NEWS AND UPDATES

FROM EVAS INITIATIVES

and teaches essential skills such as team work and perseverance. Immediately after a recreational outing, we see significantly fewer arguments and physical altercations in the shelter and a marked increase in participation in our health and wellness workshops, discussion groups and individual counseling sessions. Recreation also teaches our youth how to relax and manage stress without using drugs or alcohol, and instills a lifelong relationship with fitness, sports and a love of the outdoors. Continued on page 5

FALL & WINTER 2009

HEALING ON THE GRAND RIVER

Far too often, recreation and leisure are overlooked as essential components to the health and well-being of youth. At Evas Satellite, we recognize both the short and long-term benefits of offering youth opportunities to grow, learn and heal through physical fitness, sports, outdoor adventures and the arts. Many of the youth that stay at Evas Satellite are not only facing the trauma of living without a home, they are also struggling with substance use and mental health issues. Recreation offers a welcome respite from stress, anxiety and uncertainty

SATELLITE
NOW OPEN
On November 16th Satellite finally opened its doors to youth. It has been a long time in coming, but the youth now have much improved living conditions and a wider variety of programs.

Youth participating in a breakdancing workshop in the gym on the first night of operations at the new Satellite

WHATS INSIDE
Message from the ED and President 2 Evas Phoenix updates Evas Place updates Evas Satellite updates National Initiatives updates Evas Friends 2009 Event Summary 3 4 5 6 7 8

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Satellite staff and youth ready for their adventure

SEE MORE PHOTOS INSIDE

www.phoenixprintshop.ca

www.evasinitatives.com

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DENT GREETINGS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PRESIchallenges the

As we enter into the final quarter of the year, we do so by reviewing year. The of the past year, and assessing the demands that lie ahead in the coming d down to global financial crisis that pervaded the past year has finally trickle of this charitable organizations, and we are now directly experiencing the impact crisis that began over a year ago.

bly the While donations are down, the demand for service is up. Most noticea is number of youth struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues go far increasing at an alarming rate. The responses needed for these youth net a little beyond the resources of a shelter, and as such we have had to cast our to adequately broader in an attempt to secure the supports and resources required site clinic respond to these needs. We are very excited to soon be opening our on significant, at the new Evas Satellite facility. While construction delays have been c the facility will open by the time you read this, and as a result of a dynami time) new Partnership with Inner City Health Associates, a clinic, staffed (part While by a psychiatrist and a physician will be available to the youth we serve. to date, all the resources necessary to operate the clinic have not been secured provide the establishment of the clinic is a monumental achievement, and will desperately needed services to those youth most in need.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS David St. Amand, President Heather Brown, Vice-President Colin Phillips, Treasurer Maya Dansereau, Secretary Ken Silver, Past President DIRECTORS Michael Cossar Patricia Gloudon Jane Haberbusch Dustin Hill Rob Myers Jennifer Ocampo-King Saurabh Rastogi Kathryn Ross David Shiner Emree Siaroff Adrienne Simic HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Ed Smith Edeva Smith Maria Crawford, Ex-officio EVAS INITIATIVES TELEPHONE NUMBERS HEAD OFFICE 416-977-4497 EVAS PLACE 416-441-1414 EVAS SATELLITE 416-642-1533 EVAS PHOENIX 416-364-4716

on the Buzz With the new Satellite completed, construction has now commenced resources Hargrove Youth Training Centre at Evas Phoenix. The expanded training access to that will be provided at the Centre will enable even more youth to gain nity. We the skills and experience needed to succeed independently in the commu look forward to a grand opening in the spring/summer of 2010. mental Evas Place continues to serve an ever increasing number of youth with . These critical health issues, and to break ground in the Family Reconnect Program nities across programs are currently being reviewed for replication in other commu the country. become more These truly are exciting, yet daunting times. The services we deliver of the winter crucial with every passing month, and even more so with the onset needs of the weather soon to be upon us. We are preparing to meet the anticipated ever. We could year ahead. It is a year where we will need your support more than in our work. not have made all the advances we have without you and your belief year. We hope you will continue to be there for homeless youth in the coming

Maria Crawford Executive Director

David St. Amand President

our mission

To work collaboratively with homeless and at-risk youth to help them reach their potential to lead productive, self-sufficient and healthy lives by providing safe shelter and a range of services. We create long-term solutions for homeless youth by developing and implementing proactive and progressive services.

