the POST

Closed for Holidays

2008-12-30T08:17:00.000-08:00

the POST is closed for the holidays until January 5th.

We are expecting it to be a busy year and we look forward to all of the challenges and rewards the new year will bring.

Christmas Party

2008-12-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome Christmas party at the POST.

We had lots of treats, presents and fun. Open Doors Ministries and Susan provided us with enough presents for each one of the 25 kids that were there.

The kids had a talent show and the parents that were there enjoyed it as much as the kids.

Thanks go out to Shirley for arranging for food and drinks and decorations.

We were happy that all of the kids that came left with a present for themselves and one for their younger siblings.

Fundraising Ideas

2008-11-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

We are always looking for great fundraising ideas. We are particularly looking for something to do before Christmas and in January.

If you have any ideas, let us know. You can email us at thepostdropin@gmail.com

We are also planning on starting a fundraising committee. If you would like to help in this way, please email us.

Thanks.

Raffle Winner

2008-11-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

The winner of our "Fall Basket of Kitchen Goodies" was Stewart Wakelin of Charlottetown.

Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and to Karine McGee for making it all happen.

the POST in Print!

2008-11-13T08:04:00.000-08:00

The Guardian printed an article about the POST in today's paper. You can view it by clicking on the pic below.

More Special Thanks

2008-11-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to thank the following people for their gifts:

Gretha Rose
Derrick Walker for the Gamecube and Stereo.
Karine and Ian McGee for donating the Fall Basket of Kitchen Goodies for our Raffle.
Crema Coffee for their donation to the Raffle basket.

We also wanted to thank Chad for all his help in getting all the little odds and ends of renovations finished.

And last, but definitely not least, Denise, Laura, Amy, Mike and Chad for spending their time volunteering at the drop-in.

the POST in the Guardian

2008-11-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

The Guardian Newspaper posted this article about the POST on their website:
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=186272&sc=98

We have been both surprised and delighted by the comments that have been written about the article. At first, we didn't feel the need to respond but as you will read, we finally felt we had to.

We have also been interviewed by a Holland College journalism student. Hopefully there will be more buzz about the POST and the Open House on the 15th.

Open House

2008-11-03T20:07:00.000-08:00

On Saturday November 15 we are holding an Open House at the POST. This will give people an opportunity to drop by and see what we are doing.

There will be music, fun, and even prizes. We will also be drawing the winning ticket for our "Fall Basket of Kitchen Goodies". We will have tickets for sale again that day so if you haven't bought yours yet, you will be able to then.

Big Thanks!

2008-10-29T12:39:00.001-07:00

We just wanted to say a HUGE Thank You to the following people for their generous donations:

Linda VanKampen who donated a small fridge for the canteen.

Maud's Convenience Store for donating a Slushie Machine

Linda Court for donating a whole bunch of brand new kit bags for the kids.

Harvest House for giving us an air hockey table.

We now have almost everything on our original "Needs List". We are still in need of computers and another PS2. We also need people who are willing to get behind us with monthly financial donations. If we had just 50 people dedicated to a $50/month donation, our operating budget would be met.

Again, Thank You for everyone who has donated to the success of the POST.

New Pics!

2008-10-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of changes since I first posted pictures of the POST.

You can see the before pictures HERE.

GEMS Coming to the POST

2008-09-26T20:29:00.001-07:00

The Saturday morning GEMS group that is put on by Charlottetown Christian Reformed Church and led by Linda VanKampen, will be held at the POST starting on October 4th.

GEMS Girls' Clubs is a relationship-building club program created especially for girls! GEMS Clubs are offered in local churches and other Christian organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The purpose of GEMS Girls' Clubs is to help bring girls into a living relationship with Jesus Christ. To help foster this all-important relationship between each girl and Christ, other relationships are nurtured as well — between girls and between girls and their leader.

Special Needs List

2008-09-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

We have been given a lot lately and wanted to say thank you to everyone who donated furniture.

We especially need the following:

Tables - Folding tables would work great or kitchen tables would be fine too
Small fridge or bar fridge - bar fridges are on sale for $99 at Home Depot if anyone feels they are supposed to purchase one for the POST.
Computers - We still would like to have a couple more computers for the young people to get online with.
Plumber - or at least someone who knows enough about plumbing to install a sink and stop a leak.

We need everything, including the kitchen sink. We want to put in a kitchen sink, so if you have recently renovated and have one laying around, we can put it to good use.

Great Work Day!

