Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS-19-00THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON REPORT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee Date: October 2, 2000 Report #: CS -19 -00 Subject: FIREHOUSE YOUTH CENTRE — Annual Report File # Res. �-- Oz) By -law # Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report No. CS -19 -00 be received for information. 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 In January 2000, Council approved MUNICIPAL YOUTH INITIATIVES. recommendation: Report CS -01 -00 outlining a REPORT ON Included in that report was the THAT the John Howard Society be confirmed as the lead agency on the CLARINGTON YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE and that a Community Services Staff member participate as an advisor /liaison to the Advisory Committee. 1.2 Since that time, the Community Services Department has worked closely with the John Howard Society in facilitating an emerging youth program at the Firehouse Youth Centre. 1.3 In addition, preliminary steps are in progress to develop the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee that will ultimately oversee youth program initiatives throughout the entire municipality. At this time, while the committee is in the formative stages, staff from the Community Services Department and John Howard Society have been co- chairing the committee meetings. A meeting was hosted in June of this year at which time comments, suggestions and recommendations from residents, business owners, service clubs and interested members of the community provided their opinions regarding current and future youth programs and issues. ..../2 1009 REPORT NO.: CS - # # -00 PAGE 2 1.4 A further meeting is planned for October at which time it is expected an executive will be selected to assume the chair of the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee. The Community Services Department, in conjunction with the John Howard Society will continue to work closely with the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee to facilitate and establish youth programming in the various communities within Clarington. The committee will also be mandated to establish Policy and Procedures Guidelines for future youth centers. 2.0 COMMENT 2.1 As indicated, the John Howard Society remains to be the lead agency in the development of youth programs, staffing resources and administrative capabilities. The relationship between the John Howard Society and the Municipality has been jointly beneficial in making application for; and, receiving grant funding, which neither agency could undertake singularly. 2.2 As part of the John Howard Society operations mandate, an Annual Service Report is required for review by the John Howard Society Board of Directors. A detailed report of the Firehouse Youth Center initiatives is attached. (see attachment #1) 2.3 Some of the highlights of the year include establishment of several community partnerships with community agencies and business; and, the continued operation from September 1999 to date. (In the summer of 1999, the Firehouse Youth Center closed for the summer due to financial constraints. With funding assistance from the Municipality of Clarington, the center remained open during the summer and maintained a reasonably high level of attendance and participation.) 2.4 For the second consecutive year, the Firehouse Youth Center received a grant from Human Resources Development Canada, which saw the placement of twelve (12) youth into a job training/life skills program for employment or continued education. The program offered in Clarington is considered by the Federal Government to be one of the most successful training programs for youth, with eleven of the twelve participants successfully obtaining gainful employment or returning to school for formal continued education. (see attachment #2) 2.5 The Firehouse Youth Center has also undertaken many fundraising initiatives throughout the year and is proposing the First Annual Halloween Bash on October 21, 2000 at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex. (see attachment #3) /...3 1010 N REPORT NO.: CS -# # -00 PAGE 3 3.0 SUMMARY 3.1 Over the past year, staff of the Community Services Department have been directly involved as liaison with the Firehouse Youth Centre; and, have worked closely with the John Howard Society to offer new and innovative programs to youth within Clarington. While there remain some outstanding issues, staff are pleased with the progress to date, established partnerships and community support of the youth programs, John Howard Society and Municipality. 3.2 In accordance with previous direction, once established, the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee will provide an Annual Progress Report to Council during budget deliberations. