News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Autumn 2007 ~ 7

Eva’s has led the development and implementation of a forum throughwhich innovative agencies working with homeless youth across Canadacan collaborate. The thirteen members of the National LearningCommunity on Youth Homelessness first met in November 2006, andhave been working together ever since to actively share our bestpractices and to collaborate in the following areas:

1) EVALUATION – Learning Community members share effectiveapproaches to program evaluation, as well as how the multitude ofsuccesses experienced by youth in our programs is measured.

2) YOUTH ENGAGEMENT – Research has proven that when youth findreal meaning through their involvement in our programs, they aremore likely to stay engaged and be productive. Learning Communitymembers are working on a Manual that will be widely disseminatedthat will cover subjects such as why engaging homeless and at-riskyouth is a critical element of any effective program model, and tipson how to do it well.

3) STAFF DEVELOPMENT – Finding and retaining qualified staff is achallenge in our sector, and a young person’s relationship with staff isa critical factor in their ability to move forward in their lives. InCanada, organizations often specialize in one or more program areassuch as employment training, literacy, mental health and addictions,based on the needs of youth in their region. To share thisorganizational knowledge and expertise, and to invest in the skilldevelopment of our staff teams and the capacity of our organizationsto effectively address emerging needs, Learning Community membershave developed a national Staff Exchange Program. We are delightedthat Great-West Life, London Life, and Canada Life have joined us as afunding partner for this exciting program.

By working together as a national sector, and learning from each other,we are better able to meet the needs of homeless and at-risk youth inour own communities, which is a benefit to all Canadians.

NATIONAL UPDATE

NATIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY ON YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

Thursday, June 7th, 2007 the 9th Annual Spring Fantasy Auctionpresented by Scotia Capital once again took over the historic St.Lawrence Hall in Toronto.

Throughout the evening, spectacular home and garden, travel,adventure and culinary delights packages were sold in both live andsilent auctions. Patrons enjoyed a sumptuous dinner buffet, greatentertainment and spirited competition for many of our outstandingitems. This year’s auction raised a record $92,000 to support ourthree youth shelters, which help over 2300 youth each year.

This tremendous success was made possible by the generosity of thebusinesses and guests that supported the auction, as well as theincredible team of volunteers that made it all happen. New this yearwas a grand prize raffle for a trip for two to Europe courtesy ofAeroplan. The raffle raised over $6,000 and was won by Charlene andJeremy O’Connor.

This year’s auction had a distinct home and garden theme, thanks inlarge part to the generous donations from Union Lighting andFurnishings! The popularity of the home furnishings, home décor andgarden packages has inspired us to build on this theme and make itan even more prominent part of our offerings next year.

2008 will feature a new venue big enough to accommodate moreguests and more home and garden packages and will be the 10thSpring Fantasy Auction so we will set our fundraising goal a bithigher still and with the help of our patrons and sponsors we hopeto raise $100,000!

We extend thanks to our sponsors who made the2007 Spring Fantasy Auction possible:

MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT

As the summer winds to its inevitable end and images of Thanksgiving, Halloween and yes, even Christmas creep in to

the daily deluge of advertising, I am saddened by the ever-growing number of youth who don’t have a family to share

these holidays with. Family time and celebrations are something most of us look forward to and treasure. For our youth

that’s just not the reality.

But I am encouraged by the growing number of people who are concerned and who care and want to help our youth. Not

a week goes by without someone new joining Eva’s as a supporter and making a point of telling us what a great

organization Eva’s is. Teams of volunteers come to the shelters to repair, paint or build. People donate monthly or

annually gifts of $10 to $100,000. Others still hold raffles, dress-down days, garage sales and all manner of events to

help raise funds. Caring companies sponsor and buy tickets to our events. And some go that extra distance to help us

grow and expand our services so that no young person will have to be alone, any day of the year.

News of Eva’s excellent programs spreads by word of mouth so youth tell more youth where to go and get help. The

Independent Living, Mentorship and Family Reconnect Programs all report an increase in the number of youth who need

their services. And employment counsellors could work 24 hours a day

helping youth find meaningful employment and the skills needed to hold

on to a job, if we had the resources.

