…..offering youth-at-risk personal vision,

a place of belonging

and a bridge to the community…..

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Mission and Values .…………………………………………………………………………………………………. p.3

Director’s Report …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.4

Living Rock Board Chair Report …………………………………………………………………………………………..……. p.5

History of Living Rock ….……………………………………………………………………………………………… p.6-7

Board of Directors & Volunteers ……………………………………………………………………………………..…… p.8

Employee List …………………………………………………………………………………………..……… p.9

Letter from the Auditor & Financial Report ……………………………………………………………………………. p.10

Book & Awards …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.11

SPECIAL EVENTS

Arts of August …………………………………………………………………………………………………… p.13

Operation Christmas Blessing…………...………………………………………………………………………… p.14

Soupfest 12 ………….………………………………………….. …………………………………………….………... p.15

Golf tournament & Camping Trip ………………………………………………………………………………. p.16

Pink Shirt Day & 72 Hours for Life ……………………………………………………………………………….. P.17

PROGRAMS

Educational Supports ……...…………………………………………………………………………………..…..... P.19

Weekday Food Bank & Weekend Food Bank ...…………………………………………………………. p.20 & 21

Freestyle Fridays .………………………………………………………………………………………………………. p. 22

Food Services Program ……………………………..…………………………………………………………...…. p. 23

Housing …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. p.24

Oasis Coffee House Breakfast Program ……………………………………………………………………….. p.25

Oasis Coffee House Evening & Weekend Program ………………………………………………………. p.26-27

Resources Reloaded .…………………………………………………………………………………………………... p. 28

Rock Resources Reloaded …………………………………………………….…………………………………….. p. 29

TRI-Rock ………………………...…………………………………………………………………………………………... p. 30

Wellness Works/Active Young Mothers …………………………………………………………………… p.31

Chaplaincy & Meet The Streets ……………………………………………………………………………….….. P.32 & 33

Youth Outreach Workers– Hamilton…………………………………………………………………………… p. 34

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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MISSION AND VALUES

Mission Statement:

Living Rock Ministries is a non-profit organization reaching out in the cultural language of youth since 1985. Living Rock offers youth-at-risk a place of belonging, safety and a bridge to the community, while supporting youth to develop a personal vision for their lives.

Vision:

Our vision is to engage, encourage, and equip youth.

Values:

In pursuit of our mission and vision, Christ has called us to value: justice, compassion, diversity, community and learning.

CONTACT US:

Living Rock Ministries 30 Wilson Street Hamilton, ON L8R 1C5 Phone: 905-528-ROCK (7625) Fax: 905-526-8723 Website: www.livingrock.ca Charitable Registration # 883458812 RR0001

ENGAGE. ENCOURAGE. EQUIP. Celebrating 29 Years of Serving At-Risk Youth!

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Rev. Alan Craig - Director, Founder of Living Rock Ministries Photo Courtesy : Strungfoto

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

As I sit and reflect on the year, it is a bit of a blur. At Living Rock, 2014 has been a year of success, new initiatives, changed lives, hopes, prayers and financial shortfalls. We recognized that volunteers are critical to support staff in sustaining quality programs for youth. One new development was that Living Rock Ministries received a three-year funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to support the hiring of a full-time Volunteer Coordinator. This additional support enabled Living Rock to expand the capacity for volunteers to be recruited, screened, and trained. This improves both the safety for staff, volunteers and youth at Living Rock, while increasing the quality of youth experiences with volunteers. By the end of 2014, the team had increased to 125 volunteers. We continue work to maintain the “work to earn” model and provide employment readiness programs, such as Rock Resources Reloaded providing work crews and one-to-one coaching for youth. World Vision continues to be a sponsor and assist in clarifying the critical aspects of this program. The importance is reflected in that over 77% of youth in the TRI-Rock Program are sustaining employment or returning to school after program completion. This was a year of financial shortfall. We worked to sustain critical programs even as donations decreased. We were encouraged by generous donations; those that remember the Rock related to memorials and honour gifts; generous support of Operation Christmas Blessing but we still were unable to reach our goal. We saw more corporations want to participate in service projects and an increase in Meet the Street training and service retreats. People are inspired by visiting Living Rock and working alongside youth and learning from them. In order to rely less on foundations and grants, we were challenged to explore social enterprise opportunities. The Gas Works, a beautiful venue near the Rock was purchased by a foundation and we were able to use it as a site to train youth in janitorial, set-up and porting skills. We were able to rent the facility for special events. Discussions also started in February about the potential of sponsoring a food truck for summer 2015. It would be the first “social enterprise food truck in Canada”. We attended a workshop with World Vision on “Social Enterprise” and the concept of having a business to generate funds for youth incentives and coach mentors. Both projects accrue financial donations for the Rock as well as create practical skill and experience training for youth. Part of these initiatives and other projects create added pressure on the team to work with the growing use of social media for promotion and building support.