2008-09-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, we had a very productive work day at the POST. We got most of the painting done, walls scrubbed down, and furniture moved. We even got all the heaters working.

Thanks to everyone who came out to help:

Amy
Paul
Brent (who came to help on his way to the airport)
Nathalie
Brent, Colin, Andrew, Jonathon
Jordan
Lindsey
Katie

We've Got the Power!

2008-08-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

We raised enough money through our 2 Car Washes to pay for the deposit to have the electricity hooked up.

We are still looking for monthly supporters. If we had 106 people donate $50 a month, about the price of a coffee a day, our budget would be met. We expect that the electricity bill will average approximately $1,000/month because the heat is baseboard electric heaters.

Car Wash Pics

2008-08-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the Car Wash we held on Saturday. You can also see some kids enjoying the pool table.

Youth Crime Rate Up

2008-08-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

I found these statistics on the Statistics Canada website:

Youth crime increases for the first time since 2003

The youth crime rate includes all young persons aged 12 to 17 accused of committing a crime, whether they were formally charged by police or dealt with by other means such as a warning, caution, or referral to a diversionary program.

The youth crime rate increased 3% in 2006, the first increase since 2003. Violent crime among youth rose 3%, while property crime dropped 3%. "Other" Criminal Code offences, such as mischief and disturbing the peace, were up 9%.

All provinces reported increases in their youth crime rate except Quebec, where it fell 4%.

1st Fundraiser

2008-08-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today we held our first fundraiser for the POST. We had a Car Wash, BBQ, and Lemonade Stand.
We had quite a few volunteers - Rachael, Paul, Donna, TJ, Sue, and some kids from the community. Thank you to everyone who helped and everyone who stopped by to support us. We raised $136.36.

Thanks also go to Sobey's on University Avenue, Canadian Tire, and the Dollarama for donating all the supplies to make this event possible.

If you missed your chance to support us by getting your car washed, buying a hot dog or enjoying a lemonade or iced tea, don't worry - we are doing it again next week. On Saturday the 16th, we will be back at the POST (306 University Avenue - Spartan Athletics parking lot) from 1pm to 5pm. If you would like to volunteer for this week's fundraising event, contact Darrell or Sherry at 367-5019 or at thepostdropin@gmail.com.

Come back soon to see the pics from today.

2008-08-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

the POST Fundraising
CAR WASH

WHEN: Saturday August 9, 2008
and Saturday August 16, 2008

TIME: 1pm - 5 pm

WHERE: At the POST - 306b University Avenue
"Spartan Athletics" parking lot
across from "Greco" Pizza.

We will also be selling
LEMONADE and BBQ HOT DOGS

We still need volunteers to help out on both these days.
If you would like to help wash cars, sell lemonade, or BBQ
please contact Darrell or Sherry at 367-5019 or by email
at thepostdropin@gmail.com
http://thepostdrop-in.blogspot.com

More Business Donations

2008-07-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Staples Business Depot has donated a wireless router to connect our computers to the internet. Now we just need the computers!

Chandler's Home Centre has agreed to donate a counter top so that we can install a small kitchen area.

Wal-Mart is donating a $25.00 gift card so that we can use it toward whatever we feel is necessary.

Thank you to all of the businesses who have responded to our requests for donations.

Home Hardware Stratford Donation

2008-07-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Home Hardware in Stratford has donated the paint for the exterior of the POST Youth and Kids Drop-in. The total value of this donation is $237.00.

To prepare the walls for painting, Big Jon's PowerWash is donating their time and expertise to pressure wash them.

THANK YOU!

Donate Online

2008-07-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

We now offer a way you can donate to the POST online. It is secure and convenient. We are accepting donations through CanadaHelps.org. Our monthly estimated budget is $5300.00.

CanadaHelps - CanadaHelps - Charity Profile: CCC
Just make sure to designate your donation to "the POST"
Thank you for considering donating to the POST.

Before Pictures

2008-07-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the POST before it is fixed up. We have removed a couple of walls and are making some great changes.

July Newsletter

2008-07-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

The July edition of the POST Newsletter went out over the weekend. If you did not get it, you can read it here: www.righthandmanva.com/POSTjulynewsletter.html

You can sign up to receive the newsletter and periodic updates by emailing us at thepostdropin@gmail.com.

We Have Found a Home!

2008-07-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

The POST Youth and Kids Drop-in has found a home. We have rented space at 306 University Avenue behind Spartan Athletic. It is almost "smack-dab" in the middle of our target area.