So the future at Eva’s is looking hopeful as we head in to our busiest time

of year. I know it’s been said many times in many ways but we really want

to thank those who give – every gift of time and money makes a difference.

Maria Crawford, Executive Director

Ken Silver, President, Board of Directors Ken SilverMaria Crawford

2 ~ News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Autumn 2007

EVA’S INITIATIVESBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ken Silver, PresidentDavid St. Amand, Vice-PresidentJennifer Ocampo-King, Secretary

Colin Phillips, Treasurer

Directors:Heather Brown, Chair, HR

Michael CossarJean-Paul Brown

Ettie DawkinsNicholas W. Dureault

Patricia Gloudon, Chair, NominationsJane Haberbusch

Councillor David Shiner

Honorary Board Members:Ed Smith

Edeva Smith

EVA’S INITIATIVES’ MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Eva’s Initiatives is 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.

PRINTED IN THE PHOENIX PRINT SHOP Designer: Randal Boutilierat 12thirteen

WISH LISTEvery gift makes a difference! If you have a new or gently used household item youcan give please call Eva’s Place 416-441-1414, Eva’s Satellite 416-229-1874 ext 241

or Eva’s Phoenix 416-364-4716 ext 223 or donate@evas.ca.

We can always use:- household supplies- new sheet sets- new bedding- books- art supplies- computer for resident use

- small appliances forcooking programs,electric fry pan, griddle,food processor etc.

- dishes, pots and pans- furnishings

- running shoesfor residents(new or gently used)

- cleaning supplies- paper products- DVDs

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EVA’S PHOENIX

PHOENIX PRINT SHOP GRADUATIONThe Phoenix Print Shop Annual Graduation Event was held this pastJune 21st at Eva’s Phoenix. Two graduates, Ali Mohammed and TishLusigi, were the masters of ceremony. Both Ali and Tish also serve onour Board of Advisors. It was a great opportunity to celebrate ouryouths’ incredible achievements, with 10 Foundations of PrintRecipients, 15 Graduate Certificate Recipients, 5 Scholarship recipients,and one Perseverance Award Recipient. Over 80 guests were inattendance, including present and past graduates. We were thrilled tohave at least one youth volunteering from every graduating year sincethe program began in 2002.

Two class representatives gavespeeches: Arlene Cardoso, aFoundations of Print Recipient,and John Russell, a GraduationCertificate Recipient. BrianEllis, Director of Marketing forHeidelberg Canada presentedthe certificates, along withJames Downham, President andCEO of the Packaging Association of Canada.

The Graduation event included the awarding of prizes for the DesignCompetition, held yearly, which invited homeless and at-risk youth inToronto to submit designs for a Holiday Card.

The ceremony concluded with an inspiring speech by Aaron Vassell, apast graduate and member of the Board of Advisors. Aaron works in theindustry and studies part- time at Ryerson. The Graduationdemonstrates how the program helps youth realize their potential andis also a way for youth to reconnect with their parents. One graduatereconnected with his father, after not having had any contact for overthree years. Another graduate used it as a chance to show her motherthat she has achieved real change in her life, and hopes that this willincrease their trust in her. With increased program efforts and thegrowth of the business, we look forward to an even bigger graduationclass next year, with more stories to celebrate.

News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Autumn 2007 ~ 3

Arlene Cardoso, receives Foundations of Print Awardat 2007 Print Shop Graduation

John Russell Graduation Certificate recipient,speaks at 2007 Print Shop Graduation

Jessie Kelly is a Print Shop Graduate

“It’s a great event and verymeaningful for the kids.Congratulations to you andthe entire Phoenix team.”

James D DownhamPresident & CEO

Packaging Association of Canada

PRINT SHOP GRADS READY FOR WORKEva’s Phoenix Print Shop was an amazing experience for us. Weare leaving both job-ready and career-ready. Graduation was agreat chance to see the positive impact that the Print Shop hashad on our lives. We all got to share our pride and joy. It was agreat opportunity to spend time with highly motivated peoplewho share in the same success.