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Personally, we recognize the impact of Living Rock being a safe refuge to find community, friendship, referrals and spiritual support. The Gathering chapel is a big focus for me. One youth struggled for months to find his way with anger, isolation and trauma. He attended the summer camping trip and loved the experience, campfires and close relationships he felt. He ended up finally going from Rock Resources Reloaded in regular food services training to attending TRI-Rock Program, the full-time employment program. He now has a safe apartment, full-time work and I had the privilege of baptizing him as he confessed his growing faith and new vision for his life. That is just one example that stands out of a yearlong team investment of sowing into a life that has resulted in fruit. The Rock continues to be a very unique and special resource for youth. We thank God and all those that journey with us. Alan Craig Director, Living Rock Ministries

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HISTORY OF LIVING ROCK MINISTRIES Living Rock Ministries is a non-profit, Christian outreach founded in 1985. It is well known in the community as a highly creative and flexible organization, especially skilled at building positive relationships with youth-at-risk. Living Rock continues to creatively add services in direct response to the latest needs of youth-at-risk. A more detailed history is given below:

The Living Rock was the vision of Alan Craig and a team committed to prayer and outreach. The team started a gathering at Hamilton Public Library on November 17, 1985. A drop-in and coffee house was offered to all ages. In 1989, the Living Rock Board defined the vision to “serve street youth ( ages 13-25)”. The focus was on relationship building and purposeful, culturally relevant activities with youth.

1990/1 - As part of the focus, of reaching youth in a way that was culturally relevant. Summer Youth Projects were started to provide street-involved youth with positive activities and while building relationships. St. Paul's Presbyterian Church rented their facility for concerts and outreach in the core of Hamilton. This became a 10-year relationship and an ideal site for outreach in downtown.

1995 - Due to shifts in music and youth culture, and decreases in social assistance, Living Rock refocused their outreach with an emphasis on a youth food bank, free evening meals and street work. As a result of providing a ‘home-like’ premises in a small downtown heritage cottage beside St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, the ministry became known to youth-at-risk as the “Rock”. Short-term projects, drama, and The Rock Experience Program (REP) were developed. Youth responded well to this creative ‘work-to-earn’ model, in which youth help with chores at the Rock, which builds the youth’s esteem.

1999 - The purchase of the Rock Youth Resource Centre at 30 Wilson St., enables the Rock to expand programs and heighten it’s profile on the streets. The “Oasis Coffee House” Evening Program expands and provides a free meal and creative evening activities, to engage youth and celebrate other cultures.

2000 - Living Rock was incorporated. (#1366527)

2001-3 The TRI-Rock Employment readiness program begins with the support of Service Canada, in partnership with Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Hamilton Community Foundation. This program focuses on assisting youth to establish stable housing, life skills and work experience. An Anti-Racism Initiative sponsored by Heritage Canada in 2003, starting significant work in Living Rock’s organizational capacity-building, formalizing written policies and staff training to provide a culture of peace. This also becomes the Arts of August, providing a practical city-wide initiative celebrating peace and diversity. The Rock Action Council (RAC) a youth advisory team is created. After an extensive renovation project, the food bank is improved, 3 washrooms (with showers) are built. A Health Centre and Breakfast Program was added, in partnership with the Aboriginal Health Centre. Access to computers, phones, showers, washrooms and crisis support were made available to the youth.

2003- with help of generous donations, Living Rock was able to purchase the building directly beside the existing building. The building provides much-needed program space, administration area, a large

gathering room, storage space and walk-in freezer.

2003/4 – The “Wellness Works” and “Just for Gurlz” programs are added, to support and sustain outreach to the growing number of pregnant and parenting teens with self esteem issues.

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2005 – Offering a formalized ‘Creativity Through Diversity’ Art Program, youth are encouraged to imagine and express their thoughts for global citizenship. A diverse, city-wide youth art showcase is provided for their projects with awards given at the Grand Finale art exhibit. In partnership with Adult Basic Education Association, Living Rock offers increased educational supports to youth.

2006– Formalized Rock-In-Action, sports and recreation activities, are offered to youth as an added component to many of our programs. It is a significant gang prevention measure for our community and a highly effective way to build relationships with youth.

2007- Rock Crisis Response enables Rock staff to develop a specialized room and crisis response kits and training. Youth Outreach Workers (YOW-H) works through the Street Youth Planning Collabora-tive (SPYC) to reach youth on the streets, networking them with the Living Rock. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) support the Living Rock’s renovations for a new roof, a new porch and an elevator.

2008 – GPS: New Pathways for Youth sponsored by National Crime Prevention Centre of Public Safety Canada sponsored a 3 year initiative.

2009– FirstOntario Credit Union works with Living Rock to make a commitment to become Title Sponsor for Soupfest VIII in 2010. The Weekend Program’s funding came to an end in 2009 and four community champions came forward with money to sustain it. The Food Bank extended it’s hours to encompass the weekends, making it the “only weekend and youth-focused food bank in Hamilton”

2011– GPS: New Pathways for Youth funding finished. To keep valuable programs going, the Breakfast Program, Evening Program (including Freestyle Fridays), and the Weekend Program were stream-lined together, into the “Oasis Coffee House.” The vision incorporates a consistent template and valuable lessons from GPS. World Vision provided funding for the Rock Resources, work-to-earn program.

2013 - We are so excited ArcelorMittal Dofasco stepped up and sponsored the Oasis Coffee House Weekend Program. With the help and generous donations of Hamilton Community Foundation and The Meeting House, Living Rock was able to hire a Food Services Coordinator.

2014 - Since February we explored the potential of developing Social Enterprise for youth. Preparing for the 2015 launch of The Harvest Food Truck and work crews helping with catering and special event set up at The Gas Works. Ontario Trillium Foundation sponsored a Volunteer Coordinator

position to help formalize and structure the volunteer program.