It is a great space that needs work. We will have to put in a small kitchen area, tear down a wall or two, paint some walls, and move in. We will need volunteers to help out and donations of building materials and furnishings. If you can help or want to donate anything on our "Needs List" give us a call at 367-5019.

As soon as we get the renovations completed, we will be able to open. We would like to be open as soon as possible. It would be great to be open for a few weeks before school starts again in September.

Canada's age of consent raised by 2 years

2008-06-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

CBC News

It is now illegal for adults in Canada to have sex with a partner under the age of 16, one of the new provisions of the Tories' violent crime law that came into effect on Thursday.

The Tackling Violent Crime Act raises the legal age of sexual consent in Canada to 16 from 14, the first time it has been raised since 1892.

But the law includes a "close-in-age exception," meaning 14- and 15-year-olds can have sex with someone who is less than five years older.

The Tories said they raised the age, in part, to deal with internet predators. The new law puts Canada's age of consent in line with those in Britain, Australia and most of the United States.

Youth Violence

2008-06-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

FROM http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/html/nfntsyjviolence_e.html
RISK FACTORS for youth violence perpetration and victimization

Youth violence is not confined to any one subgroup of the youth population; it cuts across all racial, religious, gender and socio-economic backgrounds.

However, there are factors which place certain groups of the youth population at risk of both offending and being victimized. Identification of these factors can facilitate successful early intervention, violence prevention and health promotion.

1. Socio-Demographic Factors

Gender: Most violent youth are male.¹¹ This is true for both individual and collective abusive behaviour. Of course, this does not mean that all male youth are violent. Clearly, only some young men are abusive. Male youth (including homosexuals, members of visible minorities and street youth) are also frequently victimized by youth violence.

Income Level: Individuals with few economic resources are at higher risk of both perpetrating and being victimized by physical violence.¹² People living in poverty do not have equitable access to legitimate opportunities for occupational or financial success. They are at greater risk of experiencing mental health problems, unemployment and school drop-out than people not living in poverty.

Ethnic Origin: Male youth from ethnocultural minority groups are at higher risk of joining youth gangs and participating in collective acts of violence than youth who are not members of ethnic or visible minorities. This is not related to personality factors but to the racist discrimination, language barriers, lack of educational and employment opportunities, and poverty that many of these youth experience.¹³

2. Familial Factors

Violence: In many cases, perpetrators and victims of youth violence have also been abused in their childhood by adults. Many boys who have witnessed their mother being beaten, and/or have experienced child abuse, in turn abuse other family members and/or peers in adolescence and adulthood. Girls who witness or experience abuse in childhood often go on to suffer abuse at the hands of boyfriends and male partners. Evidence indicates that such experience increases the likelihood of later perpetration or experiencing abuse.¹⁴

Harsh Parental Discipline Practices: Severe and habitual physical punishment by parents or guardians has been connected with the later development of violent behaviour patterns in children and youth.¹⁵

Criminal Behaviour: Criminality of other family members is a key factor in the delinquency of some youth. A recent study concluded that if an older member of a boy's family has been convicted of a criminal offence, the probability of that boy committing a criminal offence increases more than two and one-half times.¹⁶

3. School Factors

Low school grades, school failure and drop-out have been associated with the experiences of child abuse and/or victimization in teenage years. They are linked to the serious effects that abuse has on both self-esteem and general health.¹⁷

4. Risk Factors Particular to Males

Patriarchal Values: In some male youth, a belief in rigid, traditional gender roles increases the risk of perpetrating abuse against females. Some males believe that they are more important and have the right to control females. When they believe their dominance is being threatened, these youth can use violence in an attempt to regain control.¹⁸

Peer Group/Gang Involvement: Male youth groups or gangs are involved in a significant portion of all youth violence. Not all youth groups can be categorized as gangs; indeed, belonging to a peer group is a healthy part of adolescent development for most youth.¹⁹ The most important factor that distinguishes a gang from a healthy group of friends is the violent, criminal behaviour of the members, for example some illicit drug activities. If a young male is involved with a gang, he will likely be violent along with other gang members.²⁰

Resiliency

Several factors can reduce the risk that youth will experience violence. These "protective" factors include a nonabusive home; strong, early childhood attachment to caregiver(s) and good parental supervision; positive adult role models; and completion of high school and post-secondary school.²¹

Teen Pregnancy Pact

2008-06-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

You may have seen the news about the school in Gloucester, Massachusetts where there are 17 girls 16 and under that are pregnant. Some of them entered into a "pregnancy pact" where they decided to become pregnant at the same time. Check out the story here:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/832685/17_teen_girls_enter_into_pregnancy.html

Location, Location, Location

2008-06-05T08:32:00.000-07:00

We have 2 possible locations! Both are within the area we are targeting.

