Videos

DAO Pantry

Durham Alliance Outreach is proud to announce the Opening of DAO Pantry.  DAO Pantry is a response to the growing disparity of food security for the 2SLGBTQI+ and allied communities. 


DAO is working in partnership with Feed the Need in Durham to provide access to food, toiletries, and other essential items for the 2SLGBTQI+ and allied community.  The program which launched on Sept 10th, 2021 had already provided food to people and families in need.  


Research shows that communities with the highest rates of food insecurity have a higher risk of health-related diseases.  We know the LGBTQ community is disproportionately impacted by the effects of a lack of food security.


The goal of the program is to serve more people in need by increasing the accessibility of food assistance for LGBTQ households.  With the development and implementation, the program is now open to anyone in the LGBTQ and allied community who requires food assistance.  


To determine eligibility and/or to enroll in programs, please visit us at https://www.durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/pantry 

Calming Kits

What Is It?:

A Calming Kit is a form of container that is put together with various things that allow you to destress from feeling overwhelmed, sensory overload from too much excitement, or noise, as well as feelings of things going in a different direction from what was anticipated. The kit is used to bring you back into the present- “The Now”, instead of worrying about the future or the past.

Who Can Use It:

Everyone and anyone can use a Calming Kit. They can be modified for different age groups and be personalized to your own preference. Calming Kits are being used all over the world. They have been brought into schools, workplaces, and homes.

Why Do We Use A Calming Kit?:

Calming Kits are used to refocus the mind, body and soul into a place of well-being. They help to redirect your mind from things that may be going on, allowing you to relieve stress, be mindful, and be more relaxed. They allow for reminders of positivity and self-care, as well as Calming strategies/ management. Stress does not discriminate and can affect anyone at any time, regardless of their status in life. How we manage and cope with that stress is the difference between being healthy and not. The primary source of stress comes from within- one’s own attitudes and perspectives. Our minds are highly suggestible, so if you think negatively- chances are something negative will happen and vice versa. If you think and feel more positive, chances are something positive will happen. 

Think of a thermometer- having your anxiety and overwhelming feelings being measured in degrees. If you find yourself measuring, for example, at 90 degrees and being very overwhelmed, the goal would be to decrease that number by a few degrees at a time. These Calming Kits help to achieve this. Small goals will reach your big goals. Celebrate the baby steps of progress. This is one of many strategies that can be utilized. 


When and How to personalize your own Calming Kit:

The time to personalize your own kit is when you're in a more level or positive state of mind and feeling less overwhelmed. This allows you to focus on things you enjoy and would like to add to your kit. 

Suggestions may include but, are not limited to:

Pictures, playing cards, colouring books, earphones for music. You can also choose to include apps on your different electronic devices, such as; Meditation, relaxation sounds, Nature sounds, Insight Timer, Headspace Mindful Meditation, Mental and physical health apps, and your own playlist of music.

Personalizing your container/ kit also includes putting your own personal touch on the outside as well as inside. This will make it more appealing for you to continue to revisit your kits.

Remember to enjoy your kits, breath, take care of yourself, and know that

you are not alone! 

Durham Trans Empowerment

Durham TransEmpowerment 

Watch this video we made to help guide you through the process of changing your legal name and gender makers on your (Ontario) Identification. 

Video and project made possible by #CommunityOneFoudation 

#DurhamTransEmpowerment #DurhamAllianceOutreach 

DAO Closet

Durham Alliance Outreach 's newest program, DAO Closet.

DAO Closet is a second-hand clothing store in which you can be authentic. 

Book a time slot to come to visit us at: https://www.durhamallianceoutreach.org/programs/daocloset