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20I4 BOARD OF

DIRECTORS Chair Robert Charters, Business Administrator

Treasurer Ross Drummond Agricultural Self Employed, Drummond Farms Belvedere Orchards

Secretary Peter Boushy Criminal Defense Lawyer

Directors Carl Joosse Baking and Trucking Business Chris Mantel Horticulturist Connon Nurseries Karen Hill Family Physician, Juddah’s Place, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory Russ Browne* Criminal and Mental Health Lawyer

Executive Director Alan Craig Founder and Executive Director of Living Rock Ministries *Served part of 2014

VOLUNTEER TEAM

In 2014, over 13,121* volunteer hours were completed by over 181 volunteers and students to help make Living Rock a place of belonging and safety, and a bridge to the community for youth.

In 2014, Living Rock received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to add a full-time Volunteer Coordinator to our team; Joel Van Steenbergen. Through the OTF’s support, over 13, 121 volunteer hours were completed at Living Rock by 181 volunteers. Together, they helped make Living Rock a place of belonging, safety, and a bridge to the community for youth.

The extra volunteer support enabled the beginning of the Pregnancy Response Team – a team of volunteers who are ready to re-spond to urgent crises regarding pregnancy. Rhea Wilson, a midwife in Hamilton and volunteer on this team, was the recipient of the Volunteer Hamilton Hometown Hero Award during Volunteer Appreciation Week 2014. Another member of this team, Sofia Al Balkhi, was a recipient of McMaster University’s Community Engagement and Volunteer Fair’s Outstanding McMaster Student Award and has been invited to speak at the Hamilton Administrators of Volunteers AGM in 2015.

*Not including Soupfest

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Alan Craig (Rev.) ** Founder & Executive Director Karen Craig (RSW) ** Co-Founder & Program Director Julie Conway** Development Director Managers: Eudora Benjamin** Office/Finance Manager Jennifer De Vries** Consultant Abby Craig Evening/Weekend Program Coordinator Britanie Johnson~ Summer Student Carly Blackman~ Youth Outreach Worker Chad Paddock* Rock Resources Housing Coordinator Charles Frankum Maintenance Clint McFawn Development Staff Cynthia MacDonald* Weekend Program Staff Daniel Abarca Food Services Staff Dave Steeves TRI-Rock Employment Coach Devon Cornelius Breakfast Program /Events Coordinator Eamon Dunne* Rock Resources Coordinator Gail Lowe* Food Services Staff Helen Bannerman** Data Entry/Admin Support Staff Hanna Arnold Youth Outreach Worker Joel Van Steenbergen Volunteer Coordinator Joshua Hincks Weekends Food Bank Staff Kelly Flewelling~ Summer Student Ken Quiggan ~ TRI-Rock Employment Coach Kevin Charles *~ Events Coordinator Kevin Vos Rock Resources Staff Laurie Trace Weekend Program Staff Mary Anne Roy** TRI-Rock Coordinator Nick Schuurman TRI-Rock Life Skills Coach Patricia Savoie Summer Student Randy Neudorf* Chaplaincy Robert Moore* TRI-Rock Coordinator Sarah Trimble Breakfast Coordinator/Rock Resources Staff/TRI-Rock Coach Shane Collins Weekends/Evening Program Staff Stacey Callahan* Food Bank Coordinator Tammy Talosi~ Youth Outreach Worker Val Campbell** Wellness Works Coordinator Veronica Kilgour* Admin/Marketing Assistant

20I4 EMPLOYEES

~ Worked only part of 2014 * Completed 5 years or more service ** Completed 10 years or more service

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20I4 FINANCIAL REPORT

Income & Expense Graphs for 2014

Revenues

Expenses

Please see www.livingrock.ca for the Complete Audited Financial Statements

Fundraising$ 153,864

Other$ 956 Donations

$ 261,961

DonationsIn-Kind

$ 304,426

Grants$ 739,953

Revenues 2014

Donations 261,961.00

Fundraising 153,864.00

Donations in-kind 304,426.00

Grants 739,953.00

Other 956.00 1,461,160.00

Expenditures 2014

Administration 155,686.00

Building Facilities 58,338.00

Programs 1,287,787.00

Fundraising 55,969.00 1,557,780.00

Programs$ 1,287,787

Fundraising$ 55,969

Building$ 58,338

Administration$ 155,686

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I feel blessed that I got a chance