I felt the Print Shop Grad was the Phoenix Print Shop’s way ofrecognizing and appreciating our hard work, dedication, andmotivation to be successful in printing and pursuing a careerfurther. It was astonishing to see the number of people whoactively support the Print Shop Program.

Alexis and Taz, Phoenix Print Shop Graduates June 07

“I was delighted to attend your graduation ceremony, and a bigthank you to you and your students for the gracious hospitality.The enthusiasm and pride of their accomplishments was evidentfrom the moment I walked in the door, and you are to be heartilycongratulated for what you have, and are continuing to achieve.”

Vladimir Haltigin,Program Manager, Xerox Canada Ltd.

LEARNING TO LISTENBy Kym Maclaren

Three months ago, I first met my “protégé.” Like any realrelationship, it has taken us time to get to know each other. We’vehad dinner, gardened, seen fireworks, laughed at comedy, hung outaround the barbecue, explored Kensington, and most of all, talked.Initially, our talks were easy and light, about how our days had gone,funny things that had happened, plans we had. Occasionally, my newfriend would talk about difficulties in her family life, but just inpassing, and I felt it important not to push for more details, nor topresume to give advice; part of her difficulties had been people whowere intrusive, and who gave advice more out of wanting to makethemselves feel good than out of a genuine understanding of her. Andso, I tried to work simply at understanding and showing support.More recently, we’ve had some deeper conversations about the thornyissues that she faces. Again, I’ve had to fight a niggling worry that as‘mentor’ I ought to be giving her answers. The difficulties she facesare substantial and complex; I’m not sure that there are any rightanswers (nor that I would have them!). And in any case, it seemsimportant that she find her own answers. So I’ve tried, instead ofbecoming another authority for her, to simply stand in solidarity withher. It isn’t hard: she’s a courageous, thoughtful, responsible personwho is doing her very best to create a good life for herself while alsocaring for others around her.

MENTORSHIP

6 ~ News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Autumn 2007

BROAD REACH SAILING TRIPSix youth from Eva’s Phoenix went sailing in July thanks to BroadReach - a program designed to give at-risk youth a chance tobroaden their skills and enjoy the fresh air on the water. “Puttingmy fears aside and rising to the challenge” were the only wordsthat came to C.W’s mind when taking part in this once in alifetime opportunity for her and the other youth involved.

The trip was offered to Peer Mentors as a thank-you for all theirhard work and dedication to the youth at Eva’s Phoenix. PeerMentors are past graduates of Eva’s Phoenix. Peer Mentors runworkshops in cooking, cleaning and creative arts as well ashelping youth find apartments and conduct effective jobsearches. Because they’ve “been there” Peer Mentors can relatedirectly to the experiences of the youth and can assist them toachieve their goals. The day turned out to be the best test forteam work and teambuilding that wecould have everimagined. The grouplearned how to worktogether as one unit.Already we made arequest for anothertrip and a possibleannual outing.

Mentors get ready to set sail.

GARDENING COLLECTIVE AT PHOENIXTanya Wilson- Peer Mentorship Coordinator

This summer residents and ex-residents of Eva’s Phoenix learnedabout horticulture through their work with Evergreen and thegardening collective. In June we did a lot of planting and as aresult, a lot of harvesting in August and September. One of ourgarden beds is devoted to herbs and vegetables, while another isdevoted to indigenous flowers and plants. One of the 5 youth whohas been actively working on the garden every week commentedabout the sense of accomplishment he feels in seeing the plantsgrow and thrive.

In addition to the reward and satisfaction watching the garden thriveand produce food, those who got their hands dirty planting, weedingand tending went on a canoe trip in July. The trip was centred aroundlocal First-Nations history.

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EVA’S SATELLITE

The young people that arrive at Eva’s Satellite often experience a greatdeal of difficulty at other shelters and they have limited experiences oroptions of living independently. Generally they spend a lot of time onthe street, and have negative experiences with the police and membersof the community. In order to address this and ensure that Eva’sSatellite lives respectfully and co-operatively in the community, astrong relationship with 32 Division of the Metro Toronto Police hasbeen forged. In fact, Eva’s Community Outreach Worker participates inmonthly foot patrols with the community policing division, coveringthe area surrounding the shelter, including malls, schools, the civiccentre and parks.

