Cook & Connect
Supporting Propel at WRHN
Cook & Connect is a cooking program designed to provide a safe, welcoming space for youth mental health patients to learn, connect, and grow.
Led by Chef Rob and Chef Mady, Cook & Connect fosters healing, friendship, and belonging. Through hands-on cooking experiences, teens develop essential life skills, build confidence, and find joy in the process.
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Your donation helps cover the cost of registration for a youth in need.
Cook & Connect is part of Waterloo Regional Health Network’s Propel, an innovative program that provides opportunities for youth to achieve personal success with therapeutic, community-based activities.
About the chefs
Chef Rob Hillier
Chef Robs love for cooking began at age 12, with his mom in the family kitchen. After 50 years, the passion and joy he felt cooking then is still present in his own kitchen.
Chef Mady McDonald
Chef Mady discovered her passion for cooking at the Kitchener Market, inspired by the vibrant flavors and ingredients of the region.
Chef Mady brings a fresh perspective and boundless enthusiasm to the kitchen.
About Propel
What is Propel?
Propel provides opportunities for youth registered with Waterloo Regional Health Network’s Child & Adolescent Mental Health Program to achieve personal success with therapeutic goals — by engaging them with community based activities where they learn new skills that support their recovery, resilience, and the development of healthy peer relationships.
Propel was launched in 2017 as part of WRHN @ Midtown's (formerly Grand River Hospital) outpatient program. It is built on the concept of resiliency; a crucial element in a person's ability to trust themselves and others, form meaningful social connections, take appropriate risks, cope with a crisis, and adapt to change.
