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Rebound
SPRING 2015
Inside This Issue:
ACT II - Aladdin Jr.
Soaring to new heights!
Thanks to the generous support of Libro Financial, Rebound’s
Act II program was a fantastic success in 2014, presenting a four
-show run of Disney’s Aladdin Jr., at Sarnia’s Imperial Theatre in
September.
With five successful productions under its belt, Act II has risen up
the theatre scene in Sarnia-Lambton.
The sold-out premiere of Aladdin Jr. was held at the Imperial
Theatre on Sept. 18, 2014, complete with a VIP night to honour
the show’s sponsors and the agency’s biggest supporters. After
months of rehearsals, 65 amazing youth on stage soared
through the sky on a magic carpet, found new friends, rose to
new heights, and defeated the evil sorcerer Jafar. Many more
youth worked behind the scenes to make this show a reality.
Rebound and ACT II are excited to begin our show business
journey for 2015, thanks to new sponsors in the Catherine &
Maxwell Meighen Foundation and Enbridge.
Stay tuned for details.
Message From Our Executive
2
Board of Directors
3
this issue
Rebound is Proud to Present
3
Hearts for Youth Gala
4
Girls Mentoring Program
5
RPM
5
Rebound Staff
6
Rebound Co-Op Students
7
Rebound Volunteers
8
Life Choices/Stage/Choices
9
Stage Jr./Thrive
10
Youth in Transition Program
11
Alternative Education
11
The 4Rs Classroom
12
Mission/Vision/Values
13
A Message from Our Executive Director
Happy Greetings to all from
everyone at Rebound!
We have been maintaining
our focus on achieving our
strategic goals and fulfilling
our mission-to be a caring
partner in the successful development of youth (and
working towards the bigger
goal of becoming the Centre
of Awesomeness!)
We continue to offer programs and services to children, youth and families that
Teri Thomas-Vanos
are responsive to identified
community need and are designed to meet the challenges and concerns that today’s
youth face on a daily basis.
Our efforts with youth engagement, to hear the voice of youth
and working collaboratively with youth to address their needs,
mentoring their development and learning from their experiences continues to motivate and inspire us.
ACT II, Spectrum, Thrive, Choices Jr. are just a few of our supports that are available to youth to increase protective factors
as they journey along their developmental path. As we learn
more regarding brain development and how youth learn and
grow, we have recognized the need to increase access to our
programs for young people up to the age of twenty four, with
the hopes of ensuring resources are accessible until that transition to adulthood occurs.
Our deep appreciation to our tireless and caring volunteers; we
can’t do it without you.
The generosity of our community, foundations and granting
bodies allow us to keep doing what we love to do by ensuring
we have the financial resources needed to keep the programs
running.
Rebound has been getting a lot
more social in its community
outreach.
Our social media platforms,
including Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram, are being used to
keep our youth, families and the
greater community wellinformed of our great Rebound
programs, youth successes and
news.
These tools also allow staff,
volunteers and our followers to
exchange information, ideas and
pictures/videos to augment our
mandate to be a caring partner
in the successful development of
youth.
With more people turning to
mobile and web-based
technologies to keep updated
and informed, Rebound
recognizes the need to engage
through social media while
remaining respectful of the
privacy of our youth, partners,
staff and volunteers.
These platforms, used in
addition to traditional media
and our website, have helped us
improve our reach, message
quality, immediacy and
community engagement.
Please follow Rebound on:
Facebook
Twitter
Let 2015 be the year you add your touch to Sarnia Lambton
Rebound. We’re waiting for you!
Instagram
For up-to-date news on the
agency.
~ Teri
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Rebound
SPRING 2015
Board of Directors
Gigi Walent-Burke; Jill Harding, Secretary; Sharon Berry-Ross, Past President; Tamara
Johnson, Dawn Azzolina, Treasurer; Warren Kennedy, John Ruffilli, President; Barry
Symington, Mike Callander, Vice-President; and Jim Stewart.
Missing from the photograph are Wendy Asher and Pam Graham.
Rebound is Proud to Present ...
GPS Forest
Following in the footsteps of our successful youth engagement program in Sarnia, GPS
(Getting Possibilities Started) is expanding to the community of Forest. Beginning in January
2015 the youth of Lambton Shores are having the opportunity share their voice and shape
their community with the support of Rebound and North Lambton Secondary School.
Choices Jr.
We are pleased to announce the addition of a new program for youth aged 8-11 beginning
January 2015. Choices Jr. is offered in-school in Lambton County and in-house at Rebound’s
Sarnia office. This program focuses on skill development that addresses the risk factors for
drug and alcohol abuse.
