PHOENIX HELPING YOUTH RISE ABOVE

PHOENIX HELPING YOUTH RISE ABOVE

Amy arrived in Nova Scotia as a young mother escaping an abusive relationship. She wanted to work and pursue an education while being the best mom she could be. That s when Amy joined the Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre and Phoenix s Parent Support Program. There, Amy found more than just the basics she found the strength to rise up and reach for her future. Amy s story A stranger told me about Phoenix. They said, if you ever need help with anything, here is the address. I went, and it was like a hundred doors opened up after that. I m going to NSCC to finish some high school courses and get into the practical nursing program. I want to wake up every day and love my job. I want to help people. Whether it s big or small, it s all I want to do. Amy S. Rising from the ashes For centuries, the story of the Phoenix has come to be a symbol of change, resurrection and hope. In this mythic tale, a beautiful bird - the Phoenix is consumed in a great fire. Renewed and strengthened, the Phoenix rises from the ashes and soars into a brand new life. To us, the Phoenix represents our youth s ability to rise above adversity, and to find healthy and fulfilling lives. As a community, there is so much we can do to help vulnerable young people reach their potential, and to prevent others from finding themselves in unhealthy situations. Like the story of the Phoenix, we too can help youth rise above the challenges they face, to be successful, and to thrive. You can be a part of this transformation.

Steven entered Phoenix Youth Shelter feeling he had very few options in life. He was homeless and needed support. Now Steven is living at Phoenix House, while attending school and working. Steven is motivated, strong and positive about his future. Steven s story I didn t want to get involved with Phoenix at first, but I had no other choice. I was homeless and needed to be a part of something that would help me. I love Phoenix because it gave me the motivation to do the things I didn t want to do school and work now I m doing them both. The staff here are great. They make life easier because they re there to help you. That s why I m here because I wasn t able to help myself. They help me, and once they help me enough, I can start helping myself. Steven R. Safety, support and shelter At any given point in time Phoenix supports hundreds of kids. Our statistics show a steady increase in the need for our services and we expect this demand to continue. For example, in a local survey conducted in March 2005 called Homelessness: A Portrait of Streets and Shelters (Volume 2), approximately one out of three homeless individuals interviewed were under 24 years of age, a marked increase from the survey conducted the previous year. Most often these are young people who feel they have nowhere else to turn. These kids, with such great potential, simply need the benefit of support and opportunities that the rest of us may have always taken for granted.

Mallorie joined the Phoenix Special Initiatives Program five years ago and has worked to change her life ever since. From the Phoenix Youth Shelter, to her own apartment, to dreams of working with children in Africa, Mallorie knows her potential is unlimited. Mallorie s story I ve learned that anyone can do whatever they want. I wanted to work with kids my whole life and now I see different opportunities out there - something that s going to impact a lot of people. I know I want to do something bigger. I want to go to Africa and help the kids over there. I want to challenge myself every day with something new. There s just so much you can do out there. I want to do something that s going to change the world. I want to do something major. Mallorie B. Three years ago, Dwayne arrived in Halifax in the hope of finding better employment. With no place to live and no family support, he turned to Phoenix. Today, Dwayne has his own apartment and is participating in an entrepreneurial program with a plan to open his own restaurant. Dwayne s story Phoenix made a big difference in my life because there are times when you feel that you are not accepted even within your own self. My parents are in Ontario so I didn t have anyone to turn to. But I knew I could go to the phone book and look for Phoenix. There is always someone to talk to. Not only that, I can go there and meet with a worker and gain information for my own well-being. That makes a huge difference. Dwayne I. Breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness Phoenix believes in long term solutions and in giving young people the skills and confidence they need to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. This is accomplished through a range of programs and services that help youth transition from a place of need, to a place of healthy independence. We provide many innovative programs - from safe and comfortable shelter, to supportive counseling and employment coaching. Although every youth s journey is different, each and every one is looking for a sense of belonging, guidance and a chance to succeed. We are proud of our youth s accomplishments. Through support and participation in our programs, Phoenix youth achieve amazing successes each and every day! You can be a part of this success.