to work at the Rock

I got a lot of supporters

helping my way to the top

Yeah it taught me a lot,

Like how to hold on to a job

I know I’m I lucky I got

TRI-Rock’s helping out

in more than just one way

Just better not show late,

opportunities don’t wait

I’m constantly on a mission

won’t stop I got no breaks

Unstoppable show faith,

impossible no way

Point you in the right direction

when walking the wrong way

Stay strong on a long day

You should never have to say

that there’s got to be no way

‘Cause tomorrow’s a new day

Cody

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SPECIAL EVENTS

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ARTS OF AUGUST

During Living Rock’s Summer Youth Project 2003 “Arts of August: Hands around the World,” was piloted. The project was possible through the Anti-Racism Initiative of the Ontario Endowment and Canadian Heritage. For ten years, the Living Rock community has continued to offer youth in Hamilton, ages 13 to 25, opportunities to express themselves through art with themes of “Peace, Love, Culture & Equality.” This year, the “Creativity through Diversity” Fashion Show was held at The Gas Works (141 Park St.) on Thursday July 30th 2014. Joie-Grace Usabwimana (Child Youth Worker Student), inspired and shared her story from Rwanda. The proceeds from the Fashion Show went to support the relief through World Vision in Rwanda. Newcomer youth, Living Rock youth, community business men, and local celebrities came together and put on a multi-cultural show and raised $500.00. The 12th Annual Grand Finale was held at The Freeway Café on August 28, 2014. Youth from RE-Create, Living Rock and community showcased their art. Videos that were made at Freestyle Friday by the Factory, music and poetry . The youth were honoured with prizes, certificates from David Christopherson, MP, Hamilton-Centre and Scotiabank Medallions. Special Notes & Guests: Jean Gacinya, President of Rwanda-Canadian Community of Hamilton Lisa Hepfner, CHCH Andrew Gerrior, Fresh FM Native Women’s Centre performed Jingle Dance Promotion at “It’s Your Festival” & Art Crawl Through different Art Workshops held throughout the Arts of August season, participants explored different techniques; visual art, poetry and music. The youth created and submitted pieces to be judged by experts. The Freeway Café and The Hamilton Public Library both graciously displayed art for a month after the event, celebrating the youth.

2014 Statistics

25 youth models helped to put on the

Fashion Show

151 people attended the Creativity Through

Diversity Fashion Show

30 youth submitted 55 pieces for the

Grand Finale

130 people attended the Grand Finale

Including 10 Celebrity Models & Partners

Art Forms • Art Gallery of Hamilton • Arts Hamilton • Brain Injury Services of Hamilton • Community Partnership Program for Culture Arts and Heritage • District School Board • Fabricland • Focus on Youth & Hamilton Wentworth • Hamilton Artists Inc. • Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion • Hamilton Public Library • HARRP • Immigrant Culture and Art Association (ICAA) • Jean’s Flower Shop • Lorenzo’s School of Hair Design • Moore’s Clothing For Men • Out of the Past • RE-Create Open Art Studio • Scotiabank • The Factory • The Freeway Café • The Gas Works • The Pearl Company •

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OPERATION CHRISTMAS BLESSING It is well known that the Christmas season can be very difficult for youth-at-risk due to societal pressures and commercial influence. There is so much focus on gift-giving and family celebration that it seems to only increase the awareness of areas where a youth may be lacking. For this reason Living Rock Ministries desires to celebrate Christmas throughout the month of December with a special week of celebration leading up to Christmas Day. Living Rock aims to provide opportunities, that each and every youth deserves, within the month of December for youth to celebrate with their peers and the Rock Community as a whole. Living Rock wishes to thank all who shared the vision of “Operation Christmas Blessing”

Thanks also to our Community Champions who made donations.

2014 Statistics 107 youth attended and received gifts and photos at the Christmas dinner

107 youth participated in Christmas events during Evening Program

Community Champions

Rock Alumni came “home” and visit and a special Gathering Service to celebrate Christmas.

Soupfest 12 marked the fifth anniversary that FirstOntario Credit Union held the title of presenting sponsor and the 12th year that Hooper Law has been a Platinum Sponsor. Event sponsors help offset expenses so that more of the proceeds can directly support youth. The restaurants, wowed the public once again, with their creativity and tasty soups. This year 23 participating restaurants competed for best soup, most creative soup, best display, and locally grown. A very special thanks goes out to all of the celebrity servers, mascots, sponsors, art park judges, The Meeting House (who raised up more than 100 volunteers) and the community for coming out to “stir-up support for youth-at-risk”.

SOUPFEST I2 YEAR NET PROFIT ATTENDANCE Soupfest I 4,290 2,000 Soupfest II 9,978 2,100 Soupfest III 14,321 2,800 Soupfest IV 18,005 3,000 Soupfest V 27,135 3,100 Soupfest VI 37,410 5,000 Soupfest VII 38,575 4,500 Soupfest VIII 77,100 4,850 Soupfest IX 60,000 4,000 Soupfest 10 74,000 5,000 Soupfest 11 90,000 6,000 Soupfest 12 65,000 5,000

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Living Rock's Annual Golf Tournament has always been a significant fundraiser. Held at the beautiful Beverly Golf and Country Club, the tournament raised $25,000 for renovations and Living Rock’s cooking program which prepares over 900 meals per week for youth. This tournament is run and operated by a dynamic committee that continues to ensure this tournament is a success.

I8TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

IITH

ANNUAL YOUTH CAMPING TRIP

For the last 12 years, Living Rock has taken a group of youth camping. For some youth, this camping experience was their first, for other youth it was a reminder that you can have a lot of fun spending time in community in the great outdoors. Youth who participate in the outdoor camping adventures benefit in countless ways as they step into new environments. These experiences provide youth with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, self-confidence and self-respect, build trust and community, teamwork experiences, an opportunity to enjoy nature and escape from pressures and street involvement. Thank you to all the community sponsors.

YOUTH SUPPORTING YOUTH

Pink Shirt Day (in partnership with Youth Serving Agencies Network)

Pink Shirt Day falls on the last Wednesday of February, youth and staff wear pink shirts to “Make Noise Against Bullying.” In the days leading up to it, Living Rock will help prepare by holding pink tie-dye groups and bringing in special speakers to help inform and support any youth who has suffered from bullying, those who knows someone who has or bystanders.