2 | News and Updates from Evas Initiatives | Fall 2009

Eva's Phoenix is a transitional housing and training facility. It provides housing for 50 youth for up to one year and training and apprenticeship opportunties for 160 youth per year.

THE VERONICAS AT PHOENIX

THE PRINT SHOP GRADUATION

The Phoenix Print Shop held its 6th Annual Graduation Ceremony on August 20th. The Graduation celebrates the achievements of Phoenix Print Shop participants and allows youth to maximize professional development and networking opportunities. It also publicly recognizes key contributors such as donors, customers, volunteers and staff members. This was the first year that graduates from every year have been present. We would like to thank Bombardier for their sponsorship of the Graduation Ceremony and our annual Design Competition. Twenty-one youth received their Foundations of Print certificates, granted upon completion of the 14 week program. The dedication and commitment of these youth is inspiring. Ten individuals received the Phoenix Print Shop Graduation certificate because they have worked in the field or have been in school for a minimum of six months after completing the program.

Award winning electro pop-rock duo from Australia The Veronicas - were in Toronto on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, to lend their support to Virgin Mobile Canadas Re*Generation Program. Re*Generation works to empower a generation to help its own. Virgin Mobile and Virgin Unite, the charitable arm of the Virgin group of companies, generously supports Evas Initiatives. Before the show the Veronicas dropped by Evas Phoenix for a tour and a chance to meet some of the youth. They were so moved by what they saw that after the tour they graciously offered to do an impromptu acoustic mini-concert for the youth. Everyone was enthralled. Autographs, CDs and t-shirts followed and no one wanted the visit to end. All proceeds from the ticket sales for this show went to the RE*generation movement to help young people get off the streets, back on their feet, and on the road to bigger, brighter futures.

A graduate.

This was the second year for our Long-term Achievement Award, given to graduates who have worked and/or gone to school for a minimum of FIVE years! Since graduating Brient Berko has worked with Heidelberg Canada, Transcontinental, and is now full-time with The Printing House. Ewart Raymond, graduate of Seneca College Graphic Design, is a freelance designer and is also full-time with The Printing House. A new scholarship for this year is the TELUS Scholarship for Excellence in Wide Format Printing. Won by recent graduate Stephanie Grant, this award is connected to TELUS generous sponsorship of our Wide Format Printing equipment. A highlight of the event was having past participants return as speakers. This year Tazneem Goddard shared her experiences as a program participant and about working in the field after. It is important for the broader Print Shop community to hear firsthand how graduates are thriving in their careers and have found successful work/life balance.

CROSSFIT PARTNERSHIP By Ashley Holland

CrossFit is a health and conditioning methodology that embodies principles that can be best compared to the martial art traditions: hard work, self-empowerment and strength. Lifelong friends Dhani Oks and Sohail Bastani fulfilled a dream by opening a CrossFit affiliated gym in West Toronto. But starting a business in a tough economic climate presented many challenges. However, with strength from hard lessons in the gym and outside-of-the-box ingenuity, weakness presented an opportunity for strength. CrossFit is not just a place to lift weights, but is a community club house with members interacting and forming deep bonds while exchanging stories, ideas, emails and business relationships. Believing the gym to be a positive contributor to the community, an idea took place in the minds of Dhani and Sohail. They knew that the people who could stand to benefit the most from CrossFit were generally the ones who had no access to it due to finance or circumstances. A partnership with Evas was created and a new-wave operational model was created. The goal of the partnership is to instill lifelong habits of fitness, nutrition, education and entrepreneurship in youth participants while accessing their energy and talent to help sustain and contribute to a new small business. The growth of the business relies on the contributions of the youth. Opportunities for employment and education at the gym range from fitness training to administration to marketing and design.

Fall 2009 | News and Updates from Evas Initiatives | 3

EVENTS AT PLACE
OPEN HOUSE & WORLD YOUTH DAY
On Wed August 12, 2009 Evas Place held its first Open House, celebrating 15 years of service to youth in our city. The event coincided with International Youth Day, a celebration of the contributions young people make and a recognition of their importance as the leaders of tomorrow. With this in mind, the youth at Evas Place were involved in all aspects of the planning and the execution of the days activities. There were tours of the facility led by youth, the decorations were crafted by them, and they played a large part in the preparation of all the food that was enjoyed by the many guests from the community who attended the celebration. One of the highlights of the day was the participation of law students from Cassels Brock Law Firm who spent the morning working with the youth on various activities. Their involvement concluded with a cheque presentation to Evas for $2,000. They raised these funds to support our Independent Living Program. After the community open house, the youth had their own celebration at the shelter in the form of a Hawaiian Party. There was, of course, lots of food and interactive games which were enjoyed by all. We look forward to celebrating World Youth Day again in 2010.