Lauren knows the reality of rising from the ashes, having experienced an abusive childhood and the harshness of being young and homeless. Lauren joined Phoenix almost two years ago, living first at the House and graduating into our Supervised Apartment Program. Lauren s story Sometimes people have a stereotype of what a person living in a group home should be. But I m not that stereotype. I m a person. I realize that life takes you where you want it to take you and that s where I am now. Lauren O. Our story In the mid 1980 s, a small group of concerned citizens saw a lack of support for homeless youth in the community and were determined to address the issue. Over 20 years later, Phoenix is recognized across the country for our innovative continuum of ten programs and services supporting at-risk and homeless youth aged 12-24. Phoenix Prevention Program Offers community education and therapeutic intervention for at-risk youth and their families. Phoenix Centre for Youth Provides support services such as counseling, advocacy, food, clothing and laundry facilities plus access to a telephone and computer. Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC) Matches youth with the most appropriate educational or employment opportunities available. Phoenix Parent Support Program Provides young moms and dads with access to workshops and counseling, as well as baby-care items and food. Phoenix Youth Shelter A twenty-bed facility offering clothing, food and other daily essentials plus counseling and therapeutic support. Phoenix House A ten-bed long-term residential facility offering safe, supportive housing for youth learning skills for independent living. Phoenix Supervised Apartment Program Three independent homes providing a long-term, supportive living situation for youth learning skills needed for independent living. Phoenix Health Services Offers comprehensive on-site health care at Phoenix Youth Shelter, Phoenix Centre for Youth and Phoenix House. Phoenix Special Initiatives (SPIN) Develops youth s skills through activities that reflect the interests and talents of the youth. Phoenix Follow-Up Program Offers on-going support to clients with whom we have a longstanding relationship.

Five years ago, John arrived in Nova Scotia looking for a fresh start for his new family. Today, John is a proud and dedicated member of the Phoenix Fathers Program. John s story When I found out I was going to be a dad, I was so happy. I had a smile on my face from ear-to-ear for a week. I showed up every Wednesday to the Phoenix Fathers Program. It was awesome. Getting fathers together actually brought the parent out in us. At first, when we all showed up, we acted like typical guys, trying to be hard and trying to be cool. But then we all sat down together and got real. It was nice to see guys get sappy talking about their kids. I m one of those kids who grew up without a father s influence, so I like to see fathers paying attention to their children or their step-children. I think they need more courses like that to encourage positive fatherhood. John C. You can help youth rise above Phoenix is challenged every day to cover the rising cost of staffing, food, heating, maintenance and other daily essentials. But we know it is a worthy investment - our youth s success stories are proof of that. While we are grateful for the on-going and meaningful support we receive from government, we must turn to people like you to help offset the remaining costs of our programs. Your support can help youth rise above the many challenge they face in their lives. Be it a need for shelter and food, or education and job skills, you will know that you have helped a young person change their path in life. There are many fun and rewarding ways to help. Volunteer with one of our programs, become a donor, attend one of our signature events, or hold your own special activity in support of Phoenix. It all helps.

Thanks to Phoenix, Robert was able to finish high school and go on to university. Today, with his diploma in hand, Robert is building a life and career. Robert s story I want to tell our donors thank you thank you very much. Without you, these programs would not exist. It s one thing to start a program like Phoenix, but it s another to keep it going, so kids like me can have a chance to succeed. I want to thank you all because if it wasn t for you, I wouldn t have a place to live, I wouldn t have my high school diploma and, most of all, I wouldn t have my university degree. Robert P. Accolades & Awards Phoenix is recognized across the country as a leader in best practices for programming and ground-breaking initiatives in our work with at-risk and homeless youth. one of the top ten Best Practices Addressing Homelessness in Canada. to homeless persons in Canada, the United States, Australia and Europe. resourcefulness in the Supervised Apartment Program (our long-term independent living residence). Atlantic Canada. The VSI is a joint initiative to strengthen the capacity of the voluntary sector and to enhance the relationship between the Sector and the Government of Canada. Chair of the Advisory Committee on the development of core competencies designed to fortify the not-for-profit sector.

Thank You We are grateful to the hundreds of individuals, service clubs, companies, foundations, schools and churches who share passionately in our belief that all youth deserve the opportunity to live healthy, happy, independent lives. Special thanks is extended to the people and businesses who donated their time and skills in the creation of this beautiful report. Thank you for giving Phoenix, and the youth with whom we have the privilege of working, an opportunity to share our stories. BROCHURE CREDITS: Darrell Munro Balance Creative Communications Inc. Iain MacLeod Iain MacLeod Creative Services James Ingram Jive Photographic Beth Durham Photographer s Assistant Amanda O Leary Make-Up Artist Jim Murphy Maritime Digital Colour

PHOENIX 6035 Coburg Road PO Box 60006 RPO, Professional Centre Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada B3H 4R7 PH (902) 422-3105 FAX (902) 422-7656 phoenix@phoenixyouth.ca www.phoenixyouth.ca PHOENIX