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.