Please pray that we get the "right" place. We want a place that is safe and gives the youth and kids a sense of belonging. Both places have their pros and cons and both would work really well.

We are still going to need to furnish the right location and do some renovations at either place. If you have anything on our NEEDS list, please email us at thepostdropin@gmail.com.

Did you know that...

2008-06-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

Family

45% of all children under 18 experience divorce or separation
40% of families in the Charlottetown area are single parent families

Media

By the age of 6 children will have spent more time in front of the television than they will spend with their dads in their entire lifetime
In 1 year young people will see:
- 14 000 acts of sexuality in a year
- 8 000 murders
- 100 000 acts of violence

Sexuality

1 in 3 girls and 1 in 8 boys will have been sexually abused by the age of 18
4 000 teen girls become pregnant each year
15% of teens with babies will get pregnant again within 1 year
30% of teens with babies will get pregnant again within 2 years

Suicide

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds
Suicide among 12 to 14 year olds has increased 60% in the last 12 years
11% have attempted
Girls attempt suicide more than boys (approx. 3:1 ratio)

Violence

19% of all violent offence charges are laid against young people under the age of 18
Violence has increased 550% among teen girls since 1983

Drugs / Alcohol / Smoking

90% of all grade 10 smokers have also used marijuana
By grade 10, 90% of young people have tried alcohol
62% of teens have used alcohol

Eating Disorders

70% of Canadian females (as young as 8 years old) are on a diet
1 in 200 girls will develop anorexia
1 in 100 girls will develop bulimia
14% of chronic anorexics will die of starvation or heart failure

Depression

23% of grade 6 children have felt depressed for at least 1 week in the past 6 months

These are just a few more reasons we need to help the youth and kids of our community. This generation needs our help!

2008-05-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

At the moment, there are only 2 staff members - Darrell and Sherry Williams. We are now looking for volunteers and eventually more staff.

All staff are working at the POST on a voluntary basis. You can direct your donation to support the staff so that they can spend even more time working at the drop-in. Just make note of their name in the memo area of your cheque.

Current Staff

Darrell Williams

Sherry Williams

Thank you for your support,

Darrell & Sherry Williams

Crime Prevention - Another Reason for a Drop-In

2008-05-26T19:37:00.001-07:00

I came across this story in the Guardian; emphasis added:

Lie helps thwart armed robbery
JIM DAY
The Guardian

A Charlottetown store clerk thwarted an armed robbery with a little lie: he told the pair of would-be thieves police were outside.
The pair quickly bolted from the store empty-handed, said Charlottetown Police Const. Gary Clow.
“They got such a scare that they got absolutely nothing,’’ said Clow.
Well, they did get something. Both ended up with an attempted robbery charge as a result of a police investigation, which included examining the store’s video surveillance tape. Both are 14-year-old Charlottetown males and are both scheduled to appear in court in late May.
Police were dispatched to the Four C’s Convenience store in the city on April 11 at 9:56 p.m. to investigate the alleged attempted armed robbery, said Clow. The clerk told police that two males had entered the store with hoods over their head and both were carrying what appeared to be pocketknives.
Both came behind the counter where the clerk was standing. One ordered the clerk to lie on the ground. The clerk told the pair that they should know that police are out back.
That piece of misinformation brought the would-be robbery to an abrupt halt as the pair fled the store.

Prospective Programs

2008-05-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

The following programs and services are “just the beginning” of what we see happening through The POST Youth and Kids Drop-in. We want all of our programs to:

Teach basic life skills.
Provide an opportunity for a relationship with a caring adult role model.
Promote and develop positive self-image.
Create opportunities for positive peer group experiences.
Connect youth and kids with their community.

After School Drop-In
Offering a safe place for kids up to the age of 13 (grade 6) to come after school is over. This program would be held from 2:30pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.

§ Homework help
§ Healthy Snack
§ Games – board games and video games
§ Arts and Crafts
§ Computer access
§ Pool table
§ Air hockey
§ Karaoke

Evening Drop-Ins
These will vary depending on the age group they are being offered to. From Monday to Thursday the centre could be open for different age groups. Friday and Saturday nights, the center would be open for 14-18 year olds starting and ending later.
§ Food
§ Games – board games and video games
§ Arts – visual and performing
§ Computer access
§ Pool table
§ Air hockey
§ Karaoke
§ Loud music

Summer Programs
During the summer we would like to have a more structured program every afternoon, from 12noon until 3 or 4pm, for up to age 13 (grade 6). We would provide the kids with lunch. This will require some more volunteers than during the rest of the year.

