EIYSA

2012-01-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hope you have all enjoyed the mild Edmonton winter so far! Be sure to check out the minutes from November 2011 and to plan on attending the EIYSA AGM January 31st, 2012!

November 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-11-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Thank you to the presenters from Keshotu and Christian Immigrant Support Services who shared information about their respective programs. The topic was "Working with Immigrant and Refugee Youth"

To view the minutes from October Meeting, right click on the link below and select either "Open link in new tab" or "new window"

October Meeting Minutes 2011

If you work with youth who would enjoy taking part in writing a novel, see the info below:

Hey Teens! Want to be the star of an online novel? Want to join the growing list of Facebook friends creating this novel? Want to be part of the Facebook Story Project? Email Jen at facebooklibrarian@epl.ca or send a message to Jen Story Boss on Facebook to find out more info.

This online experiment will be running until the end of November on Facebook, unless it takes off and then we might keep it going for longer. The teens just need to create a new email address and Facebook account, I will tell them a little about privacy settings and not sharing personal information online, and then they will be ready to join the online story. Spread the word – this has the potential to be a fun new way of programming for teens!

http://www.epl.ca/FacebookStoryProject (this is the link to the program on our EPL page, although it lists some workshops that have already taken place. There are still a few upcoming workshops, but teens can participate even if they didn’t attend a workshop).

Directory of Youth Services Launch

2011-07-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hello all!
The Youth Directory Launch/Service Provider Fair at City Hall on June 25th was a huge success!Thank you to all who made this day a fun and meaningful experience as 1000 directories were distributed and the opportunities for networking!
Here are a few pictures to enjoy from the event

EIYSA Minutes May 31, 2011

2011-06-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

EIYSA General Meeting
May 31, 2011
Summer Activities

The meeting began with Waverly introducing the Book Launch which will occur on June 23 between the hours of 11:00 and 2:00. All members of EIYSA are invited to attend. There will be youth performers between 12:00 and 1:00 as well as a cake and snacks. All in attendance were also invited to be part of the Service Fair that will be held in conjunction with the launch. Anyone wishing to be part of the Service Fair should email Kathy at katherinem@osp.ab.ca to confirm a space at one of the tables. Tables will be allotted on a first come first serve basis.

City of Edmonton- Deedee Carr
The Summer Guide lays out 180 Little Green Shacks registered day programs. Registration has begun. If a family is a Leisure Access participant, they receive 75% off of the registration fee. This program is inclusive and can accommodate children with mild to moderate special needs. Little Green Shack programs are sponsored and subsidized by Community Leagues. The Play and Save program enables the working poor, who are not eligible for Leisure Access to participate in city run programs. When registering for a Play and Save program, the registrants must quote the code in the Play and Save pamphlet.
There are also drop in programs for youth 13-17, including skate board parks, street hockey and basketball tournaments. Four more information visit the youth website at http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/programs/youth-programs.aspx.
Leaders in Training is for youth 13-17. There is a $20 application fee and a 10 minute interview before being accepted. The youth commit to two weeks of volunteering. If the participant is a Leisure Access holder, the fee is waived.

Chimo-Karen Hampton
Interviews for the June 6 Life Skills class are occurring now.
July 25-August 26 Summer Life Skills Program is available to 13-17 years old youth who are struggling with school, home or peer-related issues and are willing to honestly examine how their present beliefs and behaviours may be affecting their situation.
Youth do not have to have Child Welfare status and service is provided at no cost. There is a Support Circle half way through to which parents and supports are invited and a graduation ceremony at the end. Anyone can make a referral to the program. Interested individuals should call Chimo, (780) 420-0324 to book an interview. Interviews are held the week prior to group.

Action for Healthy Communities- Cherie
Free Summer Camp occurring July 4-29. This camp is for immigrant and refugee youth who are in high school. There are five locations and each location can work with 20-25 youth. Participation in the camp gives the participants 5 credits towards their high school diploma and a bus pass for the month. There is a $30 fee up front but that money is given back when the camp is completed. There is 1 teacher and 2 camp assistants at each site. Catholic school students must attend the St. Joe’s High School site because credits don’t transfer between the public and Catholic schools. For more information or to register call 780-944-4687.

Old Strathcona Youth Co-op-Lydia
New Hours: Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 12:00 - 6:00 drumming at 2:30
Wednesday: 12:00 - 8:00
Thursday: 12:00 - 8:00
Fri: 2:00 - 6:00~2:30 collective kitchen~(holy trinity)
Saturday: 2:00 - 6:00
Sunday: CLOSED
Drop in for youth 14-24. Special events happen on a weekly basis, these need to be signed up for.

Edmonton Public Library- Jenn
EPL has both system wide initiative and branch specific initiative. System wide initiatives include Edmonton Youth Week, Teen Reading Club Online, Teen Read Week, Teen Tech Week and an upcoming Facebook Project that will start in October. All EPL branches have a dedicated Teen collection (including graphic novels, comics, manga, DVDs and music), one hour of daily free internet access, a Teen Representative responsible for teen programming and a Community Librarian responsible for exploring collaborations. EPL is more than just books, providing youth with the opportunity to participate in a variety of programming, including: DJ Program, Hip Hop History Program, Tech Boot Camp, Manga Drawing Workshop, Board game tournaments, Texting tournaments and Murder mysteries.
EPL has Safe Harbour Status. Teen services are planned for all teens using an inclusive model. Alternate arrangements can be made for library cards for youth not living at home or who do not have a permanent address. “InReach” at Milner works with the Bill Rees YMCA, John Howard Ree*start program, Native Counselling Services, the City of Edmonton and Boyle Street Education Centre. There is a forthcoming teen parent storytime session. Teen programs at Milner are open to a larger spectrum of youth-up to the age of 25. EPL recently hosted High Risk Youth Uncensored workshop to help improve staff attitudes towards working with high risk youth.
EPL Strathcona Branch-Joy
Teen tech boot camp will be happening July 4,11,18,25. at epl.ca you can download free music. There is digital storytelling using Utube. There is a Summer Reading Club for children 6-12, Pre-school programs for 0-3. July 4-31 the outdoor reading room is open, shelves of books can be borrowed or kept.

Town of Beaumont-Chantal Berube
The Youth Centre is open M-Th 1-7 and F 3-9 drop in for youth 13-17. Once a month 6-11 year olds are invited to be mini teens. The older youth mentor them. The calendar can be found at beaumont.ab.ca Upcoming Events include: Beaumont Town and Country Daze June 9-12, Movie in the Park July 8, Hot Summer Nights Car Show July 23 and a Community BBQ August 11. All kinds of recreation available check website for full list.

YMCA-Laura Gingra
Sky High is a summer adventure program to expand leadership and self esteem.
For 13-15 year olds it is July 4-15.
For 16-17 year old it is August 3-19 with a wrap up on August 23. This program includes a camping trip. There is a nomination form for youth and an interview to ensure commitment.

Kid Sport-Steve
This is a country wide non-profit which provides sport registration fees for youth 18 and under to be able to participate in organized sports. Either the parents can show financial by showing their tax forms or through a referral source. Registration money is then given to the sports organization. 19 year old are eligible if they are still in high school.

Queer Prom-Scott Mair
June 4, 2011
Ages 12-25 free at Enterprise Square. Fun, dance, food, and a resource area. 7-11 pm.

Camp Fyrefly-Scott Mair
Camp is completely booked. There were 100 applications and 60 campers chosen.

Youth Understanding Youth-Scott Mair
Saturday nights 7-9
New location: 1st Baptiste Church 109 St. and Jasper Ave.

Big Brothers Big Sisters-Beth
The Africa Centre is very busy to find out about it call main office 780-424-8181 and talk to Chem.

Alberta Health Services Addictions and Mental Health
The intensive day treatment program now has continuous intake every Monday. Making a Change happens Thursdays 4:30-6:30 for youth who need less intensive support. Parents information services takes place at the same time.

Boyle Street Education Centre
Program ends on July 7 with an August 29 start for next semester.

Terra
Is having its 40th anniversary on June 25 and ask that alumni be informed so they can go to the big BBQ.

EIYSA Minutes April 26, 2011

2011-05-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

EIYSA Minutes
April 26, 2011

Updates:
Braemer School has been approved for a modified school year. This means that school will start August 19, 2011 and there will be a fall break for a week in November.

Metis Apprenticeship Project run out of Rupertsland Institute is taking intakes
• 18 years+
• Self identified as Metis
• Able to provide a high school transcript or proof of successful completion of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board trade entrance exam
• Continuous intakes
• Have driver licence or learners
• Individualized 1:1 with the goal of apprenticeship in Automotive Service Technician, Communication Technician, Gas Utility Operator Heavy Duty Technician, Instrument Technician, Power Lineman, or Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Program is set up with employer input to ensure that applicants have all of the skill sets that employers want.

Youth Life Skills Development Program
This program is for youth ages 13-15 who are presently diagnosed or who are experiencing behavioural problems, mental health issues or who come from families experiencing mental health issues. This social, recreation and life skills programming provides youth with the opportunity to be active in their community with their peers by providing opportunities and environments where participants are able to learn and practice life skills, experience positive roles models, and have an outlet for personal expression.

Challenge by Choice
This program is a community based multi-agency initiative with three major stakeholders: Alberta Health Services-Addictions and Mental Health, YMCA of Edmonton and Canadian Mental Health Association-Edmonton Region. This program offers wellness oriented, recovery focused programming for Youth 16-30 who are living with mental illness. The format is an experiential learning approach to teach recreation and leisure skills as well as developing enhanced social and personal development skills.
Challenge By Choice PPT

Youth Directory

2011-05-26T07:22:00.000-07:00

Great News!
The new edition of the Youth Directory of Services or "The Little Yellow Book" will soon be available!
There will be a Launching Party on June 23rd from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm to kick things off complete with a Service Provider Fair and presentations by youth in the Main Foyer of City Hall.
To take part and reserve a table in this networking opportunity and to help celebrate the launch, contact katherinem@osp.ab.ca
See you there!

Nov. EIYSA Meeting Minutes

2010-12-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Nov. 30 EIYSA Meeting

-EIYSA will reconvene on Jan 25th, the topic will be “Self-Care and celebrating youth workers”. EIYSA will also be holding General Elections during the Jan. meeting.
-Dec 31 will be the dead line for all agencies to update or add themselves for the new EIYSA Books.

-EIYSA welcomes any members to attend their planning committee meetings each month. This is generally the best platform to share any ideas for future EIYSA presentations. The next meeting will be held on Jan 11 @ 9:00am at the Oliver Square Second Cup.

-Scott Mair from the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services presented on “Connecting with Sexual Minority and Gender Variant Youth”

Contact ISMSS @ www.iSMSS.ualberta.ca

EIYSA Meeting Minutes Oct. 2010

2010-11-04T15:16:00.001-07:00

-Agency Introductions
-If anyone has any topics or ideas they would like discussed at an up coming EIYSA meeting, please relay them to the committee at the next meeting or email them to eiysa.edmonton@gmail.com. Thank you.
-The Youth Directory will go through a re-print for 2011, please contact Monica Penner @ monicap@sace.ab.ca if there are any agency updates in contact info or if you need to be added to the directory.

Winter Emergency Services

The Food Bank (Walter Dong) 780 425 2133
-Youth must be a resident of Edmonton (though exceptions can possibly be made), need some form of ID with them (either photo, SIN, AHC, Bill in name, Credit Card, Bank Card…)
-Agencies can make referrals (Contact Food Bank for forms), youth can do self referrals, but need to call (walk ins are not encouraged)
-An Initial Intake will be performed to assess need, diet (diabetic, celiac…), cooking resources - all info is kept on their system and is monitored city wide.
-Youth who have no fixed address cam still receive Hampers
-Youth do not need to go to the main location, Hampers can be shipped to various Depots across the city.
-If mobility is an issue Hampers can be picked up by someone else with the youth’s ID

The Youth Emergency Shelter (780 468 7070)
-For youth (male and female) 15yrs-19yrs. (Youth under 16 will need to have staff follow up with legalities)
-Open from 9pm-9am (may need to line up around 8:30pm), wake up is at 6:45am.
-16 beds (possibility of 18), co-ed dorm (though youth with religious or other needs can be accommodated to regarding sleeping separate from opposite sex)
-Initial Intake is conducted
-Access to: Dinner, laundry facility, clothing donations, showers, and bagged lunches
-Access to support from staff and outreach resources
-Bus tickets provided with proof of destination for school and professional appointments (youth who are working are expected to buy their own bus tickets)

Hope Mission (youth shelter/SHIFT program) 780 422 2018
-Youth Shelter is separate from adult shelter and has separated Male and Female dorms.
-For youth 16yrs-24yrs, room for around 70 youth
-Access to: Emergency clothing, hygiene materials, showers
-Pancake breakfast every Tuesday morning (with guest speakers)
-out reach services available 7am-7pm (advocacy, appointments, transport, referrals, special events)
SHIFT program (18yrs-24yrs males)
-12 bed rooms
-Intended to take youth off the street in order to accomplish short-term to long-term goals
-24hr staff supervision, no smoking, youth can leave at times if approved for a day pass
-Phase1: Follow program schedule and rules
-Phase2: Can leave for school or paid program (4 beds)
-Youth can stay for a year

Boyle Street (780 464 4106 ext.262) Youth 14yrs-29yrs
-Drop in center, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
-Access to : Case plan services, outreach services, referrals, STD nurse
-ID services provided on select Tuesdays around noon

Safe House (780 474 9933) Residential facility for Females 13-18 years old, can accommodate to males on depending circumstances
-Access to: Addiction services, Prostitution services, supportive counseling

The LOFT (780 486 7590) Residential transitional facility for males 16-24yrs old
-6 bedrooms
-Assistance with job searching, budgeting, schooling, life skills, paying off debt
-Residents must contribute a rent once they begin earning an income, the rent they pay is returned to them upon their transition to aid with apartment/furnishing costs.

Bissel Centre (780 423 2285)
-Drop in services
-Intake Mon-Fri 8:30am or 1pm
-Immediate access to clothing with a referral

Jasper Place Health and Wellness (780 481 4001)
-drop in services
-Access to : Resume services, lunches, showers, laundry services

Cromedale Free Store (8405 118ave)
-Pay $2 to donate
-Open 10am-5pm seven days a week

Other services
-Howard Trust winter resources hand out
-211
-Bread Runs
-Coats for Kids

EIYSA Meeting Minutes Sept. 2010

2010-10-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

September EIYSA Meeting

Agency introductions followed by information sharing and networking.

-Edmonton Regional Youth Committee – Oct 23 Career Event (Contact Chantelle @ Youth Connections)
-Youth Connections – (Contact Chantelle : Job Developer)
-Royal Alex Hospital – Needs connections to community resources for for a “Children’s Mental Health Enhancement Team” – (Contact Rita Holt)
-Institute for Sexual Minority Studies – Outreach at Boyle Street and the YESS Armoury
-Kids In the Hall/Fresh Start – (Contact Angie)
-Chimo (Contact Sandra)
-YouCan (Contact Ian) – Step up, Step in: Fight violence Campagn, Video Projects, Intake begins in November
-Child Services (Liz 780 427 1580) – Croup Care Troubleshoot: Why Group care doesn’t work
-Office of the Child Youth Advocate (Georgina) – Intake over the phone or walk in
-BBGS (Beth)
-Leduc County FCSS
-Lokken Career College – GED(20 weeks), Safety tickets, workshops
-Bent Arrow (Aaron) – Iskwew House (Child Welfare status)
-YMCA – Family Ties, Parents and Children, Refugees, My Child Services in the Community, Collective Kitchen (Tuesdays)
-Youth Centre Beaumont (Chantal Berube) – Drop in Centre (Tues-Sat), Recreational Youth Council, Social Justice
-Elizabeth Fry – Girl Empowerment in Schools
-Inner City Youth Housing Project (Alex) – 5 Houses with 5 beds for at risk youth (With Child Welfare or not), connect to community and mental health resources.
-I Human Society (Jocelyn) – Outreach program, Art based for inner city youth, drop in.
-EPS Youth initiative (Colin) – All downtown youth arrests (12yrs-18yrs) go through Colin
-Edmonton John Howard Society REESTART (Roxanne or Wendy) Youth outreach (15-24)
-Terra (Laura) – Parenting resources, clinics (6 weeks)
-Youth Emergency Shelter Society – 16 bed shelter, STAR/Armoury program, START residential house (male and female)
-Old Strathcona Youth Co-Op (Jayah) – At Risk Youth drop in services
-Uncles and Aunts at Large – Mentoring, group work, SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) for Kids 6yrs-11yrs: Bullyin, ect…
-Youth Ventures
-Onside Placement Services – For individuals with disabilities of any kind (Employment development and Placement)

The next EIYSA meeting will be held on Oct. 26 @ 9am, YESS Armoury Building.

April Meeting Minutes

2010-04-29T14:23:00.001-07:00

EIYSA meeting minutes from April 27, 2010

- The September EIYSA meeting will allow time for the agencies to network and give info about their services. The EIYSA committee is looking for any suggestions that would make this process the most effective (such as seating or grouping similar services in the same area)

- EIYSA is looking to form a subcommittee to help improve and proof the Directory of Youth Services book reprint

- Arlene Eaton-Erickson from the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate presented on “Advocating for Youth”
- Key points surrounded Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, “This Convention encourages adults to listen to the opinions of children and involve them in the decision-making – not give children authority over adults”.
- Benefits of client directed advocacy were presented such as improved report/relationship building
- For more information on the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate and an overview of their services please visit http://advocate.gov.ab.ca/

- Dan Williams and Colin Holben from Edmonton Police Services presented the EPS’s Youth Intervention Initiative.
- The initiative is composed of two main components
Policing – Focus on proactive tasking
Referral – Youth are referred after about 5 minor arrests, from there the focus is on developing a social profile, finding resources, creating positive relationships with EPS and ETS, connecting with the youth via phone, in person and visits with their family.
- Colin Holben is currently looking to develop relationships with agencies to help the youth involved with the initiative connect to the appropriate resources. He can be contacted at colin.holben@edmontonpolice.ca.
- Currently the Youth Intervention Initiative is being run out of the Downtown Division, the plan is to create a team in each division.

-Monika Penner from the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton presented on “Dealing with Disclosure”
- Informed Consent (clients are aware of all repercussions regarding disclosure) should be an ongoing discussion with clients.
- Responding to Disclosure:
Remain calm, create a comfortable and supportive environment.
Avoid probing as it may compromise Police/Child Services investigation as well as re--victimize/traumatize the client.
Be sure the conversation is private and supportive
Document and report to all appropriate authorities (report should be sent to the police authorities where the claim took place)
-“Anonymous Third Party Report”, youth can have it sent to EPS Sex Crimes, the police will not know the youth's name. Police may respond (via issuing the report an identification number) if the offender in report has other charges/complaints.
- Reviewed Canadian Consent Laws
- For more information about the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton please visit http://www.sace.ab.ca

-Next EIYSA meeting will take place on Tuesday May 25, 2010 (9:00am) @ the YESS Armory Building. The Meeting will address Community Mapping and Summer Programs.

-The YMCA is looking for 10 youth (16-17 yrs) to participate in a one week exchange to Mississauga, Ontario with Habitat for Humanity. Please call the Bill Rees Location for more information.