Rebound is the fortunate beneficiary of a United Way Venture Grant that allows us to take
Choices Jr. into some of our most marginalized county schools. Rebound is pleased to
partner with our community to provide evidence informed, early intervention drug and
alcohol abuse prevention programming.
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SPRING 2015
Hearts for Youth Gala
Sarnia Lambton Rebound
delivered the bling for its 16th
annual Hearts for Youth Gala
held on Feb. 7 at the Dante
Club in Sarnia.
Guests from across the region
and Michigan turned out for
the sold out event to support
the agency and the services
provided to youth across
Lambton County.
The blazing decorations
captured the Fire and Ice
theme, which was
accentuated by a pair of
diamonds donated by Brian
Davis Jewellery. Sarah
McCann and Victor Teixeira
each walked away with a
$1,000 diamond.
There were also many hot
auction items, as well as 13
sizzling live auction packages
that generated a lot of buzz
and bidding wars from those
in attendance. The night also
featured a strong youth focus,
with musical performances by
The Mackinlay Sisters, as well
as several touching
testimonials from Rebound
youth, who shared their stories
of success and support.
As always, the Dante Club
shone, featuring a lovely multi-course meal, with a decadent dessert provided by Lambton
College’s Culinary Arts Program.
Thank you to our events sponsors and supporters, who
helped make the night possible and continue to
showcase just how generous a community we live in.
Special kudos to our main event sponsor Scotiabank,
which has been serving in that capacity for more than
a decade.
Thank you to our other main event sponsors including
LIUNA, Local 1256 and Imperial Oil.
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HOW TO DONATE
TO SARNIA
LAMBTON
REBOUND
NEW Girls Mentoring Program 2014-2015
Sarnia-Lambton Rebound was
fortunate to receive a grant from
the Canadian Women’s
Foundation to run a 6 month
pilot Girls Mentoring Program.
Our objective for the mentoring
program is to increase the
capacity of socio-emotional
development, self-identity and
cognitive awareness in preadolescent girls aged 9 to 13.
Working in close partnership with
Children’s Aid Society of Sarnia,
we were very excited when we
were told we would be able to
service Girls in Care and Girls in
Kin Care as our target
population. Due to limited recruited numbers, we opened the
program up to the SarniaLambton community. In total,
we had 13 girls nominated to
attend the program. We refer to
them as mentees. After
receiving many applications of
interest, a screening and
interview process was
completed and six wonderful
and diverse adult community
members were chosen as our
mentors. From there, our finalized ratio became 2 mentors to 4
mentees. When I asked one of
the interviewees what being a
mentor meant to them, a
perfect response was provided:
“Being a mentor means forming
a relationship with no agenda.”
This simply defines Rebound’s
hope for the girls in the program;
to connect, believe and inspire.
The program began in November
2014 and will run until April 2015,
on bi-weekly Mondays. It is
Rebound’s wish that we will be
able to continue this program
after the 6 month pilot has been
completed. Evidence has shown
that “young girls need positive
and supportive female role
models to increase the
development of their personal
strengths and
resiliency” (Dellasega & Nixon,
2003).
Sarnia–Lambton
Rebound welcomes your
donations, and we appreciate your help in
keeping our programs
available to all youth.
To donate or become a
sponsor of our events or
programs, please
contact our office, or visit
our website at
www.reboundonline.com.
All donations are tax
deductible.
Rebound Parent Meeting
In partnership with Sarnia Lambton Children’s Aid Society
A positive space for parents and care-givers to share support
and talk about the issues important to parents and youth today
We will discuss:


Helpful tips on how to talk so your kids will listen.

Develop strategies on how to build solid relationships and
set realistic boundaries.


How to keep your cool when tempers flare.
Adolescent brain development and what you can do to
help them through this important stage.
What every parent needs to know about social media and
internet safety.

How to get in touch with local resources.
Share your positive parenting solutions.
(Refreshments provided)
Join us every Wednesday from 1:00 to 2:30 or from 6:00 to 7:30.
For more information call Stephanie at Rebound.
