News Now • Thursday, August 13, 2015 • Page 9
To FORT’S staff & volunteers Our deepest appreciation for all you do to make our community a better place.
Thanks For 15 Great Years! Looking forward to many more. GRIMSBY STORE ONLY 44 Livingston Ave. • 905-309-TIRE (8473)
And congratulations to the staff & volunteers of FORT for 15 years of service to the community!
Supporting Youth For A Better Tomorrow
A salute to 15 years of building The FORT
FORT was born on a dark, snowy night...for real! It was a snowy night in December, 2000. Grimsby had just experienced an unheard of number of teenagers who thought that the best solution to their problems would be to take their own lives. Concerned citizens Elizabeth Arnold, Mandy Shanks and Brian Hutchings were discussing how our youth had nowhere to go and no one to turn to in times of need and distress. They decided to hold a public meeting at the Grimsby Seniors Centre on this particularly snowy night to see if other citizens in the community had the same concerns as they did. Roads were closed in the area and the speakers from St. Catharines were not able not make it to town, so bad was the weather. And, in fact, it actually would have been understandable if no one had made it out that night. More than 70 people, however, made the journey and also made it clear that the concerns of those three citizens were very justified. This was the night that the FORT (Foundation Of Resources for Teens) began its journey. Committees were formed, fundraising began and the search for a home was underway. A short four months later in March of 2001, the FORT opened in the old Rectory residence of St. Joseph’s Church on Robinson Street North.
The Fort began as a very grassroots organization and was run 100 per cent by volunteers. In the beginning, FORT had a clinic staffed by seven local doctors and a nurse practitioner who helped provide services to our youth. The Trillium Foundation gave the group its first major grant enabling them to hire a program coordinator to bring services to the next level. After a couple of years, it became clear the need for the FORT would be ongoing, but its location was less than ideal. While grateful to the Catholic Church for giving them a generous rate on rent, which was essential, a bigger and more open, local space was needed. The Carnegie Building (the original Town of Grimsby Library) was vacant and the town had put out a Request for Proposals for its use. Under the leadership of Brian Hutchings and with community partners Grimsby Historical Society and Adult Learning Resource Centre, Fort was able to put forward an RFP which was graciously accepted by town council. Another grant enabled FORT to renovate and restore the interior of the building and the big move came in 2004. FORT has had so many volunteers over the years that there are too many to mention. Each one of these volunteers, however, deserves thanks See FORT, Page 10
Page 10 • News Now • Thursday, August 13, 2015
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FORT From Page 9 for their contributions to the FORT. Special mention, however, needs to be made of Elizabeth Arnold, whose tireless efforts during FORT’s development enabled the organization to move forward to become what it has today. Although we have had many hundreds of volunteers over the years, if it weren’t for her 60-hourplus unpaid work weeks and complete dedication in the beginning the FORT wouldn’t be where it is today. As well as Elizabeth Arnold, other key volunteers and supporters who deserve mention are Brian Hutchings, Mandy Shanks, Sharon Meikle, Sharon Rizutto, Tony Antidormi, Lorne Lilico, Scott Walker, Mike Williscraft, Willy McGuiness, Nancy Larmet, Sarah Parker, Beth Shaw, Pamela Ellens, Jo-Ann Senkalowski, Michele Dellaire, Angela Fazio, Jeannie Leroux, Kathy Propedo, Dr. Linda Comely, Dr. Martha Davidson, Town of Grims-
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has” -
Anthropologist Margaret Mead
by, Township West Lincoln, Rotary Clubs of Grimsby and Lincoln, Grimsby Kinsmen and Lions, Winona Men’s Club, NRB, Trillium Foundation, United Way, Canada Summer Jobs Program, and the many churches of the community, Grimsby Benevolent Fund, and Niagara Prosperity Initiatives. There are many people to thank, with apologies to those who may not be mentioned, but who are certainly not forgotten, as it takes everyone to make our town the best small community in Canada. Thank you to all who have helped in small and larger ways. You have made a difference.
Congratulations ratulations to the FORT for 15 years of operation. to the FORT for 15 years of operation.