2010-03-11T17:11:00.000-08:00

Edmonton Interagency Youth Services Association

February Meeting Minutes
Community Collaborations
Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Brad Pickford welcomes EIYSA to it’s new home

Debbie Bryson- Bridging the Gaps- Children’s Services
• Community Connect- a variety of agencies in the City Centre Area
• Services for youth
• Lots of programs but they are not known, it is difficult to get the word out.
• Using SharePoint (Software) to create a shared intake system so that youth have a single point of contact. Each member knows the criteria for all member programs and what is available at all the program partners at any given time.
• There is a 48 hour turn around.
• Follow up to ensure that youth have connected.
• Documents follow the youth to ensure they are not falling through the cracks. It’s only for the youth who will walk away for good.
• FOIP consultation throughout
• Dowtown Library is like a drop in centre for youth
• Applied for a grant to start a resource centre. Community Servies are going to the library to start building relationships with youth
• Project started as City Centre but has expanded to include youth at risk City wide.
• If you would like to get involved with this contact
o Debbie
o Tel: 780-415-8473
o Debbie.bryson@gov.ab.ca
• Government owns this software
• DRUPAL-free open source contact management software

Survey was handed out

Kelly Micetich and Courtney Lohnes- The Urban Games
• Over 60 people met at City Hall to discuss “what can we do to help the kids during the ‘and’ phase”. How can we showcase gifts and talents on an on going basis?
• Secured money from Justice to hire 9 kids, this is a youth driven program. Kids developed it, connect with others and do the work.
• Meetings last Tuesday of the month from 4-6 pm
• Started off with Artistic Intervention
• Youth Interviewed people about the misconceptions and generalizations about homelessness, youth crime to help bring down stereotypes.
• Working with youth where they are at and building relationships
• About messaging, talking about what they’re passionate about
• Festival is in September 25-26 at Sir Winston Churchill Square.
• 8 events and satellite events
• Public consultation
• The RAP Debates- Ask the community what social issues should be debated
• Girl RAP- a safe place to learn how to rap
• Urban Fashion Project
• URLIMPICS- Hockey shoot out, back alley obstacle course
• Resource Storyboard
• Dance Component, Hip Hop and pow wow.
• Coaching Couches
• Poetry Project
• Skateboarding Project
• Youth want to come up with 8 strategies to implement programs/changes to be made in services
• As much as the youth do is what the festival will be
• Open invitation to all youth
• Contact Information:
o Kelly Micetich
o 780-428-8554
o Kelly@ihuman.org

Brad introduces the Armoury Youth Centre
• 1st 5 visits without programming, it is an orientation/ relation ship building time.
• Every day is programmed based on five pillars
o Health and Wellness
o Recreation
o Education
o Safety
o Self reliance
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served to youth who participated in programming
• Youth centre is open 9 am to 9 pm. Youth are shuttled in the morning from the YESS Shelter program and at night to YESS Shelter and Hope Mission.

2010-02-10T09:53:00.001-08:00

Next Meeting

First meeting in our new location!

Armoury Youth Centre
10310 85 Ave
Parking available in the lot beside the Armoury

February 23 2010
9 Am to 11 Am

Topic: Community Collaborations
With presentations from:
Debbie Bryson (Caring Communities)
Melanie Kidder ( Millwoods Mapping and Beyond)

And a special presentation from the staff and youth at the Youth Emergency Shelter Society's Armoury Youth Centre. Including a welcome and a tour of the new program and building.

Come prepared with ideas of future topics and feedback about the blog!

See you there!

January Meeting Minutes

2010-01-31T14:29:00.000-08:00

Edmonton Interagency Youth Services Association
January Meeting Minutes
Annual General Meeting & Self Care
Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Presentation to David Rust by Sandra Woitas, Executive Director of EPSB Foundation
'Rose's Garden'
'Sugar Cookies'

Self Care Introductions

Energy Psychology

Annual General Meeting
Financial Report

2009- January started with $ 4789.41
Income for 2009: $ 1555.00
Expenditures:
Bank Fees: $55.00
P.O. Box: $ 175.00
Total Expenses: $698.00

Current Balance in the bank $ 5600.46

50 Organization Memberships
- Only 5 memberships so far in 2010

Report from Chair

Executive Committee for 2010
Past Chair: David Rust
Chair: Waverly Schneider
Vice Chair: Melanie Kidder
Secretary: Saleena Haworth
Treasurer: Monika Penner

Members at Large 2010
Chantal Berube
Catherine Hunt
Stefan Maslyk
Katherine MacDonald
Scott Mair
Eric Storey
Nancy Danilak

Laughter Yoga-Bethann Jones
Based on the teachings of Dr. Kitaria
There are over 6000 Laughter Yoga sessions worldwide.
Purpose is to find and explore inner child
Call 780-488-8122 or 780-695-7931 for further information
Sessions are free of charge

Big Brother Big Sisters
Lots of volunteers for girls under 12 years of age

Agency Updates
Loft Program ( Residencial Program through Edmonton John Howard Society) has 3 vacancies
Boyle Street has many new programs
Skills Link Programs at Youth Ventures 780-409-8625
Millwoods Family Resource Centre web site www.mwfrc.org

Next meeting
Tuesday February 23 2010
At new location!
Armoury Youth Centre
10310 85 Ave
Parking available in Lot.
No need to pay for parking.

November 24, 2010 Meeting Minutes

2010-01-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

EIYSA Presentation by Chandra Ashton, M. Sc. from Kell's Counselling

This presentation is based on the work of Gordon Neufeld, who wrote “Hold Onto Your Kids”; he is coming February 5th

If youth don't have healthy attachments with parents or other caregivers they will seek this out with others, including unhealthy peer groups

If we spend time focusing on 'symptoms' (e.g. Certain behaviours of a child), we aren't getting to the core, which is attachment. Behaviour modification programs focuses on 'symptoms'

Frustration is a product of our limbic system (our emotions take over)

Seperation is loss, feeling like one doesn't belong, frustration and isolation

Sometimes youth feel a lack of invitation to existin your presence. They will push your buttons, seek out negative attention, etc. Or they may withdraw, engage in self-harm, or lash out at others.

How helpers feel and respond to the youth is 99% of the problem

123 Magic works with some children but is ineffective and harmful with children with attachment problems, because it creates isolation. This is also true for time-outs

If we try and reverse parentification in youth (e.g. Encourage them not to worry about their parents/caregivers), this may increase worry (e.g. “Who will look after mom if I'm not?”)

Many kids can't communicate other than to act out. E.g. Refusing to get dressed may be about seperation they experience

Youth also face the fear of being too much to handle, believing if people really knew them, they wouldn't like them or would abandon them

Important work with parents is learning how to accept one's youth. If a parent wants a relationship with their youth, they must accept them and make the problematic or frustrating behaviours okay. E.g. A child who draws on walls – make the behaviour okay by finding a way that they can draw on walls without damaging them, such as putting up paper

If we try to stop behaviours, they often pop up elsewhere

We must create an outlet or the youth will implode or explode

Another form of attachment difficulty is when a youth is attached to a caregiver but has problems when that attachment figure is not there. We can build that attacment with other people, and that attachment figure should help facilitate this (e.g. Introduce the youth to the teacher/counsellor/etc). We should look what attachments are missing in the areas youth are struggling (e.g. School, daycare)

Children can experience mixed emotion starting at the ages of 5-7 years of age. However, children with insecure attachments may not be able to do this; their brain can't hold mixed emotions without a secure attachment

The role of therapist is to become a vehicle of attachment

Kids identify with kids on TV (etc) because one vehicle of attachment is sameness. When we are meeting people, we are looking for things that we have in common, and this is true for adults as well as youth

When working with challenging parents, workers and systems, employ attachment principles, e.g. Find sameness (things we have in common)

The most difficult youth are the ones we have the least in common with

Being known is another way we attach, e.g. “This person knows me so well!”
Don't interupt attachments; there is no such thing as being too attached. Work through the attachment figure rather than take them away. Use the attachment figure to transfer attachment to another person. When dropping off a child at school or daycare the attachment figure shouldn't sneak away but rather help transfer to a new person

Primary attachment always exists with birth parents, even if they are abusive. This attachment may be fantasy (e.g. What the youth wants the birth parents to be like). We must honour that attachment.

Building attachments helps build neural pathways in the youth's brain so that they are able to attach to others

How do we deal with transitioning out of the youth's life? Let them know you will be thinking of them. E.g. If the child likes Tim Hortons, you can say “Every time I see a Tim Hortons, I am going to think of you for the rest of your life.” Can also do things like send postcards or exchange email addresses.

If transitioning to a new therapist/helper, the therapists/helpers should connect first and then bring in the youth

Tears that come from facing something we can't change – the very deep, long tears where our faces are puffy and cause us to feel exhausted – change the way that our brain functions. Helps us come up with solutions afterward; a good cry helps us move forward

Attachment is also built through inclusion in groups. The biggest thing we can give to bullied kids is relationships

October Meeting Minutes 2009

2009-10-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

Edmonton Interagency Youth Services Association
October Meeting Minutes
Adolescent Sexuality
Tuesday October 27, 2009

Pride Centre of Edmonton – Brendan (www.pridecentreofedmonton.org/youth)
Youth drop-in-safe space for youth to meet others and receive support
Peer mentor program
Host Youth Understanding Youth
STI testing the last Thursday of every month
Counselling on Wednesdays (all but last of the month) from 7-10pm (call first)
Potlucks the last Tuesday of every month
Cooking club, Sex Drugs and Rock’n Roll

Alberta Health Services-STD Clinic-(Sue)
STD testing and treatment
Walk ins welcome on Monday and Friday
Take everyone under age 14 years, youth under no obligation to share information, and clinic will not release any information
Call and book appts for Tues/Wed/Thurs (up to 2 weeks wait to get appts)
Educational presentations and Outreach services
Printed resource materials for youth
15-24 year olds have highest rate for STI in Canada

Women’s Health Options (Tricia)
Reproductive healthcare for women, abortions up to 20 weeks (both surgical and medical-oral or vaginal meds)
STI testing (Chlamydia and gonorrhea) and PAP exams
Post abortion care (2-4 weeks after procedure)
Birth Control counselling and Prescriptions
Medical and community referrals
Pre and Post Abortion Counselling
Pregnancy options counselling
Community education, training for professionals
Offer referrals for abortions over 20 weeks (Victoria/US/Eastern Canada)
Booking appt. no need for referral, must know date of last period, have confirmation of pregnancy, and blood type
2-4 week wait time after booking (only clinic north of Calgary-very large area served) but will accommodate in case of later pregnancy
Need Alberta healthcare card and picture identification

Options Sexual Health (Brian)
Education and counselling regarding sexual health, birth control and sexuality
No appts needed and will see all age ranges
Pro-Choice-look at every option and help clients make decision for themselves
No fee services
Public education for schools, group homes, etc.
Free condoms and reduced prices for dental dams, female condom and others

Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton -(Pragya)
Offer Public Education in schools, organizations and other groups
Each presentation is unique to each audience
Review consent laws and sexual assault myths
Discuss Healthy Relationships, Dating Violence and Internet Safety
Do trainings for groups regarding impact of trauma and help service providers to understand their clients better

Institute of Sexual Minority Studies –(Scott)
Advice and support for Queer Youth in and around Edmonton
Youth Understanding Youth - Saturdays from 7-9pm at Pride Ctr. (under 25years)
Pilot for mentorship Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) in high schools-two in Ft. Saskatchewan and Sherwood Park
Pilot with Big Brother Big Sister regarding GLBT youth
Provide training at agencies
Organize the Queer Prom (over 230 people last year)

No Reservations –Aboriginal Two Spirited Youth- Children’s Services-Sohanna
Terra Association (Laura)
Currently have a 6-8 month waitlist
Not referring to programs, rather waiting for youth to follow through so that staff time is not lost waiting for those that are not committed
Offer referrals into the community
More focus on high risk youth and those individuals that are without other supports in order to prioritize
Options counselling after if they have abortions

Red Cross-Respect Ed – Kristy
Educational programs
Counselling and support referred on to other services
Prevention programs regarding violence in the lives of youth
Presentations on healthy relationships, prevention of child abuse and bullying
Consultation to agencies regarding policy and procedures
Alana Roth is the Aboriginal Outreach Worker
ROOTS- a play in November that is a collaboration with YOUCAN, Red Cross and other agencies, and touches on bullying and family violence, notice will be sent out

Centrepoint – Dr. Louise Anderson and Francess Tassone (student)
Developing a combined bullying and sexual harassment/aggression prevention program
Targeted at junior and senior high school students
Research-based primary prevention effort
Contact: Louise.Anderson@albertahealthservices.ca or TassoneF@mymail.macewan.ca

****Reminder****
Next Meeting will be on Tuesday November 24, 2009
Working with Youth at Risk with Attachment Problems

October 2009 Meeting Announcement

2009-10-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Our next EIYSA meeting will be held on Tuesday October 27, 2009 at Big Brothers Big Sisters (10135-89 Street) between 9 and 11am. The topic for this month is Healthy Sexuality Information for Youth Service Providers

Our November meeting will be held on Tuesday November 24, 2009 at Big Brothers Big Sisters (10135-89 Street) between 9 and 11am. The topic for this meeting will be Attachment Disruption and its impact on youth at risk.

There will be no meeting in December.

September 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-10-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

September 29, 2009-EIYSA General Meeting

Individuals at the meeting presented information about the various organizations represented. This is a summary of the information from the meeting.

BGS Enterprises
Youth between 15 and 30 years
Federal Youth Ventures Program
Assessment Centre and Case Management
Workshops on careers, resume building, interview strategies
Ongoing support and encouragement toward goals

Uncles and Aunts At Large (Lorraine and Amy) 780-452-5791
SNAP Groups-12 week structured groups for 6-11 year olds and their parents
Complete a screening interview from checklist
Parents and children taught to re-look at behaviors and find solutions

Old Strathcona Youth Co-Op (Karen-496-5947)
Jaya operates Hope Program
Work with addictions
Tues-Noon-5pm, W&Thurs-Noon-8pm, Fri-2-5pm, Sat-2-6pm (S&M-Closed)
Collective kitchen
Able to access computers, hygiene products, housing resources

Chimo Solo Program (Nancy)
Youth aged 16-22 years
Children’s Services referrals
Independent living
Addiction and life skills
Life Management Training (LMT)-job and skills, training open to community
Next year is the 40th anniversary

Youth Criminal Defence Office (Mark Cherrington 780-415-1384)
Work with youth in conflict with the law under Youth Criminal Justice Act
Youth have right to contact lawyer 24hrs/day
Youth Restoration Action Project-referrals from Youth Court
‘Just Us Girls’-ages 12-24 expectant or other mothers, mentoring, 1-2 sharing circles per month (females only)
First gender specific youth justice project in North America

NET (Neighborhood EmpowermentTeam) (Carrie and Leanne -780-423-2831 ext 500)
HALO-Healthy Active Lifestyle Opportunities-recreation opportunities
Da Bomb-Paramilitary and Police Program-teaching skills like first aid, CPR, Job skills
Referrals to EPS for at-risk youth
EPS Link crime prevention tab on website

Institute for Sexual Minority Studies (Scott Mair-Youth Intervention and Outreach)
Outreach and support for sexual minority and gender variant youth
Lead Youth Understanding Youth discussion group
Will provide training on working with sexual minorities or gender variant youth
Developing a mentorship program
Working with ATA and Gay Straight Alliance Groups in high schools
Speaker series and monthly round tables
Camp Fyrefly

Assessment Support Intervention Success Team (ASIST) (Tess)
Junior High or High School students that have been suspended
Social Workers and Teacher consultants
Referred by schools-call teacher contact

Town of Beaumont-(Chantal-Youth Coordinator)
Let’s Talk (youth outreach)-offer presentations and dinner
Parent groups on 2nd and 4th Mondays
Youth with addictions
Youth council meet twice per month
4th Monday Parent info nights
Youth can also do work experience at the centre

Edmonton Young Offender Centre (EYOC) ( Aaron McBride)
Plan for release and try to help with resources
Biggest issue for youth is housing
Addictions coordinator at EYOC
Bill Rees YMCA-Youth Transition Program (Nikki Lepine-780-429-5724)
Uncensored - Girls’ Empowerment Group (self-esteem & bullying) (13-19yrs)
‘Be Your Own Man’ Boys Group (13-19 yrs)
Presentations and recreation afterwards
Sky High Outdoor adventures in summer months
Partner with other programs
Post secondary access program for those looking to get back into school
Leadership group and Youth Eco Internship

Alberta Health Services- Youth Services (Lori Young780-644-3629)
Adolescent information sessions (12-18 years old), 4 concurrent sessions (free of charge)
Parent Awareness Workshop and parent support group
Youth and drug prevention group
Drop in intake at 12325-140 Street

Terra (Laura)
Pregnant and parenting teens
Mom’s outreach and positive parenting PATHS and Healthy families
Aged 19 or younger with a limit of 5 years
14 suite apartment (currently have waiting list)
Prenatal classes run every 6 weeks from 5-8pm on a consecutive Wednesday and Thursday evening
Evening support group for mom’s runs September to June every Wednesday from 4:40-7:30pm
All evening program is open to the community and dinner is provided
Outreach support with young men up to age 24-focus on positive parenting and child development
Partnership with Braemar School and have an Educational Support services on site (including counselling, group activities, parenting education, referral and advocacy)
Millwoods Family Resource Centre (Melanie) (780-413-4521 ext 201 for Child and Youth Programs)
Free programs for anyone (do not have to live in Millwoods
Parenting Teens group to help parents with skills
Website: www.msfrc.org see for calendar of events

Youth Emergency Shelter Services (YESS-Saleena and Brad)
Four programs for 15-19 year olds
YESS has 16 beds, provided a warm meal, bus tickets and bag lunch, youth have shelter 9pm to 8am
Start Program-16-20 year olds, required to maintain full-time day programs like working or attending school
SkY Program (Skills for Youth) 15-19 year olds-12 bed residential program clients must attend school, gain better life skills or enter the workforce, provides opportunities to stabilize, live in shared space
STAR Project-22 week program for youth who have few supports and many barriers to maintaining employment or education, 33 hours/week getting skills
Do not have to live within YESS to get services
Cultural and religious advocate
Connaught Armoury opening based on 5 pillars of service: Health and Wellness, Safety, Education, Recreation, and Self-Reliance
Provide space for meetings with high-risk youth, diversity advocate, classroom space
Contact Jerralee at 780-468-7070 (Centre Coordinator)

Edmonton Catholic Schools-Alternative Education Services (Kevin)
Outreach in Edmonton schools (LINK program, ESL, online, Freshstart)
All have programming to pregnant and parenting teens
Aboriginal programs that work with elders
Work programs and work experience

Native Counselling Services (Mike-780-451-7559)
Pohna: Keepers of the Fire-Program to help youth make different choices in their lives
Youth connected to circle of people who want to help and support them in meeting their goals (teachers, elders and professionals)
Work in partnership with EPS and vulnerable youth at risk of gang involvement
Referral process: 11-17 years, voluntary, preference for Aboriginal youth and at-risk for involvement in gang activity/association/connection

Child and Youth Advocates Office (Georgina)-644-7611 or 422-6056
Legal scope and mandate, focus on Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act
Represent until age 22years, will assist young people who have been denied status as well

Boys and Girls Club-Bruce Campbell Youth Centre and West Edmonton Mall
Youth age 14-19 years
High risk youth
Open Monday to Friday 3-8pm (shares space with the Learning Ctr.)
Free programming and dinner provided at 6pm
Yoga for Youth-10 week program every Thursday from 4 to 5pm and if youth attend 6 out of 10 classes they get free Yoga mat
Call Kim Harder at 780-232-3279

Inner City High School-(Paul)
Youth at-risk 15-20 years (waitlist for students over 20 years)
Ongoing intake throughout the year
Food provided at lunch and breakfast (also dinner 3 times per week)
Academic arts based school goal is diploma through alternative teaching methods
Multi-literacy approach

Pride Centre of Edmonton (Brendan)
Safe space for sexual minorities
5 day drop in from 3-7pm Tuesday to Saturday
Counselling available on Wednesday and Saturday (check schedule)
‘Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll’ group
Other groups operate out of centre as well
(see website: www.pridecentreofedmonton.org )

E.P.S.B.-Transitions Support Programs (Dan Bateman780-455-9472)
Focus on employment
Drugs/housing/pregnancy
Special needs and at-risk youth
Self or school referrals
Program free of charge
Focus on transitioning to ‘real world’, independent and employability skills

Stepping Stones (Candace Strachan-780-437-3000 ext 4)
Program for pregnant and parenting teens
Similar to Terra Organization but serve southside and Millwoods
Flexible programming based on client needs (tutors, clothing, counselling, etc.)