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Rebound STAFF
SPRING 2015
Andraya
Laura
Thrive In School (OFT) &
STAND Program
Coordinator, Choices &
Marketing Assistant
Alicia
Marian
Choices Jr & GPS
Program Coordinator
Administrative
Assistant
Brennah
Monique
GPS Youth Facilitator
GPS Youth Facilitator
Brooke
Paige
Addictions Counsellor &
Transitions II Therapist
Thrive Program
Coordinator &
Cheri
Sarah
County Program
Coordinator & Program
Development Lead
Office Manager
Holly
Stephanie
Volunteer
Coordinator
Intake, Stand & CAS Parent/
Care Giver Coordinator
Jack
Tammy
Marketing & Fund
Development
Special Projects Manager
Kiki
Teri
Executive Director
Stage, Choices & Life
Choices Program
Coordinator
Kelly
Warren
Youth in Transition Worker
& School Based Programs
Pass & Tag Program Coordinator
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Annette
Max
Suzanne
Nutrition
Support
Behaviour
Counsellor
NCIVS
Detention
Coordinator
SPCHS
Barbara
Robyn
Tom
Expressive Arts
Facilitator
Pass
Coordinator
Chatham
Transitions II
Teacher
Karen
Pass
Coordinator
Chatham
Rebound
Amanda
Missing are: Becky, Section 23 Classroom Coordinator; Sue, Detention
Coordinator in Chatham.
Relief staff are: Michelle and Jackie
Co-Op Students
Mary Beth
“My goal is to gain a better
“I love being able to work with Rebound in order
understanding of the youth in our
community, to be able to support and
guide each one to their own success.”
to empower youth so that they can reach their
full potential."
Bree
Randilee
“My mission is to create positive relationships
“I think networking yourself and
meeting new people is the best way to
be successful in your career”
with the youth around me and to travel around
the world and implement my CYW skills."
Jordan
Reagan
“I have a real desire to help youth reach
their full potential and to change
someone's life for the better.”
“I love to build relationships with young people,
interact with other helping professionals, and I
enjoy research and learning.”
Karen
Richard
“I am a 1st year CYW student at
Lambton. Every child is unique and I
love taking time to learn who they are.”
“I am an optimistic survivor who believes that
anything is possible if you seek after it diligently.
Children are our future .”
Liz
Stephanie
“I am passionate about supporting
youth by empowering them to meet
their full potential and building on their
own strengths.”
Lucas
“I love to see youth enriched and
empowered to live to their full
potential!”
“I would love to work in an all French school
because I love the language and there is a need
for bilingual youth workers.”
Our students attend Lambton College and are
studying either Child and Youth Work, Social
Service Worker, or Event Management.
Amanda is from the University of Windsor and is
studying for her Masters of Social Work.
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Rebound
VOLUNTEERS
We are fortunate to have dedicated, generous and caring volunteers that give their time
and energy to Rebound. We have volunteers who work directly with the youth in our
programs; others who help indirectly by assisting with the maintenance of our premises; or
who sit on our Board of Directors as well as those who assist with fundraising so we can keep
doing what we do! We had yet another fantastic Act II production where volunteers gave
over 6000 hours of their time to help make it such a success! A heartfelt thank you goes out
to each and every one of you, as your dedication not only touches the hearts of the youth
but also the community and the staff here at Rebound.
At our June 2014 Annual General
Meeting, several volunteers were
recognized with a variety of service
awards. Congratulations!
Congratulations also go to our
Volunteer of the Year who is a
dynamic couple Karissa and
Richard Teskey! This couple has
been an important part of the Act II
and the productions since its
inception 5 years ago. They are creative, passionate and have a great rapport with the
youth as well as the volunteers. Their
dedication has been an integral part of the
success of our Act II productions as well as
being an inspiration to the youth of our
community.
In order to be more inclusive, we have
changed our awards recognition plan.
Volunteer time will now be captured in hours
rather than by session. This will allow us to
recognize those who donate time in other
areas of the organization. Our theatre
volunteers are the exception and will receive
yearly recognition for their dedication.
Volunteers of the Year
Richard and Karissa Teskey
Thank you again to all of our fantastic
volunteers!
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LIFE CHOICES
WINTER 2015
What a great fall 2014 Life Choices session we had! There were 15 vibrant,
unique and wonderful youth this session. Some of the topics covered this session were bullying,
healthy relationships, respect for self and others and drug awareness. We had two amazing
guest speakers who talked about their experiences with drugs and alcohol. We had 8 table
coaches and one lead coach. Without the volunteers, none of this would be possible. A big
thank you goes out to them!
“Nobody ever
“I use to
“They just
were very
supportive.”
“Emily”
Speaking
about the
Rebound
volunteers.
hang with
bad people
all the time
but not
anymore.”
“Cameron”
Choices
Graduate
trusted me
and was
always mad
at me but not
anymore.” “Billy”
Choices
Graduate
STAGE
What a great group we had for the Fall STAGE SR session. This group grew into its own little family.
