Youth Matters Newsletter

Youth MattersCURRENT EDITION SEPTEMBER, 2012 Feature: Cheryl Sturgeon Leading by example Youth speakers inspire Youth Insight

PAST EDITIONS JULY, 2012 Feature: Rebekah Dean YOU Job Developers work with employers to find jobs for youth Save The Date: 7th annual Breakfast for YOU YOU Made It Catering

APRIL, 2012 Feature: Blake Milmine YOU award winner: Eva’s Awards for Ending Youth Homelessness YOU Annual Celebration 6th annual Reach The Beach Races

OCTOBER 11, 2011 Feature: Andrew Minderlein Prevention and Early Intervention for Psychosis Program Youth Insight – Dynamic Presentations MLHU and YOU partnership continues to grow

JULY 14, 2011 Feature: Chantale Wright Summer job experience yields big rewards for high school student About Summer Jobs for Youth & Summer Jobs Service

MAY 19, 2011 Feature: Joy Cameron A Community of Care – May is Mental Health Month

APRIL 27, 2011 Next Wave Youth Centre Opens Doors More on Next Wave - a Program of Youth Opportunities Unlimited YOU Events and you!

MARCh 24, 2011 Being All You Can Be Aboutown Transportation Praises Youth Employees

Youth MattersY O U T H O P P O RT U N I T I E S U N L I M I T E D

Since 1982, Youth Opportunities Unlimited has provided transition, career, and enterprise services to local youth.We provide a caring and active place where all youth are engaged in learning and creating opportunities to build their future.

141 Dundas Street, Second Floor, London, Ontario N6A 1G3 t: 519.432.1112 f: 519.432.2883 e: [email protected] @YOU_London www.you.on.ca

Steve Cordes, Execut ive DirectorCheryl Sturgeon

Education opens doors to greater opportunitiesTwo years ago Cheryl Sturgeon quit high school. “It just wasn’t working for me. There were a number of reasons. But that’s in the past.” Now 20, Cheryl is focused on what is working. “Completing my GED is really important to me. I’m glad I took that step.” Cheryl is partway through the General Educational Development program at YOU. Like many youth who quit high school and later realize they need and want an education, the hardest part of returning to school is doing what Cheryl did, taking that first step. Earning the high school equivalency certificate will open the door to the next step in Cheryl’s education plan, the Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE) program at Fanshawe College. “Passing ACE means I can then apply to the college as a full-time student. I’m already thinking of courses about writing.”Cheryl credits YOU with giving her “the spark” to get her life back on track. “I was spending way too much time on thecouch.” A friend told her to check out YOU. She did and was soon working at the YOU Made It retail kiosk at CoventMarket. “That experience brought me out of my shell. I used to be so nervous and anxious about expressing myself. The staff at YOU helped me a lot.” Having completed the YOU skills training employment program, Cheryl secured a part time job with The Blue Buffalo Co., a specialty pet food brand. “I absolutely love learning about the products, helping customers and using what I’ve learned in training sessions. Open-ended questions do get a conversation going!”

YOU Job Developers work with employers to find jobs for youth

Like many youth in London and area, Cheryl Sturgeon worked with YOU’s Job Developers to secure employment. Job Developers Tiffany Pringle-Austin and Chad Callander evaluate each youth and employer to determine what is necessary for the placement to succeed. They’re successful because the team approaches each job and each candidate as unique. “We really dig into a job search utilizing incentive programs with subsidies for both the employer and the job seeker,” said Chad.

The job search is tailored to the individual. “The youth have such a variety of skills and education. We match them with an employer that needs that skill set,” said Tiffany. “No candidate and no employer are the same. The success comes from recognizing what makes each unique and supporting that.” Tiffany and Chad place youth in full and part-time jobs in a wide range of employment sectors including but not limited to customer service, construction and information technology. Youth can be out of school or in high school, college or university. They share a need to be employed. To learn more please contact Tiffany or Chad at 419-432-1112.

