Connecting the Community: January 2006

Surviving the Streets - get a copy

Surviving the Streets - a guide for youth who are looking for help.

Human Development Council, Saint John NB has published a wallet-sized guide called Surviving the Streets. Aimed at youth aged 13-25 in St. John and Kings Counties, the guide lists essential services, with phone numbers, that assist youth who are living in poverty, at risk of dropping out of school, may practise harmful behaviors, such as drug use, unprotected sex, or are otherwise marginalized.

The Saint John Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) has one of the highest rates of child and youth poverty in the country. Only Montreal and Winnipeg have a higher incidence of poor children and youth, according to census data cited in Poverty and Plenty - A Statistical Snapshot of the Quality of Life in Greater Saint John published by the Human Development Council and Vibrant Communities. As well, youth poverty has increased because a large number of job-aged youth are unemployed. The National Anti-Poverty Organization (NAPO) recently noted that youth have the highest unemployment rate of any group. In 2004, it was above 14% and still increasing for all provinces except Ontario and Quebec.

Look for Surviving the Streets at local agencies, or download a copy.

Employment Opportunity

AIDS New Brunswick is seeking a highly motivated person to fill the permanent, full-time position of Executive Director. The successful candidate will report directly to a Board of Directors and be responsible for the overall administration of the organization including human resources, finance and funds development, program management and evaluation, partnership development and communications. Travel required. Starting salary: $39,000

Applicants must have:
· a university degree in health, social work, business/public administration or a related discipline
· management, funds development and program evaluation experience
· knowledge of health promotion and community development
· sensitivity to HIV/AIDS issues
· excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and group facilitation skills
· ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, diverse stakeholders
· experience in non-profit sector
· excellent writing and computer skills

Preference given to bilingual candidates. Applications must be received by January 30, 2006.

Promoting Early Learning

The Kings County Family Resource Centre in Sussex, NB has lots of activities for parents and caregivers with children aged 0-7. Outreach programs are offered in the region, too. You can choose from a variety of programs including a drop-in, parenting resource library, workshops and other services. Check out the Centre, today.

On Pins & Needles - Learn to Knit

January 23 to 28 in the Saint John City Market is Wool Fondlers Week. Find handmade knit and crochet items, luxury wools and fibres, project kits and supplies. Would you like to learn to knit? Sign up for free knitting and crochet classes on Saturday in the Solarium. Ages 8 to 100! 506-849-0597

SJYC Offers Young Voter Lunch with New MP

Who Says Youth Don't Vote? The Saint John Youth Cabinet (SJYC) is compiling a list of young voters to prove that youth political engagement is alive and well in Saint John. The SJYC wants to hear from young people between 18 and 25 who will be voting in the Saint John riding in the federal election.
Registering with the SJYC will enter young voters into a draw for a chance to have lunch with the newly elected Saint John MP, which will give them a chance to bend their ear about issues that matter to them and other young people. The draw will also offer prizes from CDPlus, Empire Theatres, Future Shop, and Rogers Video.
The Cabinet will be passing the list of young voters on to the newly elected Prime Minister to show that Saint John's young people are concerned about Canada's future.
Young voters can register with the SJYC by sending the Cabinet their name, age, phone number, email address, and poll # after they vote on January 23. The SJYC is accepting entries by email (sjyouthcabinet@gmail.com), phone (506.636.8544), fax (506.636.8543), or in person at the SJYC office (Human Development Council, 3rd floor City Market, 47 Charlotte Street). Entries will be accepted until January 30, 2006.
Young people can get more information on the Saint John federal candidates and how to vote by visiting the SJYC's website at http://sjyc.blogspot.com.
For more information on this initiative, please call 506.636.8544.

Regifting for the Good of It

Did you receive toiletries, gift-sets or other similar items for Christmas that you don’t need or want? Don’t let them gather dust. Please donate any items that are unused and have not been opened to local shelters. These items would be appreciated by men, women and youth who are homeless. Find shelters in your area on the Community Services Database.

Bursary Available to Female Students

Do you know a female student with a strong volunteer background who will be attending a post secondary institution in September? Must be out of highschool at least one year. You may want to tell them about the Florence Christie Memorial Bursay, $1,500. which is given annually by the Greater Saint John Community Foundation to the Saint John Volunteer Centre which coordinates the bursary selection. One mature female student who is a resident of Saint John will be selected following the March 31 deadline and the recipient will be announced at the Annual Geneneral Meeting of the Saint John Volunteer Centre in April. Contact the Saint John Volunteer Centre for details.

Assist Low-income Individuals with Tax Returns

The Community Volunteer Tax Program needs volunteers to help low-income individuals file their 2005 income tax return. The returns are filed electronically, at designated sites in the area. This is an important community service as many of these individuals will not receive the benefits they are entitled to if they don't file a return. Volunteers receive training.

Image from the National Archives of Canada

Calendar of Events

Three times per year we publish the Community Calendar of Events for Charlotte, Kings and St John Counties. It's a listing of annual meetings, workshops, and fund-raising events for the non-profit sector. See the Calendar of Events here.