Tuesday
LA, L-L-A.
LA, L-L-A.
I believe if you were to continue the song it would go “what the hell am I
doing drinking in LA at 26”, however, I’m fairly certain for the day and a half
that I’ve been here so far it would go “what the hell am I doing dreaming in LA
at 21”. This morning I was fortunate enough to get to check out the Dream
Center’s home for emancipated youth, it’s not fully running but it is well on
its way. They have been open since August and have 9 of the possible 80 youth
they’re fitted to house.
Before I boarded the plane yesterday morning, I’ll admit I wasn’t 100%
sure why I was coming here. I knew I wanted to see what I could learn about the
emancipated youth program to see how I could apply their strategies to
Brantford one day. Very quickly I learned that this just a small piece of why I
was here. I got to meet two of the youth already staying at the home, hear who
they were, who they are and who they want to be.
Hearing their stories further confirmed for me just how much I want to enhance the programs, and create whatever I need to do to help youth. If you’ve ever heard anyone’s story who struggles with addictions, poverty, or even abuse, I’ll bet you’ve heard how it started with them between the ages of 12 and 18. Maybe they told you it started with a parent, and consequently they picked up the habit. I’d put money on that being the case 85% of the time, I have legitimate statistics but don’t have the time to pull them up and incorporate them in this post…as you can as imagine it’s been busy around here!
I want to help facilitate breaking those cycles, stopping the problem at the roots instead of worrying about dealing with the problem once they’re adults with children of their own.
Of that 85%, a vast majority of the individuals are those who came from broken homes and the foster care system. I’d be alright if I got to spend the rest of my life teaching those kids how to become responsible adults, because really, when you think about many, not all, but many, of the kids that are “aging-out” of the foster care are handed their stuff and sent on their way. Not cool. Most of the never having learned any form of responsibility to begin with... There's so much I could say but my internet time is mucho limited.
OH! Did I mention the home for emancipated youth is called Freedom House? ...Coincidence, I think not!
PS we worked with the food trucks this afternoon, met some awesome people. Such a great time!!!
I wish I had time to tell you in the detail I wish I could! Gaaaahh!
Hearing their stories further confirmed for me just how much I want to enhance the programs, and create whatever I need to do to help youth. If you’ve ever heard anyone’s story who struggles with addictions, poverty, or even abuse, I’ll bet you’ve heard how it started with them between the ages of 12 and 18. Maybe they told you it started with a parent, and consequently they picked up the habit. I’d put money on that being the case 85% of the time, I have legitimate statistics but don’t have the time to pull them up and incorporate them in this post…as you can as imagine it’s been busy around here!
I want to help facilitate breaking those cycles, stopping the problem at the roots instead of worrying about dealing with the problem once they’re adults with children of their own.
Of that 85%, a vast majority of the individuals are those who came from broken homes and the foster care system. I’d be alright if I got to spend the rest of my life teaching those kids how to become responsible adults, because really, when you think about many, not all, but many, of the kids that are “aging-out” of the foster care are handed their stuff and sent on their way. Not cool. Most of the never having learned any form of responsibility to begin with... There's so much I could say but my internet time is mucho limited.
OH! Did I mention the home for emancipated youth is called Freedom House? ...Coincidence, I think not!
PS we worked with the food trucks this afternoon, met some awesome people. Such a great time!!!
I wish I had time to tell you in the detail I wish I could! Gaaaahh!
Wednesday
Our morning was spent working Project Prevention, the foster care intervention program here at the Dream Center. We delivered a large crate, and a couple bags of groceries to 4 local families, of whom, without this food would be at risk of losing the children in their homes. It was a great, and humbling experience. Being here however has made me wish I had seriously invested in learning spanish. The language barrier is a lot more real than I had anticipated.
Our sunny California afternoon passed on Venice Beach, half our team handed out hot dogs, and the other half walked down the boulevard to spread the word of the food down the way. The homeless population here is unreal...it's an incredibly humbling experience to serve them.
We spent our touristy time tonight on Rodeo Dr, I lost one of my favourite sweaters and then ran around like a crazy person trying to find it.. I've never prayer about finding a piece of clothing before, but I did last night -- but I got it back. And that's freaking sweet.
Thursday
Soooo I'm a little sleepy today. but adrenaline and caffeine are my friends..
This morning the women worked in the clothing giveaway "His hands extended", it's was really cool. We helped a ton of families get clothes for themselves and their children. I made friends with a few little spanish kids along the way while their moms shopped.
This afternoon we went down to Skid Row....wow. 10 straight blocks of homelessness.
I can't put in into the right words in the time I have tonight...
...
We're wrapping up, but for now, I'll leave you with this:
My eyes have been opened, dreams have been become plans, and relationships have been built.
I have been sooooo fortunate to work alongside an unbelievable team this week.
Can't wait to see whats in store for the rest of this week!!
AND
I can't wait to tell you all so, so, so much more.
Our sunny California afternoon passed on Venice Beach, half our team handed out hot dogs, and the other half walked down the boulevard to spread the word of the food down the way. The homeless population here is unreal...it's an incredibly humbling experience to serve them.
We spent our touristy time tonight on Rodeo Dr, I lost one of my favourite sweaters and then ran around like a crazy person trying to find it.. I've never prayer about finding a piece of clothing before, but I did last night -- but I got it back. And that's freaking sweet.
Thursday
Soooo I'm a little sleepy today. but adrenaline and caffeine are my friends..
This morning the women worked in the clothing giveaway "His hands extended", it's was really cool. We helped a ton of families get clothes for themselves and their children. I made friends with a few little spanish kids along the way while their moms shopped.
This afternoon we went down to Skid Row....wow. 10 straight blocks of homelessness.
I can't put in into the right words in the time I have tonight...
...
We're wrapping up, but for now, I'll leave you with this:
My eyes have been opened, dreams have been become plans, and relationships have been built.
I have been sooooo fortunate to work alongside an unbelievable team this week.
Can't wait to see whats in store for the rest of this week!!
AND
I can't wait to tell you all so, so, so much more.
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