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, D�/ZStc �C XxJW� Jos p ruana Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P., R.P.P. Di ec or of Community Services Chief Administrative Officer JP BRT /pg 11 ATTACHMENT #1 TO REPORT #CS -19 -00 THE JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF DURHAM REGION John Howard Socicty of Durham Rcgion FIREHOUSE YOUTH CENTRE 132 Church Street, Bowmanville, ON Tel: (905) 623 -6814 September 2000 THE FIREHOUSE YOUTH CENTRE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Terri McCabe (Chair) Al Strike Sandy Archibald Neil McGregor Chris Partridge Debbie Ford Bruce Taylor Kevin Anyan Paul Morris Troy Young Jim Schell Jane Rowe STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE: Dianna Eastwood Coordinator (John Howard Society / Clarington Resource Centre) David Smith Coordinator (Firehouse Youth Centre) Chris Blowes Coordinator (Youth Services Canada Project / HRDC) VOLUNTEERS: Durham College Student Placements (Human Services Counsellor and Police Foundations) Adult Volunteers Community Service Order Placements (CSO) Youth Volunteers (Highschool Volunteer Placements) It should be noted that the volunteer structure changes periodically due to the nature of the placements. ATTENDANCE / YOUTH PROFILE: The Firehouse Youth Centre operates Tuesday to Friday, 4:30 to 10:30 and has been very successful with regards to attendance from October 1999 to date averaging 25 to 40 youth per night. Youth in attendance are between the ages of 13 to 20 and have come to recognize the centre as a drop in and safe haven. This has kept them off the streets and in a supervised and positive environment. It has been observed that the youth attending had been predominantly residents of the core areas of Bowmanville. Since the start of this September school year it has been noticed the youth are attending 1012 the centre earlier and leaving earlier. This may be a reflection of a change in youth using the centre and increased parental involvement. A statistical tracking form has been developed and is in the early stages of implementation. This will provide for a more accurate and documented reflection of the number of youth using the centre on a nightly basis. YOUTH SERVICE CANADA PROJECT (H.R.D.C.): The Firehouse Youth Centre administered its' second Youth Services Canada Project employing twelve youth and was successfully run from November /99 to May /00 by YSC Coordinator Chistopher Blowes. This project was an important contributing factor to the stablization of the Firehouse Youth Centre. The following is an overview of the goals and accomplishments the group was instrumental in implementing. Business Enterprise: "Research and Development of a product to be used as a marketing and fundraising tool for the Firehouse Youth Centre" • T -shirts bearing the Firehouse Logo were designed and ordered and are currently being sold for twenty dollars at special events and during hours of operation. This assists with fundraising while promoting awareness of the Firehouse. Community Partnership / Awareness: "Developing new relationships with agenciesibusinesses in the community while strengthening the foundation of existing relationships." • As representatives of the Firehouse Youth Centre YSC participants volunteered their services to other businesses /agencies in an effort to create "Community Partnerships ". Examples of their partnerships included: WindReach Farms, Grandview Childrens Centre, Bowmanville Mall and Clarington Fire Dept. • The YSC group worked with another YSC Project to assist in the running of a Youth Summit. The Summit served as an information exhibition for hundreds of youth participants from the Durham Region. • A Firehouse mascot drawing contest was held to promote awareness of the youth centre throughout the schools. The winner was awarded an art kit. • A colouring contest was held at the Bowmanville Mall attracting eighty entrees with the winner receiving an art kit. • The Firehouse Youth Centre and Clarington Project / Community Living formed a business partnership opening a canteen together selling beverages and snacks to both the youth and Clarington Project Day Program participants as a fundraising venture. Youth Leadership: "Implementing a series of beneficial programs for youth with adolescent volunteers acting as instructors ". • A Youth Art Exhibit was held during the Maple Festival with approximately 30 pieces of art submitted by local students. 