Inner City Youth Housing Project (ICYHP)
6 houses, Stipulations: cannot be suicidal, do not take court ordered supervision, no sex, no weapons, no violence, no smoking
Self referral, fast turnover, currently no waiting list, curfew 12am weekdays and 1am weekends
29 beds, beds for P-SECA and high risk youth
Limited rules in order to encourage youth to stay safe
Average stay of 3 months but no limit (14-18 years old)
Open to any referrals not only Children’s Services

Youth Connections (Catherine Hunt)
16-24 yrs olds, help to get into school
Work with high-risk youth
Adding mobile unit to expand services to surrounding communities

Star Project
Building capacity in youth at risk
Students at Jasper Place High School
Try to keep students from dropping out and use JPCHS as centre for youth focusing on the youth there
Coaches available, Aboriginal coach, Mental Health Therapist

Bent Arrow (Patricia)
Several programs to serve Aboriginal community
ACT-Aboriginal Careers Training (provide life skills and employment opportunities)
Coyote Kids-free weekly Aboriginal culture programming for 6-12 year olds, meet every Monday from 6-7:30pm at Prince Rupert Rites of Passage School
Iskwew House-transitional groupcare for pregnant and parenting Aboriginal teens
Kokomish House-provides intermediate and long-term care for Aboriginal youth ages 12-17 years
Coyote Pride- mentoring program for grades 4-6, encouraging healthy lifestyle through traditional teachings
Rites of Passage School-early interventions for Aboriginal Youth between 12 and15 years, full time alternative junior high school

Project L’Espoire (Hope) (Mark)
Mentoring of francophone youth, recent immigrants to Canada and Alberta
Wraparound services and therapeutic services
Work on hope building perspective

Kids in the Hall (Mo-780-619-5502)
Youth aged 15-24
Youth gain employment skills on-site training
Cap of 10 participants at a time
Building skill set in restaurant industry
Work on self-esteem, anger management and confidence through teamwork and mentorship

The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE-Karen)
Child and adolescent program clients must have reported to either Children’s Services or the police/RCMP (exceptions are made if the assault is a peer assault and the alleged perpetrators are under the age of 18)
We cannot see children without the consent of their guardians unless they have emancipated status
Public education program offers training on: sexual harassment in the workplace, cyber bullying, and the impact of sexual assault/abuse on individuals
Website has brochures and information on programs www.sace.ab.ca

Edmonton Society Against Mind Abuse (ESAMA-Betty-780-452-1830)
Educate and promote awareness on cults and cult activity
Initially efforts were more focused against youth, but recently cults are preying on the elderly

On-Site Placement (Kathy-780-488-8122)
Temporary placement agency for people with disabilities
Eligible youth ages 18-30 years, no cost for services
Outcomes employment, self-employment or further education
Ineligible for Employment Insurance Benefits

Big Brothers and Big Sisters
In school mentoring programs
Matches children ages 6 through 18 with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We have volunteer programs in Edmonton & Area, and satellite offices in Strathcona, Parkland, Camrose, Vegreville, Lac La B

September Meeting and Fall Agenda

2009-09-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

EIYSA's September general meeting will be at Big Brothers Big Sisters (10135-89 Street) on Tuesday September 29, 2009 between 9 and 11am. It will be an opportunity to network with other EIYSA members. Please also bring any pamphlets regarding the services your agency provides. There will also be more Youth Directories available and information posters. Members are encouraged to bring colleagues who may not have attended meetings in the past.

Upcoming Meetings

October 27th 9am to 11am- Adolescent sexuality

November 24th 9am to 11am - Attachment theory and youth at risk

June General Meeting Minutes

2009-06-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Edmonton Interagency Youth Services Association

June General Meeting 2009

Making the Connections-Working with High Risk Youth
Arlene Eaton-Erickson and Peter Smyth

High Risk Youth:
Age 14 to 22 years
The use drugs and or alcohol seems to be interfering with day-to-day functioning
Choices they are making may jeopardized their safety including-who they associate with and where they are living
Cannot identify a healthy adult in their lives outside of the professional community
Multiple placements, including Secure Services, and/or Edmonton Young Offenders Centre
Multi-generational involvement with Children’s Services

Harm Reduction is:
Definition-A set of strategies and tactics that encourage individuals to reduce the risk of harm to themselves and their communities by their various behaviors.
Goal-To educate the person to become more conscious of the risks of their behavior and provide them with the tools and resources with which they can reduce their risk.

Harm Reduction Principles
· Deals with the whole person with complex needs not just behaviors
· Accepts that risk is a natural part of our lives
· Places risky behavior on a continuum within context of person’s life
· Explores how the person perceives the behaviour
· Any positive change is seen as significant
· Interventions are not rigid but require creativity and innovation
· Builds on existing strengths and capacities
· Community collaboration
· Tough commonly associated with drug use, harm reduction is applicable to any social welfare and/or public health issue (Adapted from: Recovery Readiness: Strategies that bring Treatment to Addicts where they are” by R. Elovich and M. Cowingand.

Why does Harm Reduction Work?
Services and supports meet youth where they are at-youth input is essential
Recognizes that youth are experts in their own lives
Empowers the youth
“By working with us and not for us, solutions that make sense for our lives will be possible”

Resiliency:
Is equally important in young people who have been labeled as dangerous, delinquent, deviant and/or disordered
Youth take advantage of whatever opportunities and resources that are available-even those we consider negative or destructive
The negative behaviors can be a pathway to hidden resilience...focused on the need to create powerful and influential identities for themselves

Community
“If we don it by ourselves, we have failed…because we failed to engage the talents, the passion and wisdom of the broader community” (quote from the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, August 2007).

CORE BELIEFS needed to succeed Youth are valued
Be available
Be aware of judgments
Consistent message: I will not give up
Gaining TRUST is not the main goal
Intentional interaction-Everything has a purpose
Inspire HOPE Work from a strengths perspective
Expect to be tested
Explore their motivation to change
Create healthy confusion
Go the extra mile
Be patient (the best attitude to adopt is one of compassionate patience, which has to include the tolerance for failure”-Gabor Mate, 1999)
Build Relationships and community networks
***All of these serve to form INTENTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS***

Next Meeting is September 29, 2009 from 9-11am

May Meeting Minutes

2009-06-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

Edmonton Inter Agency Youth Services Association

May 26, 2009-General Meeting Minutes
Youth Programming
Introductions
Memberships

June 30th meeting reminder Peter Smyth and Arlene Eaton-Erickson will be presenting on Working with High Risk Youth

September general meeting will be on the 29th and will be a networking opportunity for all service providers

October meeting on the 27th-Adolescent Sexuality

Old Strathcona Youth Society
Collaboration with Ambiguous (hip hop artist) in production of music video
Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm workshops and movies
Drumming circle every Tuesday at 2pm
Conscious interpretation informal education for high risk youth open dialogue with Ambiguous about various topics

YMCA-Youth Programs-Jen Wong
Bruce Campbell Centre- Youth aged 13-21
Provide snacks and supper, nutritional foods
See Calendar or see http://www.boysandgirls.ca/
Free services (not transport)
Parent talk programs
Recreation Programming-Michael
13-19 year olds every Wednesday-basketball
Volunteer at Festival on Fridays-meet on site (bus tickets provided)
Sky High Outdoors program 5 female/5males 8 weeks starting in July
Lots of different activities (archery, biking, orienteering, camping)

City of Beaumont-Chantal
Day camps for groups 4-6 and 7-12 year olds (subsidies available)
Youth centre open 11-7 MTuWTh 3-9 Fridays and closed Sat Sun
Monthly calendar of events on website
Other Events-Community BBQ with free food for kids, field trips, registered programs, spray park and skate park
See website wwwbeaumont.ab.ca

Inner City Youth Housing Program (ICYHP)-Melanie
Housing for 14-17 year olds no access after the age of 18
No limit to # of days, goal transition into independent living
Goals set by the youth
Youth able to access outside of Children’s Services

Institute for Sexual Minority Youth
Camp Fyrefly-60 spots available for sexual minority youth to promote leadership in a safe environment
Funding available, now there are camps across Canada
Meetings of Youth Understanding Youth at the Pride Centre
June 6, 2009 Queer Prom free event for youth

Chimo Lifeskills-(420-0224)
6 week program youth on various topics (anger, community connections)
Intake process

Elizabeth Fry – See Handouts
Community based agency that offers support to individuals, particularly women in contact with the legal system
Works with other agencies to increase public awareness about the criminal legal system in Canada
http://www.elizabethfry.ab.ca/

Youth Ventures-Skills link
15-30 year olds
Intended for youth not in school goal to return to school
Skills link pre-employment skills and life skills
Attend 9-3pm paid wages, must be legal to work in Canada
Cannot have been on EI in the last 3 years
Must have barriers to work
Will do presentations and assessments on site

Edmonton Catholic School Board – Tanith Hodgkinson
Assist Program-House and assess youth, meet with family, social/recreational needs met
3 year funding partnership with the YMCA
6-8 weeks in total, referred through School Op. Services
http://www.aaes.ecsd.net/

Stanley Milner Library – Tansen
Program Guide available
Teen Programs available, craft, movie clubs, teen games, D&D group
Summer programs at each branch
Run activities throughout the summer
Kids – Agent 009 reading club-every time they read 15 min they cross off on sheet, weekly prizes
Teen Survivor Camp-read books and write commentary online
Some programs have registration

City of Edmonton
http://www.edmonton.ca/
Y Edmonton new website for youth
City Arts Centre Guide
Sara Ridley and Michael Goth-Neighborhood and Community Development
Leisure Access Program for financial assistance does include help with camps registration fees
Inclusion program for children with special needs
Registered day camps and River Valley Camps
Green Shack Program for kids in the community
LIT (Leaders in Training) Program-need security clearance and first aid training, opportunities for development of leadership skills, fee of $20.00 for T-shirt and food and 3-day training, min. of 2 week placement in camps
Programs-Drop-in Green Shacks, Youth Spots (12:30pm to 8pm), Van Sports (street hockey, basketball, lacrosse), Special Events (ie. Street hockey tournament, Tail Gate Party for Eskimos on Aug. 13th)
Skate parks-drop-in calendars online M-F 12:30-8pm

April Monthly Meeting-Working with Trauma

2009-04-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

Presenters: Leslie Block, M. Ed., R. Psych. and Karen Dushinski, Ph. D., R. Psych.

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. - Job 37:14

Goal-To Review the spectrum of trauma related disorders in youth
To examine the manifestations of this type of affliction behaviourally, cognitively, and emotionally
Type of treatment currently available
Consider vicarious traumatization and self-care
Caveats-Youth express trauma in different ways than do adults
Some trauma features mimic as other disorders CD, ODD, ADHD, FASD, LD
Complicated by substance usage, temperament, family background, biological factors
Social conditions, trends, and interpersonal forces at play
Children and adolescents often present symptoms of PTSD very differently from adults (Carrion, Weems, Ray & Reiss, 2002)
During adolescence, children are in the process of cognitive development that will lead to their ability to process complex and abstract ideas.
Confusion, academic difficulties, lowered IQ, learning disabilities, poor language and communication skills
Developmental delays (Armsworth & Holaday, 1993).
Cognitive development is vital for children’s learning and functioning in academic and social contexts, particularly for the successful transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Adolescence is normally a period of flux and change where testing limits is common
Unresolved problems are apt to become attenuated during adolescence (e.g., search for missing parent)
Identity formation is a major developmental challenge sensitive to self and appearance
Grapple with unresolved past and uncertain future
Tasks-Interest in romance
Strive for independence in many areas
Plan for or consider the future
Competitive and serious
Adolescence is in motion/in transition
Brain is more malleable in young person
Adolescence often heralds/unleashes the unspoken horrors and abuse of the past
Finding your voice, speaking out
Development-Trauma may freeze an individual at a level of development
Regress to these states when under stress
Unresolved early abuse issues of significance can result in untold and formidable problems especially noted in adolescence
Can result in self defeating tendencies, self-harm, violence towards others (e.g., lashing out)
Can increase the potential for substance abuse which in turn can result in criminal offending and other impulsive tendencies
Trauma alters the course of child development
Sexual abuse may result in ‘promiscuity’, self-hatred, attachment and trust problems
Neglect can result in attachment or trust problems
Current problems may shed light on past unspoken terror
Self-awareness begins to develop during adolescence. As such, adolescent’s involvement with others and his/her ability to learn from past experiences can be affected by trauma at this stage.
Self-defeating tendencies, attachment and trust deficits, self-harm
Educate your child-It is not unusual to have bad memories or dreams. You may avoid places or people that remind you of the disaster. You might have trouble sleeping, eating, or paying attention. Many people have short tempers and get angry easily.
DSM-IV Definitions-The applicability of the DSM’s criteria to children has been debated by researchers (Nader, 2004). The current diagnostic criterion does not adequately capture the full range of behaviors and symptoms manifested by children and adolescents, because DSM-IVTR criteria for PTSD is based on the symptoms and presentations of adults
Trauma results from exposure to an incident or event that elicits fear, horror, helplessness, and the individual is of the view that he or she will be hurt/killed or that someone else will be hurt/killed.
Other reactions including recurrent and intrusive thoughts, avoidant tendencies, shutting down or disengaging, with irritability, concentration difficulties, exaggerated startle and sleep disturbance
Children also experience a sense of foreshortened future as demonstrated through their diminished expectations of having a normal lifespan (e.g. marriage, children or a career), time skew (mis-sequencing of events in recall) and omen formation (retrospective identification of harbingers of the traumatic event) (McNally, 1991; 1996).
Examples of Trauma-Community violence, physical injury, family dysfunction, neglect/maltreatment
Can be a single event like a natural disaster or school shooting
Can be a series of events that occurs over time (maltreatment, witnessing violence), bullying
Elements of Helplessness
Violence is often a purposeful act of hurting someone.
It is a major issue facing today's young adults. One in 12 students in secondary school is threatened or injured with a weapon each year.
The ages of 12 and 24 face the highest risk of being the victim of violence.
Other forms of abuse-Electronic Aggression associated with emotional distress and conduct problems at school
Myspace showing a female teen hitting a teacher in the face in her own classroom. The cell phone video also shows classmates seemingly cheering on the bully.
Internet Luring
Child sexual abuse as "the engagement of a child in sexual activities for which the child is developmentally unprepared and cannot give informed consent.
Child sexual abuse is characterized by deception, force or coercion.
Victim often afraid or ashamed to reveal victimization or may have repressed memories of abuse
Post Traumatic Growth Inventory
Before answering the following questions, focus on one traumatic or life altering event that has occurred in your life. Please indicate the general experience you are thinking of:
Chronic or acute illness, violent or abusive crime, accident or injury, disaster, job loss, financial hardship, career or location change/move, change in family responsibility, divorce, retirement, combat or loss of a loved one
Problems with academic achievement, social interaction, and aggressive behaviors. This may have detrimental effects on their ability to achieve developmental milestones in relation to their peers and on their ability to become fully functioning adults
Cognitive deficits may mask underlying PTSD symptoms, therefore we may need to take them into consideration when assessing for PTSD symptomatology in children
Psychological and behavioral effects of child sexual abuse may include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, fear, hostility, chronic tension, eating disorders, sexual dysfunction, self-destructive or suicidal behavior, post traumatic stress disorder, dissociation, multiple personality disorder, repeat victimization, running away, criminal behavior, academic problems, substance abuse and prostitution
Suicide had been attempted by 10 percent of those with PTSD, compared with 2 percent of those who were exposed to trauma but did not develop PTSD and 5 percent of those who had never been exposed to traumatic events.
Children and adolescents often display disruptive behaviors such as impulsivity and inattentiveness, which frequently negatively affects their academic achievement.
Additionally children and adolescents may isolate themselves from others and withdraw from their peers. They may also demonstrate regressive behaviors such as enuresis, encopresis and thumb-sucking (Armsworth & Holaday, 1993).
Range from minimal disruption to major upheaval affecting most aspects of daily living
From one incident to multiple exposures
Defining feature of PTSD is recurrent reminders, images, flashbacks, and emotional dysregulation, tendency to shut down or avoid/withdraw, far away, detached, zoned out (depersonalization), irritability, annoyance, sleep disturbance and nightmares, from stimulus to response without mediating the issue, symptoms are generic and often overlap with other disorders and conditions, weight gain or anorexia, intrusion, avoidance and hyper arousal
Overlap with other disorders and conditions, tempermental issues
Range of affective presentation that can mimic cluster B personality disorders
Emotional dysregulation, anger control deficits, impulsivity, frustration
Intrusive thoughts and reminders of past trauma, even of preverbal trauma
Symptoms are generic and often overlap with other disorders and conditions
Weight gain or anorexia
Intrusion, avoidance and hyper arousal
Slowed thinking, distractible, poor concentration and attention, memory (especially in short term) is poor
Long term memory may have gaps and black-outs “can’t remember first six years of life” suggestive of traumatic event(s)
Co-occurring Disorders-Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, brain Impairment/Retardation, self-medicating the past horrors, depression, anxiety, personality issues
Each child’s treatment depends on the nature, timing, and amount of exposure to a trauma.
We now know that there are clinically sound treatments for trauma that are indeed helpful for children and adolescents.

TREATMENT

Safety and stabilization, stress management and relaxation skills, exposure strategies
Correcting distortions and irrational ideas about what happened (e.g., it’s my fault), inner child work, deconditioning the traumatic memories
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
Enlist parents or other supports
Consider medications for certain symptoms
Group therapy (e.g., Dialetical Behavioural Therapy)
Be available and involved (lifeline)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy restructuring distorted views; Exposure, stress inoculation, psycho-education, body-mind work
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Dialetical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Further investigation of how trauma is interpreted and understood by children is necessary for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Children and adolescents are often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed which leads to lack of and/or inappropriate treatment of PTSD in this population.
Lifetime prevalence for any anxiety disorder in children and adolescents is from 8 to 27% (Kaplan & Sadock, 2009)
Survival of the fittest- learn the skills of resilience -- the ability to adapt well in the face of hard times and disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or fires; tragedy; threats; or even high stress. What are some tips that can help you learn resilience? As you use these tips, keep in mind that each person's journey along the road to resilience will be different--what works for you may not work for your friends.
You may benefit from some of the resilience tips above, while others may benefit from other tips. The skills of resilience you learn in a time of war will be useful even after war, and they are good skills to have every day.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. - Matthew 5:9

References- Carrion, V., Weems, C., Ray, R. & Reiss, A. (2002). Toward an Empirical Definition of PTSD: The Phenomenology of PTSD symptom’s in youth. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(2): 166-173.
Levendosky, A., Huth-bocks, A., Semel, M. & Shapiro, D. (2002). Trauma Symptoms in Preschool-age Children Exposed to Domestic Violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 17(2): 150-164.
Armsworth, MW & Holaday, M. (1993). The Effects of Psychological Trauma on Children and Adolescents. Journal of Counseling & Development, 72: 49-56.
Nader, K.O. (2004). Assessing Traumatic Experiences in Children and Adolescents: Self-reports of DSM PTSD criteria B-D symptoms. In Wilson, J.P and Keane, T.M. (Eds.) Assessing Psychological Trauma and PTSD (pp.513-537). New York: Guilford Press.
McNally, R.J. (1991). Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 3(4): 531-537.
McNally, R.J. (1996). Assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Journal of School Psychology, 34(2): 147-161
Kaplan & Sadock's concise textbook of child and adolescent psychiatryBy Benjamin J. Sadock, Virginia A. Sadock, Harold I. KaplanEdition: 10, illustratedPublished by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009
AACAP. (1998). Summary of the practice parameters for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder. American Academy of Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 37(9), 997-1001.
Deblinger, E & Heflin, AH. (1996). Treatment for sexually abused children and their non-offending
parents: A cognitive-behavioral approach. Thousand Oaks, CA; Sage.
Donnelly, C, Amaya-Jackson, L, March, J. (1999) Psychopharmacology of pediatric posttraumatic
stress disorder. Journal of Child Adolescent Psychopharmacology
9:203-220.
Saunders, BE, Hanson, RF (Eds). (2002) Child Physical and Sexual Abuse: Guidelines for Treatment.
Charleston, SC: Authors Safety and stabilization, stress management and relaxation skills, exposure strategies
Correcting distortions and irrational ideas about what happened (e.g., it’s my fault), inner child work, deconditioning the traumatic memories
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
Enlist parents or other supports
Consider medications for certain symptoms
Group therapy (e.g., Dialetical Behavioural Therapy)
Be available and involved (lifeline)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy restructuring distorted views; Exposure, stress inoculation, psycho-education, body-mind work
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Dialetical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
Further investigation of how trauma is interpreted and understood by children is necessary for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Children and adolescents are often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed which leads to lack of and/or inappropriate treatment of PTSD in this population.
Lifetime prevalence for any anxiety disorder in children and adolescents is from 8 to 27% (Kaplan & Sadock, 2009)
Survival of the fittest- learn the skills of resilience -- the ability to adapt well in the face of hard times and disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or fires; tragedy; threats; or even high stress. What are some tips that can help you learn resilience? As you use these tips, keep in mind that each person's journey along the road to resilience will be different--what works for you may not work for your friends.
You may benefit from some of the resilience tips above, while others may benefit from other tips. The skills of resilience you learn in a time of war will be useful even after war, and they are good skills to have every day.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. - Matthew 5:9
******************************************************************************
Karen Dushinski

