Grow Still is a Montreal non-profit centre that assists emerging adults in their transition to adulthood. They provide various programs and workshops which encourage holistic approaches to wellness. We spoke with Rohit Kulkarni, Grow Still’s Vice President, to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Grow Still is a Montreal-based non-profit support centre dedicated to assisting emerging adults, those between the ages of 18 and 35, in their transition to adulthood. We offer a range of resources, including workshops and tools, all designed to facilitate a holistic approach to wellness. Our primary belief is that with the right guidance and support, everyone can succeed in pursuing their aspirations. Emerging adults are the potential game changers of society, and addressing their unique needs is crucial to empower them to address systemic issues effectively.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Grow Still aims to address the multifaceted challenges faced by emerging adults as they navigate the complex journey into adulthood. Our organization focuses on three main objectives:
1. Offer tailored and affordable services targeting the complex needs of emerging adults.
2. Work with existing small businesses to increase opportunities for young adults to gather in alcohol-free settings.
3. Create a comprehensive database of alternative healthcare practitioners to collaborate with and refer to our community to. These are fundamental aspects of a successful transition into adulthood that can often be elusive without the right support.
When did you start/join it?
I became acquainted with Grow Still a couple of years ago as a new immigrant to Canada. The organization appealed to me, especially as a newcomer, as it can be challenging to find a sense of community when you move to a new country without the immediate support of friends and family. I promptly joined the organization as a web developer, eager to contribute my skills and energy to their cause.
What made you want to get involved?
The compelling mission of Grow Still, particularly in the context of my own experience as a new immigrant seeking a supportive community, was the primary motivator for my involvement. I felt a deep connection to the organization’s objectives, recognizing the
significance of assisting emerging adults in their pursuit of wellness, purpose, and belonging.
What was the situation like when you started?
When I joined Grow Still during the pandemic, it was a particularly challenging period for our organization and society as a whole. The pandemic had ushered in a wave of isolation, depression, and negativity. These were difficult times for our organization because we had to adapt swiftly and innovatively to conduct events and create virtual community spaces. My role as a web developer required me to be creative and resourceful in harnessing technology to address these challenges.
How has it changed since?
Since my initial involvement, Grow Still has undergone a significant transformation. We embarked on a process of restructuring and reorganization, which resulted in a more streamlined mission and a clearer understanding of our objectives. Each team member, including myself, has been honing their skills to better serve the community and the organization. After a period of inactivity during the summer, when we worked diligently behind the scenes, we successfully launched a new website and planned an exciting new season of events for the fall and winter.
What more needs to be done?
There is always more work to be done. We are committed to ongoing research and innovation to better serve the needs of emerging adults. Additionally, we are actively seeking funding to expand our team and continue organizing even more impactful events for the
community. This will enable us to make a more profound difference in the lives of emerging adults.
How can our readers help?
The support of our readers and the broader community is invaluable to us. You can get involved by visiting our website. We invite you to engage with our mission, spread the word about our organization, and participate as volunteers who can share their time and skills for the benefit of emerging adults and the community as a whole.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and support another remarkable local organization called My Friend Frankie (MFF).