Eva's Place is a 32-bed emergency shelter that is often the first stop for youth who become homeless. It is home to the groundbreaking Family Reconnect Program as well as the Independent Living Program.

CHRISS STORY by Nancy Abrams, Supervisor, Family Reconnect Program

In 2006, Chris came to Evas Place. He and his mother, step father and 3 sisters emigrated from South Africa 2 years prior. Chris had always struggled in school and his parents viewed his academic difficulties as laziness and had even considered leaving him in South Africa with his biological father with whom he had no relationship. Reluctantly they included him in their move to Canada. The family settled in Toronto and Chriss school problems continued. His school placed him in a specialized learning program and worked closely with him to support his education. He was also diagnosed with a speech impediment. Chris started using drugs and his behaviours worsened. His step father forced him to leave the home and the school referred him to Evas Place. Evas Family Reconnect Program worked with Chris, his family and school staff to get him back home. Chris went home after 4 months in the shelter. He completed his school year and the family moved to Oakville. Although the school was willing to continue to work with him, his parents were insistent that he attend a high school in Oakville and that he did not need special school supports. Chris returned to Evas Place in April, 2009 having again been told to leave home. He had failed at school, living on his own and finding work. Once he lost his apartment he moved to the Salvation Armys Harbour Light Shelter in Oakville but could not find work. He chose to return to Toronto hoping for better employment opportunities. Chris was uncomfortable with his return to the shelter. Being small in stature he felt threatened by other youth. With the support of the Youth Job Network Centre Chris succeeded in finding full-time employment as a mechanic assistant in a one person auto service shop. Chris was pleased with this job having had a long time interest in becoming a mechanic. Every day Chris traveled to his job in south Scarborough from Evas Place but remained anxious. When 5 youth swarmed, threatened and robbed him and his roommate he immediately left. He chose to live in a motel room close to his job. Chris was willing to sacrifice three quarters of his salary to pay for this accommodation that had no fridge or cooking facilities. Chris accepted non perishable foods from us but lost 14 lbs. in 3 weeks. We were able to access long term co-op housing for Chris but unfortunately a bed was not available for 4 months. Chris refused to access another youth shelter and instead returned to live at the Harbour Light Shelter in Oakville where he felt safe and commuted 5 hours daily to and from his 9 hour a day job. Chris proved to be a hard worker and an enthusiastic learner. His employer agreed to apprentice him as a mechanic, paying for Chriss part-time apprentice program at Centennial College. Chris found a bachelor apartment close to his job and is now working Monday through Saturdays and is attending school 2 evenings a week.

Law students from Cassels Brock participated in activities and donated $2,000 to support the Independent Living Program

Chris contacted his family, wanting to be with them and share all the positive news in his life. He learned from his father that they are moving to Calgary. They do not want to see him and do not believe that he is employed and in college. This news is very painful for Chris. He feels abandoned and alone. His only relationships are with Evas Family Counsellors and his employer. Chris is hopeful that he will develop relationships with peers at school and that he will continue to build a healthier, more stable life for himself within his community.

4 | News and Updates from Evas Initiatives | Fall 2009

Eva's Satellite is a 32 bed shelter and is often the final option for homeless youth. Its innovative programming is based on a Harm Reducation model and it is the only shelter of its kind.

A FRESH START continued from page 1

With the generous support of our funders, we have been able to provide an unprecedented variety and depth of recreational activities ranging from an eight day canoe trip in the wilderness, to a relaxing yoga class at a nearby community centre. Our youth have had the opportunity to participate in tree-top trekking adventures, bowling, white-water rafting, rock climbing, basketball games with the staff, badminton tournaments and at the end of this month, a group will be learning how to do the flying trapeze! Nick, one of Satellites youth, has been at our shelter since July and participated in almost all of the recreational activities we have offered. Nick has been homeless on and off since he was 15 years old. Now 23, he is looking to heal from the past and move on to a brighter future. The recreation activities at Satellite have been life changing for Nick, offering him an escape from the stress of living in a shelter, opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, develop self-esteem and get away from drugs. After the eight day canoe trip, Nick said he felt more relaxed, happier and as though he had a fresh start. Nick has just graduated from our Peer Training program and will be working in our shelter offering peer support and guidance. He has also recently been hired by a local community health centre to do peer work in the community. The recreation program has also had a positive impact on the staff at Satellite, providing opportunities to see the youth in a different light and work together for a common goal. Meghan, a Youth Service Worker at Satellite, accompanies youth on a variety of recreational activities. Meghan writes: Just recently, eight of our youth, myself and another staff embarked on a white water rafting trip on the Grand River. It was a treat to get them out and away from the city and its noise. We did some really fun team building activities that allowed the youth to use their individual strengths, while working together as a team to meet a common goal. The river was calm and the trees were different colours, it was a beautiful experience. Evas looks forward to expanding the recreation program to soon include daily fitness classes, boxing, karate and yoga classes, music and dance. We look forward to seeing more smiles, more excitement and greater involvement.