Save The Date The 7th annual Breakfast for YOU Empowering YOUth takes place Wednesday, February 6, 2013 from 7-9 am at the London Convention Centre. Youth speakers are a big draw for this popular fundraiser. Online registration opens in November.

YOU Made It Catering When it’s time to cater, remember the YOU Made It Café. We offer a selection of delicious soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts. To view our Catering Menu go to www.you.on.ca and click on the Café banner.

September 2012

CURRENT EDITIO

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July, 2012 Steve Cordes, Execut ive Director

Rebekah was seven when her mother died of cancer. Her father used alcohol to cope. Sexual abuse followed. At 15 her father committed suicide. At 17 Rebekah was pregnant. Two years later she lost custody of her daughter and became entrenched in a life of drug abuse and homelessness. That was when Rebekah came to the Youth Action Centre. “I was” she said “desperate for a helping hand”. The YAC became the safe place where she could rebuild her life. Rebecca built trusting relationships with staff and was able to focus on a better life. “I don’t know where I would be today without them.” Now 20, Rebekah has only a few more credits to achieve her Ontario Secondary School Diploma. She has a job at Walmart and is working to secure a second job. She has a stable apartment, maintains regular visits with her daughter and looks ahead to further education. She would like to be a Social Worker or Child and Youth Worker to help others who have been in similar situations. “I can see possibilities I couldn’t before. I’ve learned from mistakes, mine and others” said Rebekah. “The positivity in my life now is outrageous.”

Rebekah Dean

Rebekah Dean

Leading by exampleThe Youth Action Centre sees upwards of a hundred youth a day. They all face obstacles and have struggles to overcome to

achieve their goals. “The journey can be extremely challenging and the bumps along the road can be discouraging” says Youth

Consultant, Joanna Rodger. “Peers leading by example can play a major role in keeping up hope for those around them. Rebekah

Dean is one of those leaders. Even throughout her struggles, she was able to maintain a positive attitude, recognize her own

strengths and see the potential in herself.”

Youth speakers inspire Youth Insight is a United Way of London & Middlesex funded program which raises awareness about

youth issues in our community. Youth Insight team members share their stories of obstacles and resiliency and how, with

supportive services, they took positive steps to build better lives. In sharing their stories with schools, businesses, groups and

organizations, team members help break down stigmas associated with addiction, homelessness, mental illness, poverty and

unemployment. For more information call or 226.777.0116 x 106





April, 2012 Steve Cordes, Execut ive Director

Blake Milmine and his six siblings each had a different father. “None of them was around much” said Blake. When he was 10 his mother left, not to return. “My grandmother was the mother I never had.” After she died, her spouse sold everything that could be sold and left. Blake and his brothers and sisters then went into foster care, living together for only a month. In one year Blake went to five elementary schools. “I was never raised” says Blake. “I just grew up.” At 16 Blake struck out on his own. Years of part time temporary jobs, unemployment and living with friends followed. ”Then things went from bad to worse” says Blake. He was homeless, scavenging for food, dead tired and scared. He’d had enough of a life he didn’t want. Someone on the street told him that YOU would give him a chance. He met with a YOU counselor so he could get started on a new life. At the time he was staying in shelters. He was accepted into YOU’s Enterprise Services, took Safe Food Handling followed by work in the YOU kitchen. When an opportunity arose for Retail & Sales Team Leader with Enterprise Services, Blake applied and was hired. Now 22, Blake has a small apartment and plans to complete high school. He enjoys being part of YOU. “It’s the unlimited part that gets me” says Blake. “Unlimited resources. Unlimited care. Unlimited belief.” As for the future, Blake is confident. “I’m here to learn” he says with a smile. “You open that door. I’ll get through it.”

