu Ogunde: “Our biggest passion in life is helping the youth! SAPACCY has made this passion a reality because we genuinely go the extra mile for our clients. They know we have their best interests in mind and that we are there for them and they are not alone.”

The Africentric approach their clinical team works from, is the right of people of African descent to strive for self-determination, considering the pervasiveness of racism and systemic barriers. They work with community partners to help clients gain access to resources that may otherwise be difficult for them to get, through their intensive case management services.

Click on the link below to learn more about SAPACCY. The Beauty is Me Program and local events and attractions honouring Black History Month.

PARENTING BIZ STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 28

The post The SAPPACCY & Beauty Is Me Programs… appeared first on Biz X magazine.

Helping To Provide Wholesome Meals To Children Through The We Are One Lunch Program

The We Are One Lunch Program is excited to announce that they received funding for their first pilot project in the Windsor Essex community from several generous sponsors.

Sponsors include IBEW Local 773, Unifor 444, Green Heart Lunch Club, Ontario Real Estate Association, Kelsey Quick of and Tany Quick of RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd., Pinnacle Plus Realty Ltd., Empire Communications, Adesco of North America, Medica Pharmacy, Abraham’s Jewellery, CanAm Currency Exchange, Mezzo Ristorante & Lounge, Nico’s Taverna, Spago, La Contessa Ristorante, Bacchus Ristorante, Millwright Regional Council, UA Local 853, Teamsters Local Union 879, Ironworkers Local 700, Intl. Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 128, Intl. Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 6, Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local 95, UA Local 527 Plumbers, Steamfitters & Welders, Local 46 Painters & Allied Trades, Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers Local 235, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners, Local 494, Operative Plasterers’, Cement Masons’, and Restoration Steeplejacks’ International Association Local 598 

Roseville Public School was chosen by their Executive Team for the Windsor Essex pilot project. Each of the 232 students present and registered for the program will enjoy a nutritious lunch at no cost to their families between February 20 and March 29, 2024.

The organization has chosen Windsor Essex local restaurants to supply the lunches.

The Principal of Roseville Public School, Tracy Dempsey states: “Every child deserves to know that their basic needs will be met. The ability for students to focus and nourish their mind and body while supporting their well-being is essential, and respects their identity and dignity. Students who know they have access to lunch and have food security are better able to regulate and focus on what really matters for their success and the world of learning! We are proud and humbled to be on the forefront of this important program and are grateful for the benefits that will impact students’ lives’ daily, and be of benefit to the larger community.” 

Canada is in dire need of a federally funded national school lunch program. We are the only G7 country without one.

Recently, Food Banks Canada announced over 2 million food bank visits in Canada within one month (March 2023), and 1/3 of those are children. Stat.Can. reports that 21% of Windsor Essex children and youth are living in low-income housing. Investing in our children’s nutrition is imperative to their continued health and success. 

The We Are One Lunch Program social enterprise model strives to collaborate with educational institutions, government agencies, and local communities to implement, and sustain a comprehensive and nutritious national school lunch program.

Their goal is to work hand in hand with all levels of our government to provide all children in Elementary Schools with a funded National Nutritional Lunch Program, daily. Tackling childhood hunger requires a community effort and the We Are One Lunch Program strategy of both feeding hungry children and creating jobs within each community is the only way for that community to continue to thrive and be sustainable. 

They are looking for cooperation from parents, teachers, and students.

Reach out to your local MPs for Federal Government cooperation and future funding. Windsor West – brian.masse@parl.gc.ca, Windsor Tecumseh – Andrew.Dowie@pc.ola.org Windsor Tecumseh – Irek.Kusmierczyk@parl.gc.ca and Essex – Chris.Lewis@parl.gc.ca

The post Wholesome Meals Through The We Are One Lunch Program appeared first on Biz X magazine.

Say Yes To The Prom Dress, 2024 Donations Needed

Spring is just around the corner and New Beginning’s 17th annual Say Yes to the Prom Dress event is fast approaching.

This year for the first time, they are offering TWO days for youth to come and browse their huge selection of formal, prom, and graduation dresses, suits, and accessories, ranging in sizes from 0-26. 

It is FREE, open to the public, and there will be plenty of shopping assistants and fitting rooms available to ensure a perfect fit.
 
Since its inception 17 years ago, Say Yes to the Prom Dress has helped thousands of youth find the outfit of their dreams, in celebration of formal events like prom and graduation. 
 
This would not be possible without the support of our generous community, which is why they are asking you to help make dreams come true by donating new or gently used formal attire to our event.
 
They need donations of . . .

• Prom Dresses
• Semi-Formal Dresses
• Graduation Dresses
• Suits
• Formal shoes and accessories

Items can be dropped off at New Beginnings located at 1049 Janette Avenue or 1015 Highland Avenue in Windsor from 9 am to 5 pm; Monday-Friday. Donations are accepted until Friday, March 1, 2024
 
Say Yes to the Prom Dress will take place at New Beginnings, 1015 Highland Ave. Windsor, on Saturday, March 9 and Monday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 pm.

New Beginnings Essex County opened its doors in 1971 and provides services to children, youth, and families of Windsor and Essex County.

The post Say Yes To The Prom Dress, 2024 Donations Needed appeared first on Biz X magazine.

THE PARENTING BIZ – Matters Affecting Those In Between . . . Here’s who has their back (and more!)