Daytime Programs
During the daytime, usually afternoon, the center would be open for computer access, counselling, GED study help, job search help, “Odd Job Squad”, Moms and Tots, training, support groups, and of course cleanup and maintenance.

Job Skills – Shadowing
Giving older youth a chance to develop new skills or build on talents they already have. This would require skills training, businesses that will “take a chance” on the youth, employment skills training, and computer training. This could lead to employment for youth who may have dropped out of school or who just want a better future.

Other
We would like to be able to offer a children’s clothing depot where parents could come and get free used clothing for their kids.

Saturday Lunch. We would like to be able to offer a Saturday lunch program for kids and youth. A lot of them leave home on Saturday morning and are out all day. This would give them at least one meal for the day.

Map

2008-05-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is the area that we feel needs a Youth and Kids Drop-in Centre.

What We Need!

2008-05-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

Everyday in Canada & the USA

1100 unwed teenage girls become mothers
4639 teens contract STD's
550 kids begin using drugs
1100 kids begin using alcohol
248,500 kids bring weapons to school
3970 teens are assaulted
110+ are raped
2420 teens drop out of high school
8 teens commit suicide

NEEDS

Here is what we need to get started:

¨ Financial contributions (Monthly estimated budget is $2500)

¨ Prayer

¨ Volunteers - for renovations and ongoing drop-in staff

¨ Partnerships with community groups, churches, schools and other ministries

¨ Pool table

¨ Renovation materials – paint, seamfill compound, etc.

¨ Couches and comfy chairs

¨ 5-6 Beanbag chairs

¨ 3 Computers and 1 Laptop

¨ 3 Different Video game systems – WII, Playstation 2, Gamecube, Dance Mat, Guitar Hero

¨ Karaoke CDGs

¨ Board Games – Risk, Monopoly, Settlers, etc.

¨ A couple of guitars

¨ Gymnastic mats

¨ Slushie machine

¨ Art and craft supplies

¨ Disposable dishes, cups, cutlery

¨ Coffee, juice, milk, tea, freezies

¨ Cleaning supplies

¨ Office supplies

¨ Bathroom supplies

For donations of supplies, materials, furnishings, etc. you can contact

Darrell or Sherry at 367-5019 to

arrange a drop off.

For financial donations you can make cheques payable to:

“Charlottetown Community Church”

163 Kent St., Charlottetown, PE C1A 1N5

with a note directing the

donation to “the POST”

All donations over $10.00 in value will receive a tax deductible receipt at the end of the year. If you would like to volunteer, we require 3 references and a criminal record check. You can contact us for an application.

Keep checking back to see how we're doing.

Welcome to the POST!

2008-05-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

About 9 years ago Sherry and I had a dry bar which became a drop-in for youth and kids. It was called the Lamp-Post. The POST is a re-envisioning of this place.

We see the need of a drop-in centre for kids and youth in our area of Charlottetown. There are great places for this age group in other areas of town, but in our area there is nothing. Our neighbourhood is bordered by 5 schools from elementary to high school.

CHARLOTTETOWN YOUTH and KIDS

There are approximately 4,550 youth aged 8-19 in Charlottetown – 40% of them come from single parent households.

• Some own everything

• Others steal to survive

• Some have the best education

• Others are not able to read

• Some live in homes full of love

We believe every young person needs:

• Encouragement towards a healthy lifestyle.
• Ongoing relationships with caring adults.
• Safe places with structured activities during non-school hours.
• To have their physical and social needs met.
• To be equipped with marketable skills.
• Opportunities to give back through community service.

The Effects of Poverty

Quotes from Grade 4 & 5 children:

“Poverty is:

“… being afraid to tell your mom you need new gym shoes”
“… not getting a hot dog on hot dog day”
“… pretending that you forgot your lunch”
“… hiding your feet so the teacher won’t get angry you don’t have boots”
“… not buying books at the book fair”
“… not getting to go on school trips”

Quotes from teachers:

“Poverty in my classroom is:

“… students who live in motel rooms and ask their classmates for food”
“… students who have no hope for the future because the future costs money”
“… students too tired from lack of food and sleep to concentrate”

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" – Benjamin Franklin