A2 Something from Nothing

SOMETHING FROM

NOTHING

“Time Out” Young Parents Self-Development Program Presenters: Lorena Murialdo & Leah Marquez

WHAT IS IT? 

A weekly drop-in program for parents and expectant parents age 29 and under



A space where young parents can focus on themselves, learn new skills and explore their interests



A chance to relax and spend time with other young parents in a non-judgemental atmosphere

WHEN DID IT START? 

Began in 2006, as a partnership between: 

Planned Parenthood Toronto



The Four Villages Community Health Centre



Trinity Spadina Early Years Centre



Parent Child Network of West Toronto



Located at Trinity Spadina Early Years Centre from 2006 to 2010



Re-located to The Four Villages Community Health Centre (Dundas Site) in July 2010

HOW DID IT START? 

Parent Child Network of West Toronto



PPT’s Strategic Plan and Community Programming Strategy



PPT’s work with young parents in shelters, group homes and agencies working with young parents



The result was a small group of agencies working together to create a comprehensive young parent program

CURRENT CONTRIBUTIONS Planned Parenthood Toronto 

Health Promoter and Case Coordinator



Student support



Budget support for groceries and supplies

The Four Villages CHC 

Nurse



Childminders



Budget support for groceries



Program and kitchen space



Tokens



Tokens and children’s tickets



Items/services solicited from partners



Volunteers



Volunteers



Workshop facilitators



Workshop facilitators



Four Villages services



PPT services

WHAT DO YOUNG PARENTS NEED? 



Programming that addresses: 

common issues and concerns of young parents



overcoming barriers and developing resiliency



working towards their goals and aspirations

A supportive and judgment-free space to be themselves

OUR GOALS 

To build on their capacity as parents and as active participants in their community



To provide resources and supports that meet the self-identified needs of young parents and their children



To address food security through a weekly meal

OBJECTIVES       

To reach isolated young parents and encourage and support their participation To provide young parents and families with a positive and stimulating environment To give participants the opportunity to focus on their selfdevelopment To provide the tools and strategies needed for reintegration into work, training, volunteer, school To offer opportunities for peer support, networking and information sharing To identify learning, developmental, health needs in children and ensure follow-up To work toward making food accessible

WHY DOES IT WORK? 

Participant-led programming that:   



Environment that is       



empowers parents includes relevant activities for parents fun and creative activities for children Pro-choice Youth-friendly Non-judgmental and inclusive Supportive Sex-positive Woman-positive Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Trans-positive

Seamless connection to a range of services between partner organization that focus on parents and children

PEER LEADERSHIP 

A peer leader initiative was launched last year



Provides an opportunity to develop leadership skills while actively supporting the delivery of the program



Process was designed and directed by participants



Peer leaders receive a $20 honourarium

CHALLENGES 

Continuing to support graduates of the program



Many children have on-going mental, behavioural and emotional health issues



Limited space as group continues to grow in numbers



Budget demands (transportation costs, providing a healthy and nutritious meal for a large group)

SUCCESSES 

Participants have a sense of program ownership



Open and collaborative partnership



Group produced ‘Zine magazine in 2010



Continued support from wide range of agencies that provide free services



Improved quality of life and positive behaviour change in participants

EVALUATION MARCH 2013 

87.5% of the participants stated that the program has helped with their parenting skills



100% of the participants gained new skills and knowledge to deal more effectively with their own issues



75% of the participants learned the tools to make better decisions about their reproductive and sexual health



77.8% of the participants responded that the program has helped them make positive changes in their behaviours



100% agreed that the program has increased their selfconfidence as a young parent

PARENTS’ COMMENTS “it is free, we eat and have fun, we have trusted mentors that help us connected”  “I am no longer isolated”  “I really enjoy spending time with other moms”  “I keep coming back because of the staff”  “I like having a break from my child”  “the people are very nice and they have friendly faces”  “it has given me an eye opening with the information given to me”  “my kids and I have something to look forward to and I have been coming for over 6 years 

JUST GOOFING AROUND

WHERE DO WE COME FROM?

Mexico Bolivia Italy Trinidad & Tobago Chile Jamaica Ireland Venezuela St. Vincent

India Dubai Portugal Denmark Philippines Granada England Canada Vietnam

Remember, Remember Remember, Remember Why do I have to remember?

What do I have to remember?

I remember the ocean So powerful, so calm Soft sand and big waves Sea shells, Oh I love sea shells They tell you secrets About the sea The breeze, so fresh and soft Just like my mother Fresh smell and soft hands Or I can remember The sadness and shadows That followed my father The sun left that day To say good bye to him But the sun never told me That my father will forever leave My feelings fell like leaves in autumn But the spring never came back No more summers But a cold winter in my heart So why should I remember If I don’t want to cry?

By: Christian Garate

In this picture I wanted to transmit what is important to me in my life and what do I want in life.

You can also give your dreams some life through art, or draw something that has meaning for you and you will think about it whenever you look at that piece of art.