What is Trauma??? PTSD Defined and Impact on Individuals

Trauma is defined as "The mental result of one sudden external blow (car accident, rape, shooting) or a series of blows (long-term physical abuse) that renders a person temporarily helpless and breaks down ordinary coping and defense operations"- L. Terr, 1991
Type I seen as single event, isolate and sudden-recalled vividly with better prognosis, ie. MVA, witnessing a single act of violence
Type II seen as multiple chronic and repeated, memories may be fuzzy, dissociation, personality changes-ie. physical or sexual abuse, war or social violence
For a diagnosis of PTSD, person must have been exposed to a traumatic event where both of the following were present: A) event threatened death or serious injury or threat to physical integrity of self or others and B) person's response involved intense fear, helplessness or horror (children my show disorganized or agitated behavior) (APA, 1994)
3 clusters of symptoms: re-experiencing, avoidance and numbing, and hyperarousal
Re-experiencing involves:intrusive memories, emotions, nightmares or distressing dreams, flashbacks, hallucinations, dissociation, triggers of the event and physiological reactivity
Avoidance and Numbing: efforts to avoid thoughts/conversations about event, avoid activities/places/people, unable to recall aspects of what happened, may disconnect from previous supports, feelings of detachment, restricted affect and sense of hopelessness
Hyperarousal involves: Sleep difficulties, anger or irritability, concentration problems, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response and hyperactivity
Trauma in children-manifestations are worse in children that have experienced prior traumatic events since they may not have the same ability to self-soothe, may not have learned to tolerate distressing emotions, new experiences or organize their emotions
With long term neglect, children adapt to a climate of constant danger and are always alerted. Children who live in constant fear literally sensitize neural pathways to fear responses
Leads to overall anxiety and hyper-arousal. They may unknowingly activate dissociative responses to deal with chronic anxiety thereby blocking off emotional states-also connects with substance abuse
Internal cues of distress become triggers therefore traumatized person moves from stimulus to response without realizing what caused the distress=feelings of powerlessness
Therapeutic Goals: Safety, Education, Connection and Empowerment
Goals can be assisted in frontline work by: teaching boundaries, being consistent and predictable, normalizing traumatic responses, disrupting symptoms with grounding and de-sensitization, helping to process memories, teaching healthier coping (diet, sleep, exercise, spirituality of any kind), strengthening connections with self and others (community, employment, positive supports/family), helping to re-build self-esteem, validating experience, let them know they are not to blame for childhood abuse, encouraging expression of feelings, challenge maladaptive thinking patterns...be accepting of who they are!
"Recovering from trauma and loss requires reconstruction of meaning, rebuilding of hope and a sense of empowerment needed to regain control of ones life" J. Herman, 1992

2009-04-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Edmonton Inter Agency Youth Services Association

March 24 General Meeting Minutes
Youth Volunteer and Employment Opportunities

Duke of Edinburgh Award
Contact Brett Gore (bgore@dukeofed.org or 780-490-5008)
Non-competitive individual challenge award to motivate youth to develop an area of self-interest and acknowledge how they contribute to their community
Three levels (bronze/silver/gold) (see website for details www.dukeofed.org)
4 components : Community Service/Physical Activity/Skill/Development Program for Adventure or Journey (cultural/historical)
Paid work and school work do not count, but outdoor education will
In over 130 countries, open to all youth up to age 25 to complete hours

Youth Connections
Contact Kurt Stalenhof (780-4154968) or youthconnections@bredin.ab.ca
Website: www.youthconnections.gov.ab.ca or 1.800.661.3753
Age 16-24 work on resume writing, work skills, job search and job maintenance, career planning
Provide employment and career counselling, employment readiness workshops, interview skills, resume writing, job search and maintenance, connecting with employers, job shadowing, work experience and training
Look at where youth want to be in 5-10 years and what skills employers are looking for
Free of charge for youth
Not mandatory that youth attend a program

Volunteer Opportunities for Youth
· Questions please contact Carmen Roberts-Kowalchuk at Carmen_k@telus.net
· City of Edmonton 211 or 311 or www.cityofedmonton.com
Leading Edge Program, Snow Angels, Community Clean Up, Festivals
· www.youthvolunteer.ca
Registered programs for youth (half or full day programs)

Youth Emergency Shelter Services
Volunteer Coordinator – Michelle
www.yess.org for volunteer opportunities
Career and resume experience offered at new Armory Ctr.
Youth can volunteer for 4 big events each year or help with third party events
No training or long-term commitment required
Can sign up over email
In shelter volunteers must be over the age of 18
Youth support volunteers (over 21) mentors in an area they are passionate about (ie tutors, cooking, music etc.)

On-Site Placement Services
Nathan Davies
Providing services for individuals with disabilities (broadly defined) that have barriers to employment
Provide workshops on: employment readiness, life management, networking and marketing, exposure courses, work experience, job search and skill development, and direct placement
Youth defined as 17-30 years
Cannot be eligible for EI must send in SIN #
May already be on AISH
Cater program to client needs
Intakes are ongoing

Kids in the Hall
Contact Mo Smith or Calvin at E4C-employment opportunity for youth age 16-24
Lifeskills (resume, job search, anger management, etc.)
Bistro allows hands-on training for youth at $9.00/hr
No time limit for program, some have stayed over a year
Majority of participants leave and go onto school
Goal of transitioning without interruption
Can help with housing, assistance, addictions
Building relationships with people in the community
Teaching responsibility and independence
Currently have 35 people waiting

BGS Enterprises (Youth Ventures)-Waverly
Youth Ventures provides assessments for two federal government initiatives under the Youth Employment Strategy (Skills Link and Career Focus).
SkillsLink assists youth facing barriers to employment and or education to develop a broad range of skills, knowledge and work experience they need in order to successfully participate in the job market
Assessment to help youth develop their own action plan
The desired outcome is that the youth will follow through with their action plan in order to find employment and/or return to school.
Career Focus provides post-secondary graduates with career-related work opportunities with the goal of supporting the development of advanced skills, (Employers can qualify for a wage subsidy)
Cannot be on EI for last 3 years
To book an appointment call 409-8625 or walk-in intakes
Verto Project
Youth barrier involved in criminal justice
Complete program have a case manager for up to 3 years
Try to connect with other services, need a SIN#
www.youthvolunteer.ca for Alberta Youth Volunteers
Edmonton Youth Week first week in May-edmontonyouthweek.ca
--------------------------------------------------------
EIYSA-Next Meetings: April 28 (PTSD-mini-training), May 26 (Summer Programming), last meeting before summer break will be June 30

February Minutes

2009-03-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

EIYSA Meeting Minutes February 24, 2009

Introductions
Overview of the past year
Review of Financial statements
Review of EIYSA’s mandate-see blogspot www.eiysa.blogspot.com
Elections-all positions up for re-election-no new elections made
Membership renewal
Presentations

Health Services for Youth

STD Clinic
Susan Jamison (Public Education)
Offer free, confidential services to anyone over the age of 14, no ID or Alberta Healthcare required
Operate out of the old General Hospital on Jasper Avenue (11111 Jasper Ave)
Walk in or book ahead appointments
Act as primary care for individuals needing PAP Tests or Cervical Screening
Free pregnancy testing, emergency contraceptives, Immunizations for Hepatitis A and B
Prenatal HIV program
Needle exchange site
Public Health follow up for persons infected with STI, HIV, or Blood borne pathogens, and to track and break the chain of infection
Public Education offered to groups or organizations
Open Monday to Friday from 8:45am to 5pm
Results available, in person only, in 7 to 10 days
Contact 780-413-5156 or 1-800-772-2437 (24 hours)
Interpreters can be provided with a week’s notice (through Royal Alexandra Hospital)

Shine Clinic (Student Health Initiative of North Edmonton)
Running for the last 5 years
Operated out of Boyle Mc Cauley
Comprehensive health services for youth (Nurses, Pharmacy, Dentist, Doctors, SW)
No need to have AB Healthcare
Open Saturday 2-6 pm
Streetworks provide needle exchange site
Snacks and warm meals provided by Nutrition students
Provide clothing and showers are available
Outreach committee trying to increase profile at YESS etc.
Mail out campaign (contact dhorney@ualberta.ca for more pamphlets)

Options Sexual Health
Brian at 780-423-3737 ext 201 (or brian@optionssexualhealth.ca)
Website is www.optionssexualhealth.ca
Prochoice organization but do not provide abortions
Counselling around pregnancy options
Free and confidential testing (negative results offer education/birth control) and (positive results offer pregnancy option counselling)
50% of all pregnancies are unplanned-49% choose parenting-49% choose abortion
Teens are more likely to choose parenting versus women in their twenties more likely to choose abortion
No clinical services
1-1 sexual education with clients, including boundaries and knowledge
Some sexual orientation counselling and homophobia workshops but refer to Pride Centre
Information on Birth Control, Safer Sex, Abstinence with a sex positive approach
In schools in grade 9, CALM classes, work with seniors, and immigrant groups
Professional training offered
Multi-Cultural Sexual Health Team to bridge gap in services
Free condoms and lubricant (better to call at the beginning of the month)

City of Edmonton (Katie Soles)
Community Safety Taskforce
Leaders in the community and Public Sector
4 Sub-committees-Healthy Individuals, Strong Families, Safe Neighborhoods and Integration and Sustainability
Preventative in nature
Recommendations stem from “Less Law More Order” book by Canadian author
PIE Approach – Prevention/Innovation/Evidence Based
Safety viewed as a shared response
Focus groups on strategies for safer communities, explore whether strategies are sound and how they can be implemented
Please attend the frontline workers forum in order to get feedback from community agencies (Thursday, March 19th from 9:30am to 2:30pm at Chateau Louis)

Next Meeting will be on Tuesday, March 31st 2009 between 9 and 11am at Big Brothers Big Sisters 10135-89 Street
TOPIC Volunteer and Employment Opportunities for Youth

February's Meeting

2009-02-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the next EIYSA meeting will be on Tuesday February 24 between 9am and 11am at Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton (10135-89 Street). This will be our Annual General Meeting at which time we will hold nominations for the positions on the Planning Committee for EIYSA. It is also an opportunity to renew your EIYSA memberships which are due, $10.00 for individuals and $25.00 for organizations. Membership will include more Youth Services Directory Booklets. Following this part of the meeting we will have presenters on Health Services for Youth. We will also look for input for upcoming presentations and assess the different needs in the EIYSA membership.Look forward to seeing all of you on Tuesday.

2009-01-25T11:39:00.001-08:00

EIYSA General Meeting November 25, 2008

Youth Justice Services

1) Youth Criminal Defense Office-(Mark Cherrington-Main Line-780-422-8383 (24hrs)
· Part of Legal Aid-clients range in age from 12-21 years
· Assists youth in court in regards to criminal matters and youth court
· Offices in Edmonton and Calgary made up of lawyers and youth workers
· Office advocates for youth to assist them not returning into the justice system and also helps to find resources
· Mandate to look where there are gaps in resources and promote the creation of resources to fill those gaps
· Young person has a right to have any adult support person with them when being interviewed or questioned
· Open to youth charged under any Youth Act
· Youth can call for information on their rights and to get information any time
· YRAP-Youth Restorative Action Project-Sentencing recommendations to the court made up of only girls. Will be to assist girls age12-24 involved in youth and family court. Specifically young mothers
· Also do presentations for public
· Mark Cherrington (780-415-1384 or cell 780-935-6254)

2) Edmonton Young Offender Centre (EYOC) – Jennifer Bruce (780-408-8250), Community Transition Worker-liaison between key workers/youth and agencies who support youth
· Trying to link youth to resources to transition back into the community

3) Edmonton John Howard Society-Ree Start Program-main line – 780-428-7590
· Courtney Petruik-780-428-7590
· Youth Workers try and establish relationships with youth
· Work with youth both involved with the justice system and youth not involved with the justice system
· Partnership with EYOC, try to get out to EYOC at least 2 times per month
· Set up partnerships with the Attendance Centre
· Assist youth with their self-identified goals and in connecting with resources, getting ID, etc.
· Will assist youth in completing probation terms
· Wide range of services to youth

4) Mobile Addictions Counsellor -AADAC Youth Services (Marie Cetinski-Addictions Counsellor-(780-422-7383)
· Youth referred through EYOC or Attendance Centre
· Strict confidentiality clause
· Intakes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday at Dover Office/Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at Inglewood Office (drop-in)
· Phone 780-422-7383 for hours or information, can provide referrals to other AADAC offices across the province
· Currently also going into EYOC to advise youth of services available
· At Attendance Centre facilitating one-on-one sessions plus a monthly group to share information regarding addictions
· AADAC Help Line-1-866-332-2322

5) Edmonton Youth Justice Committee (Linda and Michelle)
· Non-profit society, 4 staff members and volunteers
· 3 offices in the city housed inside of City of Edmonton buildings
· Work under the Solicitor General
· See children age 12-17 years (will see youth over the age of 18 where the offense was committed before the age of 18)
· Put sanctions in place for young offenders
· Also try to connect youth to the community
· Panel meets with youth, ask that parents/guardians attend with youth
· Only see for certain types of offences
· Recruiting volunteers

AGENCY UPDATES

Youth Emergency Shelter Society (YESS)
· Request approved to use the Armoury Building, hope to be running programs by April 2009
· Corn flake Breakfast-Annual kick-off for fundraising

Employment Opportunity:

Metis Resource FASD Specialist
New Position-Resource/Support Person
Youth: Metis or First Nation
Diagnosis or thought to have a diagnosis of FASD
Phone: 780-455-2200

CANCELLED
Next Meeting: January 27, 2009
General Elections/Elections/Health Services for YouthCANCELLED

Meeting Cancellation

2009-01-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

This month's meeting on Health Services for Youth will have to be cancelled due to a double booking of our conference room. We have decided just to move the topic to our regularly scheduled meeting time on February 24, 2009 between 9 and 11am at Big Brothers Big Sisters (10135-89 Street).

2008-11-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

EIYSA General Meeting October 28, 2008

Crisis Services for Youth
Introductions and greetings by Vice-Chair Waverly Schneider

Coats for Kids (Richard from the In-Kind Centre)
Gently used or new coats for children or youth can be brought to any Page the Cleaner location to be cleaned
Last year Page cleaned over 16, 000 coats at a cost of $300, 000.00 to the company
There is no cut-off date this year all coats are distributed to the In-kind Centre and then distributed to other agencies
Looking for agencies that will act as depots for distribution. Individuals in need of coats will be directed to the nearest agency
Offer coats to outlying communities as well
Contact Richard at the United Way In-Kind Centre at 780-444-5001

Youth Emergency Shelter Services (Saleena-780-468-7186 ext 249)
Four programs for 15-19 year olds
YESS has 16 beds, youth provided a warm meal, bus tickets and bag lunch, youth have shelter 9pm to 8am. First come first serve basis
Starthouse Program-16-20 year olds, required to maintain full-time day programs like working or attending school. Private bedrooms and extra support for youth.
SkY Program (Skills for Youth) 15-19 year olds-16 bed residential program clients must attend school, gain better life skills or enter the workforce, provides opportunities to stabilize, live in shared space. Access to an AADAC worker
STAR Project-22 week program for youth who have few supports and many barriers to maintaining employment or education, 33 hours/week getting skills (half time class and half time work experience)
8 week paid work experience
Support from Service Canada and BGS Enterprises
Do not have to live within YESS to get services
Cultural and religious advocate for immigrant and refugee clients
Connaugt Armoury Proposal-YESS is sending a proposal to the City to use the Connaught Armoury as a space for youth during the day where they can be provided with the 4 pillars of service – Health/Safety/Education/Self-Reliance
Youth have given feedback that there is no place to go for them during the day
Need letters of support questions contact Saleena at saleena.haworth@yess.org

Inner City Youth Housing (ICYHP)
Youth 12-17, 2 short term houses, may be CS status or not
30-60 days to stabilize, during which time staff works to set up programming
Long term housing-3 houses 14 beds youth can move to long term housing if enrolled in full-time program
Referrals from anywhere
Main house receives all referrals, served on a first come first serve basis
Staffing from 5pm to 9am
Will not take youth that have reporting conditions and will not consider Community Diversion with curfews

Shine Clinic (Boyle McCauley Health Centre-10628-96 Street)
Open on Saturdays from 2-6pm
Clinic run by student volunteers from various University of Alberta programs
Free Medical and Dental Services for individuals under the age of 25
Okay if you don’t have Healthcare cards
Food available on-site prepared by nutrition students
Pharmacist is available and meds on site
Looking into possible taxi services for those in other parts of the city

Crossroads-E4C (Loretta and Andrea)
House-5 beds for female and male residents age 13-17 yrs
No limit on stay
Most youth are high risk or sexually exploited youth but others accepted as well
All calls come through placement coordinator-Region 6 Children’s Services
No self-referrals or directly from SW
Learn life skills, money offered for chores in the house
Outreach-van out three nights per week offering support, hot drinks, gloves, food, bus tickets, food hampers also available, lines transferred to the house after hours so there is 24 hour coverage

Children’s Services Crisis Unit
24 hour service, daytime 780-422-2001 or afterhours 780-427-3390
Edmonton and Calgary divide province in half and field calls from other regions
Child at risk Response Team (CARRT)-consists of EPS and SW address urgent situations to assess the risk involved to children
Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act (PSECA) workers are on-site to take calls and assess situations

Yellowhead Youth Centre (YYC)
Funded through Region 6 Children’s Services
All youth are placed and have CS status
No drop in or walk-in
Most intrusive of all residential treatment with nurse, psychiatrist doctor, AADAC counsellors, recreation staff and an on-site school
Each unit has 20 beds for intensive long term treatment
Also involved in community day programs
Main goal of program is stabilization

Next Meeting is on January 27, between 9 and 11am at Big Brothers and Big Sisters 10135-89 Street on Health Services for Youth

2008-10-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

EIYSA General Meeting September 30, 2008

Introductions and greetings by Vice-Chair Waverly Schneider

Individuals at the meeting presented information about the various organizations represented. This is a summary of the information from the meeting.