72 Hours For Life: Living Rock Ministries, in partnership with Live Bravely, presents 72 Hours for Life: Leading up to World Suicide Prevention Day. There are a series of events, that lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. This initiative reclaims the concept of “Suicide Watch” with 72 hours of reflection, training and awareness for youth (13 to 25 years) and youth allies. Founded by Mike, a former youth of the Rock and now Alumni and partner, Live Bravely is a grassroots organization focused on education, training and reflection in relation to suicide prevention and healing for survivors.

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LIVING ROCK

PROGRAMS

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“76% of the ‘new comer’ youth we served at Living Rock this year have never attended school.” (statistic from ABEA presentation from the Lifelong Learning Week 2011)

The Living Rock offers educational supports through Adult Basic Education Association (ABEA), in the TRI-Rock Program, which exists to improve the quality of life in the community of Hamilton through the promotion and support of lifelong learning. Through ABEA, the youth can access educational assessments, a step-by-step action plan to meet their goals, and community referral to educational resources. The goal is to see this service expand to other programs. Living Rock celebrates Lifelong Learning week with ABEA with a lunch at the Rock in September. The lunch is for the community to learn of the educational supports offered, so they can encourage the youth to ‘Keep Going! Don’t Stop’ in relation to life-long learning. The Educational Supports offered at the Living Rock provide a way in which youth can gain hope and a future.

2014 Statistics 40 youth connections were made 48 youth came for information and referral from Living Rock Staff

85% youth were between the ages of 19 and 25

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTS

Back To School Campaign “Keep Going! Don’t Stop!”

Professional Lunch

“ I thought it would be hopeless to get a diploma– I didn’t know you could just write a test. The convenience of the GED has rekindled my interest in education”- A Living Rock Youth

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The Living Rock Food Bank (Underground Rock Shop) is the only youth-focused food bank in all of Hamilton and is the first point of contact for many youth and their families. As part of the mission of the food bank, not only are the needs of youth met surrounding food and clothing, but connections are made to other Living Rock and community services, such as: educational, recreational, informational, social and work programs. These programs address poverty by reducing barriers and by building assets in youth’s lives. This entry point is often the beginning of a trust relationship that builds foundations to help the youth-at-risk securely grow.

The food bank continues to change as it strives to increase the variety and nutritional value of foods available to include more breads, vegetables (fresh and canned), as well as ready-to-eat food. For new Canadians, cultural foods such as rice, flour and dried lentils are often stocked. More youth are accessing the food bank on behalf of their families. Personal care items, hygiene products and baby products are considered valuable assets to our food bank as they are always sought after items.

The Incentive Room offers quality items such as hygiene products, new & almost new clothing, small apartment appliances and wares, for “Rock Bucks” (Living Rock currency). The incentive room is a specialty shop open 2 days a week, and carries sought after items that youth can either “work-to-earn” or “earn-while-you-learn.”

During April of 2014, all Food Share food banks in Hamilton switched to data systems from HIFIS to Link 2 Feed! This system helps food banks better administer their resources in order to focus on changing the lives of their clients.

FOOD BANK & CLOTHING SHOP

Hamilton Food Share • Wesley Gozdek – West Hamilton • Fortinos • Little Caesars • Meeting House Hamilton • Marshall Memorial Church • St. Johns Lutheran Church • Sherwood High School • John Turkstra •

Philpott Memorial Church • McMaster Meal Exchange • All Third Party groups that conduct food & clothing drives

In September 2009, the Living Rock extended the hours of its food bank program known as the ‘Underground Rock Shop’ into the weekend.

This program is the only youth-focused food bank in Hamilton.

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This is the sixth year that the Weekend Food Bank has been open at the Living Rock. The numbers of youth attending the program have increased dramatically. This increase is a result of the following:

heightened youth awareness of the Weekend Food Bank Program,

youth in school or work are accessing the Program, instead of leaving early or not attending to responsibilities to access a food bank. street involved youth, those that are homeless or without a permanent address who used the weekend

program started accessing the food bank only when it was open on the weekend.

youth value the atmosphere because it is quieter, less crowded, and more dignified.

youth appreciate personal connection with staff,

personal conversations help youth get their needs met, obtain support and referrals.

one-to-one connections provides a forum for youth to move past barriers.

two primary staff have background in Social Work

This model has been proven successful for youth with social problems, allowing the youth to visit for food, clothing and hygiene products. The success of the food bank has been dependent on community donors such as, community churches, businesses, individual donors and fundraisers such as McMaster Meal Exchange (who has provided 12,400 pounds of food over the last four years) during a time when the food bank supply was low.

“The connection with the Weekend Program provides a place to be social and a place to get food..” -youth

“People are poor everyday of the week. Poverty does not pay attention to the time or date.” -youth

2014 Statistics* (Weekday & Weekend together)

2,618 Total number of visits to the Food Bank

1,418 Number of visits by female youth

1,200 Number of visits by male youth

364 Total number of visits by children and youth

under 18

266 Total number of parenting youth visits

55,483 Total poundage of food handed out

FOOD BANK - WEEKEND

*Due to the changes in the data system, these numbers only reflect one visit per month from the youth, excluding any other visits they may have made.

