PHOENIXHELPING YOUTH RISE ABOVE

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

fi re. 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 fi nd healthy and fulfi lling lives.

As a community, there is so much we can do to help vulnerable young people reach

their potential, and to prevent others from fi nding 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.

Rising from the ashesAmy 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 fi nish 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.

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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 benefi t of support and opportunities

that the rest of us may have always taken for granted.

Safety, support and shelterSteven 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 fi rst, 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.

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Phoenix believes in long term solutions and in giving young people the skills and

confi dence 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.

Breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessnessMallorie joined the Phoenix Special Initiatives Program fi ve 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 fi nding 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.

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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.

Our storyLauren 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 fi rst 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.

Phoenix Prevention Program Offers community education and therapeutic intervention for at-risk youth and their families.

Phoenix Centre for YouthProvides support services such as counseling, advocacy, food, clothing and laundry facilities plus access to a telephone and computer.

Phoenix Youth Shelter A twenty-bed facility offering clothing, foodand other daily essentials plus counseling and therapeutic support.

Phoenix HouseA ten-bed long-term residential facility offering safe, supportive housing for youth learning skills for independent living.

Phoenix Supervised Apartment ProgramThree independent homes providing a long-term, supportive living situation for youth learning skills needed for independent living.

Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC)Matches youth with the most appropriate educational or employment opportunities available.

Phoenix Parent Support ProgramProvides young moms and dads with access to workshops and counseling, as well as baby-care items and food.

Phoenix Health ServicesOffers 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 refl ect the interests and talents of the youth.

Phoenix Follow-Up ProgramOffers on-going support to clients with whom we have a longstanding relationship.

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Phoenix is challenged every day to cover the rising cost of staffi ng, 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.

You can help youth rise aboveFive 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 fi rst, 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 infl uence, 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.

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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-profi t sector.

Accolades & AwardsThanks to Phoenix, Robert was able to fi nish 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.

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Thank You

BROCHURE CREDITS:

Darrell MunroBalance Creative Communications Inc.

Iain MacLeodIain MacLeod Creative Services

James IngramJive Photographic

Beth DurhamPhotographer’s Assistant

Amanda O’LearyMake-Up Artist

Jim MurphyMaritime Digital Colour

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.

PHOENIX

PHOENIX6035 Coburg Road

PO Box 60006 RPO, Professional CentreHalifax, Nova Scotia

CanadaB3H 4R7

PH (902) 422-3105 FAX (902) 422-7656

phoenix@phoenixyouth.cawww.phoenixyouth.ca