Some highlights were seeing the girls start to believe in themselves and learn the importance of
loving oneself first. FLY- First Love Yourself. Self-esteem, body image and relational aggression
were some of the topics that were discussed. The group had 2 volunteers and one Lambton
College placement student. This program continues to change,
the youth grow and they always inspire me! The girls continued to
“Before I didn’t
amaze me, sharing insight of what it is like to be a teenage girl in
feel too
this day and age. New coping strategies were learned to
comfortable
combat the challenges of everyday life.
“Me and my
parents were
not in a good
place before
rebound.”
“Sally”
Life Choices
Graduate
“I’m not sure
how to explain
it, but when
I’m here I feel
very safe and I
just really love
being here.”
“Claire”
Stage Graduate
saying my feelings
to anyone, but the
coaches made me
“see the light” and
express how I feel
more, you have all
helped me so
much.”
“Sydney”
Stage Graduate
CHOICES
At graduation, 16 Choices grads were added to the Rebound family and were given an OLD
BLUE. Myself and the volunteers were proud of all their accomplishments but most importantly,
so were the youth. We had one guest speaker who talked about his experiences with drugs and
alcohol. There were 6 table coaches and 2 lead coaches actively involved in this session. One
of the highlights of this session was using the “impaired vision goggles'” which is an interactive
tool used to SEE how alcohol can affect your vision. The youth really enjoyed this activity, as well
as the guest speaker.
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SPRING 2015
STAGE JR. FALL 2014
It was my first time coordinating the STAGE Jr. program and I was super excited for this new opportunity that had been offered to me, yet I was a little anxious at the same time. This was a
program that Kiki had always coordinated and I felt I had big shoes to fill. Luckily I had Kiki by
my side assisting with whatever questions I had and she even let me borrow her puppets to use
with the girls – which they absolutely loved. If you know anything about Kiki, the use of puppets
are one of her strengths when forming relationships with the children and youth she serves.
STAGE Jr. was a small group this session. I had 6 female youth who were so unique, diverse and
remarkable and three amazing and dedicated volunteers join me. We called ourselves, “The
Butterfly Girls”. The small group was nice and intimate which allowed for open discussions and
healthy peer relationships to form. The girls were able to express their feelings and attitudes to
surrounding topics such as bullying, social media messages, interpersonal relationships and selfesteem. I watched as the girls blossomed into understanding and empathetic people who
looked at their friendships and relationships with others differently, ensuring they turned their
negative interactions with others into positive and healthy ways to connect.
New to Rebound is our Smart board and fortunately for the STAGE Jr. girls, the Smart board was
in our program room and we were able to utilize it as an interactive way to present our lesson
content. The girls loved the new use of technology and were always drawing and writing messages together on the board.
Many highlights and favourite moments will be remembered from this session and I cannot
thank the girls, my volunteers and co-workers enough for supporting me during this new transition and making this an opportunity I will never forget.
THRIVE FALL 2014
Thrive Fall 2014 was a fun and interactive session with 10 extraordinary youth. It was nice to see
such a great turn out and was even more amazing that we were able to recruit some new volunteers to help with the program delivery. Our marketing and fund development coordinator,
Jack Poirier, even got his first experience volunteering in one of our Rebound programs. One of
the best parts about being a coordinator of a program is that you get to reunite with volunteers
that are very dedicated to Rebound and have the biggest hearts. Paul Hansen, after many
years of volunteering in programs, joined us in Thrive and of course, his heart and passion was
evident.
This session we had a special guest join us; Michael Cassidy, a past Rebound placement student and now a local Social Service Worker in the field. He came and presented his Music for
the Soul program for the Thrivers. Michael joined us for three weeks focusing on the teachings
of hip hop history, identification of personal character and how to utilize music as a therapeutic
resource or outlet. The youth really enjoyed getting to know Michael and were engaged by his
unique introduction to the different styles of music presentation.
Thrive was a full room as we had 10 fantastic youth and 6 wonderful volunteers. This session
was very memorable as we were able to grow close as a group and share many laughs and
meaningful moments.
The youth were able to embrace the true meaning of resiliency as one youth shared, “Life isn’t
about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”
I am very excited to coordinate Thrive next session and cannot wait for more remarkable moments to look back on.
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YOUTH IN TRANSITION PROGRAM
SPRING 2015
As part of the findings from the My REAL Life Book: Report from the Youth Leaving Care
Hearings, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services has hired fifty (50) Youth in Transition
Workers across the province. Sarnia Lambton Rebound was the agency selected to provide
this much needed service throughout Lambton County.