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Freestyle Fridays is committed to promoting positive hip hop culture and providing a safe creative space for youth ages 13-25. It runs from 7-10 pm on the third Friday night of the month and usually consists of a DJ, door prizes, and then the centerpiece of our alternative night club: the Freestyle Competition. Youth compete for prizes and peer recognition. The rules are simple: show off your freestyle skills while keeping it positive (no racial slurs, no cussing, no promoting violence, no degrading women). We ask youth to rap about themselves and their lives. We want the art that these young people create to be real and authentic in a way that lift up themselves and their community. “it’s incredible to see youth of all different skill levels come together and encourage one another. The positivity creates space for so much growth and new ideas. When all these minds come together the creativity is amazing and so exciting.” -Staff

FREESTYLE FRIDAYS

2014 Statistics 220 youth participated in Freestyle Fridays

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FOOD SERVICES

.

2014 Statistics

4,196 Total Hours of Activity in Work Crews 1,547 Total Number of Work Crews Provided

153 Number of individual TRI-Rock Youth to work on Food Services Work Crews

The Food Services Program at Living Rock aims to provide youth with essential life skills and equip youth for the work force by coaching youth with Food Services Skills Training, utilizing industry standard equipment. "Whenever I am in a bad mood, regardless of whatever happens, it is gone. People are nice and friendly, all my friends work here." Alexis (TRI-Rock participant).”

Weekday Breakfast Kitchen Work Crews: 709 youth and community volunteer spots filled in one year. With 14 youth/volunteers participating weekly for a combined total of 1418 hours of work training completed. TRI-Rock Employment Program Wednesday Lunch Work Crew: 199 youth employment training spots filled in one year. With 7 youth participating weekly for a combined total of 697 hours of work training completed. Evening Program Kitchen Work Crews: 931 youth and community volunteers spots filled in one year. with a combined total of 1862 hours of kitchen volunteering completed

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

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HOUSING SUPPORTS

Living Rock has been funded to provide housing supports since 2001 and now has one full time Youth Housing Support Worker (YHSW). In 2009, Living Rock joined their efforts with Street Youth Planning Collaborative, Children’s Aid Society and Catholic Children’s Aid Society with coordination support from the Social Planning and Research Council (SPRC). This collaboration between agencies has led to greater success in both the finding and maintaining of suitable housing for youth-at-risk in Hamilton. The Youth Housing Support Worker connects with homeless and street involved youth through the open access “It’s a New Day” Breakfast Program; drop in appointments, and referrals from other agencies. In addition to finding suitable housing, the Youth Housing Support Worker provides landlord/tenant advocacy, and supports in connecting youth with Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program. The Youth Housing support Worker also provides referrals to trustees, drug counseling, shelters, and transitional housing programs such as Wesley Youth Housing, subsidized housing and legal clinics.

2014 Statistics

85 total individual females seen

109 total individual males seen

698 total number of youth visits

Homelessness Partnering Strategy

“Thanks for the bus tickets, helping find me landlord information and enlightening me on all the need-to-know things when it comes to tenant rights.” -youth

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OASIS COFFEE HOUSE: BREAKFAST PROGRAM

2014 Statistics

6,308 youth visits to the Breakfast Program

8 visits from youth families to the Breakfast Program

11,076 volunteer hours were given by dedicated volunteers

396 Referrals were made through the Breakfast Program

165 Partner Agency on-site visits were held during the Breakfast Program

Living Rock’s Breakfast Program provides street-involved youth with an opportunity to start the day with a hot, nutritious meal. The Breakfast Program is “more than just a meal” by providing a safe, comfortable environment for youth to connect with staff and begin setting personal goals and action plans. The Breakfast Program has a variety of in-house and community partners available to youth including the Living Rock’s Housing Support Worker, Rock Resources Reloaded staff, Wellness Works staff, City of Hamilton Dental Hygienist, Hamilton Regional Indian Centre Outreach Worker and a staff member from the Adult Basic Education Centre. The Breakfast program provides access to emergency supports including showers, phone use, clothing and food bank. Breakfast, as an open access program often serves as a first point of contact with street involved youth. It is a recruiting ground for other Living Rock Programs including the Rock Resources work-to-earn program and TRI-Rock Employment Program. The success of the Breakfast program is due in large part to the many hours that our faithful students and community volunteers contribute, as well as financial donations from the community.

Community Donations

“I think of coming to the Rock’s Breakfast Program as a get-away in the morning. A place I can come and eat and other variety of choices. It’s a welcoming and friendly environment.” -youth

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Geraldo’s at LaSalle Park Hamilton Food Share : Oakrun Bakeries YMCA

OASIS COFFEE HOUSE: EVENING PROGRAM

All youth are welcome to be a part of the relaxed atmosphere of the “Oasis Coffee House”. As an essential component of the Living Rock community, the Evening Program “Oasis Coffee House”, is marked by safety and inclusion. Three nights a week youth are members of a healthy community as they share a meal in a ‘family setting’, and develop a network of relationships with other youth, volunteers, and staff. The “Oasis Coffee House’s” positive environment is developed through activities cultivated in the common language of youth. One youth stated: “Living Rock has always been there when I needed someone to talk to at night.” Often these types of conversation are facilitated through the activities offered during the “Oasis Coffee House.” Activities include: Open Mic, Birthday Parties, Wellness Spa Night, Movie Night, Games Night, and Gourmet Drink Nights. Programs which em-phasize education, skill gaining and self-expression include: floor hockey, cultural theme nights, drop-in Prenatal Classes, guest speakers, and workshops. Each program is developed with the purpose to facilitate a place of belonging and safety, so staff and volunteers may journey along side of youth as they develop positive self perception and personal vision for their lives. Summing up the Oasis Coffee House a youth explained “The Rock feels like home. It is a safe place for me to go.” This experience of hospitality extends past sharing a warm meal, and includes the provision of basic necessities such as: access to washrooms and shower facilities, telephone, youth food bank, and the clothing exchange. Basic supports are also provided through the Living Rock’s “work-to-earn” model where youth involved in evening chores receive incentives such as: bus tickets, hygiene products and snacks. Support is also offered in times of crisis, and the Oasis Coffee House staff, volunteers and students are prepared to provide referrals to other community resources and on-site programs. The Oasis Coffee House effectiveness is evident, as youth purposefully access programming in times of crisis as they know and have previously experienced the support of the Living Rock.

