summer 2011.pub
Transcription
summer 2011.pub
By Sharleen Ramon A group of five students from Mohawk College collaborated with Living Rock to raise awareness and funds for youth-atrisk. Last year, Living Rock offered a program in which 22 youth went from being street-involved and homeless; into successful jobs in the hospitality industry. Some of these youth came from a program called GPS: New Pathways for Youth. Funding ended in March 2011. This dramatic change and program inspired the group of Mohawk College students. The Mohawk College students chose to heighten awareness of Living Rock by selling T-shirts and raising $1,000. On March 16th the group engaged other students by setting up a booth at Mohawk College. The shirts were sold not only at the college, but to friends in Brantford, Halton, Brampton, Niagara Region, British Columbia and England. They sold 90 shirts and raised $1,300. The success of the initiative taken on by the committed, dedicated and flexible students, not only fulfilled the expectations of their instructor, Susan Kowalski, but leaves a legacy for youth-at-risk, benefiting from the increased awareness brought on by this project. Special Donations Received From: Anon, Anon Lorraine Johnston McMaster University Library Dawn Caillet In Memory of: Andreas Chinnery Andreas Chinnery Andreas Chinnery Joyce Mortimer Received From: Sarah Gardner Correction from last Newsletter: Mrs. Lewis In Honour of: Wedding Guests In Honour of: Eversley Lewis 30 Wilson St., Hamilton ON L8R 1C5 UPCOMING EVENTS Creativity Through Diversity Fashion Show Thursday July 28th, 2011 Sir John A. McDonald School 130 York Blvd 7pm-9pm Arts of August Grand Finale Thursday August 25, 2011 Hamilton Public Library - Central Branch 55 York Blvd 6pm - 9pm Back to School Professional Lunch Thursday September 22, 2011 Living Rock Transit Room Life Long Learning Week Phone: 905-528-7625 CHARITABLE#: 88345 8812 RR0001 Check out Living Rock’s New Website! www.livingrock.ca “Meet The Street Urban Ministry Training” BOOK A SPEAK, VIDEO OR MEET THE STREET SERVICE PROJECT 905-528-7625 x224 YOUR RIGHTS AS A DONOR If at anytime you would like to change the amount of mail you receive from us, please contact the Development Team at 905-528-7625 x239, and we would be happy to comply with your request. In addition, Living Rock Ministries assures its donors that personal information is not used for commercial purposes. We do not rent, sell, trade or share our donor information. Personal information is kept confidential and is used only to mail you information about our services. LIVING ROCK MINISTRIES PROGRAMS & SERVICES youth food bank ▪ breakfast program ▪ evening meals ▪ positive recreation programming ▪ anti-racism initiative ▪ employment readiness training ▪ chaplaincy ▪ visiting youth in custody ▪ urban ministry training ▪ addictions counseling ▪ health clinic and medical supports ▪ volunteer opportunities ▪ educational assessments and supports ▪ youth work-to-earn ▪ incentives ▪ computer resource room ▪ housing supports ▪ supports for pregnant and parenting youth ▪ creative art competition celebrating diversity ▪ self care and health promotion for young women ▪ gps: “new pathways for youth” Founded 1985 905-528-7625 Warm Hands, Kind Heart www.livingrock.ca Summer 2011 “The word I think of is grateful. It takes a community to raise a child and for me the Rock has been that community. The Rock has invested great seeds of hope, grace and courage in me.” Jordan Jordan pictured with Justin & James (From left to right) at Living Rock’s Dinner in the Rock Garden. To find out more about this please check out the insert included in this newsletter! “My friends told me about the Evening Program at the Rock, so I came,” Ian said. “I liked the food and the staff, so I kept coming back.” Ian came to the Rock when he was 21 years old, and continued coming until his 26th birthday. Eamon, Rock Resources Coordinator says, “Ian is a respectful, kind and honest youth. I could entrust jobs with him and he would do it, and do it properly.” Eamon goes on to say: “He exemplifies what the Living Rock can do for a youth. Ian is happy and safe here. He will make a fine Alumni. He believes in what the Rock stands for and imparts it to others. ” g Ian playin l at the Y basketbal “He is contagious. Ian has been an integral part of the Living Rock, helping youth and staff in any way that he can.” Having spent time in foster care for 12 years, Ian knows the struggle to belong and have a sense of family. He couldn’t wait to return home to his mother; with the help of staff he has made that transition. “The staff at the Rock are really friendly and willing to help out when needed. Doug, Julie, and Tim have been there to talk to me, when I really needed it.” (Story continued inside. . .) MCA Director’s Report By Alan Craig I am grateful for God’s goodness and the community of support being raised up for Living Rock. The Gathering Chapel has had dynamic speakers share stories of their journey of faith. Youth have prayed with their friends. The Golf Committee, sponsors and golfers work diligently to stand with Living Rock. Volunteers, students and staff step up to create a safe and supportive refuge for youth. Damien Domer is one of those dynamic and talented volunteers. Damien had a vision to provide a youth with a positive, exciting opportunity to be mentored in their musical talents and express themselves through Rock Idol. Damien said, “The event is the youth’s moment to shine and be recognized for their talents and abilities. The youth are pouring their heart and soul in the competition.” I attended the finals with special guests: Mayor Bob Bratina, MP David Sweet and Recording Artist, Sarena Paton. The youth did an excellent job. Thanks to Damien for organizing the event and sharing your many gifts with the Rock. Thanks to Darryl Hutson from Music Express for providing your professional equipment and for doing sound at the finals. Thanks to Tim Pocius, Director of for Mustard Festival for being a Judge, generously donating prize money and giving the finalists an opportunity to sing at Mustard