The vibrant world of pre-adolescence can be both exciting and challenging.

As children begin to gain independence and make their own decisions in the world, tweens (primarily those 10 to 13 years of age) are also faced with hormonal changes, plus shifting relationships with family and friends, which bring with it a host of academic difficulties, along with mental and physical health concerns.

No matter what, they still need their parents during this transition and communication is key . . . but parents need help at times to deal with all these changes. Who can they turn to?

The following story highlights local businesses, groups and organizations that serve this community who can assist your tween along with their journey into adolescence and eventually into adulthood.

Neck & Spinal Care

As kids move into their tween and teenage years, increased screen time on phones and rough housing with friends can have a detrimental impact on their back and posture.

Located at 525 Cabana Road East, Unit 1 in Windsor, Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre, and their staff of 12, offer spinal adjustments, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, TENS, acupuncture, radial shockwave therapy for chronic conditions, spinal decompression therapy for disc bulges and nerve impingement, as well as the administration of rehabilitation and exercise therapy.

“In addition to bruises, sprains and strains, the direct impact and application of force, which occurs in roughhousing or rough play, can impact a tween’s joints, muscles, and soft tissues of the neck and back,” says Dr. Lisa Rino, Owner of Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre. “Facet joints between each bone making up the spinal column may become fixed or ‘locked up,’ which decreases normal range of motion causing inflammation and pain. Muscles surrounding the joints may then spasm to protect the injured joint, and delicate nerve tissue may also become pinched or irritated.”

Since opening Cabana Chiropractic & Health Centre in 2001, Dr. Rino has treated a wide range of patients of all ages.

“I have treated many sports injuries in tween athletes on both competitive and recreational teams,” she tells Biz X. “Travelling with The Dance Barre’s competitive team led to the treatment of many acute injuries requiring chiropractic care in all areas of the body.”
According to Rino, tweens often suffer from the same strains they did as children.

Contact sports, slip and falls, heavy backpacks, texting (the tween’s head and neck are flexed forward as he/she looks down with the upper back unsupported), playing video games, plus the emotional stress and hormonal changes associated with puberty or their growing responsibilities may cause back pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness.

“Chiropractors have long recognized such spinal health hazards, which may lead to poor posture, spinal misalignments and muscular strain,” Rino explains. “Using special instruments or techniques adapted for your tween’s size and condition, chiropractic adjustments help to return joints to a normal position. The frequency that a child requires an adjustment, as they go through a growth spurt, will vary, depending on the child’s physical, chemical, and emotional stress. A complaint of persistent neck or back pain, limited mobility, uneven shoulders, bending in a particular direction when they stand or walk to compensate for pain, or irregular sleep patterns and irritability, may indicate that your child requires a chiropractic evaluation.”

Mental Health

Opened in 2018, Pinnacle Psychology and Psychotherapy offers assessments, treatment and consultation for infants, preschoolers, children, adolescents, adults, and families.

Their staff of seven psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, and psychiatrists provide both in-person and virtual/remote services across Ontario (but primarily in Windsor Essex, Chatham Kent, and Sarnia Lambton) specializing in counselling psychology, clinical psychology, school psychology, neuropsychology, psychotherapy, and counselling with infants, children, adolescents, adults, and families.

They are also a teaching and clinical training site, providing supervision and clinical direction to graduate and doctoral students and qualifying professionals under supervised practice.

Located at 300 Eugenie Street East, Suite D, in Windsor, Pinnacle Psychology and Psychotherapy provides neuropsychological, psychological, and psycho-educational assessments for a wide range of disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD and autism), disorders affecting learning and everyday functioning (such as learning disabilities and intellectual disability), and mental-health related disorders (such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and personality disorders).

“A tween is commonly considered to be the age period between childhood and adolescence (roughly 10 to 13 years old) and is characterized by changes in social and emotional needs and development, autonomy, and independence,” indicates Dr. Lindsey Jaber, Clinical, Counselling, and School Psychologist with Pinnacle Psychology and Psychotherapy. “Common reasons that tweens and their families seek services include identity, independence, changing role within the family, transition from elementary to high school, social challenges (such as bullying and social media), peer relationships, relationships with siblings and parents, mental health-related issues (such as anxiety and depression), eating-related challenges and concerns, academic difficulties, executive functioning challenges, and self-regulation.”

According to Jaber, changes in hormones, sleep and eating habits, stress levels, and social media use/screen time, in addition to many other factors, can affect brain development and functioning — particularly executive functions — as well as mental health, self-esteem, self-concept, and confidence. All these changes taken together can affect a tween’s mood, behaviour, relationships, and academics.

But what is considered healthy behaviour and when should a tween receive professional help?

“It is difficult to provide a list of ‘healthy’ or common fluctuations in behaviour for tweens as there is much diversity across this group,” Jaber points out. “It may be time to consider seeking professional support when a tween is encountering challenges that are causing them significant distress and/or interfering with their daily lives, such as relationships, school, family, or extra-curriculars.”

She continues by stating: “Although this time of development can be characterized by a pulling away from families and turning towards peers for support, when families take the time to listen to tweens and offer their support and compassion — even when it’s not always welcomed — this can often have a considerable impact on a tween’s mental health and wellness.”

Parenting Biz continues on page 32

The post Matters Affecting Those In Between . . . Here’s who has their back appeared first on Biz X magazine.