2009 RECREATION PARTNERS >>>

Fall 2009 | News and Updates from Evas Initiatives | 5

national initiative
2009 AWARD WINNERS
Le Groupe communautaire LItinraire (Montreal) helps homeless youth reclaim their place in society and develop self esteem by participating in tangible projects. Le magDVD le 3e il aims to facilitate the social reintegration of street youth aged 18 to 30 years or those who are at risk of becoming street involved. www.3eoeil.com Laing House (Halifax) is a support centre for youth living with mental illness. It helps youth rebuild their lives and learn how to effectively manage their illness. The model is peer-to-peer interactive workshops led by young mental health consumers who are successfully navigating through life with a mental illness. www.lainghouse.org Parkland Youth Homes (Red Deer) is the only program of its kind in Red Deer, providing resources to youth who are outside of the mainstream and typically exist unnoticed and unheard of. Outreach workers advocate on behalf of the youth using the drop-in centre, thereby putting a spotlight on the existence of youth at-risk in Red Deer. www.parklandyouthhomes.ca The Awards for Innovation are sponsored by

Eva's National Initiatives Program helps build the capacity of community agencies working with homeless and at-risk youth in Canada

STREET TIES YOUTH OUTREACH, A PROFILE

A fire last spring destroyed the home of Street Ties Youth Outreach in Red Deer. This might have put a real damper on the 2009 CIBC sponsored Innovation Award winners celebration which was to take place a few weeks later. But with staff and community working together, the celebration took place at the municipal government building in downtown Red Deer, and as of mid September, Street Ties has relocated to a new home and is going stronger than ever. Street Ties began in 2000 as a street research project assessing the needs of young people, and particular those at risk of sexual exploitation. As a project of Parkland Youth Homes, Street Ties quickly evolved into an outreach project that made meaningful connections with youth on the street. Walking the streets of Red Deer, staff hand out basic supplies and essentials, and encourage youth to come to the drop-in centre. There, young people can see a nurse or an addictions counsellor, get referrals to other community agencies, have a shower or a snack, and most importantly connect with the staff who are the lifeblood of this program. The significance of the connection can not be over stated. When the drop-in re-opened, staff had been so busy painting and fixing up the space that they had not had a chance to advertise or announce the opening. But the day of the opening, a line up of young people were waiting outside word of mouth being the best recommendation. The final component of the Street Outreach program is the Art in the Park program which was introduced in 2006. Taking place on the lawn of Red Deers City Hall, the Art in the Park project has helped transform a space that was a source of conflict between the young people who wanted to hang out into an open and non-threatening environment that allows youth at-risk to engage in creative work, with local artists, side by side with other members of the community and children as young as five learning about and creating their own art. The solution to youth homelessness in Red Deer is opening up public spaces, and bringing youth at risk into contact with the rest of the community in a creative and dynamic way. It was an honour for Evas to recognize their work as one of the 2009 Innovation Award winners.

For what matters.

6 | News and Updates from Evas Initiatives | Fall 2009

EVAS FRIENDS
GEOSOFT
Phoenix is looking better than ever these days thanks to a little tlc from our friends at Geosoft. In October, 35 Geosoft employees planted indoor flowerbeds, prepared the outdoor garden for winter, painted and stained the townhouses, and even did some carpentry. In addition, they also donated many of the supplies and a delicious Portuguese themed lunch for all volunteers, staff and residents. Led by Tracy Porter, the volunteer outing was arranged by the Geosoft Donations Committee as one of the companys Geosoft Days. These are days where the corporation encourages their employees to get involved in helping the community in a direct way.

The experience was a fulfilling one for the members of the Geosoft team and it garnered much positive feedback. Geosoft CEO Tim Dobush commented that the opportunity to give our time to supporting a worthy cause like Evas Phoenix was personally rewarding and a great way to spend time with the Geosoft family.