The Police and the Community Outreach Worker work together to buildtrust, engage in respectful conversation and try to really listento youth. The monthly patrols are used to show young people thatthere are expectations of them and of the strong need to liverespectfully in the community.

Another innovative step is the unique protocol between Eva’s Satelliteand 32 Division which clearly identifies how the police will work withEva’s Satellite and its youth. The protocol helps ensure youth aretreated fairly and with respect and that police receive assistance fromEva’s Satellite staff when needed. Sometimes street youth can be easytargets to blame, this protocol helps stem that stereotyping.

THEO’S STORYTheo came to Canada when he was 14 years old. He arrived alone, andhe knew no one in Canada. His first two years in Canada were difficultand traumatic, compounded by not having any family or supportsystem here. Two years later, a few days after his 16th Birthday, hearrived at Eva’s Satellite.

The staff at Eva’s Satellite worked closely with Theo to form a trustingand supportive relationship with him, and to gather information on hisexperiences and the traumas he experienced, and to assess the dangersand risk factors he was facing.

When Eva’s Satellite staff met Theo it was not clear what his needswere, but it was clear that he was socially isolated. He was very quietand didn’t socialize with other youth. In spite of the fact that youthoften form friendships in the shelter and are very quick to approachnewcomers, everyone seemed to leave Theo alone. It was obvious toeveryone that Theo had some very difficult and painful issues that hewas struggling with.

To engage with Theo in a positive way, staff talked to him about hisjourney and what brought him to Canada. Although reluctant andfearful to give details, Theo needed to connect with some legalimmigration support. He also needed to be connected to a mentalhealth professional and to learn how to talk about his experiencesinstead of dulling them through the use of drugs. Theo was veryprivate and reluctant to engage with strangers, so Eva’s Satellite staff

were very patient and worked hard to ensure that the connectionswere made in the most casual and non-threatening way.

Eventually Theo made a connection with Eva’s Satellite staff. In orderto strengthen this relationship and build on gains made, Theo wasasked to stay in the shelter during the day and help out with some ofthe cleaning tasks. This exposure provided staff with an opportunity to“teach” Theo about personal hygiene, cleaning shopping and othercritical life skills, and coping mechanisms in a non threatening, andcasual way.

Staff noticed that Theo loved to paint and draw, and so they stronglyencouraged him to use art as a form of expression, and to reduce hisstress.

Today, Theo still struggles with acknowledging his mental healthchallenges, but he is now living in supportive housing in a small,private unit, and he continues to find solace and express himselfthrough his drawings, and regularly sees his mental health worker. Heis slowly building positive coping strategies and continues to visit Eva’sSatellite once or twice a month to talk to staff. Through thesesupports, his social isolation is diminishing, and the wall he builtaround himself is gradually coming down. Theo has come a long waysince his initial connection to Eva’s Satellite, and he continues to makeslow but steady progress toward living a healthy and constructive life,and finding his place in the community. We are very proud of theprogress he has made, and the new lease he has on life.

News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Autumn 2007 ~ 5

MAKING CHOICES CONFERENCEOn April 30th Henderson Avenue Public School and Yorkhill ElementarySchool presented the ‘Making Choices’ Conference sponsored by TheGordon Bell Foundation to 250 Grade 7 and 8 students. Youth and stafffrom Eva’s Place were invited to be workshop presenters and BreAnn, aformer resident and Nancy Abrams of the Family Reconnect Programparticipated. Our workshop ‘The Importance of Family Connection’was well received by the youth. BreAnn spoke about her experiences ofhomelessness and how being reunited with her family positivelychanged the course of her life. The youth had many questions, sharedwith us family conflicts and we discussed resolution techniques. We alsoshowed the video about the Family Reconnect Program produced by theCanadian Tire Foundation for Families.

BreAnn described the experience as positive and interesting and hopedthat she ‘helped some youth think about their family relationships andthe need to have their parents involved in their lives’.

BreAnn speaks candidly and passionately to studentsat Henderson Avenue Public School.

