By Atara Beck
Tribune Correspondent
Regesh Family and Child Services, a non-profit agency serving troubled youth and their families, deserves to be better known within the Toronto community.
Established by Edwin and Brenda Schild, Regesh (the Hebrew word for emotion) caters mainly to young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. It provides professional consultation and a family support program that includes individual and family therapy and group work. Seminars on topics such as parenting and anger management are offered.
According to Ed, the executive director and a trained school psychologist, quality of care has always been the organization’s top priority. Originally, Regesh operated a few foster homes; however, due to financial challenges and ministry cutbacks, “we couldn’t provide the quality that care costs. We couldn’t pay enough to the staff, and it wasn’t fair to the kids. In such a situation, we feel we can service people better with out-care.
“We take pride in the fact that we don’t have a long waiting list,” Schild explained. “We try to get help within a two-week period.” Although there’s a sliding scale for fees, “no one is turned away. Many of our families cannot afford the full price of professional psychologists and psychiatrists. Here, they don’t have to worry.”
Perhaps the most interesting feature is the High On Success Mentor Program for youths at risk. “We’re high on success,” Schild explained, “because a lot of the kids are high on things other than success. Our basic premise is to enhance self-esteem.”
The program, located in North York, is open five days a week, and meals are provided. Although kosher food is available (many families from the traditional community have been more open to admitting that such challenges exist in all circles), there is a choice, as the participants come from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. There’s a game room and monitored internet service. Most of the participants are out of school and unemployed.
“They’re kids in limbo,” Schild said. “They don’t know what to do with their lives. They can come daily or drop in, and friends are welcome. In the morning, the emphasis is on academic enhancement. We give them the skills they really need to survive.”
The program also teaches social skills. What is of utmost importance, Schild continued, is the emphasis on dignity and self-esteem. These kids often feel unwanted both at school and at home.
The participants are taught life skills, such as job-searching techniques. Cultural diversity is emphasized. They’re encouraged to study, work or volunteer. They cannot just sit around all day. They’re taken places where they can actually learn something, rather than just hanging out in the streets. Regesh tries to involve them in as many activities as possible. There’s a movie night, for instance, followed by a discussion. “We get the kids to talk,” Schild said.
Chezi’s Corner, a branch of the High On Success Mentor Program named in memory of the late Chezi (Scotty) Goldberg, is unique within Regesh for its residential aspect as well as its commitment to Jewish values. Chezi, a Torontonian and a dedicated social worker known for his success with troubled youth, had made aliyah with his family several years ago and was killed in a bus bombing in Jerusalem in 2004. At Chezi’s Corner, all food is strictly kosher, and the Jewish sabbath and holidays are observed. Various opportunities are available for the residents to learn more about their heritage, although each individual is free to choose his or her level of religious observance.
A perfect example of Regesh’s strength is a young man who had been removed from his family at the age of three and lived in group and foster homes ever since. He was very addicted to alcohol and drugs, which he used daily. “He loved it here,” Schild said, “because he received so much attention for the first time in his life.” Regesh organized a party for his 20th birthday, his very first birthday party ever. The organization found him a job with a renovator and, according to reports from the employer, he has never come to work high on drugs or alcohol. He’s doing great, making a living, and most important, he feels great about himself.
Regesh is a government-approved charitable organization. For more information, contact Ed Schild at 416-495-8832, or by e-mail at eschild@regesh.com.
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