The FORTresource is a valuabletoresource to the Grimsby communitythat that s a valuable the Grimsby community provides necessary supports and services our youth.OnOnbehalf behalf ofof ecessary supports and services to ourtoyouth. Council and Town ofstaff, Grimsbywe staff, we thank andwish wish you ncil andTown Town of Grimsby thank youyou and you continued success. success. Mayor BobBentley Bentley Mayor Bob
As FORT continues to evolve and grow, we would like to thank everyone in advance for their continued support. The FORT is open to welcome you and our youth. As a final note, at that first meeting on that snowy night in December, Brian Hutchings put a slide up on the screen. It was a famous quote from the anthropologist Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. (Submitted by FORT’s chair of the board of directors, Craig Bivand)
Thanks
For supporting the Youth of West Lincoln. Congratulations on 15 years of service!
West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 288 Station Street
905-957-1606
www.westlincolnchamber.com
News Now • Thursday, August 13, 2015 • Page 11
What do parents think of The FORT? One parent was asked what they knew about FORT: FORT is a wonderful organization providing space for the youth of Smithville to gather in a positive and safe place. The programs offered are excellent and well planned. The staff are a positive role model for the youth and display professionalism in their work.
Volunteers & staff of FORT please stand & take a bow!
One parent was asked why their child goes to FORT:
15 years of serving the community is no small feat.
I send my child to FORT because of the programs offered and staff employed there. The dedication of the staff truly shows in the exceptional program they offer. It is the ONLY program in our community meeting the needs of our youth. It is a much needed program.
v v v
You are very deserving of Congratulations & Thanks!
TESTIMONIALS Josie (Age 13): I know that there is always someone I can talk to at FORT.
Seth (Age 14): The best thing about the FORT is that is allows me not to worry about my homework. I’m usually busy at home because I do chores and play sports, so doing it at the FORT is great because I can get it out of the way and get help if I need it. I have a lot more fun with my friends now that I come to the FORT. I go to my dad’s house (in another city) on the weekends, so before I started coming to the FORT I didn’t get to see them very much. Now I get a chance to play games and sports and just hang out with them every week!
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Page 12 • News Now • Thursday, August 13, 2015 15 Years & Counting! Great Work FORT! Keep It Up!
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CONGRATULATIONS! To all involved with FORT. Your ongoing dedication is deeply appreciated!
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Artists and their respective canvasses during a busy craft activity in Smithville’s FORT location. A packed house in Smithville is a common occurrence.
Growth, change part of FORT’s success recipe The FORT has changed in leaps and bounds since it first opened its doors with services relating to youth in crisis as a core theme. Today, those important services are still part of the offering supplied by FORT staff, but the organization has evolved into that of a youth drop in centre with a host of services and amenities availabe for Niagara West youth. As well, The FORT expanded into the West Lincoln area in 2011 as there were no free youth recreational programs
available there. “We saw this as a great need and an opportunity to reach more youth,” said executive director Beth Shaw, who noted Smithville’s current location was donated by NRB Inc. and has served as a great starting point for the centre. “The program has expanded far beyond our initial expectations, and has reached capacity. Currently, we are searching for a solution that would allow us to find an adequate space that is centrally located to maximize our outreach and impact
on our communities youth in Smithville.” Part of the reason for the instant success for FORT in West Lincoln has been the theme with which the organization has exhibited from the start. “When the FORT Smithville opened, it was welcomed as a youth centre. While we do have crisis resources, our focus is on providing youth with a space they can call their own. Smithville hasn’t had to deal with the stigma of being ‘the place for the bad kids’,” noted Shaw. “It is this stigma See CHANGE, Page 13
News Now • Thursday, August 13, 2015 • Page 13
CHANGE
From Page 12 that has adversely affected our Grimsby centre. As a result, Smithville is our most popular program and parent supported program.” But the change in focus in Grimsby is in place and an ongoing awareness program is part of the process to let the community know there is a ton of great things going at their Adelaide Street location. “Most importantly, we have become a centre for all youth, as opposed to only youth in crisis. We have created programming that is proactive, rather than reactive,” said Shaw. “This has proven to be effective as our youth are guided by our programmers to talk about any issues that they may be
facing or going to face. Talking about barriers before they happen gives our youth an advantage when faced with today’s pressures.” In addition to programming and theme, The FORT Grimsby has also seen an infrastructure change. “We have taken on a physical change as well. Niagara Community Foundation has awarded The FORT with a $9,000 grant that allowed us to purchase all new computers, printers and software for Grimsby, Smithville and Caistor. Home Depot has given The FORT a new office, storage space and paint that has updated The FORTS’s look, too,” said Shaw. With so many positive things going on, what would set the table nicely for the
future of The Fort? “Our wish list is simple, if you are considering giving to a charity this year, we would be honoured if you would consider The FORT as your charity of choice,” said Shaw. And funding is crucial, as the organization does not receive annual government grants. “Our primary source of funding is from Niagara Prosperity, OTF and United Way. As wonderful and generous as these grants are, they are not always available for renewal,” Shaw pointed out. “As a result The FORT relies on the community and fundraising to continue providing free programming. The FORT does not receive regular funding from the government.”