BGS Enterprises
Federal Youth Ventures Program
Assessment Centre and Case Management
Workshops on careers, resume building, interview strategies
Magazine Project-youth designed magazine

Skills-YMCA Youth Transition Program
Girls’ Empowerment Groups
‘Be Your Own Man’
Recreational outings

E.P.S.B.-Transitions Support Programs
Focus on employment
Drugs/housing/pregnancy
Special needs and at-risk youth
Self or school referrals
Program free of charge

Boys’ and Girls’ Club-(Christine)
Referral from Children’s Services

Kids in the Hall (Mo)
Youth aged 16-24
Youth gain employment skills on-site training
Cap of 10 participants at a time

Terra
Pregnant and parenting teens
Aged 19 or younger with a limit of 5 years
14 suite apartment (currently have waiting list)
Prenatal and parenting classes
Braemar School

Chimo Solo Program (Nancy)
Youth aged 16-22 years
Children’s Services referrals
Independent living
Addiction and life skills
Multiple diagnosis AISCH/PDD
Life Management Training (LMT)-job and skills, training open to community

CASA (Gillian)
Mental Health Services for families
Multi-disciplinary teams working together to assist children and families
Adolescent day program/Trauma and Attachment Group/Family Therapy/Social Skills groups
TIES Program-transition to school
CASA House-more severe behavioral issues
New house opening in April
Mentoring Group-looking for mentors for ages 12 and 13 year olds

Old Strathcona Youth Co-Op (Jaya-496-5947)
Shifting focus this fall moving towards more of a resource centre
Monday to Friday 12pm to 5pm and Friday and Saturday 2pm to 6pm
Collective kitchen
Able to access computers, hygiene products, housing resources
Mural Art Project @ Café Mosaics

Edmonton Society Against Mind Abuse (ESAMA-Betty)
Educate and promote awareness on cults and cult activity
Initially efforts were more focused against youth, but recently cults are preying on the elderly

The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE-Karen)
Child and adolescent program clients must have reported to either Children’s Services or the police/RCMP (exceptions are made if the assault is a peer assault and the alleged perpetrators are under the age of 18)
We cannot see children without the consent of their guardians unless they have emancipated status
Public education program offers training on: sexual harassment in the workplace, cyber bullying, and the impact of sexual assault/abuse on individuals

Town of Beaumont-(Chantal)
Let’s Talk (youth outreach)-offer information on sexual health, provide dinner
Social Justice Group and youth violence project

Edmonton Young Offender Centre (EYOC -Jennifer)
Plan for release and try to help with resources
Biggest issue for youth is housing

AADAC Youth Services (Marie)
Groups
Adolescent information sessions (12-18 years old), 4 concurrent sessions (free of charge)
Parent Awareness Workshop and parent support group
National Addiction Awareness Week-contest to produce best commercial

On-Site Placement (Kathy)
Temporary placement agency for people with disabilities

Edmonton John Howard
Restart program-building relationships with youth, community resourcing, helping with ID, for any youth that require services (780-428-7590)
LOFT PROGRAM-new program, transition house for males (16-24), 6 beds, may or may not have Children’s Services involvement, may have criminal record, homeless or at-risk of being homeless, learn life skills, curfew of 11pm weekdays and 1am weekends, 3-4 months, 500/month (400 for students), help transition to own place

Uncles and Aunts At Large
Single parent families, ages 6-18 years, challenges getting volunteers
90 families currently on the waiting list
Age group 6-9 now doing group outings
In-school mentoring as well, camps and events to engage the families

Child and Youth Advocates Office (Erin)-644-7611 or 422-6056
Legal scope and mandate, focus on Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act
Represent until age 22years, will assist young people who have been denied status as well

Inner City Youth Housing Project (ICYHP)
6 houses, Stipulations: cannot be suicidal, do not take court ordered supervision, no sex, no weapons, no violence, no smoking
Self referral, fast turnover, currently no waiting list, curfew 12am weekdays and 1am weekends

Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Digital Heroes Mentoring program-youth with computers and volunteers needed to mentor
African Centre-programs for Somali Youth

St. Albert Youth Community Centre (780-418-0678)
Music studio with instruments, etc.
In-school mentoring, youth programming

Youth Emergency Shelter Services (YESS-Saleena)
Four programs for 15-19 year olds
YESS has 16 beds, provided a warm meal, bus tickets and bag lunch, youth have shelter 9pm to 8am
Start Program-16-20 year olds, required to maintain full-time day programs like working or attending school
SkY Program (Skills for Youth) 15-19 year olds-12 bed residential program clients must attend school, gain better life skills or enter the workforce, provides opportunities to stabilize, live in shared space
STAR Project-22 week program for youth who have few supports and many barriers to maintaining employment or education, 33 hours/week getting skills
Do not have to live within YESS to get services
Cultural and religious advocate

Young Offender-Youth Justice Program
Work with youth in conflict with the law
Branching out to rural areas (Wetaskiwin) for violent crimes
Legal aid funding

Centrepoint FACS (Suzanne)
12 to 17 year olds, community based psychological assessment for young offenders, education and consultation, Mon to Fri-8:30 to 5pm
Those legally mandated for assessment
Referral from mental health or community
Psychiatric nurses, Social Workers and Neuropsychologists

Community Services (Helme)
Mandate to encourage social and recreational activities for youth
Leaders in Training (LIT) Program-leadership building through working with children in camps throughout the city
Involved in Inner City Youth Council, Child Friendly Edmonton Committee, and Edmonton Youth Week, November 20, National Child Day

September Meeting

2008-08-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Following a successful launch of our new Youth Directory 2008 at the June 26 Youth Fair, EIYSA will once again be having our monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of the month between 9 and 11 am at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Edmonton (10135-89 St.).

The next meeting will be on September 30, 2008, from 9 to 11am. During this time we will: discuss any relevant challenge areas over the year, distribute the Youth Directories to members and update membership lists, network with other agencies, and seek guidance from the members regarding training/discussion topics for the upcoming year.

Exciting Announcement

2008-07-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

THE NEW 2008 DIRECTORY OF YOUTH SERVICES BOOKLET
(LITTLE YELLOW BOOK) HAS ARRIVED!

TO PICK UP YOUR COPIES AT THE ALEX TAYLOR SCHOOL, PLEASE CONTACT MAIDA OR CALVIN AT 780-413-9264

COST: $25.00 FOR 20 BOOKLETS
(CASH OR CHEQUE ONLY PLEASE)

May General Meeting Minutes

2008-06-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

EIYSA General Meeting May 27, 2008

*****Reminder of the new Youth Directory Launch at City Hall Thursday June 26, 2008 between 11am and 3pm. If you would like to have a table to represent your agency please email the EIYSA secretary at eiysa.edmonton@gmail.com.
Memberships-$25.00 for organizations/$10.00 for individuals (includes 25 free Youth Directory otherwise 20 books for $25.00)*****

For those individuals reserving table at the launch, City Hall Policy states that: “Loading and unloading of vehicles is permitted on the east side of City Hall. A 15 minute loading zone is available for commercial vehicles and a 5 minute passenger loading zone is also available.
Note: unattended vehicles in the passenger loading zone will be ticketed”

Topic
“Services for Immigrant and Refugee Youth”

Dreamcatchers Nature Assisted Therapy (Eileen Bona-ebona@telusplanet.net or website: www.dreamcatcherassociation.com
Free programs for Aboriginal youth only aged 12-17
Must have current or past involvement with the law and can be dealing with mental health issues and addictions
Must have past involvement with a gang; be considered at high risk of becoming involved with a gang or have current involvement and want to get out
Sunday group therapeutic services throughout the spring with alternating methods of cultural and animal assisted therapy components
Summer months two five day camps on second and fourth weeks of July 2008 with overnight accommodations and transportation provided
Dreamcatcher site in Ardrossan
Goal is to support youth in conflict with the law

I Human
High risk or street involved youth
60-80% of youth are of Aboriginal descent
Over 520 youth visits last year
Focus on high risk youth that may not be able to access other services
Current proposal to assess how to best address the needs of high risk youth
Use of art to explore emotions
Often can be used for alternative measures hours
Youth training bridging youth with mentors in the community
Average journey of youth is 3-8 years

Mennonite Centre of Edmonton- Education program
Cultural Brokers specializing in education ESL or ELL
Supporting families and children in EPSB
6 staff that are part of various ethnocultural communities and act as bridges to the community-use of the Cultural Brokers model
Involves mediation and advocacy for families and working to change the system to better meet the needs of the families and allowing the children to succeed
Recently have hosted Dialogue sessions that focus on specific areas of concern. Last session was regarding Psychological Assessments for coding children and whether the instruments are appropriate. Recent legislation could unfairly prejudice older student from achieving their educational goals
Offer cultural and homework clubs
Referrals from the communities-Sudanese, Somali, Arabic, Kurdish, etc.

Edmonton Catholic Social Services (Tigist) 424-3545
Website: www.catholicsocialservices.ab.ca
Ambassadors for youth program
Provide information, referral, orientation, interpretation, translation and supportive counselling to assist immigrants and refugees settle and integrate into the community.
Youth Support/Homework Club Program Provides academic and social support for immigrant and refugee youth to facilitate integration.
Offered in three area high schools (St. Joe’s, Queen Elizabeth, and J. Percy Page)
Multilingual and culturally diverse staff provides various settlement, educational, language/language assessment, employment and outreach services to immigrants and refugees from all cultures, ethnic origins, religions and immigration categories.
Services are free and are offered in English, French, and more than 35 other languages.
Host families help integrate newcomers to Edmonton
Government provides orientation assistance to find a place to stay
Offer cultural competency training
Newcomer’s Health Clinic to get people connected with a doctor

Action for Healthy Communities (Alexis) email: action4www.a4hc.ca
Community development group
10 central Edmonton neighborhoods
2007 expanded to Greater Edmonton area
Goal to address issues in the communities
Seed grants available of $1000.00 for various projects for 3 unrelated individuals to start a program to improve their community (ie. Community gardens)
Offer support and training to help reach goals for projects
Also now offer 5 Immigrant and Refugee Day Programs
Ages 14 to 19 (grades 10 to 12)
Monday to Friday July 2-25 (8:30am to 2pm)
Last year 3 high schools offered programs (J. Percy Page, Queen Elizabeth, Victoria)
Youth must be permanent resident with refugee status (cannot have Canadian citizenship)
Attend summer school, also have lots of recreational trips, art activities, as well as life skills, and career exploration
Offers 6 High School credits, opportunity to socialize with other youth
To register call Alexis at 944-4687

Strategic Alliance for the Advancement of Immigrant and Refugee Children and Youth (SAAIRCY)-Vanessa
Alliance of different agencies working with refugee youth
Identify and analyze the current situation of youth in Edmonton
Determine what needs to happen to achieve successful outcomes and support the development and implementation of a Plan of Action
Defining successful outcomes as: Success in School, Successful transition into the workplace/post-secondary and physical/mental well-being
Use of National Bridging Refugee Youth Services Warehouse from the U.S. website address: www.brycs.org for finding best practice literature
Identified pressures on children and youth as: isolation, segregation, bullying, disconnection from system, overwhelming responsibility, lack of belonging, lack of access to extracurricular activities, juggling expectations, culture of acquisition, and youth struggling on their own
Compounded by various pressures on the parents: poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, language barriers, etc.
Community and Systemic Barriers identified
Successful Outcomes rely on “Creating the Village” which relies on several building blocks: cultural connections, increase intergenerational connection, provide access for recreation, bridge to employment/post-secondary, cultural role models, parenting support
Foundations to work: building on strengths, seek involvement of family and community, bridge youth and community, guided by voices of youth/children
Involve stakeholders in creation of community alliance and action plan, support cultural communities and youth in their activities that promote well-being
Actions: Forums, Create scholarships, address loan issues

Islamic Family and Social Services Association (Nazia Islam)
Established in 1992-website: www.ifssa.ca or email info@ifssa.ca
Goal of agency to promote healthy families
Open to all communities but specialize in Islamic Families
Currently 350 active clients in the agency
Services: Food bank (basic necessities) and Clothing/household items bank, also offer counselling services
Youth Development and Parenting Education Program advocate for personal and familial development
Volunteer opportunities for youth
Create activities to build bridges between generations, plan different activities each week (ie. Sunday swimming for women)
Also provide cultural sensitivity training for agencies
Youth mentoring other youth

Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (Jennika)
Website: www.eisa.org or phone 474-8445
4 different elementary schools have after school programs
In school assistance with youth in order to help clarify the needs and expectations
Homework clubs
Summer Programs Downtown in July and Northeast in August for 8-12 yrs

April General Meeting Minutes

2008-05-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

E.I.Y.S.A. General Meeting Minutes-April 2008

*Reminder that the Youth Directory Launch will be held on Thursday June 26, 2008 at City Hall between 11am and 3pm*

**If your agency has not been contacted regarding being listed in the new Youth Directory please let us know asap**

“Alternative Engagement and Intervention Strategies for Youth”

Inner City Youth Development Association (Nik Linden)
High School and Youth Support Program
Ages 15-24 years
Popular Theatre-sharing stories, dialoguing, using stories to think critically
Bridging courses linking careers and technology
Digital arts program includes computers, webcams, etc. which allow youth to feel success as quickly as possible
Close to High Risk Unit
Drop-in for outreach
CTS 1 credit courses, offer free lunch, breakfast, and transportation
Website: http://www.innercity.ca/ or phone 424-9425 for Nik

Pride Centre of Edmonton (Emily)
May 17, 2008 Pride Centre Open House
GLBTQ drop-in centre anyone welcome
Free computers, television and library
Meeting rooms available (host Cocaine, Alcoholics, and Sex Addicts Anonymous)
Men’s Discussion Groups
Tuesday to Saturday-Youth Drop-In
Space decorated by youth, includes computers, videogames, clothing
Pizza Night-agencies come and present on various topics
Youth Theatre Project-youth tell stories about bullying, etc. then create theatre projects around the stories, also give presentations
In the works-grant project for making a video production
Saturday 7-9pm Youth Understanding Youth
Offer presentations to agencies and schools
Location: 95 Street and 111 Avenue
Website: http://www.pridecentreofedmonton.org/

Chimo Healing Home and Parkland School Division-Denise VanDomselaar-A Muse Inc.-Expressive Arts
Expressive arts help to engage the right brain
No right or wrong way to do things
Allows youth a feeling of safety, can take risks
Expressive arts summer day camps
Pilgrims Hospice offers grief groups for kids using art
Call 420-0324 Margaret Martina regarding camps (depending on age either 1 or 2 hours
Email: healingwithimages@hotmail.com

Pet Therapy Society of Northern Alberta (Janice and Laddy)
All animals go through extensive training
Several programs for different audiences
PAWS for a visit-training support and coordination of volunteers and companion animals for animal assisted therapy and activity programs
PAWS abilities-animal assisted activity program designed to enhance physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure development
PAWS to remember-support and services for individuals having difficulty coping with the death of a pet
Website: http://www.pettherapysociety.com/
Email: pettherapysociety@telus.net

High Risk Youth Unit (Peter Smyth)
In existence since November of 2005
Youth were asked about their thoughts about services offered to youth-results suggested that they wanted connection and relationships
2 programs resulted in Calgary and Edmonton-having different approaches to the problem
Edmonton opted for a harm-reduction approach with the goal of educating around the risks, providing tools and resources
Focus is on relationship building versus imposing rules, view of risky behavior as on a continuum-meet youth where they are
14-22 year olds have to meet 4 out of 5 criteria (include: multiple placements, drugs, disconnected, etc.)
Statistics-51% Aboriginal, 32% pregnant or parenting, majority are voluntary but 29% are PGO
Focus on offering options, integrating back into community
Have beds with ICYHP, Safehouse
Work with I Human, Strathcona Youth Co-Op
Jenna-Community Youth Specialist is able to have 3 to 4 visits per week therefore more time allowed with the youth for relationships
Youth lounge available with shower, 8:30pm-4:30pm
Use of mulit-disciplinary consultation grougs
Referrals from Social Worker to High Risk Unit

AADAC Residential Program-Experiential Learning (Heather)
Experiential learning lessens deficiencies in youth
Experiential learning is learning while doing when combined with reflection and intention-generalization and application to real life circumstances
Reflection is the key skill, practiced and used in most treatment circumstances both in structured and unstructured situations
Use of exercise “Oogly” with the objective of having participants view change and progress in relation to treatment goals
AADAC offers experiential learning workshops

Sun and Moon Visionaries Aboriginal Artisans Society (Joy Sinclair)
Executive Director-Jared Sinclair Gibson
Art based programs for Aboriginal youth
Cultural Fine Arts Program
Based on 2 premises: each person has inherent gifts to offer and that everything we do is an expression of beauty
Sacred Self Series with City Arts Centre
Fort Edmonton-Tee Pee Camps
Stress the importance of maintaining language in teaching as well
Gallery available for public viewing
Evening programs ages 14-24 (flexible from 10 to 30 years)
For more information see website: http://www.sunandmoongallery.com/ or contact at 433-3097

YouCan-The Verto Project
· Government of Canada project for 12 at-risk youth
· 20 week group based employability skills program
· 16 weeks of day program and 4 weeks of community employment
· Designed for youth that have been involved with the justice system
· Focus on employment development, personal wellness, technology learning, conflict resolution and exposure courses
· Goal is long-term employment
· Interviews are ongoing
· 6 month follow up after program is completed
· Will be run out of YOUCAN office: 8718-112 Avenue
· For more information: http://www.youcan.ca/ or call 444-3348

May 2008 General Meeting
“Multiculturalism and Immigrant Support Services for Youth”
May 27, 2008 9-11 am @ Big Brothers and Big Sisters (10135-89 Street)

Memberships-$25.00 for organizations/$10.00 for individuals
This includes 25 free Youth Directory otherwise 20 books for $25.00

March General Meeting Minutes

2008-05-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Topic-Spring and Summer Programming

**Reminder of the Youth Directory Launch at City Hall on June 26, 2008 between 11am and 3 pm. Please see Karen or Waverly regarding signing up for table space**

Millwoods Family Reource Centre-offering an 8-week anger management program on Mondays from 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Bent Arrow Programs-Coyote Kids-(Andrea Watchmaker andreaw@bentarrow.ca ) Children must have status, cultural activities, badge earning etc.
Summer Camps from May to September, 5 total camps located on Sandy Beach
Registration starts May 1, 2008-75 total spots camps for 7-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds, transportation provided, camp is free of charge and open to all

Winddancers (Rudy)-Participants aged 16-29 years, offer computer education, training in various fields, encourage upgrading, 4 month commitment includes Cultural/Spirituality/Life Skills training, participants are hired to be a part of the program and are therefore paid for a 6 hour day, other training in problem solving and parenting, March 31st start lasting for 16 weeks, application required

BGS Career and Corporate Development- Waverly Youth Ventures Coordinator (waverlyschneider@bgsenterprises.com)
-programs for youth cannot be on EI, offer referrals to programs, BGS able to manage case for up to 3 years, offer paid training for teens

Y.M.C.A. (Heather)-www.edmonton.ymca.ca
Summer Programs- Enterprise Centre YTP 13-19 year olds, offer programming, 1-1 counselling according to the needs of the youth-includes Tuesday 4-6pm recreation day (free) for those in counselling
-other programs female and male groups, Teens on Target offering scheduled programs, other groups run based on interest
-Festival Friday-free with involvement in counselling, overall goals to get youth back in school or employed
-Programs at Family Branches (fees)-Youth theatre, counsellor-in-training, funding assistance is available, $175-200/week

City of Beaumont-Chantal, Town and Country June 13 to 15, 2008, offering a midway, Entertainment, video dance party, triathlon and BBQ
-Daycamps for 6-11 year olds, morning 6-9 year olds and afternoon 9-12 year olds, themed weeks and bilingual camps
-Youth Centre-1-7pm Monday to Thursday, 3-9pm on Fridays-activities like ping pong, drumming, foosball, videogames, special programs with fee coverage
-Community BBQ-free for community, face painting at Youth Centre
-Mini-teens (6 to 12 years) be teens for a day, Choose Well Challenge
-Job Boards, make work projects see: www.town.beaumont.ab.ca

City of Edmonton (Kevin)-Registered Camps based in the communities and River Valley Camps, various themed camps and inclusion for differently abled children/youth
-Green Shacks-free programs at 150 sites around the city, free drop-in activities/crafts/games/story time, co-sponsored by the community leagues
-Leader-in-Training program for 13-17 year olds-go through interview process accept everyone who applies, ask for 2 week commitment during the summer,
3 day training included
-Supervised Skateboard parks, offer Skateboard Van providing free lessons with equipment
-Sports Van-free equipment for basketball, street hockey
- see: www.edmonton.ca/youth
-other sites-wading pools at Kinsmen Park, Castledowns
-low cost program – Play and Stay
-Fall/Winter-fun programs, Girl Power group, Rec. Centres have activity oriented groups

City of Edmonton-Leisure Access Program (Stacey Wright)-programs offered to low-income families and individuals, access at discounted rates, need to apply based on income, admission to any facility, 75% discount on price
-individuals on AISCH, government assistance, or those have Treaty Status automatically accepted, application process-need notice of assessment and copy of utility bill
-Others who qualify-those with Health Benefit Cards, youth in government care, show card and get 1 year pass-can be renewed every year (includes City Parks, Leisure Centres, arenas)
-Fitness programs for overweight children also offered

Bent Arrow
-Shawna Seneca Memorial Round Dance-April 18, 2008 @ Hanger Building call Bent Arrow at 481-3451 for more information

March 2008: Recreation Programming for Youth

2008-03-19T15:57:00.001-07:00

Recreation Programming for Youth

March 25th, 2008

9-11 am

Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton

10135-89 St.

This topic is being offered in the early Spring this year as spaces in the programs described at the meeting go quickly.

