- How do you motivate vulnerable teenagers?
- Are more Anglophones struggling to find work?
- Why do children with learning difficulties or mental health issues have to wait so long before being diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist?
These are some of the tougher issues discussed at the Networking and Partnership Initiative (NPI) get-together on Thursday, November 21 at the Madre dei Cristiani Church in LaSalle.
The meeting included various community workers who provide English-language services to citizens living in the LaSalle borough. Attendees included representatives from: Batshaw Youth and Family Centre; CCS Community Services; Elizabeth House; the Family Resource Centre; LaSalle’s emergency foodbank, Helping Other People Effectively (H.O.P.E.); the Boys and Girls Club of LaSalle; the LaSalle Multicultural Center; and the Montreal Police.
Along with sharing insights, attendees listened to three presentations.
Giovanni DiLegge from the SPVM presented the “Make the Right Choice” project, which takes place on Friday at the LaSalle Community Comprehensive High (LCCH). The annual activity fair presents positive options for action in the community and information about the dangers of using drugs and alcohol to some 1,000 high school students. Participants will hear guest speakers, conduct radio station interviews and visit kiosks for music and dance centres, businesses and community groups that offer part-time jobs, courses or training for teenagers. DiLegge spoke about one teenager in particular who turned his life around and several others who got jobs due to the fair, which began in 2005. “I get such a thrill when one of the students serves me a coffee and Tim’s and tells me he got the job at “Make the Right Choice.”
Annalise Iten, from YES (Youth Employment Services) spoke about career services for English-speaking people between 16 and 35 years-old. They also help entrepreneurs and artists of any age start or develop stronger businesses, find mentors or switch directions. In addition, the organization offers career workshops to community groups, businesses and universities. The service had 2,264 clients and 8,304 visits to their centre last year and helped 320 people find jobs and another 226 people start new businesses. They even offer peer-to-peer focus groups for depressed and anxious job-hunters. “Four years ago, we saw a big increase in depressed and anxious people among our clients,” said Iten. “Those without language skills are really having problems integrating.”
Various people from LaSalle-based public health services presented many programs for youth and families, including pre and post-natal follow-up that includes free eggs, milk, orange juice and vitamins and minerals for vulnerable mothers and services for families in crises. They also spoke about a pilot project that trains teachers to recognize children with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Two elementary schools in LaSalle have already agreed to participate in a pilot program. “Teachers have referred students that otherwise would have fallen through the cracks.”