Congratulations FORT! Thanks for all you do for our youth!
Thanks FORT for 15 years of commitment to our community!
Congratulations on 15 outstanding years of service!
Renée Rebelo, Chair
JUDY SWEETING Sales Representative
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Congratulations on 15 Years of Empowering our Youth.
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AUTOMOTIVE 905-563-0788
Elizabeth and Ayah share a laugh during a visit for FORT.
JEN
2015
IN THE
BEST WEST PLATINUM AWARD
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Page 14 • News Now • Thursday, August 13, 2015
Congratulations on 15 Years!
I strongly believe in our communities youth and support the people that help brighten their futures. 107 Griffin St. N., Smithville • 905-957-5000 www.brenda.walker.ca
BRENDA WALKER Sales Rep.
Congratulations F.O.R.T. on 15 Years in the Community Supporting our Youth!
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905-945-2151
The nuts and bolts of what makes FORT tick
If one speaks to the staff or to the youth who frequent The Fort, a universal sentiment regarding the organization’s volunteers will be very positive. “They’re the backbone. They make the place hum,” said FORT executive director Beth Shaw, who noted there is an added need with three centres now open – Grimsby, Smithville and Caistor. The FORT’s resource developer, David Vandersteen, said volunteers can give 1-2 hours to an afternoon at a time and inquiries about helping out are always welcome. “We’re looking for adults to work with the older teens and we have some older teens who work with the younger kids,” said Vandersteen. Volunteers help with whatever programming is happening on a given day, whether it be taking the youth swimming at the pool, helping with an art project or an instructional workshop. It could be as simple as spending time with the youth in a casual setting. “We adapt a volunteer’s role to their talents and interests, so anyone is welcome to come help out. Volunteers can be as young as high school age to
volunteer for the after-school program, and the hours can be used for their diploma requirements,” said Vandersteen. “We’re always happy to see more volunteers in Grimsby, but Smithville is where the need is greatest, being our busiest centre yet with the fewest number of volunteers. We pride ourselves on being a very flexible organization.” The hours of service for all centres is 3-5:30 p.m. for the after school program (Grades 6-8) and 5:30-9 p.m. for the drop-in program (Grades 9-12). Grimsby and Smithville run Mon.-Fri.; Caistor Mon.-Thurs. In the summer the hours for the after-school program are extend to 1 -5:30 p.m. All three centres feature similar programs including homework help, arts & crafts, life skills workshops, and physical activity. Smithville, which uses a trailer on the fairgrounds, does suffer from a lack of running water and washroom facilities, but still manages to run its most popular programs despite having to use the arena next door. For volunteer inquiries, call Vendersteen at 905-309-3678.
TESTIMONIAL
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www.timhudak.ca • info@timhudak.ca
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Congratulations to FORT on serving our community for 15 years! Thanks for all your efforts.
Rachel (Age 11): A lot of the activities that we do at FORT are inspiring and make me feel good about myself. The YAPL (Public Health program) 1234567890-=qwe talks a lot about bullying and dealing with peer pressure, which is asdfghjkl;'zx important because it is something that happens a lot at my school. It makes it easier to deal with after talking about it at the FORT.
60 Kerman Ave., Unit 2, Grimsby • 905-309-5551 • www.marawilde.ca