EVA’S SATELLITE WALKS THE BEAT WITH METRO TORONTO POLICE

INDEPENDENT LIVING AT EVA’S PLACEThe Independent Living Program at Eva’s Place continues to expand.We have grown this previously small initiative to incorporate new andbetter coordinated supports and activity options. A new ProgramManager is working with the team to develop broader programmingand workshops for youth.

Workshops have addressed topics such as housing search, exploringeducational opportunities, access to employment programs andbudgeting. Many other sessions have also been offered, focusing onsome of the “softer” skills important for positive progression towardsindependence, such as healthy sexuality and communication.Equally important have been recreational activities social eventsheld at the shelter and outings into the community, oftensupported with donated tickets from Kids Up Front Foundation.

Staff support the group activities of the Independent LivingProgram by working individually with youth to ensure they havethe support necessary to cement skills learned and to followthrough on ideas and opportunities offered.

Independent Living brings many exciting rewards as we discovernew partners, potential roles for youth who have maintainedindependent living situations to come back and work with currentshelter residents, expanded programming options and topics fordiscussion and personal growth. We delight in the successes ofthis program as youth move into their own housing, when theyreturn to celebrate with us, and when they know to call us foradditional information or support after they have moved out. Wehope to minimize isolation and avoid possible eviction - we allneed someone to lean on once in awhile!

EVA’S PLACE

FAMILY RECONNECT -

LETTER FROM A FAMILY

Life with my teenage son was more than difficult in our love/hate

relationship. He was in and out of the house, back and forth between

shelters, and I believe that we had both begun to lose hope of ever

having any type of communication, other than to make each other

angry! There was drug use on his part, addictive behaviour displayed

by both of us, and anxiety (peeked) from the family genes.

Then one day Sondra, Family Intervention Counsellor from the Family

Reconnect Program at Eva’s Place, showed up at my door as scheduled.

I remember at the time thinking nothing would come of our meeting

as I was at a loss with my son and had just about given up. Looking

back, I realize now that I was just going through the motions.

Over the last several months Sondra has taught me and my son to

communicate with each other, how to recognize when an issue is

not ours, and how not to take things so much to heart. We have

learned to see beyond the moment and look at the bigger picture. As

with most things in life it has caused a ripple effect and put our

home into a major transition (in a good way).

I am very confident in our future success, knowing that Sondra

continues to meet with my family on a weekly basis and guide us

during this new chapter in our lives. I once again look forward to

the special moments with my son.

The Parent of a Teenager

4 ~ News and Updates from Eva’s Initiatives ~ Autumn 2007

BUZZ HARGROVEYOUTH ACHIEVEMENTAWARDThe Buzz Hargrove Youth AchievementAward is presented on an annual basisto young people at Eva’s Phoenix whodemonstrate excellence in achievinghis/her career-focused goals. For thefirst time, it has been presented to twograduates of the Eva’s Phoenix program:Ali Mohamed and Haifa Malko. Bothwere actively involved in Phoenixprograms while they were residents.They are now employed, living on theirown and doing well in their lives.Congratulations to Ali and Haifa!

EVA’S PHOENIX PRINT SHOP HOLIDAY CARDSHeld in May, the first annual Phoenix Print Shop Design Competition was a roaring success!Volunteer judges included professional designers from the Ontario College of Art & Design,George Brown College, Bruce Mau Design and Scotiabank.

Four designs were chosen and prizes awarded atour Graduation Event on June 21, 2007. Topprize was a one-year TTC metropass, sponsoredby Bombardier.

Our goal is to sell 1000 sets of cards by October26th, 2007! Ordering now will jump-start ourHoliday Card campaign. Spreading the wordwould also be a tremendous help. View designsand purchase cards online now at:www.evasinitiatives.com/store

view designs and purchase cards online at:www.evasinitiatives.com/store

"Like many of the doors Phoenix Print Shophas opened for me, the design competitionhas once again opened the doors tocreativity in my mind: doors that were oncesealed shut by life’s overwhelming trials."

2007 Phoenix Print ShopDesign Competition Winner

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