2014 Statistics 6,753 visits were made to the Evening Program

7,840 meals were served to youth

120 Referrals (Internal & External)

3,223 youth participated in after dinner activities

55 volunteers contributed to 9300 volunteer hours

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OASIS COFFEE HOUSE: WEEKEND PROGRAM

The Weekend Program provides youth with a place of safety, a place of connection to seek out practical, emotional support and referrals to community and Living Rock resources. The program offers youth:

Services within the Rock and outside agencies.

2014 Statistics 2,436 youth visits were made to Weekend Program

61 referrals (Internal & external)

116 bus tickets given out

200 volunteer hours contributed

2,665 meals were served

“This is the only place I feel comfortable. I can trust the staff and people here.”- youth

“When I was doing drugs I stopped eating. When I came to the weekend Program I started eating

again. When I quit doing drugs I would be come to the Rock for food and to hang out.” - youth

Community Champions

A place to stay out of the heat/cold

Snacks Access phones and computers Access to showers, clothing and hygiene products Arts, crafts and games Laundry Services

Clean Movies (educational and entertaining) Work on individual projects and homework Emotional support

Referrals to shelters and other community resources

Weekend food bank

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Enabled for Life: Ready to Work Rock Resources Reloaded Program seeks to enable youth towards attaining a healthy and productive life while instilling job readiness skills into the lives of Hamilton’s youth.

World Vision has generously supported a renewal and rebuilding of the Rock Resources program. Beginning April 2011 World Vision provided funding and expertise in the redevelopment of one of Living Rock’s backbone programs. Together, the common vision for youth has combined a synergy of the Living Rock’s practical expertise and World Vision’s organizational development strength. What has emerged in 2011 is amazing and continuously growing! Program staff and volunteers seek to enable youth to live healthy and productive lives. We use a “work-to-earn” model providing incentives for youth to engage in one-to-one weekly meeting with a coach. Youth also are invited to participate in any of a number of skill building workshops and work crews aimed at readying them for entry level employment. Food services, retail merchandizing and sales, inventory control and cleaning work crews are opportunities to teach the basic skills for employment. The combination of these work crews and available workshops, creates valuable employees that brings multiple skills to their entry level positions.

ROCK RESOURCES RELOADED

2014 Statistics 1,030 Youth visits made

49 Individual youth participated in work crews

1,146 bus tickets given out to RRR enrolled

117 total referrals

“I really liked the fact that I was contributing to making food in the kitchen to feed my friends and also the fact that I could actually see just how much effort is actually involved in the running of the facility on a daily basis, I would absolutely advise my friends to get involved with RRR> -youth

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ROCK-IN-ACTION

Rock-In-Action (RIA) is a program at Living Rock that focuses on sports, recreation, and a healthy lifestyle. The Rock-In-Action Program, intertwines with many other programs at Living Rock and is supported through YMCA Hamilton, who offers Living Rock a special rate for membership passes, Hamilton Community Foundation, City of Hamilton and McMaster Athletes Care. The Rock has been able to provide sports and recreational activities to a population that would not otherwise be able to access them due to financial restraints. Many of the participants that are involved in the project are able to learn about the importance of taking care of one’s health through proper eating, stretching, and physical exercise. Because the Living Rock operates during morning, afternoon and evening hours, we have activities running all through those times. This allows the youth to access a variety of programs at a variety of times.

2014 Statistics 1,409 youth visits to YMCA through the Evening Program & TRI-Rock

20 volunteers contributed 950 hours

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TRI-ROCK EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

TRI-Rock is a 16 week, full-time, paid employment training program for young people 18-30. It is done in 2 phases. Phase 1 is 8 weeks long and occurs at the Living Rock. Participants are subsidized by Service Canada at minimum wage for 35 hours a week. While at the Living Rock, participants do practical work around the building as well as participating in employment skills training where they learn about resume writing, interview presentation, dealing with anger and stress in the workplace, budgeting etc. Each youth is assigned a case worker to help identify personal and employment goals. Throughout Phase 1, participants are preparing themselves for a job placement in the community.

Phase 2 is an 8 week job placement in the community. Participants are subsidized for 35 hours a week at minimum wage for the duration of the placement. The placement has the option of hiring on the TRI-Rock participant once they have completed the program.