Blake Milmine

YOU award winner: Eva’s Awards for Ending Youth HomelessnessYouth Opportunities Unlimited has been selected as one of four award winners of the 2012 Eva’s Initiatives Awards for Ending Youth Homelessness. The $25,000 award is in recognition of The Cornerstone as a community initiative that:

• Moves beyond responding to the most basic needs of homeless and at-risk youth;

• Demonstrates significant impacts in the lives of vulnerable youth;

• Delivers programs or services aimed at preventing youth homelessness;

• Breaks the cycle of homelessness among youth by integrating supports such as: housing, education, employment, family connections and interventions to address mental health concerns and/or addictions.

The awards are supported by the Sprott Foundation in collaboration with Virgin Unite Canada. The Sprott Foundation is dedicated to addressing urgent human need, homelessness and hunger in Canada. Virgin Unite Canada is dedicated to raising awareness about the epidemic of youth homelessness in Canada.

YOU Annual Celebration Join us for our Annual Celebration on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the London Convention Centre, Salons D & E. Doors open at 3 pm. The meeting starts at 3:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you! RSVP: [email protected]

6th annual Reach The Beach Races Friday, August 17 at 7 pm. For the second year YOU is charity recipient for the 6th annual Reach The Beach Races in Port Stanley. The 5k and 2.5k races are organized by New Balance London and presented by Intact Insurance. When you register and when you raise pledges you are helping local youth build positive lives. For complete details click on the Reach The Beach banner on the YOU homepage: www.you.on.ca Thank you in advance for your support!





October 11, 2011 Steve Cordes, Execut ive Director

Prevention and Early Intervention for Psychosis Program As an inpatient of the mental health program at LHSC, Andrew received psychiatric care, counselling, recreation opportunities, group therapy and assistance with employment counseling, income support, housing and school through the Prevention and Early Intervention for Psychosis Program known as PEPP. Andrew credits the PEPP team. “I was scared, paranoid, my thoughts were racing. I knew things weren’t right but I couldn’t have possibly become better on my own.” For several years now Andrew has volunteered as co-lead of the Recovery through Activity and Participation group and the Art, Music and Healthy Living groups. “It feels good to help others” says Andrew. ”I understand what they’re going through.”

Youth Insight – Dynamic Presentations Youth Insight is a United Way of London & Middlesex funded program which raises awareness about youth issues in our community. In the program, Youth Insight team members share their stories of obstacles and resiliency and how, with supportive services, they took positive steps to build better lives. In sharing their stories with schools, businesses, groups and organizations, team members help breakdown stigmas associated with addiction, homelessness, mental illness, poverty and unemployment. For more information on the program please call 519.432.1112.

MLHU and YOU partnership continues to grow For more than 10 years the Middlesex-London Health Unit and Youth Opportunities Unlimited have partnered on programs, activities and services to foster positive youth engagement. The partnership involves creative collaborations among public health staff and staff of the Youth Action Centre and the Next Wave Youth Centre. The partnership will continue to grow with new opportunities for increased health services for youth at the dedicated space at The Cornerstone.

At 14 Andrew Minderlein was on a plane to a city, a father and a brother he didn’t know. Andrew’s stepfather had given him one day to get his life in order or leave home. “I was tired of arguing” recalls Andrew. “I didn’t see things changing.” His mother thought if Andrew could know his birth father things might improve. At his new home in London it was a difficult adjustment. There was more fighting. Within two years Andrew had left and was living in a shelter. He was in grade 10 . For years he bounced from shelter to group home to half way house, to the streets, from one couch to another, sometimes returning home, only to leave again. His grades plummeted. He saw kids he knew go to jail. A few died from drug overdose. When Andrew was 16 he quit school. He was on the streets, feeling horribly alone and suffering from paranoia. “I didn’t realize how ill I was.” When he dropped into the Youth Action Centre, the counsellors saw he needed medical help. With their assistance Andrew admitted himself to the Inpatient Mental Health program at LHSC. He was in the hospital for a month, adjusting to medications and learning how to care for his illness. “That’s a big part of being better, staying with the medication.” That was more than six years ago. Since then Andrew completed high school, earned his G2 license, secured employment as custodian at The Athletic Club and found an apartment that remains home. He volunteers with a mental health program at LHSC and is a speaker with Youth Insight. “Life” says Andrew “is so much better now.”