2 1013 • A peer- tutoring program was researched with youth surveyed to assess the academic requirements of students frequenting the centre. Peer tutors were interviewed to gain insight into how existing tutoring programs are developed and implemented. Student Council Partnership: "Coordinating the development of a new committee consisting of student council representatives from the various local schools ". • YSC representatives toured local schools and attended student council meetings in order to discuss the objectives of the Firehouse Youth Centre.This created interest in the development of a new committee exclusive to young adults. • Three scheduled meetings were held at the Firehouse Youth Centre and were a collaboration of student council members ranging in age from 13 to 18. These served as a resource to youth centre staff to identify goals and generate interest in the areas of fundraising, programmming and collaborative relationships with local schools. Fundraising: "Creating a consistent calendar of fundraising events to be held within the Firehouse Youth Centre and in the community abroad ". • Chocolate bars were researched and approved as a fundraiser and were ordered and sold throughout the community raising funds for the centre. • Firehouse surveys showed that concerts and dances were the most sought after events by the local youth. In response to survey results, a series of four concerts and three dances were held at the Firehouse over a six -month period. All events were well attended and word of mouth helped to promote the positive change happening at the Firehouse Youth Centre. • A two -day "Battle of the Bands" was organized by YSC participants and hosted at the Firehouse Youth Centre. Eight bands participated and competed for such prizes as studio recording time, professional photo shoot and gift certificates. • In partnership with Clarington Fire Department the Firehouse Youth Centre held a successful car wash / yard sale at the Bowmanville mall. The above mentioned Youth Services Canada project was very beneficial to the Firehouse Youth Centre and an invaluable experience for all youth involved. ACTIVITIES / EVENTS / PROGRAMMING: The Firehouse Youth Centre has consistently offered the following to youth attending the centre: • Foosball, Air Hockey, Pool, Weightlifting, Video Games, Basketball • Computer Lab with Internet access and word processing to assist with homework. • Band Concerts / DJ Dances once a month. • Scheduled Movie Nights sponsored by Jumbo Video once a week • Summer Ball Hockey 1014 • Scheduled Pool Tournaments with prizes • Coffee House / Snack Bar (staffed by youth) Stereo provided for youth to play their music while in the centre. The following is a list of special events that took place between May and August 2000 that youth from the Firehouse were actively involved in: • May 22/00 Youth volunteered at Clarington Fireworks • June 23/00 Schools Out Dance with "DJ Styles" • July 06/00 Pool Tournament sponsored by Muses Dance Studio • July 21/00 Concert featuring Jesse Parsons and Truth Serum • Aug.02 /00 TeenNet Focus Group (Health and Technology Focus Group) • Aug. 18/00 Mid summer dance with DJ Styles • Aug.25 /00 Concert featuring Jesse Parsons and Truth Serum NOTE: All proceeds from the above mentioned events are reflected in the attached budget. Events were well attended with all talent supplied by local youth. PROGRAMMING GOALS: As the Firehouse Youth Centre continues to grow together with an increased number of volunteers and staffing, additional programming will continue to be put in place. One example of this is the return of a Durham College Placement student from the Human Services Counselling Program Having this person involved with the Firehouse has allowed for a return of the Girls Craft Club, targeting young females between the ages of 11 to 13 years of age. This program was highly successful and well attended by this age group in the past. Future programming goals also include: • Expansion of the computer homework lab including the addition of a peer tutoring program. • Presentations: Speakers are currently being scheduled and will be geared to topics related to youth issues. Some examples include safe and healthy lifestyles, leisure time activities and youth employment. • Community based volunteering and fundraising involving the youth giving them valuable work and educational experiences. • Continued weekly scheduled activities such as "Bingo" which include prizes obtained by youth volunteers and donated by local businesses. Again, adult /youth volunteers are key to the success. • The addition of sports activities with future competition between other community youth groups. FUNDING PROPOSALS AND GOALS: There are currently two proposals in the development stages. It is felt that these initiatives will benefit the Firehouse Youth Centre by providing the staffing needed to successfully implement programming and continue to work towards long range goals of providing service to youth in other segments of the Municipality. 