Festival on Labour Day Weekend. Congratulations to Gage, the new Rock Idol. I was so touched by the presentation of Darrell Scott from Rachel’s Challenge at last year’s Gala. My vision for the Annual Dinner was to continue to have an inspirational evening with friends of Living Rock. This year we invited Tim Huff to share. Tim is an old friend of the Rock and played in a band at Streetlight, the ‘90’s Living Rock concert series and outreach. His book “Bent Hope” is brilliant and he now is my favourite writer. We knew he would communicate his passion to serve and minister to youth. Rock participants told their stories. Jim Turnbull made an inspirational appeal for ongoing support to support critical programs. It was a great evening. Thanks again for all your prayers and support as we go into the summer. Oasis Coffee House Dinner Program has been offering youth-at-risk a place of belonging since 1995 over 100,000 meals have been served! Students from Grimsby Secondary High School put together a presentation about Living Rock in hopes to win $5,000 for the Rock from Toskan Casale Foundation. The Toskan Casale Foundation created the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), a high school program providing students with a real philanthropy learning experience that researches and benefits local, community-based social service agencies. One question that came up from the youth, is “what makes this a coffee house?” This was a very good question. Our team really wanted the program to feel like a coffee bar, where youth could come, grab a coffee, enjoy music, activities and community. We lacked one key ingredient, a coffee bar. Over the last few years we have included a coffee bar on our wish list but with so many pressing needs at the Rock such as paying utilities, supporting under funded programs, this vision kept taking a back seat. Recently on a visit to Avondale’s Restaurant Supply store Julie Conway, Open Access Manager was looking for any items under a $100 that would contribute to the atmosphere. Julie got a glimpse of a beautiful coffee bar that she knew would be perfect for the coffee house. Leaving the store that day, the owner asked, “Did you find everything that you were looking for?” With a twinkle in her eye Julie responded by saying “Did I ever, but it is not in the budget! To Julie’s surprise, Avondale offered her the coffee bar and the matching display shelves that she had not even asked for. To top this off, 4 men from Avondale Restaurant Equipment Hamilton, brought this large donation down to the Rock and even carried it up the stairs right into the Gathering Room where the Oasis Coffee House happens. Living Rock wishes to thank Grimsby Secondary School YPI Team for all their hard work that resulted in the award of $5,000. Since its launch, the program has enabled young philanthropists to donate over $4 million. Thanks to Avondale Restaurant Supply Store, who have enabled our coffee house vision to come true and gave so generously of their time and muscle. (cont) Returning as Alumni, Ian will continue give back to the Rock. “Life without the Rock would have been hard. Doug, Weekend Coordinator is given a cheque by Abby Spencer, Sara Wanng and Clair Greenless. Looking for some good summer reading? You can pick up the story of the Rock, written by Al Craig and Suzie Chiodo at Living Rock Ministries or call for details on shipping! Donate $100 to Living Rock and Receive a free copy of: “The The Living Rock: Between Me & a Hard Place.” Place. The Rock has helped me to change, given me new friends, made me feel a part of a team and given me resources. Now I am going back to school to be a recreation and leisure student, and I am volunteering in the community and at the Rock. I gave as a youth at the Rock, now I want to give back to the Rock as an alumni.” On Saturday a group 25 Ontario Fly Fisherman, 3 Marshals and Rand Scott "The BBQ Guy" (legend has it that he can BBQ just about anything with perhaps the exception of ice cream) gathered for the 4th annual Coal Tar Classic (CTC). These anglers brought about 80 lbs of fish and collectively donated over $1,100 to support Living Rock and at-risk-youth. o renovate Helping FirstOntari ck building Ro ing Liv Enjoying the diversity at A rts of August Grand Finale This years winner Kim Rood, from Oshawa hauled in two Sheephead - Freshwater Drum - for a total of 32 inches. His prize, a 15 pound lump of coal donated by the Oxford County Geology Society. Kim Rood, CTC Winner Winning Team Golf Committee Living Rock would like to thank everyone who participated in making the 15th Annual Golf Tournament a success! Thank you to the sponsors, players and volunteers. The Dinner in the Rock Garden, Plant Sale and Silent Auction was held on May 12, 2011 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre. It was a wonderful night for the staff and friends of Living Rock Ministries and youth-at-risk. Main speaker Tim Huff was very inspirational. Jim Turnbull, who is a friend of The Rock, gave a dynamic challenge. Living Rock House Band VOID was a hit with their music. There were many emotional moments including a Memorial Tribute to Brendon Fabbro who for 10 years was impacted by Living Rock. Brendon Fabbro 1980 - 2010 “Life presents itself with blessings and challenges. For Brendon, the Living Rock offered faith, hope and friendship.” There was also Volunteer Recognition for the 500 Hour Club or volunteers who have accumulated over 500 hours each in service to Living Rock in the past two years. The silent auction was a great success, with a large number of items donated, bid upon and taken home by happy winners. Thank you to all the donors for their auction items. Thanks also to Connon Nurseries for the amazing plants supplied for the evening. What a delight! 500 Hour Club. (Pictured above: from Left to Right) Karen CraigProgram Director of Living Rock, Haroon Ahmad, Stacey Callahan, Iona Leaist, Ellen Devine, Cindy MacDonald, Michelle Jordan ABOVE youth enjoy the Dinner with Breakfast Staff Graeme. RIGHT: Bob (TRI-Rock Employment Coach) Photos Courtesy of Strungfoto. 2010 Sponsors: Please Post