Andrew Minderlein





July 14, 2011 Steve Cordes, Execut ive Director

Summer job experience yields big rewards for high school student Sharon Landry, co-owner of Village Harvest Bakery believes that every youth has the potential to succeed. Five years ago she hired Eric Belanger through the Summer Jobs for Youth program. Eric was struggling in high school, largely due to literacy issues. “His phone etiquette was exceptional. He loved baking and wanted to learn,” recalls Sharon. “He just needed help with reading and writing. When you hire a young person you’re making an investment in their life. It’s enormously satisfying to see them gain skills and confidence and make plans.” While Eric worked at the bakery his literacy skills improved, he discovered he loved to bake and he began to make plans for his future. When he returned to school in the fall he applied for and was hired at Burger King. He’s now manager at one of the locations and keeps in touch with Sharon. It doesn’t surprise her that Eric’s sights are now set on culinary arts at George Brown in Toronto. “He has what it takes to succeed.”

About Summer Jobs for Youth & Summer Jobs ServiceSummer Jobs for Youth provides youth 15 to 18 who have little to no job experience with a six week placement with an employer fully paid by YOU. Funding is through the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. YOU provides pre-employment and post-employment training and selects youth eligible for the program. Youth attend a Career Fair in early June where employers are able to select their youth employees for the summer.

Summer Jobs Service provides a $2 an hour wage subsidy to employers hiring a student. Funding for this successful program is provided by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. Students must be between 15 to 30, in school and returning to school in the fall. Students are available to work either May through August (Post-Secondary) or July through August (High School). YOU currently has 115 employers and is adding more. So far 435 youth have been hired through the program this summer. The number could go as high as 500. Employers interested in hiring through the program next year are welcome to contact the Student Services Facilitator at YOU as early as January, 2012.

Chantale Wright, 19, loves her job. Three years ago Sharon Landry, co-owner of Village Harvest Bakery hired the high school student through the YOU Summer Jobs for Youth program. The work involved baking, customer service, inventory and “most anything involved with the business,” said Sharon. For Chantale, who had dreams of enrolling in the Culinary Management Apprenticeship program at Fanshawe College, the summer job with the Bakery was perfect, leading to full time employment with the Bakery once summer had ended. In September Chantale enters year two of the Apprenticeship program. She has high praise for her employer. “Sharon is a mentor. She shows you how to do things, makes sure you understand, is always happy to pass along what she knows and gives you freedom to make mistakes.” Her dream now is to be a pastry chef and open her own bakery. For her third year in the Apprenticeship program she’ll specialize in pastry. Sharon has no doubt Chantale will re alize her dream. “She’s a quick learner, hard worker, has a positive attitude and an innate curiosity.” Sharon first connected with YOU 14 years ago when the bakery needed commercial recycling. They tried YOU Made It Recycling and have remained customers every year since. Lately Village Harvest Bakery has added YOU’s Market Quality Preserves to its offerings. “YOU Is a great fit. The services and products are excellent, they do good work in the community and the youth they send us through Summer Jobs are a pleasure to work with.”