4 1015 • "Job Creation Partnerships" funded by Human Resources Development Canada would assist with staffing a new community venture. A proposal is in the final stages of completion. • "Youth Services Canada Project' also funded by Human Resources Development Canada would provide the Firehouse Youth Centre with twelve youth volunteers for a period of six months. This program has been successful in fostering a "youth helping youth" atmosphere. • Ontario Trillium Foundation provides grants on an annual basis to support various community initiatives. The Firehouse is eligible to apply in January 2000. • Ministry of Culture, Recreation and Tourism provides funding for yearly initiatives and one -time projects. The Firehouse will partner with the Community Services Department with respect to proposals. FUTURE DIRECTION OF THE FIREHOUSE YOUTH CENTRE- As the Firehouse Youth Centre continues to move forward it has been proven imperative that staffing and programming within the centre be consistent. Youth input, adult supervision and guidance will be the key to its ongoing success. As all areas work together to develop their own programming it is hoped that the Firehouse Youth Centre will continue to act as a resource and partner with the Municipality of Clarington and all who have a vested interest in youth in the area. To date, Firehouse staff have participated in the first initial meetings with the Clarington Youth Advisory Committee. The Firehouse is looking forward to sharing expertise and resources that staff, youth and volunteers of the Firehouse can be instrumental in the development of ongoing youth programming within the Municipality of Clarington. Respectfully submitted, Dianna Eastwood Coordinator John Howard Society of Durham Region- Clarington 5 1016 David Smith Coordinator Firehouse Youth Centre ATTACHMENT #3 TO REPORT #Cs -19 -00 Page 1 of 1 BA SNNI R. � tvls W/N/ LfC�fI4IDS IroN ;'tie past Live sbow: "MEMPHIS + 74/90, MOTION" Silent Auction Tickets $30.00 Vey person Buffet Dinner Af[ prooee& fff Piiehoyse Ymt� Center Elvis & Costume Contest AvaiWe at: D J,a dance rs jewelerLV 623 -5747 Aalb Estate winerN 263 -2396 Saturday - October 21, 2000 fog 0jffQ TtY•EI t4tAI14NS, jjM Casjj Bar - 6:3o pm AN$ EtviS (4NIE5I RE66VAj0,V Dinner - 7.00 pm (AIL- Contest - S.00 pm Diana @ Fireljouse Youd) Center Sbow & Dance - 9.00 pm 623 -6814 # 22 Garnet B. Rickard complex Bowmanvillej Ontario file: / /C: \WINDOWS \TEMP 1a11owBashNew(2).jpg - 1 O 17 9/19/00 ATTACHMENT #2 TO RERORT #CS -19 -00 Youth Services Canada Project Firehouse Youth Centre Rohl Report By: Christopher Blowes YSC Coordinator July 31, 2000 This final report is being written with the intent of reviewing the objectives of the second Youth Services Canada Project operating out of the Firehouse Youth Centre. Project accomplishments relating to these objectives will be highlighted, as well as individual synopsis of each project participant recommendations for future YSC projects will conclude the report. Project Objectives & Accomplishments Business Enterprise — Research and Development of a product to be used as a marketing and fundraising tool for the Firehouse Youth Centre T -shirts bearing the Firehouse logo were ordered as a product in conjunction with the "Business Enterprise" objective. The T- shirts are now being sold throughout the community. 2. Community Partnership /Awareness — Developing new relationships with agencies in the community while strengthening the foundation of existing relationships. • Acting on behalf of the Firehouse Youth Centre, YSC representatives volunteered their services to other agencies in an effort to create "Community Partnerships ". Examples of these agencies include: The Grandview Treatment Centre, Windreach Farms, the Bowmanville Mall, and Clarington Fire Department. • The YSC group worked with the Ajax YSC project to host a Youth Summit, an event which served as an information exhibition for hundreds of youth participants from the Durham Region. • A Firehouse mascot drawing contest was posted throughout local schools in an effort to create community awareness of the facility, the winner received an art kit. • Following the drawing contest, a colouring contest was held throughout schools, and the Bowmanville Mall. Approximately 80 entries were submitted. The winner a 10- year -old girl received and art kit. Her winning entry has been framed and in on display in the youth center. 3. Youth Leadership — Implementing a series of beneficial programs for youth with adolescent volunteers acting as instructors. A Youth Art Exhibit was held during the Maple festival. Approximately 30 pieces were submitted by local students for display. 1018 ATTACHMENT #2 TO RERORT #CS -19 -00 • A peer touring program was researched. Youth were surveyed in order to assess the academic requirements of students who frequent the center. Peer tutors were interviewed to gain insight into how existing tutoring programs operate and are created. 