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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-10-27, Page 16Crossroads 16 Wednesday, October 27, 2004 Exeter Times Advocate Youth En Route at Chamber of Commerce By Pat Bolen TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — It was "an instant connection" between Crystal Marshall and Linda Finkbeiner, according to staff of the Youth En Route program (YER) Marshall is a part of. Marshall, 23, has been working with Finkbeiner at the South Huron Chamber of Commerce office since June on a part time basis. YER is a program that promotes and supports persons with disabilities working in the community to foster independence. It is for individuals who: • are between the ages of 16 and 29; • have a disability that affects access to existing community programs and services; • live in Huron, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin, Perth, Grey Bruce County or London; • are no longer attending secondary school; • can participate in developing personal goals and are willing to commit time to achieve them; • have or are willing to obtain a social insurance number; YER is sponsored by Hutton House in London in partnership with Thames Valley Children's Centre. It started in London six years ago and is in its third year in Huron Perth. The areas of the pro- gram include self discov- ery, skill development and enhanced employment supports. Marshall has been in the program for two years and also works part time at Arc Industries in Dashwood. She also has done volun- teer work for the Good Food Box program and mailings at Town and Country. At the Chamber of Commerce office, Marshall does a variety of work, including helping to set up for functions and mailings. She says she has enjoyed the work at the office, "it's awesome," and especially enjoys working with Finkbeiner who she describes as "cool." Marshall has a variety of interests, including video games, with a Play Station 2 at home. With her interest in video games, a job Marshall said she would like to do is assessing video games to assign rat- ings on them for children. She has also organized a PS2 hockey day at Arc "in order to give people their hockey fix." Finkbeiner said Marshall "is always willing to try new things ... It's been a wonderful experience." YER works with partners in the community to resolve barriers that may be experienced by partici- pants. Supports offered by YER include: • one to one training and support; • note takers; • attendant care; Crystal Marshall (right) has been working with Linda Finkbeiner at the South Huron Chamber of Commerce as part of the Youth En Route program, doing a variety of jobs including mailings (photo/PatBolen) • transportation; • workplace modifica- tions and accommoda- tions; • sign language inter- preters; • technical aids and equipment. Finkbeiner added if any- one has any other mailing opportunities for Marshall, she can be contacted through the Chamber of Commerce office at 235- 4520. Amanda -Lynn Feeney serves coffee to Dennis Fulford at the Centralia United Church harvest luncheon Saturday. The fall fundraiser was hosted by the United Church Women. (photo/Mary Simmons) Parents learn to `survive their adolescents' By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — A series of parenting seminars kicked off last week at South Huron District High School with the topic, "Surviving Your Adolescents." About 30 people attended the seminar, the first of four that will run on consecu- tive Wednesday nights in the library. Dana Bozzato, the manager of Clinton's Huron -Perth Centre For Children and Youth, led last week's dis- cussion. Bozzato said all parents at times doubt their parenting wisdom and expertise. She said while parents love their chil- dren, they may not always love the job of parenting. Bozzato began by asking the members of the group to introduce themselves and explain what they thought some parenting worries are. Some concerns mentioned were peer pressure, alcohol and drugs, discipline, sex, school work and boundaries. Parents also expressed a fear their teens won't talk to them about problems. In addition to the kind of pressures students are facing, parents face their own pressures: work, finances, family, health, home repairs and planning for the future. Bozzato said it's important for parents to spend time with their teens and get to know them. She said it's harder for par- ents to talk to their teens if the parent is stressed, tired or unhappy. Bozzato recommended several parent- ing books available and also said Huron Safe Homes for Youth is a helpful agency for parents and teens. One difficult situation discussed was what parents can do if they are having problem with a teen aged 16-18. Bozzato said there is a gap in legislation for that age group as to whose rights are whose — the parents or the teen's. Her opinion is that if the teen is under 18, the parent should have control. There are also situations where it's best for both the teen and the parents if the teen moves out of the house. Bozzato said it's a tough decision, but is sometimes necessary. She gave an example of a family that made such a decision. The teen is now back living at home and, while things aren't perfect, they have improved. The teen now shows respect for his parents and the relationship has been salvaged. Bozzato also spoke of "the second fam- ily," the world of peers that becomes more attractive to teens as they get older. Sometimes, the second family seems better than what they have at home. Parents sometimes feel they are competing with the second family. Communication is the important key for parents to keep up on what their teens are interested in. Bozzato said parents should try to connect with their teen by talking about things like music. Bozzato also provided a teen parenting package for those at the seminar. Included were tips on how to stay con- nected with teens: go for a drive with your teen; leave them notes or e-mails, seize unexpected moments, don't lec- ture, be fair and flexible, think positive, negotiate, maintain family traditions and rituals, have family meetings and try to keep a sense of humour. Give your teen your full attention when he/she is speaking to you, and don't nag or argue. The parenting seminars continue tonight (Oct. 27) at 7 p.m. with a discus- sion on `Drugs and Alcohol.' Other semi- nars include `Sexuality' on Nov. 3 and `Eating Disorders and Mental Health' on Nov. 10. The seminars are presented by the Huron County Parent Education Resources Committee. All sessions are free, but registration is necessary by calling Jennifer at 482-8777 or 1-800- 479-0716, ext. 201.