Chantale Wright





Joy Cameron is in a good place. She’s in her second year of the Child and Youth Worker program at Fanshawe College with a special interest in homelessness and women’s issues. She recently attended the All Our Sisters conference at the London Convention Centre on behalf of the Youth Action Centre at YOU. The conference focused on homelessness, domestic violence and poverty and how it affects women. “It was incredibly inspiring” says Joy. Life was not always so good. At 17, Joy left home because of “messy family dynamics”. For years she’d suffered from clinical depression, diagnosed when in grade eight. Grade nine was thestart of self harm. It took Joy seven years to finish high school. At 19 she went off her medication and was soon hospitalized for depression and suicidal thoughts. It was the turning point. “I thought I could deal with my issues by myself. I couldn’t.” She credits the help she’s received - from a friend who urged her to go to the hospital, to the Youth Action Centre, to the Mental Health Crisis Line and to Daya Counselling. Always there is Joy’s faith, which she calls the root of her resiliency. “I hold onto my faith, to those truths.” She’s learned that going off her medication is not an option. There is however no one solution. For Joy it is the sum of the parts. “It’s community.” Joy, 23, is now experiencing the positive power of public speaking. As a Youth Insight team member at YOU, Joy shares her story with schools and businesses. “I know what it means to be helped and I’m grateful that I can now help others.”

A Community of Care – May is Mental Health Month

Following are some of the mental health supports available in London and area.

• The London-Middlesex Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association is part of a national organization that promotes the mental health of all and supports the resiliency and recovery of those experiencing mental illness. 519-434-9191.

• London Mental Health Crisis Service offers help for any experiencing a mental health crisis, or any with someone in crisis. 519-433-2023.

• Youth Action Centre (YAC) is a program of Youth Opportunities Unlimited, funded by the United Way of London & Middlesex. YAC is a resource and referral drop-in centre for youth 16-24 years. 519-434-6500.

• Daya Counselling Centre provides counselling and education programs that respect an individual’s spiritual nature. 519-434-3370.

• Youth Insight is a YOU program funded by United Way of London & Middlesex in which audience members hear youth tell their stories of resiliency. Youth speakers do public presentations throughout London. 519-432-1112.

• mindyourmind.ca is a web based service for those who may be struggling and coping with the challenges in their lives.

• Search Community Mental Health Services in Strathroy provides innovative, responsive and client-centred services founded on the values of care and respect. 519- 245-0120.

May 19, 2011

Joy Cameron

Steve Cordes, Execut ive Director






Next Wave Youth Centre Opens Doors Next Wave Youth Centre in Strathroy holds special meaning for Josh Huard. “It’s where my path to a better future began” says Josh.Last year the 21 year old father of two was unemployed and on Ontario Works. He was looking for work in manufacturing but with no direct experience and only a high school education, doors were closed. Then he remembered while in high school staff from Next Wave spoke with students about the Centre’s programs and services. The timing was right. The Break into Business program at Next Wave was starting a new session and it provided the training, skills and certifications to build Josh’s confidence and improve his resume. Josh received certifications in WHMIS, Serve Excellence and Passport to Safety. He attended workshops on how to market and run your own business and he met new people who helped him to see opportunities. One was Brian Chalmers of The Business Help Centre A Community Futures Development Corporation of Middlesex County. “If I needed guidance or to talk with someone about difficulties” said Josh,” the Next Wave team was there for me and for every youth who came through the door.” Aftergraduating from Break into Business, Josh was hired full time by Meridian Technologies to test transmission parts. Now Josh looksahead with optimism. He hopes to be eligible for a promotion and family times are better. “Next Wave” says Josh “changed my life.”

More on Next Wave - a Program of Youth Opportunities Unlimited

• After a successful run last year with the Strathroy-Caradoc Living show, the big red Rogers mobile will set up once again in downtown Strathroy, right in front of Next Wave. The new show, Inside Strathroy-Caradoc, will feature interviews with business owners, community members and focus on stories and events important to Strathroy residents. Anna Szczuka, Public Relations Officer at Next Wave Youth Centre, returns as program host. The show will air on the Rogers-Strathroy network beginning in May.

• The 34th Annual Turkey Festival brings fun and entertainment to downtown Strathroy. The June 17-19 event features rides, activities for the entire family, delicious food and a car show. A fashion show on June 18 will feature local celebrities modeling clothing donated by local merchants. Youth from Next Wave’s Break into Business program will help downtown businesses with their activities including barbeques and sports events.

