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Home My WebLink AboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-10-24, Page 15Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Times -Advocate 15 Homeless rural youth focus at SHDHS By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER - An assembly Oct. 16 at South Huron District High School focused on rural youth homeless- ness, featuring a $365 donation to Youth Opportunities Limited (YOU) and Youth Action Centre (YAC) of London. YOU is a London organization that runs youth pro- jects, while YAC is a homeless shelter for youths between 16 and 24 years old in London or Middlesex, who are living on the streets. YAC provides recreation and health programs and also offers clothing, showers and basic needs. Four SHDHS Law students, Taryn Anstett, Jasmine Bender, Jennifer Vankoughnett and Jen Donovan began raising awareness for rural youth homelessness in the area last month. The money was raised by asking people for pocket change while pretending to be homeless, as well as through Stephanie Donaldson and Maggie Brennan, who helped out through coffee and cookies. "Give them (homeless youth) some spare change. A little bit can help a lot," says Anstett. Several speakers were on hand, sharing information or personal stories with the full auditorium. YAC youth insight facilitator Amiel Houghton spoke, explaining the importance of a facility like YAC, which is on Dundas and Richmond Street in London. "We are open at 7 a.m. for breakfast and offer basic supplies like laundry and shower facilities. We also offer one-on-one staff support," says Houghton, adding "we see about 30 to 70 youths a day." Besides being open from 7 to 10 a.m. for breakfast, YAC is also open 3 to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. It is a free service. "We can help you get a job. We can help get you back into school," says Houghton. YAC also provides a food bank once a month and baby supplies all month long when supplies are avail- able. YAC transition services manager Trevor Johnson was also at the assembly. Andrew Clark and Bryan Fallon, former homeless youth, or "couch surfers," (those who stay at various friend's houses) also shared their personal stories. Clark spoke of running away from home with nothing. "The first two years it was fun living life. I was living," says Clark, but reality soon set in and Clark realised he was going down the wrong path and fast. But after finding YAC, he had a renewed sense of hope, explaining that over the last seven years of being involved with YAC, they've supported him through everything. "I got a lot of support through tough times. Food, bus tickets, jobs," says Clark. Fallon agreed, explaining, "I made some wrong choic- es and I had nowhere to turn." Fallon also chose to turn to YAC, saying that they will support you either way. "If you're ready to make certain changes or not make changes, they will support you," says Fallon. YAC can be contacted at 519-434- 6500 or visit www. you. on. ca for more information. Another speaker was Huron County Health Unit community developer Bonnie Baynham, explaining that the "bottom line is we don't have shelter services here in Huron County. "Although there are groups working towards the development of safe housing." In Clinton, a group, "Friends of the Community" is being developed. "ft will develop programs and ser- vices for youth in Huron County," says Baynham. The building, which was just bought, will be a youth resource centre with hostel beds for youths who find themselves homeless. Another project Baynham is excit- ed about is in Exeter at SHDHS. "We're hiring a youth outreach worker to provide services to youth in the South Huron community," says Baynham. Baynham also spoke of Huron County Social Services, providing financial assistance to homeless people. They can be contacted at 1-888-371-5718. Huron County Social Services has also partnered with the Huron County Health Unit, forming an emergency support program designed to assist low income families during a time of crisis. They can be contacted at 1-877- 837-6143. Huron Safe Homes for Youth is also available for youths finding themselves being physically, sexually or emotionally abused. They are also available at 1-800- 361-1640. Merry Rags MIDNIGHT MADNESS "The Great Giveaway Sale" 5OOFF ALL FALL STOCK Saturday October 27 and continues Starts Saturday @ 10:00 am 5O'-9Oon all Summer Fashions Thank you to all our loyal and faithful customers. Open until Mid -November 11/4 miles south of Grand Bend on Hwy. 21 519-238-2818 Open again March 1, 2008 SPANNER "TO THE WALLS" We are closing our Retail Store! CLOSE-OUT EVEHYTHINO SALE Mu(S•T ON NOW TIL END^\ OF YEAR �"\ NEW MERCHANDISE ARRIVING UNTIL YEAR END c( FOUR SEASONS -00-6---- JEWELLERY DESIGNS c.t 7n 74-e 52eutee Exeter 423 Main St., Exeter, ON Tel: 519-235-2666 Coming together - South Huron District High School (SHDHS) had an assembly Oct. 16, raising awareness of rural homeless youth. Several speakers attended the assembly, featuring front rowYouth Action Centre (YAC) client Andrew Clark; middle row from left are SHHDS students Jasmine Bender and Jen Donovan, Huron CountyAlzheimer Society representative Maggie Brennan, SHDHS students JenniVankoughnett andTarynAnstett, YAC client Maria Giakoumatos andYAC youth insight facilitatorAmiel Houghton; back row are Huron County Health Unit community developer Bonnie Baynham,YAC transition services manager Trevor Johnson and YAC client Bryan Fallon. (photo/NinaVan Lieshout) Pool scores Mens League - John Hayter 269, Chris MacDonald 239, Terry Haugh 223, Tyler Scott 219, Bob Jones 210, John Burdon 205, Tom Triebner 201, Stephan McGee 183, Bill Crump 182, Ben Hoogenboom 160, Derek Tiller 147, Jim Hayter 127, Gary Dietrich 119, Ken Kadey 105, Jason Tower 104, Jerry Love 101, Shaun Dawe 77, Jamie Becker 65, Gus Gregus 53, Mark Hunt 45, Clay Mommersteeg 42 Ladies League Melanie MacDonald 130, Vicki Myatte 119, Kathy Wark 118, Shannon Green 101, Karen Vincent 59, Kim Southcott 60, Audrey Haugh 37, Vicki Dawe 60, Shelley Brown 50, Joanne Cooper 50, Sharon Cavanagh 50, Karen Foran 20, Courtney MacDonald -Webster 19 Youth League Zach Kadey 123, Jeff McNutt 73, Wayne Drake 52, Ashley Williton 67 Dr. J. Jadd and Dr. K. Fatum 469 William St., S. FLU SHOT CLINIC WED., OCT. 31 8:30 a.m. - 1 1:30 a.m. Patients of Dr. Fatum and Dr. Jadd All patient over 6 months of age are eligible free of charge (No appointment necessary) HLIRON COUNTY MLISCLI41 110 Nu=tl3 tit. God ri h AO WEE NIGHT October 31 st Enjoy Popcorn and Cider 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm REMEA/IBRANCEaAY WEEKEND Sat., loth "' It, a Nov.v. I a 2007 loam - 4:30pm to the Hurung person to join you on a visit unty Museum to di and remember Huron County'scover contribution to the war efforts. Explore the military gallery, view a film, and participate in an artifact hunt. Free admission is extended to youth ages 16 and under, when accompanied by an adult Regular adult admission rates apply. Closed In Remembrance on Sun., Nov I 4". l "emir HLIRON HISTORIC GAOL 8 Victoria yet North Godelich Toolc\foui t jr N 'frMSM� io 2006 puri# 6401-1996 You made Halloween scares and y thrills a lasting memory The Kinsmen regret this event will not be held this year. Huron Tract Goderich Spinners 1 and Kinsmen Club Weavers SALE AND EXHIB1T1ON at the Governor's House Nov. 3rd & 4th Free Admission nlv.ca/muSCUM Orphone: 519-524