EIYSA Feb 2008 Meeting Minutes

2008-03-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

EIYSA Membership Meeting
February 26, 2008

EIYSA Notes:

Memberships are due. Memberships are 25$ for organizations and 10$ for individuals.
When the new youth directories are available, EIYSA members will be given a number to be included with the cost of membership.
Membership fees go towards fees such as reprinting the youth directory.
EIYSA is in need of a Secretary. The time commitment is 4-5 hours a month, 3 of which are attending the EIYSA membership meeting (2 hours) and the EIYSA Planning Committee meeting (1-1.5 hours). The main responsibilities are taking notes at the meetings and distributing them via email.
March Meeting’s topic is Recreation Programming for Youth. This topic will be held earlier this year so there will be more spaces in the programs for registering youth.
Next Planning Committee Meeting is at 9 am at Kids in the Hall on March 11th

Self Harm- Elizabeth Olson Glover
Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton Region
http://www.cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
education@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca

CMHA offers mental health first aid and suicide intervention skills training.
Self-injury is the deliberate harming or alternating of one’s body tissue without conscious intent to commit suicide. There is a correlation with suicide but the majority of people who self-injure are not trying to commit suicide.
Self injury is more common in women than in men, but cuts across boundaries of race, gender, education, sexual orientation and socio-economic brackets.
Most common reason for self-injury is release- the act of injuring causes a physical release of energy and can accompany emotional release.
Moderate self-injury can be compulsive, episodic or repetitive. The most common form is cutting on the arms or legs, usually out of sight.
Highly correlated with bipolar disorder, depression, mood and personality disorders. Also associated with other mental illnesses such as eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, dissociative disorders, anxiety, panic disorders, impulse-control disorder not otherwise specified, and trauma re-enactment syndrome. There is a separate diagnosis for self-injury.
Forms of self injury can include cutting, scratching, branding, marking, picking skin, pulling hair, burning, abrasions, carving, biting, head banging, hitting, tattooing, excessive body piercing, bleach or chemical burns or other methods.
Characteristics of self-injuries can include difficulties in impulse control, history of illnesses or disabilities, low capacity to sustain healthy relationships, fear of change, inability to take adequate care of themselves, low self-esteem
Reasons can include attention seeing (they might not *want* the attention, but need help), release, validation, substitution, inside-outside, manipulation, depersonalization, self-care, coping mechanism, self-punishment, and past abuse.
Process of Self-Injury- emotions may peak and a crisis (the self injury) ensues, the self injury can provide a release. The release may not be as strong as self-injury continues, which can resulting injuring more severely or more often.
Strategies include keeping in mind that self injury is a form of addiction and stopping immediately is not the goal. Try to find out what the person is getting out of the behavior and how you can help them meet those needs in a healthier manner.
An effective helper has confidence, is empathetic despite what they hear, they are knowledgeable, understanding, nurturing, optimistic, trustworthy and hopeful of change.
Really important to be as non-judgmental as possible.
Suggestions for dealing with the urge to self-harm include reducing anxiety (deep breathing, finding a safe place externally and internally, a hot bath, exercise or increasing the sense of safety through self-talk), using distracters (direct attention away from the source of anxiety and the thought of self injury- watch tv, listen to music, do some cleaning, go for a walk, play a video game), break isolation (most self-injury takes place in private so connect with others- leave your room, spend time with friends, go to a group activity, go somewhere where they are other people), express feelings in a safe way (write in a journal, express feelings through art work or poetry, talk to someone about your feelings), keep track of thoughts and feelings (keep track of feelings, thoughts and triggers for urges to self-injure- write in a journal, use artwork, challenge negative thoughts, write down other ways to deal with feelings or problems), create and use a support network (make a list of friends to call, call a peer counselor, ask to see a staff counselor or elder, call a crisis line, consider joining a support group) and develop a safety plan for the future (list concrete steps to take when the urge arises, develop a back-up plan, increase the number of short-term ways to reduce anxiety, work on long-term solutions and increase general safety).
People can be medicated for self-injury to treat other symptoms or illnesses that are occurring.
See handout for further information.

Jill Osler- Graduate Student
Centre for Health Promotion at University of Alberta
osler@ualberta.ca
718-1694

Studying recreation in North Central Edmonton- access to parks and north recreation centres
Jill is looking for families for a one time, one hour focus group. Food at the meeting and reimbursement of 20$ grocery gift certificate is provided.
Childcare provided for children less than 6 years, children over 6 years are invited to participate in the focus group.

Coping with Trauma- Karen Dushinski
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton
http://www.sace.ab.ca/
info@sace.ab.ca

An estimated 6-10% of actual sexual assault cases are reported to the authorities
1 in 4 females and 1 in 6 males are sexually assaulted in their lifetime
4 out of 5 reported assaults occur before the age of 18
Offender is known to the child 95% of reported cases
Offender is known to adult in 85% of reported cases
97% of intra-familial cases are father figures
Impacts of trauma include re-experiencing the event, avoidance, numbing and hyper-arousal.
When re-experiencing the event, reminders of the events (triggers) are intensely distressing. There can be physiological reactivity, recurrent or intrusive thoughts, memories or emotions related to the traumatic event. There can be a distorted sense of time, and feeling like the event is re-occurring (flashbacks, hallucinations and dissociation). There may also be nightmares or upsetting dreams.
Clients may self-injure during an intense memory to distract themselves. If the client is feeling dissociated, they may injure themselves more seriously than intended.
When avoiding or numbing efforts may be made to avoid thoughts, feelings or conversations associated with the event. Clients may feel detached or estranged from others (depersonalization, de-realization) and there may be restricted affect and emotional numbing. There can also be decreased participation in previously enjoyed activities, an inability to recall aspects of trauma and an overall sense of foreshortened future.
In hyper-arousal there may be difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, irritability or outbursts of anger, difficulty focusing and concentrating, hyper- vigilance, exaggerated startle response and increase physiological arousal.
Internalized behaviors can be withdrawal, depressed mood, lack of spontaneity, over compliance or caretaking behaviors, general phobias develop and appearing hypervigilant or anxious.
Externalized behaviors can include sleep disorders, regressed behaviors, somatic complaints, eating disorders, substance abuse, suicidal or self-harm behaviors, dissociation, irritability or aggression, pushing away or provoking and sexualized behaviors.
Long term effects on physical health could include STD’s, loss of reproductive capability, premature sexual development, indiscriminate sexual behavior, chronic over or under eating, changes in brain structure and systems that regulate stress and arousal (due to early and/or sustained childhood abuse).
Impacts on mental health include low self-esteem, 4x greater life-time risk of depression, 5x greater risk of anxiety, long-term generalization of fears, eating disorders, drug or alcohol addictions, suicide and self mutilation.
Impacts on relationships could be difficulty defining health relationships and rights for self and others, increased gullibility/suggestibility and inadequate self-protectiveness, increased likelihood of being re-victimized or exploited (including domestic violence and sexual assault) and instability in personal relationships due to distrust, dependency or fear of abandonment.
Risk factors regarding the characteristics of the individual can include gender, developmental stage, coping skills, overall mental health and disposition, cognitive, behavioral and emotional response to trauma.
Risk factors regarding the characteristics of the event can include severity and the duration, the relationship with the perpetrator and the initial response by others.
Risk factors regarding the characteristics of the environment can include perceived family and/or community supports, socioeconomic supports, faith systems
Cycle of Self-Abuse- feelings of inadequacy build in intensity, a period of splitting and disassociation, self abuse, relief, guilt and then denial.
Therapeutic Goals- immediate goal is safety. Education around the impact of trauma is also conveyed and reconnecting the client with the community and non-harmful self-expression. The final goal is empowerment, which can take many forms.
Responding to disclosures:
- Do not panic
- Response should be non-judgmental
- Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions (when are you doing this? What are you using? How often?) in order to assess for risk.
- Discuss alternatives without forcing youth to stop self-harming behaviors.
· Self Harm alternatives can include holding ice, taking a shower, carrying crystals, a rubber band on the wrist, reading, call a friend, breaking something safe like ice cubes, breaking eggs, symbolic enactments like drawing with a marker on the skin, cutting a box, drawing lines on paper and dripping water on them to watch them run, running, exercising, writing in a journal, drawing feelings, writing a letter, creating a safe place, using relaxation tapes, creating art, meditation or creating a container for feelings. These activities can cause physical awareness, distract the client, express anger, reduce tension, express their feelings and self-soothe.
· The caregiver needs to be aware of re-experiencing (intrusive thoughts and images from the trauma), diminished interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of detachment from others, irritability, difficulty concentrating, difficulties sleeping, hypervigilance and revisiting own traumatic history..

EIYSA January 2008 Meeting Minutes

2008-02-24T07:51:00.000-08:00

Election:

· All positions remain the same

· Secretary position was ‘put on hold’ until more members were present to see if further interest would be forthcoming. In the meantime Amanda will retain the position. In the event that no other volunteers come forward an honorarium to cover child care costs for some of the meetings will be discussed.

· The new Members at Large are:

Florence Shone, Bent Arrow

Jennifer Bruce, EYOC

Karen Dushinski, Sexual Assault Centre Edmonton

Previous members will remain as well, with the exception of Tara Mardian, who is moving out of province.

· Financial statement was presented by the treasurer Therese Doucet

· Report from the Chair was presented by David Rust

Mental Health First Aid Presentation:

· Leanne Makutra, On-Site Placements

Topic Suggestions from Membership:

· Housing

· Mentoring

· Mental Health

· PSECA/Sexual Exploitation

· Alternative Interventions

· Parenting Youth

· Immigrant Youth

· Drugs

· Gangs

· STI’s

February 2008 Agenda: Self Harm

2008-02-21T08:29:00.001-08:00

Self Harm

February 26th, 2008
9-11 am
Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton
10135-89 St

January 2008 Agenda: Mental Health First Aid

2008-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Mental Health First Aid

Also: Program and Youth Directory Updates & EIYSA AGM

January 29, 2008

9 – 11 am

10135 – 89 St.

EIYSA November 2007 Meeting Minutes

2008-01-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

EIYSA Meeting Minutes

November 27, 2007

EIYSA Notes

There will be no meeting in December
Next meeting will be on January 29^th, 2008
AGM will be held in January and we will be looking for individuals interested in assisting the Planning Committee in organizing EIYSA meetings. Time commitment is 2-4 hours a month which includes attending the monthly EIYSA membership meetings.

Transitions in the Youth Justice System

Bridges

http://www.johnhoward.org/programs_and_services/residential_services/howard_house.html

Started about 3.5 years ago

Created to fill gap between custody and release

Open custody treatment facility

Partnership between a number of agencies- e.g. AADAC, Mental Health

Residential house- services offered individually with a number of groups offered throughout the week.

Program is 90 days.

Referrals come from EYOC, CYOC, _POC and other individuals may call.

Bridges will do presentations in the community to get information out about the program.

Clients needs minimum 90 days of custody to be in the program

Can stay in program longer than 90 days

Once client is referred they will meet with the youth and the youth must be willing to participate in the program.

Transition begins on day one of entering the program.

Bridges works with everyone connected with the youth.

There is possibility of continued treatment and outpatient through AADAC, Mental Health.

Bridges works on building relationships with the youth and creating goals to assist the youth to be successful once released.

There is a focus on recreation in the program and there are 2 recreation coordinators. Recreation is 7 days a week.

There is a respite option

Youth can call to ask for support to return to Bridges for a shorter period of time.

Client requirement- status under Youth Justice Act, 15-17 years of age, from anywhere in the province, must be in custody for 90+ days.

Barriers clients currently face- difficulty finding employment due to criminal record, limited housing and education options, lack of resources and support.

Program has 12 beds, usually 8 are for residing clients and 4 are for respite.

Contacts:

Tanner Walton, Caseworker

Edmonton John Howard Society

Howard House Bridges

11310 – 109 A Ave

780. 420. 1497

twalton (at) johnhoward.org

Alana Manchak, Manager

Edmonton John Howard Society

Howard House Bridges

11310 – 109 A Ave

(780) 420. 1497

amanchak (at) johnhoward.org

Edmonton John Howard Society

REE START (Resources, Education, Employment, Support, Teaching, Advocacy, Respect, Transition)

http://www.johnhoward.org/programs_and_services/community_services/youth_work_program.html

Very grassroots-style program.

No cost

Youth approach the program and identify what they need support with. Will work on a wide range of things.

For youth ages 15 – 22 years old.

Will also refer youth to appropriate services and agencies

Trying to focus on connections and relationship building

Currently have a pool of money to assist youth in getting identification and training

Help with resumes and job searching

Can transport youth

Will advocate for youth and work with youth to advocate for themselves.

No time limit on services

Possibly opening a transitional home for young males aged 16 – 24 years to assist with basic life skills and based on the harm reduction model. Hoping to open next year.

Program is not only for males coming out of the youth justice system, open to anyone in the 15 – 22 year old age range.

Contacts:

Jamie Primmett, Youth Transition Advisor

Edmonton John Howard Society

101- 10010 105 St.

(780) 428. 7590

jprimmett (at) johnhoward.org

Heather Peddle Youth Transition Advisor

Edmonton John Howard Society

101- 10010 105 St.

(780) 428. 7590

hpeddle (at) johnhoward.org

AADAC- Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission

http://www.aadac.com/

Two sites are justice sites- EYOC and Attendance Centre.

Assessment, individual counseling and referrals

Try to meet clients individual needs

Looking at relationship with EYOC and youth involved with justice system

Trying to increase awareness and accessibility to the program

Another goal is building knowledge with other professionals about AADAC to try and get youth connected.

Can be especially challenging to try to connect with youth moving through the justice system quickly

Referrals can come from anyone

Contact:

Marie Cetinski, Addictions Counselor

ADDAC Youth Services

12325 – 140 St

(780) 422. 7383

marie.cetinski (at) aadac.gov.ab.ca

Youth Menace: Youth Justice Radio

http://www.cjsr.ualberta.ca/news/news.php?s=youth

Radio show on CJSR 88.5 Thursdays 5-6 pm

Give youth a voice on the show

Work with high risk youth to help them tell their story

Assist youth to complete community service hours as well

Guests come from all over

Linked with Kids in the Hall- new program, call Kids in the Hall for more information 413-9264

Program currently looking for hosts

Developing promotional material.

You can listen online on the website and download podcasts or subscribe to the podcast.

Contact:

youthmenace [at] cjsr.com

Edmonton Young Offender Centre (EYOC)

Community Transition Program

Assists and encourages young offenders in identifying their goals and future direction and develop a reintegration plan.

Counseling sessions

Referrals to community services and resources in an individualized plan

Personal development workshops

Follow-up assistance to assist with reintegration

Match youth with positive role models to assist them with transition back into community

Liaison and resource person for youth and staff to assist transition

Looking to connect with outside agencies and resources.

Contact:

Jennifer Bruce, Community Transition Co-ordinator

Edmonton Young Offender Centre

(780) 408. 8200 ext 250

Jennifer.bruce (at) gov.ab.ca

Notes from EIYSA Members

Beaumont Community Youth Centre- will have an event for youth on April 11^th focusing on drugs and alcohol awareness.

Youth Emergency Shelter Society- creating a new position of Cultural Diversity Worker.

Grant MacEwan Community College- has a job fair every year, usually in the Spring. This can be a good option for agencies that are looking for staff.

Please send any corrections to these minutes to eiysa(at)shaw.ca

January Decsa Work Training Program

2008-01-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU BETWEEN

15 AND 30 YEARS OLD ……?

And not eligible for EI?

Are you struggling with any of the following?

Finding work in area of interest to you?
Uncertain what to do with your education?
Are you lacking work experience?
Are you having difficulty finding or obtaining work?
Do you have difficulty keeping a job once you have one?
Do you have barriers that are preventing you from having success with any of the above?

The Got Work Program

is 15 weeks long and offers the following:

· Basic Life Management

· Career exploration skills

· Employment readiness skills

· Essential skills

· Computer skills and safety training.

· Work exposure placement

· Support and encouragement throughout the program

· Minimum wage for up to 30 hours per week and a successful completion bonus.

For more information

please phone the

GOT WORK PROGRAM

(780) 474-2500

Ask for Samantha Pritchard

(780) 471-9621

Drop in at 11515-71 st.,

Bellevue School

This program is funded by the Government of Canada!

Next start date is Jan 07, 2008.

Nov 2007 Agenda: Youth Justice Transitions

2007-11-19T18:59:00.000-08:00

Supporting Youth in Transitions with Youth Justice

Tuesday, November 27, 2007
9 - 11 am
Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton
10135 - 89 St.

EIYSA October 2007 Meeting Minutes

2007-11-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

EIYSA Membership Meeting

October 30, 2007

EIYSA Notes

November will be the last meeting of 2007. The topic will be Youth Justice Transitions.
At the January meeting we will have the AGM and elections for positions on the Planning Committee. We are expecting a number of positions to be open on the Committee this year.

Program Updates

AADAC

Parent Support Group and Parent Awareness workshops- dates and locations will change as of Nov 21

Chimo Life Skills

Next intake in November 12, 5 week program begins Nov 19^th

Kids in the Hall

Next group starts Nov 5^th, youth can be interviewed this week

Edmonton Society against Mind Abuse

Work with people who get trapped in mind control groups

Available for presentations

On-Site Placement Services

Starting next group on Nov 19^th, work with youth with disabilities

Continuous intake

Community Solutions to Gang Violence

Early Intervention Working Group

www.csgv.ca

info@csgv.ca

(780) 477-9339

See power point presentation file

CSVG is a number of different community groups, service organizations and citizens who work together to create a strategic, community-wide approach to address the issue of gangs and gang violence.

Steering committee and working groups representing over 30 organizations.

Gangs operate as businesses, many have been in existence over a decade, use criminal activity to make money e.g. theft, prostitution.

CSGV targets the youth (young, new members) who are likely to be involved. The higher ups are more insulated and profit the most, the younger newer members are recruited to perform the criminal activities but profit the least.

Number one goal is making money, not so much divided by ethnic backgrounds or territory anymore.

Drugs move down the hierarchy, the money moves up. (see presentation)

Warning signs (see presentation) - be aware of any major changes in mood or attitude

Not so much about colours as much anymore, youth are all over the city, mingling in and out of gangs.

Why kids get involved (see presentation)- ltd number of healthy influences, if needs of belonging are not met by family or the broader community they may seek it out in a gang Recruiters will seek these vulnerable unconnected youth.

Why kids don’t get involved (see presentation) - asset research. If disconnection and alienation are main reason to get involved in gangs, connecting youth and creating optimism and positive feelings about the future are important.

Asset-Based Approach

Focus is on reducing risk for youth to get involved in gangs

Develop positive support relationships with young people and adults

Build families and communities

Handout- Asset Checklist for Youth

- By focusing on a couple of the assets we can help create resiliency in youth who are at-risk

- 0-10 assets- very high chance of becoming involved in gangs, may have low impulse control, less chance of doing well in school, more likely to have poor health

There are many things in a youth’s life that can help support them: schools, family, faith groups, communities, service organizations, police, and government.

Early intervention

- Identify programs and services that are helping to build assets/protective factors in families

- Distribute tools and resources to build protective factors and developmental assets in families

- Build a network of support to help families create an asset-building environment for their children

Service providers can add their program to the CSGV matrix and identify which assets they help build. Then assets can be examined to see which groups focus on them.

Preventive measures are most effective when directed towards the family domain.

Early Intervention focuses on 3 assets- positive family communication, healthy lifestyles and peaceful conflict resolution.

Positive Family Communication

Program tries to teach positive interactions between parents and children. Parents may be afraid that children will ask questions that they don’t know the answers to. Agencies can help parents know that it’s okay to not know the answers to all the questions but that they can figure out the answer and get back to the child or learn the answer together.

Handout: Positive Family Communication

Healthy Lifestyles

Parent/Guardian- models to their child healthy living habits and parent/guardian supports open communication regarding healthy sexuality.

Handout- Restraint

Another activity- ask youth if they were the adults, what rules would they make for themselves or children their age? Does it make a difference if it’s a boy or a girl?

YTP (YMCA) - opportunity fund. For 10$ a month the youth can have access to a full YMCA membership.

Peaceful Conflict Resolution

This should be modeled by staff at your agency. Modeling inappropriate conflict resolution can be a fun activity.

Another activity- have youth come up with scenarios of conflicts and then brainstorm as a group ways to resolve or deal with the conflict. Leaders can contribute guardian-youth conflicts. It would also handy to discuss workplace conflict.

Worksheets are from: Building Assets Together by the Search Institute

CSGV- more info on resources

Community Solutions to Gang Violence

Youth Working Group

Currently collecting stories and dialogues anonymously from the youth they are working with about why they got involved in gangs. Those stories will be used for community outreach.

Nov 21^st at NCSA, 9 am.

Looking for more committee members

yessclw@yess.org

Other resources:

EPS & RCMP

Sit on CSGV Steering Committee

Keep current on what gangs exist

1800 individuals in our area are connected to gangs

Derek Powder

Native Counseling Services

Can work with individual youth

October 2007 Agenda: Gangs: information for working with youth involved in gangs or at risk of becoming involved

2007-10-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Gangs: Information for working with youth involved in gangs or at risk of becoming involved

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007
9 - 11 am
Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton
10135 - 89 St.