Geosoft is a world leader in software and solutions for earth exploration and we are very grateful for their generosity. Thank you, Geosoft! Your contributions will have a significant impact on the lives of the youth at Evas Phoenix.

STANLEY PARK YARD SALE MACKENZIE FINANCIAL: DONOR AND SO MUCH MORE
By Robert Hurd It was a great day with Evas Initiatives and The Friends of Stanley Park joining forces to raise funds for our youth. The Friends of Stanley Park were very helpful in organizing the event, and we appreciate all of their hard work and dedication to our goal of creating opportunities for homeless youth. It was heart warming to see all the residents of 15 Stafford Street help by donating their boxes of treasures for the event. It was inspiring to see the community come out and support our youth. The youth from Evas Phoenix came and helped to clean up the park prior to the event. This was a very selfless act from the youth that showed their maturity and commitment to their community. This years yard sale was a great success and the beginning of a wonderful partnership with The Friends of Stanley Park. Were very excited about next years event!

From left to right: Rose DeVeyra, Ashley Holland from Evas Phoenix and Brad Offman presenting Mackenzie Financials 2009 contribution of $20,000 for the Mentorship Program.

Generously donating to Evas Mentorship program over the years, Mackenzie Financial and its staff have contributed $87,730 in cash and in-kind contributions. And the Partnership continues to grow. Mackenzie Financial volunteers could be seen helping to set up our Home for Life Auction this past May, assisting in the success of our signature event raising $130,000. Realizing that many of the youth who come to Evas emergency shelters, Place and Satellite, have very little in the way of winter wear, Mackenzie staff organized a Winter Coat Drive the first two weeks of

November. Collecting unisex top-quality waterproof coats and delivering them directly to our shelters for distribution is a great way for employees to get involved and know that they are making a significant difference. The person responsible for organizing the recent coat drive is Rose DeVeyra (pictured above). Rose can soon be found in the Evas Place kitchen leading a group of homeless youth in cooking basics. Evas is thrilled to work with Mackenzie Financial staff in 2010 and beyond to create opportunities for homeless youth.

Evas staff, Wendy Howze, at the yard sale

Fall 2009 | News and Updates from Evas Initiatives | 7

EVAS INITIATIVES 2009 EVENTS

Presenting Sponsor

Presented by

2009

HOME FOR LIFE is a home-themed auction experience. Guests stroll through Evas virtual home and bid on housewares, furniture, home improvement and garden accessories. A live auction features themed dinner parties, cottage and sailing adventures and private cooking and gardening lessons from celebrity experts. Funds raised support Evas Initiatives shelters and services for homeless youth.

Taste Matters is a taste of Toronto. Tour 10 wineries and sample fine food from around the globe presented by 10 of this Citys best kept secrets. Guests take a culinary trip around the world on one night under one roof. Experience great new wines and global tastes for Evas Initiatives.

RAISED $130,000 IN 2009

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

RAISED $96,000 IN 2009

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR

Outdoor Living Sponsor

Builders Reception Sponsor

VENUE SPONSOR
Design Sponsor Home Team Sponsor

FOOD STATION SPONSOR

Sustainable Spaces Sponsor Venue Sponsor

PROGRAM SPONSOR
Home Furnishings Sponsor Design Chairs

Green Living Sponsor

VINTAGES SPONSORS

LOOK OUT FOR THE BIGGER AND BETTER HOME FOR LIFE 2010 ON MAY 26 AT THE DIRECT ENERGY CENTRE.

MEDIA SPONSOR

Get your 2009 Holiday Cards NOW

Go to www.phoenixprintshop.ca
I hope not using my real name for Shooting Star doesnt take away how important the piece is. Growing upon the streets of Montreal things always had a way of not working out for me. Thats why after 10 years at immersing myself on the craft I love Ive never had the courage to show case my work. Which means Shooting Star is the first public showcase of my work. The endeavour is so being anonymous is a self preservation thing, you know? Comes from being a street rat I guess. I hope you like it. Anonymous

$18.50
plus shipping

for 8 cards and envelopes. Guaranteed delivery by December 8th if ordered by November 24th. All cards designed by youth graduates and sales benefit the artists and the Foundations of Print program.

Evas Initiatives 215 Spadina Ave. Suite 370 Toronto, ON M5T 2C7 416-977-4497 Charitable registration #: 132239013 RR0001

www.evasinitiatives.com