“I was so glad that I was encouraged to pursue school and a career. I am actually getting a placement in a job that I want to pursue as a career. And I have narrowed down which school I want to go to!” -Youth

2014 Statistics 45 individual youth participated in TRI-Rock

91% youth completed Phase 1

77% youth either obtained employment or returned to school

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WELLNESS WORKS: PRENATAL & PARENTING INITIATIVE

The Wellness Works Initiative provides practical support to at-risk pregnant and parenting youth in addition to Case Management Support. These support programs include nutrition, life skills development, parenting education, prenatal supports, sustainable housing and any other care that will ensure a healthy pregnancy and healthy children. Stroller Fit and the Prenatal Support Program encourage young parents to participate, lessening the effects of poverty with incentives and decreasing isolation by meeting with other young parents and supports. Many youth who will receive case management support will engage in the “Earn-while-you-learn” component of this initiative. Outreach engagement through Breakfast, Food Bank and Evening Programs. The Parent Resource Centre, located off the Food Bank, gives parents the opportunity to purchase practical items needed for their families. With Rock Bucks, parents can buy diapers, wipes and formulas. This program is designed to ensure positive outcomes through the critically formative years (from 0-6 years), as well as reduce the effects of poverty on young parents and their families. The building of relationships in this program is an on-going process that can require intentional conversations in a social, or informal setting through sharing the needs of the youth or their children. An outreach is done through Living Rock’s food bank, breakfast program and evening program, with prenatal groups once-a-week, and one-to-one coaching. Assisted visits to partnering agencies, a network of community support is available to the youth.

2014 Statistics 199 one-to-one counselling visits were offered to participants

99 total visits to the Prenatal Program

75 Bus Tickets given for their participation in groups. (unfunded)

43 Food Vouchers were given to parents

254 visits to the Parent Resource Centre

Beginnings Family Services Philpott Memorial Church Young Parent Network Hamilton Urban Core Health Centre North Hamilton Community Health Centre Community Donors

One youth telling another about Stroller Fit- “Yeah we go and have a snack and talk and then we walk to the other church which we can get clothing and food if we need. There is a girl named Mel there who wants to start to do a coffee time with us.”

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YOUTH CHAPLAINCY SUPPORTS

The Gathering

Founder and Executive Director of Living Rock Ministries, Pastor Alan Craig, is also an ordained Minister and registered Chaplain. The vision of Gathering has always been to offer the message of Christ in the cultural language of youth. Once a week, Living Rock hosts a voluntary lunch hour Chapel Service with a Christ-focused message especially designed for street-involved youth. There is food, music, and many different people sharing their personal stories as they journey through life with God. There are also opportunities for informal discussions and questions and, if youth wish, they can ask for one-on-one chaplaincy support.

There is daily morning prayer time for staff and youth. A prayer request log is kept in the reception area for youth to record their prayer requests to be prayed for at the morning prayer. Youth can also participate in prayer after the Gathering has concluded.

The Commons The Commons is an urban holistic Christian community that Lives, Works, and Plays in the inner city of Hamilton. It is a community of people who are committed to making the Kingdom of God tangible in our neighbourhoods. The Commons meets in Living Rock’s Gathering Room every Sunday at 6 pm.

GOHOP (Greater Ontario House Of Prayer) After the Gathering, youth are welcome to join GOHOP in creative worship and prayer. There is a community prayer truck sponsored by GOHOP in the month of July.

2014 Statistics 1,630 youth visits were made to the Gathering

19 children visited the Gathering with their youth parents

“There is not a week that goes by that I don’t learn something playing with the band and it helps show others they can come play too.” –Youth who plays guitar with Living Rock’s band VOID.

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MINISTRY TRAINING & COMMUNITY EDUCATION:

“MEET THE STREETS”

2014 Statistics 254 people participated in 19 Events to learn about Life on the Streets

Meet the Streets (MTS) established in 2006, by Living Rock Ministries, is an Urban Ministry and Community Education Training Program.

MTS is designed to:

communicate the challenges faced by youth-at-risk

provide positive opportunities for youth-at-risk to interact with different community groups

provide a forum for street-involved youth to tell their story

a powerful DVD, featuring some of Hamilton’s youth-at-risk, share their stories and provide information on the challenges faced by street-involved youth (family issues, education,

substance abuse, etc.)

provide opportunities to share in service and fundraising activities

“What you do with the little space you have is incredible.” - A MTS participant

“Staff and youth were very welcoming. If anything, I wish we could have offered more than we were given!” - A MTS participant

"It was uncomfortable realizing how fortunate I am and how much I take for granted.” - A MTS participant

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YOUTH OUTREACH WORKERS

HAMILTON (YOW-H)

Youth Outreach Workers of Hamilton (YOW-H) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and is a partnership project of the Street Youth Planning Collaborative (SYPC*). Members of the Street Youth Planning Collaborative are: Alternatives for Youth (AY) Living Rock Ministries * Hamilton Regional Indian Centre Good Shepherd Youth Services * Wesley Youth Services * (Lead Agency) Social Planning & Research Council (Ex Officio) *Employers of YOW-H workers

The Youth Opportunity Strategy of the Mobile team began as a response to youth violence in downtown Toronto. The strategy currently serves Toronto, Hamilton, Windsor, Ottawa, London, Thunder Bay and Durham Region. Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) started out as a three year pilot project, ending March 31, 2010, but has continued on indefinitely, through the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth. Some of the goals of the initiative are as follows:

Engaging youth in order to identify their needs, strengths and interests.

Connecting youth to a full continuum of prevention, early intervention, and diversion resources.

Working with community resources to create youth development opportunities and to identify

and address access barriers.

Engaging youth and their families with the community.

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CONTACT US: Living Rock Ministries

30 Wilson Street Hamilton, ON L8R 1C5

Charitable Registration #883458812 RR0001

P: 905-528-ROCK (7625) • F: 905-526-8723 • W: www.livingrock.ca