EIYSA September 2007 Meeting Minutes

2007-10-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

EIYSA Membership Meeting

September 25, 2007

EIYSA

- EIYSA meetings are open to anyone who is interested in attending

- Our AGM is in January, we will have general elections for a number of positions within the Planning Committee. If you are interested in helping organize EIYSA meetings please contact us at eiysa (at) shaw.ca or talk to a Planning Committee member at a membership meeting. The time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours a month for a member at large.

Meeting the Needs of Exceptional Youth in Exceptional Ways: Innovative School Projects

Nancy Metcalfe & STAR Team

Jasper Place STAR Project: Strength, Tolerance, Attitude and Resilience

408-9000

nancy.metcalfe(at)epsb.ca

3 year pilot project funded by AMHB
Service providers on-site to provide services- most successful part of program
50 students at risk of developing lifelong mental illness- chosen on attendance issues, behavioral concerns, emotional and social concerns
Service team- Addictions counselor, mental health therapist, success coaches, aboriginal commitment coach, public health nurse, other service providers to provide workshops, having elders visit
Looking to create a sense of belonging at the school for the youth
Partners in project- meet every 6 weeks- AMHB, AADAC, EPS, EPSB, Family Centre, Alberta Education, Capital Health
Coaches- work out of a room in the school with spaces to relax and work, the coaches thought there would be a stigma to being in the room but the youth have been accessing it and claiming the room. The youth are also acting as peer supports with one another. Showing the youth that the violence, drugs and other harmful elements in their lives do not contribute to the successes they may want in their present and future. Many of the youth were unable to attend their entire 90 minute classes. Now the youth can leave the class and take a break with their coaches and return to class. Team has been trying to work with the parents of the youth but this is very difficult. Coaches also advocate on behalf of youth and bring youth to attend different community events.
Aboriginal Commitment Coach- trying to help youth understand the other service providers are there to support them, bring more aboriginal content to the youth, Also trying to encourage parents to support the youth’s educational goals.
Mental Health Therapist- consultation and brief assessment, consults team through case conferences, short-term solution focused intervention, referrals to other services
Addictions Counselor- time is donated by AADAC for one half day a week, tries to get the youth to see AADAC services as approachable, currently building relationships with the youth
Larry Bentrose- reclaiming youth, circle of courage, respectful alliances with youth
Other pilot projects involving youth funded by the AMHB: http://www.amhb.ab.ca/knowledge/childrenAndYouth/Pages/AllforOne-ConnectingforKidsnewsletter.aspx

Janet Hancock

The Way In Pilot Project: TD Baker, Edith Rogers and Dan Knott Schools

Janet.hancock(at)epsb.ca

Project is in development, not yet in action

Pilot project to build mental, physical and emotional capabilities in youth and develop assets to provide an alternative to at-risk behaviors, whether personal; like obesity and drug use, or social; like joining gangs and vandalism
People creating the project wanted to see more services working together instead of people working in isolated ways to meet the youths’ needs.
Target Grade 7 students entering the schools, but not exclusive to Grade 7s.
Did some tracking last year, were successful at keeping youth in school
Coordinated Service Delivery Team- Child and Family Services’ Social Worker, EPS (SRO and NET team), Outreach Workers, Alberta Mental Health Psychiatric Nurse and AADAC (worker and curriculum)
Improving Health and Self Esteem- combines elements of active living (YMCA and U of A), nutrition (capital health) and body image (capital health, Sacred outreach for youth with eating disorders, and Mill Woods Family Resource Centre’s Kids with Confidence program).
Safe Place Classroom- specialized mental health classroom, to bring programs and services to the youth, a teacher there to provide short term programming, a psychiatric nurse will be available as well and regular school teachers will work to facilitate the student’s transition back to their regular school

Joe Cloutier and Alexina Dalgetty

Inner City Youth Development Association

http://www.innercity.ca/

info@innercity.ca

Inner City Youth Development Association- also includes Inner City Youth Support Program- Outreach program, Negan Tepah partnership with NCSA, Youth In Action (July and August life skills for high risk youth)
Began as a Drama organization, youth created plays based on their stories and started bringing them to the community. The community responded with discussions about the situations presented. The youth felt they had worked on some of the issues they were facing through their presentations. Many of the youth in this group were homeless and the organization rented a house to work out of and for the youth to stay at. Started a tutoring program in the house for the youth who were interested in working on their educations. Several of the youth did not fit in traditional schools and were working on correspondence in the home. A school was created with 7 students initially and now has 90 – 100 students.
Outreach program- through the summer, M-F. During the school year T, W and Th evenings- supper is provided, and a workshop. 1 phys ed and the other 2 arts based. Workshop for an hour then free time. Evening programs are there to try to bridge the gap between school and going to where they sleep in the evenings.
About 25% of the youth currently attending the school are completely homeless.
Art projects- theatre, comics, newsletters, music, arts includes many different genres.
Multi Literacy approach- use steps and processes which allow the youth to remain in control of their education and feel successful in what they are doing.
Small classes, continuous intake, breakfast, lunch, school supplies
Since Feb 1993 about 1000 youth have gone through the program, 68% continued and made positive changes in their lives, most of the other youth stopped school to work and are still working, a small percentage returned to their street lives.
A new school (for 150 students) and transitional housing (75 beds) will be built to house Inner City Youth Development Association.

Please send any corrections to these minutes to eiysa(at)shaw.ca

YOUCAN Prevent Youth Violence Action Planning Symposium

2007-10-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

YOUCAN Edmonton is pleased to host an exciting initiative that engages youth to address the issue of youth violence. On December 7th and 8th, we will be bringing 10 groups, of 10 youth per group together to attend a symposium where they will be able to initiate the process of making their goals a reality, and work together to make a difference in their schools and communities to help put a stop to youth violence! Each group will be provided with some seed money to help fund their idea, and will have access to other exciting learning opportunities in this process.

Click here for more information

September 2007 Agenda: Innovative School-Based Projects

2007-09-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Meeting the Needs of Exceptional Youth in Exceptional Ways:
Innovative School-Based Projects

We will be showcasing some of the innovative school-based projects currently being developed to meet the needs of high-needs/high-risk youth in hopes of building knowledge about the benefits and opportunities in facing challenges in creative and effective ways.

Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Big Brother Big Sisters of Edmonton
10135 - 89 Street
9:00am - 11:00am

Apologies in Advance

2007-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

for delayed responses to emails. EIYSA does not operate in the summer months of July and August so the EIYSA email is not being checked regularly.

No June Meeting, June Retreat Deadline

2007-06-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

A reminder that there will be *no June meeting* as we are having our annual retreat instead. Our next meeting will be on September 25th, 2007.

Also a reminder that the deadline for registration for the June retreat is June 8th, so hurry and get your registration in if you are interested in attending.

Active Witnessing Workshop

2007-06-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Active Witnessing Workshop
Tuesday, June 12th
9:30 - 11:30 am

Mill Creek Site, Community Services

pre-register by calling 496-5858
Donations of 15$ appreciated, but not necessary. Reciepts provided. Money collected will go towards child and youth summer programs.

Sponsored by Supporting Culturally Diverse Youth and the Addressing Bullying Network.

EIYSA May 2007 Meeting Minutes

2007-05-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

EIYSA May Membership Meeting

May 29, 2007

Community Solutions to Gang Violence

Looking for membership on several committees, need more people with different experiences, knowledge and skills
3 Different working groups
Working towards solutions to gang violence
Working youth committee
Looking to see if current interventions are appropriate and effective

Dehunge Shiaka, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone- 11 years of war, ended in 2002, what we need now is strategic peace building partnership.
Peace deal achieved in 1999 and is currently being implemented.
Program at the University of Alberta interested in post-conflict regions around the world, did an exchange and Dehunge Shiaka is visiting Edmonton through the program.
Peace building and reintegration is a challenge, many things were broken and are still in the process of being rebuilt
During the disarmament, about 6000 out of 40,000 ex-combatants were disarmed, 92% of the 6,000 were boys and the remaining 8% were girls
Interested in peace building with youth in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is a very poor country despite natural resources such as diamonds
80% of the people live below the poverty line, living on one dollar a day
Youth in Sierra Leone do not have the opportunities they have here
Program for children aged 10-18 years (or up to 21 years, then can serve as a mentor), program is to give children opportunity to share their own initiatives. It is not common in Sierra Leone for children and youth to be encouraged to have their own initiatives and new ideas. For youth to have an opportunity to be heard, to have a platform to discuss their thoughts is very unusual and some people are critical of the program. Youth are encouraged to discuss what affects their lives and their experiences to create solutions. Program is a trial program.
Children want basic needs- health (35% of people have access to health facilities), education (about 40% of children go to school), there is no electricity or pipe-drawn water

Youth Leadership and Youth Mentorship

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability

www.ala.ca

1.800.771.0663

National organization based out of Ottawa, founded 20 years ago

Try and support initiatives to get people involved in physical activity and active living, focused on people with disabilities

Activity fact sheets on website to adapt equipment, etc for youth with disabilities

Marketing campaign “All Abilities Welcome”

Youth Exchange

annually host a week-long conference, 40$ for youth to go, paid trip to Ottawa, open to 50 youth across Canada
youth aged 14-17 years, must have a disability
hockey, leadership activities, tubing, rock climbing
focused on trying new activities and leadership skills
ambassador kit given to all participants with advocacy tips
go to Parliament Hill, meet dignitaries
assistance is provided (e.g. personal care) if needed
also interested in Volunteer leaders

“Not Really a Conference Conference”- for older youth (19-24 years), representatives across Canada met to discuss issues affecting youth with disabilities.

Junior Achievement

www.janorthalberta.org

Business entrepreneurship program

In-school programming

Working with teachers in the classroom, volunteers from business school come into the classes to help with the project

JA Company program

After-school high school age program (Grade 9 and up)
Students spend 20 weeks running their own business
World Trade Centre- #200, 9990 Jasper Ave
October through March, one evening a week
Boardroom-style classrooms- develop a business plan, raise capital through investor shares, create and market product, youth are matched with mentors to assist them
Program cost- youth must buy a share in their company, which is between 2 and 10$

City of Edmonton, Leaders in Training

www.edmonton.ca/youth

youth@edmonton.ca

496-4999 and press #2

Aged 13-17 years
2 day training session, 2 in July, 1 in August
youth go to shack programs at playgrounds and are mentored by the program leaders
can attend entire summer, but must commit to at least 2 weeks
there are also registered summer programs, youth can volunteer with the programs as well
experience towards employment
can get credits for high school
youth can choose where they want to volunteer (e.g. a specific park or summer program)
program is inclusive
Open Houses at City of Edmonton Rec Centres

Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton

424-81 81

www.bbbsedmonton.org

Traditional mentoring program

Volunteers over 18 years, 2-4 hours a week, minimum 1 year
Visiting child, spending time together

In-school Mentors

now including youth mentoring youth, high school youth mentoring elementary aged children, 1 hour a week, in school.

Team group

number of boys’ groups, couple of girls’ groups, volunteers come once a week and do activities with the group. Groups were previously for children on the wait list, some youth do better in a group so they may remain in the group. May be 5 volunteers with up to 10 youth.

Club Connect

2-4 hours a week, in partnership with Boys and Girls Club

Youth in Care Group

children with Child Welfare status, 2-4 hours a week, volunteers matched with a child 14-19 years of age

Roots and Wings

adult mentoring program, a parent or family needing added support will be matched to an adult mentor. Also in Chinese community.

Digital Heroes

email pen pal, done in schools, monitored, 30-60 minutes a week

Intake worker- contact to receive services, interviews are done

Volunteers- police check, CW check, interview with a caseworker, references

AADAC Youth Advisory Committee

www.aadac.com

422-3613

Sixth year
12 youth from across province, matched with mentors
all mentors are AADAC employees
youth vary in experiences with drugs and alcohol from inexperienced to recovery
primary job is to help AADAC stay focused on youth issues
each youth is from an AADAC area office, may do presentations, education in their areas
respond to other organizations that need focus groups
meet every 2 months
leadership skills, youth are taught to do presentations
youth are unpaid, but are given skills like leadership, assistance with resumes, references, etc
looking for more community outreach this year

YOUCAN

Youth Organizing to Understand Conflict and Advocate Non-Violence

444-3348

National organization based out of Ottawa

Conflict resolution, peace building, advocating non-violence

Youth are trained to train other youth

1-2 day trainings, 8 training modules (e.g. peace circle, conflict resolution)

Regional and national conferences

Youth exchanges

National
with Northern Ireland

Day program, Peace Builders Project

at-risk youth, youth are trained in personal development programs and conflict resolution
then youth go into the community and train other youth
19 weeks
July 6^th finishes first intake, second intake in August
14 spots
Youth are paid minimum wage to attend

YOUCAN Symposium

Fall 2007 (possibly early November)
Youth aged 12-25 years
Hoping to have 10 groups of youth come to 2 day symposium where each group, with one YOUCAN youth member per group
attend workshops the first day
second day will be an action planning day where each group with an adult advisor plus their YOUCAN mentor will be asked to brainstorm a project they can do at their school to work towards non-violence and conflict resolution
The process will be documented through video and the groups will be followed up for 6 months afterwards. Once the documentary is completed it will be viewed at a gala to demonstrate what the youth have done.

Sidekicks Mentoring Program

459-6666

sidekicks@telusplanet.net

For children and youth who are 6 – 16 years of age
Individuals, families and couples can be mentors
Youth who are at least 16 years of age can be trained to be mentors

Edmonton Youth Council

www.edmonton.ca
youthcouncil@edmonton.ca

Not a formal mentorship program
Group of young people recruited around the city
Between 13 and 23 and must live in Edmonton
Do not have to be a Canadian citizen but must live in the city
Advise city council on youth related issues
Youth have been advising civic administration, e.g. a rec facility being developed or renovated, by-law consolidation
Full time co-ordinator
Now a committee at City Council, with a councilor who sits on the committee
Meet monthly
Youth are trained for their term (1 year) and in Robert’s Rules (rules of Parliament)
Recruit in the Fall, terms roughly Nov to October

YMCA- Youth Transitions Program

Program Supervisor- 429-5725

Youth Advisors- 429-9622

www.edmonton.ymca.ca/ee_support/5.2_ees_youth.htm

Each youth is partnered with a youth advisor to support them and help them meet their needs

YTP

program has been running for 20 years

Teens on Target program

5 weeks life skills, next running in Nov
Day program

Urban Youth Program

12 week program for youth on life skills
Day program

Tuesday Rec Program

13-19 years of age
go to movies, sports, activities
drop-in

Festival Fridays

Fringe, Capital Ex, Taste of Edmonton

Uncensored

Girls group, life skills, workshops, leadership initiatives, activities and homework assistance

Be Your Own Man

Every 2^nd Thursday, 6- 8 pm, play sports and then spend second hour having a discussion or presentation

All services are free

Intake is half hour questionnaire

Edmonton Native Basketball Association

Allan Ross

633-7174

allanross55@yahoo.ca

www.enba.ca

Alberta Mentoring Partnership

http://albertamentoringpartnership.ca
Collective of individuals, agencies, business professionals and governments to ensure that every Alberta child or youth who needs a caring mentor will have one.

Links to Alberta Mentoring Programs
Mentoring Research
Effective Practices
Starting a Mentoring Program

YESS- Homeless for a Night

2007-05-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Register as an individual or team for Homeless for a Night, an event that challenges people to abandon the comforts of home for one evening to experience the reality of homelessness.

For more information: Homeless for a Night

Annual EIYSA Retreat

2007-05-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

We would like you all to join us for a day of networking, program sharing, a special presentation on “Care for the Caregiver” and lots more fun! Join us for a voyageur canoe trip from Terwilligar to Emily Murphy Park, followed by a wonderful lunch and opportunity to network and program share with other EIYSA members. No canoeing experience necessary!

Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Location: Emily Murphy Park

Time: 8:20 am-1:30 pm

Cost: $15. 00 per person

Registration deadline: June 8, 2007

For a registration form please email Jennifer.Wong (at) edmonton.ca

May 2007 Agenda: Youth Leadership and Mentoring

2007-05-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Youth Leadership and Mentoring Programs

May 29th, 2007
10135 - 89 St
9 - 11 am

EIYSA April 2007 Meeting Minutes

2007-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

EIYSA Membership Meeting

April 24, 2007

EIYSA Notes

Thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton for providing the meeting space for EIYSA meetings

Annual June Retreat- Tuesday, June 19^th. Meet under the bridge at Emily Murphy park and board a bus to a boat launch to travel in voyageur canoes down the North Saskatchewan River back to Emily Murphy park. Event continues rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe. BBQ to follow after, this year with a keynote speaker. Shelter has been rented for wet weather. Cost is 15$/person, which includes speaker, lunch and canoe rental. Currently we have space for 24 people but if more are interested more canoes can be booked. Time is usually from about 8:30 am until noon or so, attendees should be able to return to work for the afternoon.

UN Assembly- funding available for youth who want to attend and are unable to pay costs of attending the assembly.

http://www.youthassembly.ca/dnn/

Meeting Topic- Recreation and Summer Programs for Youth

City of Edmonton Summer Programs

496-4999- registration for programs

www.edmonton.ca

Leisure Access Program- applies to all regular programs and provides 75% discount on programs. Anyone who applies and qualifies receives unlimited access to leisure facilities. 3 registered programs for adults at 25% cost, 4 programs for children. If someone has a health benefits card they can take it into a leisure centre and will be automatically approved for the program, otherwise must apply and be approved. Youth without permanent placements or social workers should be able to talk to a social worker at a resource centre and be applicable for the program.

Priceless Fun- free or low cost opportunities for activities for children and youth, including locations of green shack programs

Play and Save Guide- targeted for low-income families and groups, do not have to be part of the leisure access program, program costs are 25% of regular programs

Contact local CRC to obtain copies or ask to be on the mailing list.

Variety of youth programs- drop in youth sites, van that travels and does street hockey and basketball, learn to skate programs, see website at bottom of poster. All free.

http://www.edmonton.ca/youth

Leaders in Training- 13-17 years of age, 2 week commitment, 20$ fee includes police security clearance and other costs, can be subsidized by speaking to representative or through the Leisure Access Program.

Inclusion Co-ordinator- youth and families with special needs can contact this person if there are barriers to attending.

City of Edmonton Attractions

Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, Fort Edmonton Park, John Jantzen Nature Centre and John Walter Museum

www.edmonton.ca/attractions

Daycamps- focus on education, all are thematic week-long programs, fill up quickly, almost ¾ full already,

Youth can volunteer with application and training, asked for a 2 week commitment, applications until May 13 or 15th

Summer Attractions and Events- special events at attractions in the city, especially around the holidays, drop-in events

E-Active Guide- leisure activities and summer recreation, drop-in preschool programs

Leisure Access Program applicable to these programs as well, special events would be included free.

E.g. sports camps- touch football, multi sports, racquetball, basketball, a number of specialized camps.

Groups are entitled to 25% off regular admission if booked ahead of time (minimum 10 people, but exceptions can be made for smaller groups)

City Arts Centre

496-6955

http://www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_261_208_0_43/http%3B/CMSServer/COEWeb/arts+culture+and+attractions/attractions/city+arts+centre/

Child and Youth Programs- all programs fall under the Leisure Access Program.

Focus for summer programs is on fine arts courses- ages 2-17 years, run Mon-Fri

Dance, pottery, drawing, painting, some programs are a combination of arts and recreation programs (e.g. fine arts in morning and then swimming in the afternoon).

Community Outreach- looking at doing outreach work, looking for partners to bring community arts programs out to. Contact CityArtsCentre@edmonton.ca for more information.

Customized programs for older youth may be available as well.

Boys and Girls Clubs

422.6038

http://www.boysandgirls.ab.ca/

Free programming to youth, drop-in, looking to co-ordinate with other programs so times do not overlap, youth can play pool, use computers, snacks and lunch offered, also have structured programming where kids can sign up

Healthy eating and exercise program- learning about nutrition, playing dance dance revolution and other fun exercise activity

Centres are unique to the neighbourhoods in which they operate, some may focus on sports activities more while others offer more multicultural activities

Camp Discovery- Lake Wabamum, open to members of the clubs (no cost, just fill out a membership form)

Special Events- programs are flexible depending on the interests of the youth attending, may do outings like going to the zoo, going to Jasper to see the mountains, going to Sylvan Lake to go on the waterslides.

Summer brochures will come out at the end of June.

Paradigm Esteem

962-0152

http://www.paradigmesteem.com/

Self-esteem and motivational modeling consulting firm, workshops

Camp Esteem- held at lakeland college in Lloydminster, contact LINK for brochures and more information, mini golf, sports, fashion shows, campfires

Level 1, 2 and 3 programming

Aged 13-18 years

What is self-esteem, why is it important, difference between self-confidence and self-esteem, effective communication skills, personal hygiene, martial arts and self-defence, professional make-up artists, photographers and martial arts instructors.