4. Student Council Partnership — Coordinating the development of a new committee consisting of local student council member: • YSC representatives toured local schools, attending student council meetings to discuss the objectives of the Firehouse, while creating interest in the development of a new committee exclusive to young adults. Three meetings were held at the Firehouse at regularly scheduled intervals. Meetings consisted of a collaboration of student councils ranging in age from 13 to 18. These meetings served to identify two goals of the group, creating an ongoing programming calendar and initiating a more in depth relationship between the Firehouse and the surrounding schools. Fundraising — Creating a consistent calendar offundraising events to be held within the Firehouse and in the community. • Chocolate bars were researched as a fundraiser, ordered and then sold throughout the community. Events appealing to youth were coordinated on an ongoing basis. Firehouse surveys showed that concerts and dances were the most sought after events in Bowmanville according to teens. In response to survey results, a series of four concerts and three dances were held at the firehouse over a six month period. These numbers contrast those of the past, since prior to this YSC project such events occurred on a semi - annual basis. Attendance at all events was excellent, and grew steadily with each event as word of mouth continued to spread about the changes of the Firehouse. A two day "battle of the bands" was organized exclusively by YSC participants and hosted by the Firehouse Youth Centre. Eight bands competed for prizes such as recording time in a studio, and a session with a professional photographer. • "Have your pet's picture taken with Santa" day was arranged by YSC participants. Donations were accepted. • In participation with the Clarington Fire Department, the Firehouse held a car wash and yard sale at the Bowmanville Mall. Approximately $1,400.00 was raised. It should be noted that while there were five distinct objectives, goals often merged due to the nature of the objectives. Results Due to the efforts of YSC participants, the Firehouse Youth Centre became an active hub for events and activities. Before the arrival of the YSC team, the average attendance at the Youth Centre was two to five kids per evening. After a period of three months, that number had risen to nearly forty. In addition to the previously listed accomplishments, two reasons of strong significance for the successful turnaround of attendance remain: 1019 ATTACHMENT #2 TO RERORT #CS -19 -00 1. Project participants initiated a steady stream of renovations to the facility, creating a more enjoyable setting for youth. New furniture was brought in gaming equipment was repaired, new lighting was added to produce a more appealing atmosphere. A coffee bar area war created, and new artwork was painted including a new mural. 2. Communications and public relations became greater priorities. In an effort to advertise our services, project participants created a large number of posters, flyers, and press releases to broadcast upcoming events and alert the community of our presence. YSC representatives also attended student council meetings and spoke on behalf of the Firehouse at school assemblies, charity functions and service club meetings. Individual Synopsis The following section will give and individual synopsis of the twelve members of the Youth Services Canada Project, operating out of the Firehouse Youth Centre. The project has now been completed as of May 5`°. The following is a brief description of the post project intentions of each participant: Ron — Ron left the Youth Services Canada Project in early January to work for his father's home based business of dealing scrap metal. Currently, Ron is seeking additional employment outside of this business. April — April is currently working full -time with a real- estate agency. Heather — Heather is currently working full -time while considering returning to school in the fall. Houy — Holly is working full -tune and intends to return to school, taking various courses, such as computer applications, her courses of interest are offered at the Centre for Individual Studies in Bowmanville. Jay — Currently working full -time while preparing to return to school in the fall. Richard — Having accepted an offer of Admission at Fanshawe College in London for Architectural Technology, Richard is currently seeking summer employment to save for school. Melanie — Currently working full -time and considering working for a year before applying to College. Mark - Classes begin in September for Mark, having accepted an offer of admission to Centennial College for Child & Youth Worker. Mark is currently working evenings at group home in Oshawa to save for school. Max — Currently working full -time. Nick - Working full -time, while pursuing an internship in the music recording industry. Leah — Employed part-time in Bowmanville while preparing to return to high school, Long term, Leah intends to apply to college for Graphic Design. Kelly — Working with OCACL to help her find employment. 1020