Kelly Wilson began her new role as the Youth in Transition
Worker in January 2014. This role allows her to provide
support for youth aged 16-24 who are transitioning out of the
care of the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) into independent
living. Some of the areas of support that these youth require
include finding affordable and safe housing, education and
employment assistance, connections to medical and mental
health services, developing life skills and positive social
supports. This unique program allows Kelly to be able to
connect with the youth in their communities. She often works
outside of the Rebound office in order to meet the youth at
community locations that are convenient to them.
Since January, Kelly has been able to offer supports to twenty-six youth in Lambton County.
Referrals have come from the Children’s Aid Society, St. Clair Child & Youth Services and the
local school boards. Our community allies continue to be instrumental in connecting us with
youth and we value these partnerships.
If you know of a young person between the ages of 16-24 who is transitioning out of CAS care
and they could use the support of this new provincial initiative, or you would like to know more
about this exciting program, please call Kelly at 519-344-2841 or 519-466-2856.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
We collaborated with our neighbours from the Alternative Education program here at the
Dow Centre for Youth. A 10 week adapted Choices program was delivered to different youth
each week. The main focus was on marijuana and alcohol. The youth were given facts
about these substances and given positive coping skills. This group had lots of fun while
learning more about themselves and being given tools for everyday life.
“Rebound is the safest place
in Canada because you can
be yourself and they respect
you for your individuality
and there is no bullying
“I define me,
not life’s hardships”
“Kenith”
Thrive In-School
Graduate
“Claire”
Thrive In-School
Graduate
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The 4Rs Classroom
Rebound’s newest alternative education program is known as
the 4Rs Classroom (Rewind, Refocus, Reach Out Reach
Ahead).
The agency was successful in its application to partner with
Lambton Kent District School Board, St. Clair Catholic District
School Board, and Sarnia Lambton Children’s Aid Society to
run a pilot program to improve educational outcomes and the
well-being of children and youth in the care of or receiving services from Children’s Aid Society.
The 4Rs classroom will be offered at Rebound from February
until June. A classroom teacher and program coordinator will
provide a safe learning environment for the youth.
In addition to having access to a qualified teacher and program coordinator, each youth will receive a customized learning
experience that also provides supports in the areas of wellness,
culture, and expressive arts.
By supporting youth at this critical developmental stage
through the provision of a customized education experience
we can
increase the rates of successful outcomes.
In creating an environment of mutual support and success, this
program offers youth to practice new life skills, social competencies and strategies to succeed.
The program runs Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rebound. There are additional hours of academic support in the
form of tutoring available.
For more information on this or any other Rebound program,
visit
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WINTER 2015
THINK YOU’RE 1 TOUGH MUDDER?
Well Sarnia-Lambton
Rebound is going to put you
to the test this June when the
agency hosts its first ever
mud run at Canatara Park.
This is set to be possibly the
wildest event in our
community’s history as
participants will race through
mud, over and through
challenging and innovative
obstacles that will test your
strength, stamina and just
how much fun your body
can endure.
The course will be
somewhere in the 5-km
range, and will vary to suit
different levels of fitness and
ages. You will get muddy,
you will get wet and you will
have a blast, meet new
people and enjoy!
So consider this a challenge
to all you wannabe mud
heroes out there as Rebound
brings the first ever mud run
to City of Sarnia. Keep an
eye on our website,
www.reboundonline.com
and our Facebook and
Twitter accounts for more
information and updates.
SPRING 2015
MISSION
Rebound is a caring partner in the successful development of youth.
VISION
We will maintain our focus on the well-being of young people and
their families in our local community and beyond.
We will promote changed attitudes and behaviours that assist young
people in achieving their full potential.
We will network young people and mentors to create meaningful opportunities for discovery and purpose.
We will strive for excellence in all areas of our organization through competency and commitment to youth and families.
VALUES
WE BELIEVE…
Every youth has the right to support in their developmental journey.
That youth are equal and valued partners in the framework of the organization.
We are committed to ongoing program evaluation, knowledge
exchange and community collaboration.
That every volunteer, staff and board member is vital to the success of our organization and equally valued for their
contribution.
That all youth and families are entitled to excellence and competency in all services our organization offers.
Sarnia-Lambton Rebound
Dow Centre for Youth
10 Lorne Crescent
Sarnia, Ontario
N7S 1H8
519.344.2841 ph
519.344.8024 fax
info@reboundonline.com email
www.reboundonline.com
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