Modeling skills- runway, ramp and photo movement. All students get to model in a professional photo shoot with a professional photographer.

Also have adult programs which include career skills.

Argyll Home Schooling Centre- CALM 30 credits can be obtained through Paradigm Esteem

Youth receive a DVD of their photos and a certificate after completing the program.

Art Start

424.7543 ext. 227

www.e4calberta.org/artstart

Summer program- City Centre Education Project- coalition of city centre schools, 4 week summer program in July, Tues- Friday, registered program for youth in Junior High, Grade 9 youth can register to be student leaders, program is free of cost but students must register. Photography, cooking, archery, once a week fieldtrip, targeted at low-income children and families.

Art Start- multi disciplinary arts academy, visual arts, drama, music and dance for children aged 6- 12 years, children can be admitted free if unable to pay for program costs, teachers are professional arts teachers and students. Registration is in early September and program begins late Sept/early Oct.

Elizabeth Fry

421-1175

www.elizabethfry.ab.ca

Girls Empowered and Strong- ages 12-17 years, deals with transition girls face in moving from childhood to adulthood, new program which began January 2006, empowers girls to make strong and positive choices in their life, safe and supportive environment, provide an opportunity to talk about consequences for life situations such as bullying, format is workshops, can provide up to 8 workshops at another organization (outreach) or at Elizabeth Fry’s location- workshops can be on bullying, safety and the internet, self-esteem or other topics, depending on the interest of the youth. Can be a stand alone unit (one workshop) or a series of workshops.

Forum on Thursday May 3rd- PAAFE, AADAC, Red Cross, Eating Disorders, HIV Edmonton, other organizations can come set up a booth for the girls to look at after the presentations.

Bent Arrow

481-3451

www.bentarrow.ca

Circle of Hope- Jessie Powder or Jennifer Gladue- ages 11-17, Thursdays from 5-7 pm, different presentations and activities, self-esteem, ceremonies, medicine wheel, sports, elder advice, crafts, ongoing program. 232-0054 or 232-2796

Wind Dancers- pre-employment program for youth, ages 15-29, runs for 16 weeks, starts in July, phone (Bent Arrow Main Office), offer a bursary every 2 weeks for youth who attend, life and career skills, interviews will take place in June. 481-3451

Coyote Kids and Coyote Pride- Angie Watchmaker at 481-3451, grades 4-6, during the school year meet one evening a week and kids earn badges, have 3 camps over the summer in July, one week/camp, 2 camps in August, camps are at Sandy Beach (1 hour away from Edmonton), culture camp- kids sleep in tipis, sweats, free of cost, call well in advance for camps as they fill up fast.

Sun and Moon Visionaries

433-3097

www.sunandmoongallery.com

Aboriginal youth program and adult artist programming

Thursday- Traditional regalia- beading, quilling, more traditional arts towards making regalia, starting with moccasins.

Free of cost

Cultural Fine Arts- traditional fine arts and traditional arts, drawing, pottery, painting

Usually 10-20 youth per class

Tipi camp- with City of Edmonton at Ft Edmonton Park, bannock making, dancing, crafts, traditional skills, cooking, participating in the camp functions

Camp in September- camp will be on free admission day at Ft Edmonton, Aboriginal Celebrations will be the theme.

Program does some outreach, including at secure locations.

BGS Youth Ventures

409-8625

www.bgsenterprises.com

Program refer and assess for are under Skills Link, youth will be placed into further education or employment programs, programs include Wind Dancer, STAR Program through YESS, Decsa (pre employment skills), YOUCAN- community involvement, leadership and training, WECAN- youth patrol and action team, Bredin- Millwoods Youth Action Team (community involvement program, trained through Edmonton Police Services), Magazine Project- running through the microbusiness training sector, starts May 2^nd, looking for youth who are interested in graphic design, youth will be developing a magazine, all areas of the magazine are up to the youth to develop.

Admission- cannot have been on EI in the past 5 years, youth 15-30 years of age, youth preferably not in school and not employed

Two outreach workers who do outreach to organizations.

YOUCAN

444 3348

http://www.youcan.ca/index.php

Youth Organizing to Understand Conflict and Create a Culture of Non-Violence

Monthly training from July 2007 to July 2008, which will cover 8 areas of training from cross-cultural conflict resolution, peer training and many other topics.

Program has trained thousands of youth across Canada

20-25 youth who attend 8 hour training sessions on a Saturday, food provided.

August- 4 day training camp will be held out of the West End Boys and Girls Club

YMCA

http://edmonton.ymca.ca/

Festival Fridays- youth who attend the youth transitions program can attend outings such as Ft Edmonton, the Fringe festival.

Tuesday rec programs

Girls Group and Young Men’s Group

Youth in Transition Program- free of cost, runs all year

Ages 13-19 years.

Member Agency Updates

Edmonton Mennonite Centre

Homework assistance and organized activities- e.g. movie nights

On-Site Placement Services

New program starting next week, then another starting in July.

Please send any revisions to these minutes to eiysa@shaw.ca

Global Youth Assembly 2007

2007-04-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Connect, Experience, Speak, Learn ... Change!

Global Youth Assembly 2007

August 1 - 4 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Global Youth Assembly

April 2007 Agenda: Recreation Programming

2007-04-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

Recreation Programming for Youth

April 24, 2007
10135 - 89 St
9 - 11 am

EIYSA March 2007 Meeting Minutes

2007-04-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

EIYSA March Membership Meeting

EIYSA Notes

New website- will be updated regularly and has more user features than the previous website. http://www.eiysa.ca

June Retreat- June 19^th, 3^rd Tuesday of the month, voyageur canoe trip down North Saskatchewan River, picnic lunch after, at the next meeting we will be looking at how many people would like to attend so we can book canoes

United Nations Youth Assembly is July 31 – Aug 1^st,Accepting applications now for youth to attend.

Next EIYSA meeting is April 24^th, topic is Rec Programming

Resources for Immigrant Youth

Planned Parenthood

Multicultural Sex Health Education Program

Rawle Teekah

http://www.ppae.ab.ca/

Tel. 423-3737

Been around for about 15 years

Did community work, then partnered with Multi-Cultural Health Brokers doing sexual health education focusing on STIs and birth control options.

In 2000, started their own cultural programming- 1 male and 1 female educator

Did a series of focus groups with new Canadians- communities from Central Africa, Middle East, Asia, Latin America

Communities suggested topics they wanted workshops on- topics range from body image to legal issues regarding sexual behaviors (e.g. consent), accurate information on STIs and STDs

Created a workbook from 2002-2005 to use to present the issues, can be used by community leaders, also used in ESL schools.

Also have done programming in jr high schools with new immigrants, body image workshop especially popular

Have a workshop on marital relationships after moving to Canada

Introduction to sexual anatomy- discussion of different body parts in English

Other community agencies and youth leaders- Assist, Multi-Cultural Health Brokers, Al-Rashid Mosque, and Sikh Temples

EISA

http://eisa-edmonton.org/

Tel. 474-8445

Youthworkers: Ian and Andrea

Youth Development Program (excerpt taken from EISA’s website):

The Youth Project at the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association has the following four main facets:

Student tutoring and Mentoring
Pro-active counseling
Parental support and involvement
Social and recreational activities

Volunteers from diverse backgrounds are required to help newcomer students and their families adjust to Canadian life. We are looking for volunteers to fill the following roles:

Tutor/mentor - will provide newcomer students academic and social support in a supportive and caring environment where learning can be a positive, rewarding experience.

Social and Recreation Leaders - will help facilitate bimonthly social and recreation activities such as swimming, sledding, campouts, movie nights and cross-cultural exchange.

Community Cultural Brokers - will facilitate the link between parents, youth and schools. Promote cultural awareness and help orient new immigrant parents to the school system.

Programs for New Families- bridging program

Income tax assistance

Interpretation, referrals for IQAS test

Millwoods Welcome Centre for Immigrants

http://mwci-edmonton.net/

Homework Club- free program for students new to Canada or students who are studying ESL. Experienced volunteer tutors assist immigrant and refugee children with schoolwork and homework.

Other services include settlement assistance, language and educational counseling, employment assistance, citizenship classes

Mennonite Centre for Newcomers

http://www.emcn.ab.ca/

Wendy Martin

424-7709

Assists immigrants and refugees to integrate successfully, allowing them to participate in the community through ESL, counselling, advocacy and community services.

Assists community groups organizations in developing community economic development projects.

Offers various employment programs.

Provides an early intervention program to refugee children to help them adjust to Canadian life.

Provides settlement services, small business coaching and workshops.

Offers volunteer opportunities.

MultiCultural Health Brokers

http://www.mchb.org/default.htm

for older youth and adults

§ Prenatal education

§ Post-natal support

§ Bi-cultural parenting education

§ Early childhood development support

§ Linguistic and cultural interpretation

§ Translation of health education materials

Member Updates

AADAC- prevention staff have moved to a new site on the northeast end, including PChAD staff and mobile services.
New pilot project, STAR Project

3 year pilot project funded by the AMHB
Integrated, school-based mental health promotion and prevention program
Service providers on-site to work with students to increase coping behaviors, knowledge and skills for children who are considered to be at-risk to promote their physical and mental health.
Target population is a group of 50 grade 10 students who are considered to be at-risk based on one or more of the following criteria- poor attendance, behavior, achievement, social/emotional issues
Includes the following on-site service providers- family centre success coach, aboriginal coach, aadac, mental health therapist, public health nurse
Please contact Nancy or David for more information: Nancy.Metcalfe@epsb.ca, david.rust@aadac.gov.ab.ca

BGS Enterprises Youth Ventures- 15-30, assess all youth at risk prior to entering Skills Link (Service Canada) programs, provide initial assessment to determine their needs, and match with programs. Some programs starting in April and May, each program accepts 12-15 youth, some spots still open, youth receive minimum wage, most connect to pre-employability skills. Contact Krista (409-8625, krista.sveinson@bgsenterprises.com) . Can go with youth to program sites to tour as well. Youth must never have been on EI. A weeklong assessment is in development and Youth Ventures will also be providing guest services for all youth to attend (e.g. EPS, Gang Awareness), any youth welcome to attend.

YouCan

http://www.youcan.ca/index.php

Kyle Dube

Boys and Girls Club- working with for a symposium May 11^th and 12^th on Cyber Bullying, workshops for adults and for youth, dialogue around cyber bullying, in conjunction with ATA conference at GMCC Downtown. For more information visit the website at http://www.bgcalberta.com/cyberbullyingsymposium.htm

International and national youth exchanges- knowledge and information sharing with other youth peacebuilders.

Please submit any changes to this posting to eiysa@shaw.ca

Immigrant Children and Youth: Ensuring a Fair Future for All

2007-04-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

Click image to be taken to the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomer's website.

2007 Topic Survey

2007-04-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

If you haven't had a chance yet to reply to our Topic Survey via email or at an EIYSA meeting, please feel free to leave a comment below with your Top 5 preferences for future EIYSA presentations or with other ideas for EIYSA presentations.

Seasonal Programs (Youth and Family summer programs)
Shelters and Housing
Substance Abuse
Gangs – avoiding involvement and getting out once involved
Services for Young Men in the Community
Counseling and Support Services; Paid Day Programs
Safe Internet Use Information
Professional Development and Training Opportunities to Service Providers
Computer/Video Game Addictions
Employment Programs for Youth
Education Programs for Youth
Supports for Youth with Developmental Disabilities
Services for Older Teens
Violence
Mentorship – Youth Mentoring Youth
Leadership Building for Youth
The Current Labor Market and Youth
Resources for Recent Immigrant Youth

EIYSA's New Logo

2007-03-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that EIYSA has a new logo, courtesy of Bioware Corp. BioWare is an electronic entertainment company specializing in creating computer and console video games. We appreciate their contribution in creating an image to represent EIYSA.

Youth Directories Update

2007-03-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

EIYSA is currently in the process of planning an updated reprint of our Youth Directories. Our current youth directories (2004) and posters are available for pickup at the Kids in the Hall Workshop and are now free of cost.

Kids in the Hall Workshop
Alex Taylor School
9321 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5H 3T7

Phone: 780.413-9264
Fax: 780.413.9279
E-mail: kidsws@e4calberta.org

EIYSA February 2007 Meeting Minutes

2007-03-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

EIYSA Membership Meeting

February 27, 2007

EIYSA Business

Looking for a brochure stand- if anyone has a brochure stand that they are no longer using we could use it to collect literature for distribution at the EIYSA meetings
Recommended agencies to present on services for immigrant youth- please contact Amanda at eiysa@shaw.ca
Please return the topic survey with your top 5 choices so we can select which topics are most of interest to the membership for presentations.

Youth Residential Services

Chimo- 420-0324

http://www.cyrc.ab.ca/

5 Transitional living homes- 6 beds, 15-18 years, single staff. Up to 18 months, transition back into family homes or into an independent living program. Youth expected to be involved in a day program up to 30 hours a week- school, work or volunteer. Referrals through children’s services.
Screening process- Intake call, contact social worker, book intake meeting to see if it’s a good match, dinner visit so youth can see home and visit other occupants, then move-in. Young people can tour homes when other residents are away as well.
Single staff model- behavioral needs are limited or addressed for youth to be successful
SOLO- independent living program- helping youth become independent. Workshops and programming. Referrals through children’s services.
Drug and alcohol addiction program partnership with AADAC, 6 beds, co-ed- will live with Chimo while attending AADAC during the day. If children are not currently involved with children’s services and agreement can be opened just to receive services.
Healing home screening process- tereasa and aadac counselor will go out and meet with the person, an assessment will be done to see if youth is a good match for the home, aadac will discuss all options, if client and counselors feel it’s a good fit, a referral is made and the young person will likely move in right away
Tereasa- runs outreach program, for youth who may not want intensive treatment, confidential resource, can connect to Tereasa without receiving more services
YAKAS- youth addiction knowledge and support- noon on Tues and Thur at Alex Taylor school- must be a known identity to Christina (Kids in the Hall) or Tereasa. A staff can attend with their youth for the first meeting.
Parenting program- up to 2 young people who are parenting. Hoping to transition youth into independence. Partnered with Terra.
Contracts are for 13-18 years.
Things that will result in discharge- violence, weapons, illegal activity can be subject to discharge, it will be discussed with the youth to what can be done and what the youth is willing to do to allow the youth to work towards remaining in the home. Any physical violence towards people will result in the bed being closed.

AltaCare Resources- 451-6040

Group homes for youth who are physically aggressive- one girls, 2 boys, one for younger children (age 12). 13-17 years, 4 beds per home.
Referred from foster care, may provide limited emergency crisis services for youth through crisis services
2 pre placement visits, 3^rd day if youth has some commitment to program they will be accepted
2 groups for each age category- best practices group (anger management) roc group- resiliency optimism competency group, change facilitator who runs groups and works with the staff
Most of the younger kids attend school; older kids are usually working with alternative programs
Weekend workers coordinate for all homes to go out together and do activities on the weekends.
Not meant as long-term treatment, 6-8 months is time preferred, but lack of beds in the system might mean a longer placement.
Consistency and routines have found to be effective, creating new community connections

CSS- 471-1122

www.catholicsocialservices.ab.ca

All youth referred through placement services
Mental health program – 13 to 16 years at age of admission, youth may have issues such as severe attachment issues, depression, aspergers
Addictions home- majority of the youth in the home at this time do not have addictions, but the beds were needed. Groups, outreach worker, youth can be attending an aadac day program, youth must be willing to address their addictions issues
Physically aggressive program for teen girls-
Pre-SIL program for youth who are lower functioning or have mental health issues that may prevent them from participating in other SIL programs, 2 staff
Each program has 4 youth, all co-ed with the exception of the teen girls program
Therapy program in all homes- individual, family and group
In-home family component
Youth participate in day programs
Recreation component
Also serve younger children aged 8-16 in other services.
Safe House- do not need status, youth can be self referred, for youth who are on the streets and want to leave. 13-19 years, up to 10 beds. Youth could stay a couple nights, but if they wanted to stay for a longer time they would be encouraged to have a day program 474-9938
Parent- Teen Mediation program- low cost, sliding scale, professional mediators will meet with parents and youth
Medically fragile home- for medically fragile children and youth, currently beds are being accessed by dual-diagnosis youth as the beds were not being used by medically fragile youth. Half of program is going to FSCD

Kochee Mena- 451-4002

www.ncsa.ca

Young offender home for males
Apartment building- youth come from EYOC
Open custody portion of sentencing- could be a few days or many months
Focus is on independent living, even if returning home
A lot of the programming is based on self-esteem and fostering a positive outlook of themselves.
Ages 13 – 20+, depending on their youth sentencing
Up to 10 youth, youth are in apartments (1 youth in a 1 bedroom, 2 youth in a 2 bedroom)

Bent Arrow

http://www.bentarrow.ca/index.php

Iskwew Home -for aboriginal teen moms- pregnant or parenting
4 bed group home, but contracted up to 10 individuals (for other children)
single staff
girls involved in day programming, usually Braemar school but could also be Learning Store or Kids in the Hall or other programs or work
referrals come through foster care intake
youth do not have to be aboriginal to attend
aged 15 – 18 years, although they can remain until the age of 19
usually stay 6 – 12 months, then will usually transition to SIL
try to have a home-like atmosphere
have visitors like elders, planned parenthood
connected to Healthy families, Health for Two, Parent Link
Kokomish House- 6 bed, co-ed
12 – 17 years, long term residence, 4 girls and 2 boys
youth expected to be in day programming
both homes have access to a psychologist

Spirit of Our Youth

http://www.spiritofouryouth.org/

4 parented homes which house groups of siblings
youth are all in school
work with children’s services worker and with the family
can stay up to the age of 21 if they still have status
receiving assessment group home- 3 month stay, co-ed
Transitional home- 4 bed between group home and SIL care
8 suites for SIL
and ESIL- up to 8 suites as well- have own staff with them, higher behaviors, mental health issues that mean youth cannot function in group care or SIL
Treatment home- 6 bed, voluntary program, partnership with AADAC
Almost all clients are out of the Edmonton area
Strong aboriginal component, including resource workers, will try to use different elders as well and community resources

Youth Emergency Shelter Society

http://www.yess.org/

3 residential programs
Shelter- 16 beds, first come first serve, place to eat and sleep
SKY- skills for youth- 12 beds, do not need day program prior to attending, 6 – 8 months is usual stay. Similar to a group home, but it’s voluntary. Youth may want to return home or be independent afterwards. Recommended that 20% of their income put into trust for the youth to help them save up.
Self-referrals only, no social workers
START program- 4 contract beds, remainder do not need status. Need day program 2 weeks prior to attending. Goal is independence or SIL. Youth pay 25% of their income to home- if youth is attending school and only working p/t this could be very minimal, but it allows the home to be a rent reference and teaches budgeting. Also put 20% into trust.
15- 18 years inclusive for shelter and SKY, START is 16- 19 years.
STAR program (paid) starts next week and is still taking referrals

Boys and Girls Club

www.boysandgirls.ab.ca

SIL apartments, parented homes, refer through social services

Terra

http://www.terraassociation.com/

14 suite apartment building opened in May, rent is 475$ for a one bedroom and 600$ for a 2 bedroom.
Youth do not need to have custody; they can be working towards custody of their children.
Child welfare status not necessary
Waiting list
Family support workers to help with life skills but no programming in building is mandatory

Other membership information

Sun and Moon Visionaries

235-3097 Jared Sinclair

art classes are free to aboriginal youth, aged 12- 25 years. Wednesday nights, 6-8 pm
Cultural regalia program- also free for youth, 3x a week
107 Ave and 122 St

Wind Dancers

Taking applications for pre-employment program
Day program with incentive bursary
For youth 15- 29 years
Career planning, cultural events, life skills

Chrysalis 454 9656

free life skills program, must be low income, do not need to have a disability, for youth 18 years of age and over
4 hours a day

Youth Connections 415-4968

Free career programming during spring break, March 26-30
16 – 24 years of age
Can help connect to other opportunities like job shadowing

------------

Please submit any revisions to these minutes to eiysa@shaw.ca

March 2007 Agenda: New Immigrant Youth

2007-03-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

Resources for New Immigrant Youth

March 27, 2007
10135 - 89 St
9 - 11 am