YOU Events and you!

• You’re invited to our Annual Celebration. This warm hearted gathering takes place Thursday, June 23 at the London Convention Centre from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Doors open at 3 pm. RSVP by June 17 to [email protected]

• Registration is open for Reach The Beach Races. YOU is the charity of choice for this fun 5k and 2.5 k run and walk in Port Stanley at G.T.s. To register and pledge visit www.newbalancelondon.com then click Events. To be an event sponsor or donate items for race kits please contact Tracy Hillman [email protected]

April 27, 2011

Josh Huard






Aboutown Transportation Praises Youth Employees Three years ago Angela Renwick was living with her young son at The Cornerstone. The affordable housing provided the stability mother and son needed. “I don’t know what I would have done without it” says Angela. “I owe our health and safety to YOU.” In October, 2009 Angela applied for a job in Customer Service with Aboutown Transportation and was hired by Susan Britt, Manager, Airbus and Charter Division. Around that time Angela transitioned from The Cornerstone to a larger apartment elsewhere. “Life is good, really good. I love my job. I love my apartment. I love helping people.”

Susan saw “tremendous potential” in Angela. “She certainly did not disappoint. Angela has a great work ethic and a great outlook.” Recently Susan and Aboutown colleagues held a surprise baby shower for Angela who was expecting her second and about to go on maternity leave. The shower was complete with decorated boardroom, cake, presents and a very surprised Angela. “We all miss her and can’t wait until she’s back.” Vicky Giannousopoulos is another Abouttown employee who came through YOU. “When we have job postings we’ll be happy to see any of the YOU kids - anytime. It’s a pleasure to work with them.”

The Cornerstone (332 Richmond St. at York St.) is currently under renovation. On completion in September, 2011 the three-storey building will be a national prototype in providing extensive holistic services and supports for local youth in the areas of affordable housing, health and nutrition, alternative education, mentorship, counselling, skills development and employment opportunities. The Cornerstone would not exist without the generous funders who have made this re-development possible:

Andersen Corporate Foundation - City of London - Community Enhancement Fund of the Western Fair - Government of Canada - Government of Ontario - Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure - Ontario Trillium Foundation - Sifton Family Foundation - The Home Depot Canada Foundation - Walter J. Blackburn Foundation - Westminster College Foundation If you would like to support The Cornerstone please contact [email protected]

March 24, 2011

Being All You Can Be Kalan Pereira has a tattoo on his chest. It is one word. Change. That one word speaks volumes about this young man. In little more than a year Kalan has become a father of two, given up partying and drinking, found a “decent place to live” where he can be near his son and girlfriend, completed the YES program at YOU to gain job skills training with YOU Made It, “got off welfare”, attended anger management classes so he can be a better role model for his children, graduated from the SPARK program, discovered he likes helping others and is thinking of going to Fanshawe College. “I have begun to understand who I am.” Kalan is 20. He says it’s hard to be a parent at his age. “It’s a lot to deal with.” There are three things that keep him focused. “I love my girlfriend. I love my children. As long as I have a job it’s ok.” Not having a job is the worst. “I’ve been there and I don’t want to go back. You’re on welfare with no good place to live. You hang around with other people who hang around. It’s as if you have no future.” Kalan believes in doing things for yourself and being responsible. Still, he appreciates it when someone lends a helping hand. He was out of work without supports for nine months before his first child was born. The Salvation Army suggested he contact YOU. “Everyone at YOU made me feel so welcome. They helped with programs, work, food, baby formula, clothes and even Christmas presents. I couldn’t believe it. I appreciate the help so much. Now I tell young people, ‘Go to YOU. Get your life back on track. Take that first step to help yourself.” His YOU programs end soon and Kalan will be looking for a full-time job.

Kalan Pereira


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